Trotting around the globe without spending a dime? It's been done before. Here are some top tips on how you can travel around the world for almost free!
How to get around
In many countries, hitchhiking is a common and safe way to travel. It's even possible to go all the way from Canada through the U.S., Mexico, Central America and South America just by hitchhiking—that includes hitching a ride on a boat to cross the Panama Canal.
- The people that give you rides may offer you something to eat or even a place to stay the night.
- If you're a female travelling alone, take precautions such as accepting rides only from other women or couples and preferably travelling by day.
Where to sleep
Couch-surfing is a one way to acquire free shelter in the locations you visit.
- While no money changes hands between the host and the surfer, you are expected to show your appreciation with a gift or favor, such pitching in with cooking or cleaning.
- There are many popular websites that can connect travel enthusiasts, and you can look up prospective hosts on them.Remember, certified profiles and references are useful in selecting a host.
How to eat
It wouldn't be free travel if you paid for food, would it?
- Many hostels and guest houses provide lodging and board in exchange for work at the front desk, kitchen or laundry.
- In the absence of money, elbow grease can see you through: hiring requirements are usually no more than passable English and a positive attitude, though knowing other widely-spoken languages will make it even easier to find hospitality work.
- Hostels may let you help out for as little as a few days, allowing you to continue your journey afterwards.
Another way to receive room and board is to volunteer.
- There are many groups that can set up volunteers with organic farms and other eco-friendly organizations around the world. The standard arrangement is four hours of work per day in return for meals and a bed.
How to make money while overseas
You might start off with no money, but that doesn't mean you can't pick up a bit of cash on the road.
- Being an English teacher, tour guide, scuba diving instructor or bartender are great jobs for travellers that have embarked on a world tour and who are determined not to spend from their pockets.
Don't be nervous
Travelling without money can actually be more fun and educational than taking a luxury vacation.
- You get to interact with people, meet fellow travellers, broaden your cultural horizons and at the end of it all you will have learned a lot about yourself.
Be it pure wanderlust or a tight budget, there is every chance that with these ideas for inspiration, you can go around the world without blowing your savings.
