Worried about a budget? You can travel the world nearly free of cost.

Not everyone can splash out on a world tour, staying in the most luxurious hotels and visiting the most exclusive spots. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the dream. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, there’s always a way to see the world—even if your bank account says otherwise. So, how do you travel the world for free or nearly free?

1. Holiday Home or House Swop

We couldn’t get enough of the classic film The Holiday—two women swapping homes and finding adventure on the other side of the world. The good news? You can do it too.

Places like Homebase-hols specialize in getting you the perfect holiday house swop.

You might have to pay a membership fee to the house swapping site. Thereafter you stay in someone else’s home for free, while they stay in your home for free. This could turn out to be a pretty good option if you think about it…

TRAVEL TIP: Free Transport & Ridesharing

In many places, hitchhiking is still a safe and common way to travel. But if that’s not your style, ridesharing apps like BlaBlaCar connect you with drivers going your way for just a few bucks. Some train companies also offer work-for-travel options, letting you ride for free in exchange for small tasks like helping passengers or keeping a station clean.

2. Mixing work and pleasure

You can get a seasonal job while traveling. There are many seasonal jobs available at ski resorts, wine farms, or holiday resorts, etc. This will give you the perfect opportunity to do what you love.

Many of the places offer accommodation, flights and food, all included in the remuneration.

Have a look at sites like adventurework.co.uk

TRAVEL TIP: Travel Slow, and Travel Smart

The biggest mistake budget travelers make? Moving too fast. The longer you stay in one place, the cheaper it gets. Weekly and monthly rentals are far cheaper than hotels, local grocery stores save you from restaurant bills, and slow travel lets you really absorb the culture without rushing from one pricey attraction to the next.

3. House Sitting

House sitting gives you the opportunity to have free accommodation, and in many cases that includes food to a certain extend.

One of the sites that might help you to find the best opportunity is: mindmyhouse.com.

This is an excellent option for traveling in your own country.

Also the perfect solution for pet lovers.

TRAVEL TIP: Free Museum Days & Public Attractions

Museums often have free entry days—a little planning can save you big. In cities like Paris and London, many museums are always free. Parks, beaches, cathedrals, and outdoor festivals are fantastic ways to experience a place without spending a cent.

4. Work while you travel

More in line for students wanting to take a gap year, while deciding in which country they would love to stay and work:

Doing something like farm work abroad is hard work, but you’ll have the opportunity to do something really important while learning a lot. You don’t need special experience. They will give you the training you need.

There are many sites on the internet and most of the jobs include accommodation and food. It may not be a paying job, maybe just a volunteer job, but at least you’ll receive free accommodation and food, while having the opportunity to learn and travel.

Sites like goabroad.com offers more information.

A fabulous site to check out is https://wwoof.net/ (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Hack Your Transport Costs

Take overnight trains or buses—they save you a night’s accommodation.
In cities, rent a bike or use public transport day passes.
In some places, volunteering at hostels gets you free stays and sometimes free transport passes.

Use Your Network (Even If You Think You Don’t Have One)

You might be surprised how many friends or distant acquaintances live in places you want to visit. A quick post on social media could connect you with someone willing to host you or show you around. Facebook groups for expats or travelers can also lead to rideshares, job offers, and free events.

Save big time on travel expenses with clever ideas on how to travel in Switzerland on a budget.

Find incredible things to do worldwide. Book now!

Nothing in life is totally free....right?

Obviously you can’t travel the world totally free of charge, but you can save a lot. Often things like accommodation, flights and food are the expensive stuff. Therefore if you can stay for free and the deal includes food, you only have to pay for your flights.