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Home » Budget Travel » How to Travel FOR FREE: No Money, No Problems!

How to Travel FOR FREE: No Money, No Problems!

It’s something I’ve never been able to fully instil in my non-travelling friends back home:  just how cheap travel can be.  The myth is that travelling the world is expensive; the reality is that it’s often cheaper than being at home. Travellers don’t pay taxes, or electricity bills, or student loans. Travellers live cheap.

So what if we took it one step further? Today, we’re talking about how to travel the world for free!

The best things in life are free, or so it’s been told. Everything we need is right here. Maybe these things are true, I’m not sure. What I do know is…

Life is as simple as we choose to make it.

Nothing in this list of tips for travelling without money is complicated (except maybe frequent flyer miles – goddamn credit cards). Everything in this guide is easy and actionable – the more you apply, the more inexpensive your travelling will be. With enough practice and ingenuity, you may even find yourself spending  $0 !

Did anyone say  “Take a vacation for free” ? Yes, me, right now! Weren’t you listening? Well, you better start because I’m about to teach you…

How to travel the world with no money…

Dis shit is gonna get cheap, yo!

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A Big, Sexy Disclaimer

Folks, this article is not about how to travel the world like a dickweed. Anyone can travel for free if they take advantage of people along the way, lying, cheating, stealing, and being an all-round douchenozzle.

Similarly, though we’ll cover some of the more crusty methods of travel, as well as tackle that sticky topic of ‘begpacking’ , THAT’S not what this article is about either.

This article is about  learning how to live a low-cost lifestyle of travel. One that’s sustainable in the long-term as well as financially independent.  Travelling until you run out of cash and move back in with your Mum or Dad is cute in your early 20s, but that’s not what we’re about at The Broke Backpacker. That’s not what a broke backpacker is .

At The Broke Backpacker, we’re about teaching you how to live a lifestyle of indefinite travel in a responsible way – responsible to the world, yourself, and those who love you. Go out, travel, see the world, and do it for as long as you like, but do it right.

Don’t begpack, don’t abuse your privilege, and don’t ever expect a handout. Free travel is NOT about exploitation; it’s about travelling without burning through your savings in a way that’s more authentic and less insipid than simply blowing your funds on all the cheap booze and drugs .

Oh, and it shouldn’t have to be said, but, please,  don’t ever go travelling with literally $0 in your bank account. That’s just bloody stupid.

The Best Ways to Travel The World with No Money

How to get a free vacation, how to travel when you’re broke, travel the world for free: is it possible, remaining tips for how to travel free, closing thoughts on free travel.

Let’s start by talking about how to travel for a living. These options for free travel mean exchanging your time and energy (i.e. working) for the freedom of being on the road. (And probably somewhere super-duper pretty too!)

Yes, ok, they aren’t all strictly ‘free trips’ but you’re away from home, not burning through your savings, and, potentially, maybe even saving some money too! If you disagree with my criteria, well, shush your face! Go travel the world for more than three years with your savings still intact like I have and then come back and we’ll argue semantics.

Still with me? Good because I want to travel the world for free and you should too!

Travel the World for Free Volunteering

Volunteering abroad for free – ahhh . This is where it all began for me and, sometimes, when it all becomes too much, it’s back with the hippies in the fields, shoes off and muddy, that I return to. For me, this will always be one of the most authentic and best ways to travel for free or otherwise.

The name of the game is simple: you work some agreed subset of hours, you get a place to sleep and food in return. Hopefully, a washing machine too!

Travelling free by way of volunteering could mean a lot of things: hostel work, farms, working with kids, charities, construction, kitten sanctuaries (god yes). The only way to find out what’s out there is to get out there! (You could also start by reading this review/guide/informational post on Workaway .)

Interested in travelling the world for free volunteering? Here are some excellent platforms:

• Workaway – The biggest in the game. Follow the link and sign up to receive an extra 3 months on your subscription!
• HelpX – The oft-forgotten cousin of Workaway.
• WWOOF – Exclusively for organic farm work.
• Talking to people – In the 21st-century? Get outta my house!
• Facebook and other platforms – Plenty of groups for this stuff but it’s best to search by the country or local area.
• Worldpackers – Follow the link or enter the code BROKEBACKPACKER to get $10 off your subscription. We’ve also reviewed Worldpackers !

Note:  Most of the platforms have an initial subscription fee (nothing in life is  truly  free). It’s a small price to pay in exchange for a year of travelling and volunteering around the world for free.

Work and Travel for Free Teaching English

If you’re reading this sentence, then you probably speak English. Awesome! Step one complete! What’s step two?

Get your TEFL certificate. With that in hand, it’s time to discover another one of the best ways to travel the world. Didja guess yet?

Yup, teaching English!

There’s a whole host of ways to get involved teaching English overseas and what an experience it is! Impart wisdom, see cute Asian kids smile (yay), and learn how to travel abroad for free. Well, not free… you’re actually earning money – oh snap!

If you want to take it a step further, you can teach English online . You’re entering the realm of the digital nomad which is certainly a different way to travel but that’s ok because – BOOM, SEGUE!

Ditch Your Desk for a Different Way to Travel

Now entering the realm of the digital nomad . If you really want to learn how to travel more, nothing will give you quite so much geographical freedom.

Anywhere your laptop (and stable internet connection goes), your source of revenue goes. Living the vanlife? Easy.

Renting a nudists-only Airbnb by a beach somewhere? Making money online is best done while tanning your best bits.

Volunteering at a kibbutz in Israel? Now you’re actually travelling for free, costs covered, WHILE earning money. Level-up!

Learning how to travel the world for a living is a whole new ball game. It’s the holy grail for many travellers but beware of the ‘grass is greener’ syndrome: it’s a lotta work and a lot to take on and, at times, your brain will hate you. Is it awesome though?

Fuck yes it is.

So, yeah, this may be stretching the how to travel for free concept but it’s an important mention for anyone looking at opportunities to travel free and extend their already indefinite adventures. Theoretically, we all gotta grow up eventually and make some cash, right?

I dunno, don’t ask me. I’m still Peter Pan-ning it up over here.

Or Just Work for Inexpensive Travelling

If a job that glues you to your laptop isn’t appealing but adopting the low-cost travel lifestyle of a working traveller is, then maybe just get a job-job. You know, one that sounds better on your Tinder profile than “influencer” .

What kind of job? Well, potential travel jobs is a long-ass list (which we conveniently have right here) , but if you’re starting from scratch and need to know how to travel the world with no money, here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Busker – Traveller-life and street performance go together like drugs and sex.
• Bartender – A extremely internationally-transferable trade and lucrative too… if you know how to bat those eyelids just right.
• Scaffolding and stage construction – Construction/labouring is good in general, but the stage construction and scaffolding industries are very international.
• Picking/Trimming – Also a lucrative industry IF you’re fast.
• Flight attendant – How to travel around the world for free 101.
• Cruise ship work – The money can be good contingent on the company and you’ll always have the added bonus of copious amounts of drugs and sex!
• Tuk-tuk races in Sri Lanka – I dunno; my cousin does them and he seems to be doin’ alright!

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Free international travel is about to get hacked! Ready to hack? It’s time to hack with these hacks!

Did I say ‘hack’ too much? Righto, moving along.

These following ways to travel the world for free are more courtesy of the convenience of the 21st-century. And, that’s exactly where we like to be.

Being a “nomad” these days is very different from what it used to be. No longer do we have to hunt elk and forage for berries in the woods – now we can just order a pizza with UberEats!

Now, we have a whole host of tools and platforms to uncover and exchange free travel opportunities!

Catch Flights Right: How to Travel Overseas for Free

It doesn’t matter how cheap you live when you arrive, you’ll still have to pay for an expensive-ass flight to get there… right? Wrong!

Learning how to catch cheap flights is going to be integral to learning how to travel without money. Error fares, mega-discounts, turning on incognito mode… booking flights does my head in – truly. I just want to travel the world; I don’t have time for this humdrum!

I’d suggest reading the above-linked post because it’s really a whole other Pandora’s Box.

To take it one step further, you can sign up with airlines to earn frequent flyer miles. Accrue enough of these and you’re looking at a cheap or even free trip overseas. A travel rewards credit card is going to stack up points in much the same way until, eventually, you get a free trip.

All of this credit stuff does my head in but the point is obvious. Do your research and find the best program to sign up in. Don’t you be wasting them points!

Or, if you’re like me and credit cards and booking flights gives you anxiety, just do what I do – overland it ! Planes are for fools; border crossings are where it’s at. And cheaper!

Apps and Platforms with Opportunities for Free Travel

Ok, now it’s really time to hack this open, right to the gooey, delicious centre. Oh, sorry, I made it weird, didn’t I?

No matter. It’s the 21st-century and now the smartphone has paved the way in much the same way that the wheel once did. These days, a lot of good platforms exist online that offer their own free ways to travel the world:

• Couchsurfing – Where to go when you have no money… to a mate’s couch! Except now all your mates are strangers and internationally based. Check out our Beginner’s Couchsurfing Guide for more info but it’s basically a platform where travellers asked to be hosted by people with a sleeping space to spare.
• Housesitting – You’ll need to build up a few references and pay a membership fee but then you can get all kinds of free accommodation… and in a private home too! Travelling by housesitting is a fantastic way to travel for free with the bonus of never having to share a hostel dorm with fatty, unshowered humans.
• Fly and swap vacations – It’s kind of like housesitting except your swapping homes with someone. That means it’s a bit more nuanced – you need to actually have a home to swap away. HomeExchange and HomeLink are two platforms that cover this.
• Au Pair – If you enjoy the company of miniature-monster-gremlins hiding in the bodies of children, then consider working as an Au Pair . Travel around the world for free, connect with a family and their spawn, and make some money too!

Yay, ok, my speciality! I may get anxiety from credit cards and fancy hotels but the broke-ass swashbuckling backpacker lifestyle is my answer to the emptiness of existence. Life gets simpler.

Real quick, these tips can be also found in our Budget Backpacking 101 article – some crossover is inevitable in the world of low-cost travel!

There’s a whole host of good advice in there if you’re not just specifically looking at how to travel for free but also at the cheapest way to travel the world. Yeah, these two posts may crossover a bit but hand-in-hand they make for some excellent reading (self-plug) if you’re dedicated to learning about how to backpack around the world with no money.

Consider this your Budget Backpacking Light.

Believe it or not, there is a lot of free food out there! The first and most common way (arguably) to eat for free is dumpster diving . People throw away a lot of perfectly edible food and useful stuff (half my wardrobe comes from late-night scores) and getting good at harnessing this awesome power of wastage is going to go a long way if you want to travel for free.

From the humble park trashcan up to the almighty power of the supermarket skip, free food is everywhere. Alternatively, you can acquire food before it hits the bin by asking for food wastage: bakeries, fruit and veg shops, food markets especially. Then there’s tablesurfing too – eating someone’s leftovers at a restaurant.

It’s an excellently fun game!

You’ve also always got food giveaways (we’ll touch on that tentative topic of begpacking in a moment) and religious shindigs too. The Hare Krishnas love, love, love feeding travellers for nothing or next to it.

I’ve eaten free Prasad in the streets of Varanasi and in Gurdwaras in Agra. There’s free food near the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and free bread at every turn in Jerusalem (it might be for the cats…). Hell, there’s even an online platform dedicated to helping us intrepid raccoons find excellent freegan sources (urban fruit trees are shockingly common).

The point is if you’re travelling without money, there are still heaps of ways to fill your belly. You just gotta get creative!

This one is a pretty basic tip for free travel. I’ve already mentioned Couchsurfing but option two is to just sleep where you land . It’s a big, wide world out there with ample floor space!

For this, except for truly warm and rain-free climates, you’re gonna need a few things. In my personal order of importance:

• A sexy-warm sleeping bag
• Backpacking sleeping pad (the floor is cold)
• A budget backpacking tent (you could get really nice tent but I’ve always found it to be overkill)
• A sleeping bag liner
• Or, alternatively to the tent and pad, a backpacking hammock

With a combination of these things, you can sleep free while travelling pretty much anywhere. Camp out in the woods, in urban environments, or if you think the cops will get funny about you pitching a tent, sleep under a bridge or in a bus station or abandoned building. As my dirtbag travel companion in New Zealand always said: we can sleep anywhere!

This, however, is not a commentary on safety. I’ve never had an issue but also I’m a white man covered in tattoos that looks like he sleeps with a knife in his pocket. Be smart, be safe , don’t go past your limits, and learn what a good pitch looks like.

Pro-tip: No one goes into graveyards at night. Oh, and on that note, leave no fucking trace.

Travel Free

If we’re talking the most literal definition of the term, there’s only one way to travel for free that I can think of: hitchhiking. I love hitchhiking! It’s free travel to places, you meet local people – people you never would have met otherwise – and see many worlds from the inside (or outside) of many vehicles.

Hell, sometimes people invite you over, offer to let you stay the night, or to go on an adventure. I don’t do it as much as I used to but sometimes, when I’m just needing a holiday from the work and travel life, I take a break from the tech and hit the road.

I see who picks me up and sleep where I land – no schedule, no itinerary. Simplicity at its finest. Hitchhiking is grand! And to those who question if it’s ethical – I can assure you some of my best travel memories involve those that gave me a ride.

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We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

I guess that’s the last big question:

how to travel the world with no money? Is it really possible? Teach me sensei that hasn’t bought a new piece of clothing in almost-three-and-a-half years!

Yes! It is. Buy a plane ticket on miles, choose a visa-waiver country, hitchhike from the airport to your volunteering gig, eat only the finest cuisine from the dumpster! It’s a free year long trip !

Ok, look, that may not be your ideal vacation (free or not), but it’s a portrayal of an extreme circumstance. This isn’t a strict guide to travelling the world for free; it’s a handbook. Take what works, when it works, and apply it at will.

Practice makes perfect and pretty soon you’ll be finding that you’re having some pretty dope-ass adventures on some pretty low spendings. Hell, why not set up some passive income at home and then earn a bit while you’re volunteering abroad cheaply. (Or just Couchsurfing.)

I met a dude in New Zealand way back near the beginning and he said something very insightful.

“You don’t need a lot to travel. A plane ticket, $500, and you can be gone for a while.”

He was so right.

Why travel without money?

Because it’s fucking awesome!

Seriously, the stunning sunrises and sunsets I’ve seen only because my days hitching ended where they did. The adventures I’ve ended up on just because I was asking around for a spot of work. The things I’ve done because I was working for a bed and feed… I milked a goat once!

Learning how to start travelling abroad for free opens up a lot of doors, both in the world and in yourself. Pretty soon you start to realise that you’re pretty damn capable! That in all likelihood, you got dis.

And, on the off-chance you don’t, chances are there’ll be someone around to lend a hand.

Give it some time and you’ll start to find that there’s always somewhere to sleep and something to eat. There’s always a spot of work that needs to be done by a willing hand.

After a bit more time travelling the world without money, you may start finding you already have everything you need. If not the best, then at least some pretty insanely spectacular things are free, and, best of all…

Simplicity is so damn blissful!

“I want to travel but have no money.” – Voluntourism, begpacking, and tact.

I said we were gonna touch on this, yeah?

Voluntourism is one can of worms; one that I feel fewer people take issue with. There are some points against it, and some validity in these points, but nothing that I truly believe is able to undo the sheer amount of good that comes from people travelling through volunteering overseas.

Connections between local communities and travellers are made and something is returned while travelling around the world. It’s a symbiotic relationship – if you’re heart is equally in it for the work as it is for the free-living – and it works, usually for the best.

Begpacking gets stickier – it’s a modern-day complaint against a style of living that has existed much longer. That, somehow, choosing to travel with no money makes you self-entitled and undeserving of the kindness of strangers. However, even the name “begpacking” itself stands as a bit of a misnomer.

I’ve never “begged” for something and I don’t know anyone who has. (However, travellers who do quite literally “beg” exist and they should promptly hand in their backpacker card).

I’ve hitchhiked but I’ve never even directly asked someone for a ride. I’ve never asked someone for a place to stay and certainly never for money. I have eaten at free food giveaways but only ones that were welcoming and warm to travellers and wanted me there (sometimes, with some volunteering on the side).

Usually, if someone wants to offer you something, then that’s a gift of kindness (except when ulterior motives may be at play). As a traveller, a long way from the comfort of home, a bit of kindness goes a long way.

I know there are people out there that abuse this kindness in their attempts to get a free trip. This is a reminder not to .

It’s about having tact and moving with grace; leaving places in the world better than when you arrived. Be a little bit of good in the world wherever you go. Considering all the places you’ll go, that’s a lot of good.

If you’re choosing to travel without money, then remember that’s your choice. A long way from home or not, no one owes you a hand, so be grateful when they lend it.

Before I tie up the ‘How to Get a Free Vacation Handbook’, it’s time for the final bonus tips. These may not individually rock your boat, but together they’ll groove it a bit for sure!

• Don’t burn out – Always stressing about money, looking for the cheapest way to travel to your next destination, and racing against yourself: it can be exhausting. Don’t push yourself too hard. Take a rest sometimes, go slow, and remember that when travelling without money gets stressful, home is always waiting.
• Every country is unique – Every country has its own nuances. What food is cheap, expectations on people volunteering abroad, even the hitchhiking hand signals! It takes time to learn a new place and mistakes probably will happen so cut yourself some slack, alright?
• Mistakes do happen – On that note, so as much as free travelling around the world may be the goal, it pays to stockpile a little rainy day money. Unless you don’t mind calling in financial favours from the ‘rents.
• There’s free food in more places than the dumpster – Many countries have food growing in abundance that isn’t privately owned (or in a bin). Learning edible plants and how to forage is pretty goddamn top-tier Broke Backpacking, but it’s certainly possible.
• Know your rights volunteering – While it’s important to put the hard work in for your hosts when volunteering, it’s equally important that you aren’t being exploited either. Not all hosts are top blokes and some do seek to take advantage of backpackers. Remember that no one is doing anyone any favours: it’s an exchange.
• You’re broke but you’re not poor – This is especially true when travelling in developing nations. It does get tiresome feeling like you’re being targeted as a tourist by touts and beggars, but you are a tourist. Travelling without money doesn’t bring you down to the level of the legitimately homeless and impoverished; one party chose to be there, the other did not. Just keep that in mind.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Oh, and one last tip… Get insured before embarking on your free travel adventure!

Yeah, ok, insurance isn’t free (or cheap) but when you’re lying in a hospital bed with some truly astounding food poisoning from the dumpster diving, at least your treatment will be! Seriously, travel insurance is a super important consideration for any journey.

Members of The Broke Backpacker team have been using SafetyWing for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re an easy to use and professional provider that the team swears by.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

You don’t need a lot of money to travel: that’s the takeaway! Maybe eventually you’ll need some money so leaving the country with $0 in the bank account isn’t necessarily smart. That said, I have a friend that got his working visa in Australia by photoshopping his bank statement, so, really, anything is possible!

Even if the low-cost world traveller game isn’t for you, I still think everyone should try it once. It changes your perspective a lot.

It changes your perspective on the idea of what you need and what you need to be happy; on what is possible. I have a friend that lost it all in Australia (a different friend) and spent months as a hammock-hobo in Melbourne. He says it was the happiest time of his life.

I can relate. My first experience travelling still remains some of my sweetest memories. It was free travel in New Zealand – a smelly backpacking vagabond volunteering, hitching, busking, dumpster diving, and sleeping in parks – and It taught me how beautiful life is. It taught me how kind people are and how simple things can be, should we so choose.

Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

To close, I’d like to repeat what a friend said to me today as we bid farewell (at another hippy farm). He said:

“No, I won’t wish you ‘safe travels’ because everywhere you go, you are safe. You have a good heart and many adventures ahead. I wish you to be free because that is the most important thing.”

And I smiled because I understood (and because he’d just written my outro for me). That’s all it is: be free, travel the world with a good heart, and learn what joy there is in nothing. You don’t need anything to learn how to travel for free.

And you don’t need money to travel.

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Ziggy Samuels

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16 Comments

Awesome article for traveller specially who has low budget. Wonderful Insight.

Hey, great blog, read it like 3 times already!!! One question though…do you also get jobs ‘under the table’ with tourist Visa? Cause everyone talks about working and traveling to finance their further travels, but nobody talks about Visa issues. Could I work for a bit of money (whatever crappy job) with a tourist Visa/Visa waiver? And would people actually accept my work for cash on the hand, or can you actually find people who would accept your work for them although it could cause trouble because of the ‘under the table’ issue? Cause Work and travel Visa is too expensive for a broke gal like me and one year a long time for one country. I’m talking more about the ‘getting a bit of cash for travel’ kinda thing. Answers would be so so appreciated. Greetings from germany Svenja

People find, and will continue to find all sort of ways to make it work, Svenja… and so will you I’m sure. Some countries do have very strong rules against this type of thing tho, so it may be better looking for other things to trade for, such as food, accommodation, transport.

Wonderful and surprising information, Thank you

What a blog! Very funny and different, I was delighted with this wonderful content.

😀 dumpster eating

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with us! It is so appreciated and I would suggest you travel once to India

Hahah guess where that first picture of me in the tree is taken? Gokarna, baby! 😀

now i know how to travel, the next thing that is left is how to have guts to travel lol

Just do it, dude – you got this!!! All you gotta do is take the first step :)))

Is panhandling, begging/scamming arrogant rich backpackers and sneaking into peoples bushes/fields to sleep considered douchebaggery?

Scamming people is morally deplorable on every level.

As for sleeping in peoples fields and bushes, well as long as you remember the “leave no trace” principle.

Ziggy Samuels, it is very courageous of you to be able to travel like this. Besides, in the middle of the way, find good people to help you, even without asking. Good luck in this adventure that in a way is the best freedom.

Thanking you kindly, Sam – Perhaps it’s equal parts courage and stupidiity 😉 You’re 100% right though. There are good and kind people everywhere, and often, travel wouldn’t be possible (nor nearly as special) without them.

Last year i traveled for Australia for volunteering work and i can say it was one of the best experience of my life without any cost.

One good App for volunteering work is Workaway and it was that i used.

Interesting, I never thought that one can travel so easily without expenses a penny. But few ideas are really I think works like “volunteering the work” helps one to travel without any cost. I’m curious to check how this work. You shared some great ideas here to work on…Thank you for sharing such wonderful post.

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13 ways to travel for free in the U.S.

Some serious, not-so-secret ways to vacation for free

The best things in life are, oftentimes, free, and travel is no exception. And who wouldn't want a free vacation? Especially when it costs 15 percent more to travel now than it did four years ago, according to NerdWallet's Travel Inflation Report . At a time when it seems nearly everything costs more, there are many legit, non-scammy ways to travel for free in the U.S.

Get up and go—gratis —by getting creative, participating in the sharing economy and doing activities you already love. From pet sitting to couchsurfing to volunteering, here's how you can take the vacation of your dreams without spending a dollar.

RECOMMENDED: The best cheap family vacations in the U.S.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Ways to travel for free in the U.S.

1.  offer to move someone's car.

Turn miles into money and a free road trip by transporting automobiles of all makes, models, and sizes across the U.S. Driving for a vehicle relocation company like Auto Driveaway or Transfercar is an easy way to help companies move their vehicles cross country. For Auto Driveaway, applicants must be 23 to 75 years old and have a driver's license and a clean driving record. For Transfercar, drivers help rental car companies relocate their cars and RVs and must be 18 years old (21 years old in some states) and have a valid driver's license in the U.S. and Canada.

2.  Go on a heritage trip

Depending on your heritage, you may be able to take a free or heavily subsidized government or nonprofit-run "birthright" trip. Subsidized programs where participants pay a modest fee include Birthright Armenia , a homestay and volunteerism program from nine weeks to one year that includes accommodation and some travel reimbursement, the 14-day Domovina Birthright Program to Croatia for adults of Croatian descent 18 to 30 years old, Birthright Macedonia , which offers a three-week homestay and internship program, ReConnect Hungary , which offers several birthright and volunteer programs, and Taiwan Study Tour , also known as the "Love Boat" for the many romances that come from it, which is a three-week summer study tour for overseas Chinese.

Birthright programs that offer free trips include Birthright AFRICA , which offers a 10-day trip to Africa to U.S. citizens 13 to 30 years old of Black/African descent, and Birthright Israel , which offers a 10-day trip to Israel to eligible Jewish adults 18 to 26 years old.

3.  Be a leader

Help the next generation of travelers by serving as a trip leader, resident advisor (RA), or support staff on travel study programs, pre-college programs, or summer camps. From planning activities to conflict resolution to mentoring students and campers, explore new places while working with and inspiring young people. Go Abroad and English First are web pages with extensive databases to search for educational programs and American Camp Association has a searchable database of more than 3,900 day and sleepaway camps in the U.S.

4.  Combine your work with travel

From travel nurse to flight attendant to travel blogging, there are many careers that can provide a long-term work-life balance that includes continuous travel. Travelnursing.org provides skilled nursing placements in all 50 states. The website connects wannabe travel nurses with up to four recruitment agencies that fill short-term work assignments that last between eight and 26 weeks.

Don't have a nursing degree? Au Pair World and InterExchange are platforms that connect host families and au pairs from around the world.

Travelers can sail the seven seas while working in hospitality, entertainment, retail, spa, photography and more aboard a cruise ship. Job board All Cruise Jobs and individual cruise line career websites list paid jobs in all areas of the cruise industry while CrewSeekers , Yacrew , and Find a Crew list opportunities for amateur and professional yacht and superyacht crews.

5.  Plan around a work trip

Business travel + leisure = bleisure. If you have a job that requires you to hit the road from time to time, incorporate your next vacation into your work trip. When booking trips for work, try to fly out a day before or after to squeeze in some vacay time. On a tight schedule? Resist the temptation to stay in after a long day of work. Go out to eat, take a stroll, and visit attractions like museums that are open into the evening. Also, book an early morning flight to your destination so you can squeeze in a half day of sightseeing and book an afternoon or evening flight on your last day for last-minute shopping or touring. If you don't already have a job that includes business travel, consider switching to a career in sales, hospitality, and event planning, which often require some travel.

6.  Become a digital nomad

Take your job on the road by working remotely with no fixed address. Some 15.5 million American workers currently describe themselves as digital nomads, according to The MBO Partners® 2021 State of Independence research study . If you don't want to go it alone, there are short-term programs like Hacker Paradise , Remote Year , and WiFi Tribe that will help jumpstart your travel-work lifestyle for a fee. 

Prefer to stay in one place and travel on the weekends? Ask your current employer if you can be transferred to a branch in another city or overseas for a short-term assignment or look for a company that has branches in multiple cities and offers the opportunity to work in multiple locations.

7.  Take a working holiday

Have commitment issues? Whether you want to work for a few days, a week, or longer, working holidays offer the chance to work short-term or seasonally in exchange for free room and board and, oftentimes, airfare too. Season Workers lists temporary and seasonal work at ski resorts and summer camps while Yoga Trade facilitates yoga-based exchanges globally by connecting yoga instructors to jobs, and Adventure Work posts adventure and ski resort jobs.

Looking to work with an NGO, contribute to a sustainable project, or experience a cultural exchange? Workaway is a platform for arranging homestays and cultural exchanges. Workawayers work for about five hours per day in exchange for accommodation and food.

Some of the most popular working holidays are teaching English abroad in programs like the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program . Founded in 1987, the government-run JET Program has placed more than 70,000 participants in schools and government offices throughout Japan. Participants' salary begins at $25,500 annually and airfare, visa, insurance, and orientation are provided (housing help is given but participants pay full costs). TEFL and Dave's ESL Cafe are job listing websites specifically for English teaching jobs abroad.

Several countries, such as Australia , Ireland , New Zealand , and Singapore , offer working holiday visas to Americans. These visas allow young adults to work legally while also allowing them to travel and explore the country.

8.  Volunteer with an organization

Lending your time and talent to teach, work on a farm, or do other work in exchange for room and board and, sometimes, airfare is an easy way to see the world. There are several volunteer programs.

For more than 60 years, the Peace Corps has partnered with 60 host countries on hands-on, grassroots-driven projects like education and health campaigns. Founded in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, the government-run AmeriCorps arranges a variety of service projects, ranging from three months to one year across the U.S. AmeriCorps members receive transportation to their assigned campus and projects, accommodations, and a living allowance of $180 to $500 every two weeks.

Looking for shorter volunteer travel? The Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms ( WWOOF ) pairs WWOOFers with organic farm hosts in 130 countries. Active vacationers work on the farm for about 25 hours per week and, in exchange, get room and board in a rural setting, learn about farming and gardening, and engage in a cultural exchange. HelpX is similar to farm stays and ranches plus hostels and sailing boats that seek helpers in exchange for accommodation and food.

HelpStay lists 1,500 volunteer stays in 100-plus countries while Worldpackers and Go Overseas lists thousands of volunteer opportunities worldwide. Pueblo Inglés offers transportation from Barcelona, Madrid, or Munich, accommodations in a shared room, and meals in exchange for participants to speak English for up to 12 hours per day for six to eight days with locals in Germany and Spain.

9.  Become a sitter

While you will have to pay for your travel to and from these destinations, house sitting and pet sitting let you live like a local for free while watering the plants, picking up the mail, and cuddling with furry friends. Online communities, including HouseCarers and MindMyHouse , connect homeowners with housesitters while Animal Aunts and TrustedHousesitters match house sitters and pet sitters who want to care for cats, dogs, horses, birds, fish, and reptiles.

10.  Swap houses or couch surf—or both!

Looking for something more low-key? Live like a local for free with Couchsurfing , an online community of 14 million people in 200,000 cities who have been sharing their couches and love for their locales since 2004, and the newer, nonprofit Couchers . Want a place all to yourself? Consider a house swap, where you trade your place for someone else's. HomeExchange has members in more than 145 countries and  HomeLink has been running its worldwide home-swapping network since 1953.

11.  Cash in those points!

There are many ways to convert everyday spending into free travel. Get credit cards like the Delta SkyMiles American Express card, which comes with annual benefits like a free companion ticket, Delta Sky Club access, and fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and the Chase Sapphire card, which provides an annual travel credit card, points on Lyft, and generous points for travel and dining purchases. The points earned on these credit cards can be converted to plane tickets and hotel stays. Joining hotel loyalty programs is another way to rack up free nights.

12.  Get yourself bumped from a flight

If the crew on your next flight asks for volunteers willing to get "bumped" and give up their seats, you might want to take them up on the offer. When there are more passengers for a flight than there are seats, some passengers need to get "bumped" or denied boarding. Before getting involuntarily bumped, the airline must ask if there are any passengers willing to give up their seats in exchange for compensation like money or vouchers, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation .

Getting bumped from a flight is often an easy way to immediately rack up extra cash for your vacation in exchange for taking a later flight. Be sure to ask when the next flight is, if your ticket for that flight is on standby or confirmed, and if the airline will provide other compensation like meals and hotel. If the airline is also offering you a voucher for future travel, learn what restrictions there might be before you agree to get bumped.

13.  Buddy up with family and friends

Ask your family and friends if you can tag along on their previously planned trips. Oftentimes, it doesn't cost extra to add a plus-one to hotel rooms, cruise cabins, or RVs. Older family members may appreciate the companionship and share their award miles or airline companion ticket with you. At the same time, cruisers can save money by sharing the cabin instead of paying a higher price for traveling solo. If your friends have already planned a road trip, there's no extra cost in hosting another passenger in the car. In the process, they get an extra driver or a navigator who can read the map and manage the playlist—a win-win all around.

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How To Travel The World For Free

Imagine unlocking the secrets of how to travel the world for free.

Sounds enticing, doesn’t it?

If you’re here, it’s likely because the spirit of adventure tugs at your soul, but the strain on your wallet holds you back.

Fear not! This guide is your key to a world where free accommodation isn’t a dream, but your nightly reality, where transportation costs are a thing of the past, and where the global smorgasbord of food doesn’t come with a check.

Sounds like a fairy tale? Believe me, it’s not. Join us on this journey. After all, the joy of travel isn’t just in the destinations, but in the freedom of knowing that the essentials like food and a place to sleep are entirely taken care of, without costing you a dime.

Before we start, a word of to the wise – you know that old saying “ there’s no such thing as a free lunch “? Well, for the most part, we have to agree that it’s true. While we give you plenty of hacks to get free travel here, there’s almost always a different price to pay, whether it’s time invested in research and preparation, hours spent working on an organic farm in exchange for a place to stay, or time spent working a job on the road.

Now that we’ve sparked your imagination, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of making this free travel dream a reality.

How to Travel the World for Free

We’re going to explore the magic of credit card and rewards points, the potential of working on the road, and the rich experiences offered by volunteering.

We’ll outline ways to score free accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and food as you traverse the globe.

So buckle up, adventurers! It’s time to turn how to travel the world for free from a fanciful notion into your everyday life.

First up, let’s do a quick look at a few quick ways to get free flights, accommodation, meals, and entertainment on your travels: using points, volunteering, getting a job as you travel, and even an unusual tip we haven’t seen anywhere else.

Once that’s done, we’ll get into some real, practical tips for landing free meals, accommodation, flights and entertainment as you vacation around the globe.

Use your points

Let’s start with a tried and true technique of many travelers: redeeming points for travel.

There are two main ways to do this, by using either:

• credit card points, or
• rewards program points, like AIRMILES

Using points for travel works well if you have points that you’ve already earned, or if you’re traveling six or more months in the future, and can earn points by spending in the meantime. It doesn’t work especially well if you don’t have much money to spend, or if you’re traveling right away (and don’t have any points saved up).

I think one of the biggest myths in travel is that you can travel for almost free if you’re willing to volunteer. Unfortunately, it’s pretty darn hard to get a volunteer gig for free. Most volunteer placements require you to pay for your own airfare, and many require a fee for a volunteer placement. Some even require you to pay for your accommodation.

That said, there are a few ways to volunteer on a budget, including this one.

Do you belong to a local church or community association? Churches sometimes send volunteers abroad. You may get your expenses paid, but you’ll definitely need to spend a lot of time and effort to raise money and volunteer once you’re abroad.

That said, volunteering can be a very rewarding way to travel and give you an extended amount of time working closely with locals and learning what real day to day life can be like in some countries. It can also be a great way to learn a language since a lot of placements are far away from the tourist trail.

Learn more in our article Can You Volunteer Abroad Cheap or Free? The Real Cost of Volunteering Overseas .

Work Abroad

While working is often considered the opposite of free, the reality is that not every aspect of travel will always be paid for. So, get a job as you travel so you can pay for items that you can’t get for free.

While there are plenty of jobs, these are our top picks.

Working Holiday Visa

If you’re under 35 years of age, see if your destination country offers a youth working holiday visa.

Many countries (including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) have agreements that allow young people to work on a working holiday visa for up to one year. Check out Wikipedia’s list of  working holiday visa programs .

An au pair or traveling nanny position is a well known way to get free accommodation as you travel, plus a wage. It’s only a great gig if you like kids, though, and if you manage to get a good host family.

Teach English overseas

Teaching English abroad is a great way to get spending cash, and many positions offer free accommodation as well.

It’s also a great way to meet locals (and fellow travelers). China, South Korea, and Middle Eastern countries are often the highest paying countries. Some schools even pay for your flight. You’ll likely need a TEFL certification , and you’ll want to research the differences in TEFL vs TESL vs TESOL .

Check out our article on the Best Countries to Teach English Abroad .

Looking for more great ideas for getting a job as you travel? Check out these articles for helpful tips:

• 45 Great Jobs You Can Do While Traveling The World And How To Get Them
• How to Get a Job Abroad Without Experience
• The Highest Paying Travel Jobs You Can Get Now

Enter contests

I don’t often hear anyone mention entering contests as a way to get free travel. While your chances of winning a major lottery are almost zero, you may actually have a chance to win a smaller contest on a brand’s social media page.

Years ago I won a short haul flight with Flair Airlines (then called New Leaf Airlines) on a contest through their email list.

To find contests with travel prizes, check out Instagram and Facebook, or you can look into contest promoting websites. While bigger companies often have bigger contests, the odds of winning are often much lower so look for smaller run contests with less people signing up to increase your odds.

How to get free accommodation when you travel

Ready to turn your dreams of free accommodation into reality?

As an experienced traveler, I can tell you it’s not as elusive as it might seem. In this section, we share practical tips and tricks to help you secure the coziest corners of the world without loosening your purse strings.

From swapping homes to surfing couches, and from volunteering at local communities to working in exchange for a bed, we’ve got you covered.

Stay with us, as we navigate the exciting landscape of free accommodation, making how to travel the world for free your new normal. It’s not just about the journey or the destination – it’s also about finding a home wherever you go, without it costing you a dime.

Here arr our top ideas for getting a free place to stay as you travel.

Housesitting

Sites like Trusted Housesitters let you swap housesitting for free accommodation. Most housesits involve taking care of pets and plants, in addition to maintaining the house and property so make sure you factor that into your timeline when agreeing to any stay.

Home Exchange and Love Home Swap are great choices if you happen to have a home already. These sites let you swap a stay at your home with someone else in a different area. If your home is in a desirable area, you’ll have better luck finding a house you find equally appealing.

Couchsurfing

This is something we’ve never done, because we like to be more … comfortable as a family.

As a female traveler, crashing at a stranger’s house just makes me uneasy, however there are thousands of people who swear by couchsurfing . We’ve also stayed at friends and have friends and family stay with us so we imagine it’s something like that.

Free accommodation in exchange for work

Worldpackers, Workaway, or WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) all offer time-tested ways to get free accommodation in exchange for time helping your host. Food is often included as well and, since you’re often working with produce daily, you know it will be freshly picked.

Use your personal connections

Looking for someplace free to stay? Go old school, and crash on a relative or friend’s (or friend of a friend’s) couch. Have extended family you barely know? Maybe it’s time to reach out. We’ve heard great stories of people meeting family from generations back that were welcomed in with open arms.

Exchange work for accommodation

Sometimes, you can luck in on a way to make money as you travel, by doing an odd job for a hostel or small hotel. We helped clean a hostel for a couple of weeks in exchange for a free double room in Adelaide, Australia and it was only a few hours a day of work. Saved us a few dollars and gave us a reason to get up earlier than we would have so helped keep our nightly expenses down too.

Camp for free

Camping on Crown land in Canada is free, and camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in the USA is free, but there are limits on how long you can stay in one spot. There are similar laws you can find around the globe. You can also use apps like iOverlander to find free spots outside of free public land.

Take advantage of free nights while flying or driving

Take advantage of overnight ferries, night buses and red-eye flights to get a free night’s accommodation. While you might not get the best nights sleep, it’s a good way to save versus having to pay for 1 more nights stay.

Press trips or free nights at a hotel through blogging or influencing

This one’s not for everyone. To get free accommodation as a YouTuber, blogger or influencer, you’ll need a sizeable number of followers, or a great organic engagement in a specific niche, to qualify for press trips or free nights accommodation. Just be warned that press trips involve a lot of work writing and posting on social media, and you’ll need to stick to the organizers (often exhausting) schedule.

The Best Travel Vloggers on YouTube in 2022

Always be polite here, and make sure you truly offer a benefit to the company you’re reaching out to, as a lot of companies are (rightfully) tired of being hit up for free stuff.

University or high school student exchange programs

University, college, and high school student exchange programs can let you visit another country, live with a local family, and get your education at the same time.

Language Exchanges

Look into sites like Lingoo, that offer language exchange holidays and homestays or stay with a teacher.

How to get free food when you travel

It’s time to embark on the tastiest part of our journey – the quest for free food.

As an experienced traveler, I can assure you that dining out doesn’t always mean digging into your savings.

In this section, we feed your wanderlust with a buffet of strategies (see what I did there, lol) to eat for free.

From hunting down free samples in bustling local markets to celebrating your birthday with a feast on the house, we’ve got your plate full. We’ll delve into the world of zero-waste apps and supermarkets where you can fill your bag without emptying your wallet, and explore discount food apps that make dining out a delight rather than a drain on your budget.

Tip: Most of these ideas work better in the USA and Canada, but your mileage may vary in Europe or other parts of the world.

Free samples

Supermarkets often offer free samples in the supermarket aisles, and Costco still offers samples (even after slowing down a bit after the pandemic). You can find free samples in local coffee shops, bakeries, delis and more. While you won’t get full, they do make a great free snack.

Free food on your birthday

Many restaurants still offer free food on your birthday (you usually have to show ID here, but it’ll help for 1 out of 365 days). Some chains and restaurants also offer a discount that can work for the week or even the month of your birthday so it’s not a bad way to save.

Sign up for a delivery app

Sign up for a food delivery app to get the introductory coupon. If you’re careful, you can get a $15 coupon, and order $15 of food, making your meal free. Just don’t be an a$$hole, and spend a couple of bucks to tip the hard-working driver.

Free food for downloading a restaurant’s app or rewards programs

Look for apps that offer a free food bonus just for downloading the app. This is actually pretty common to get a small food item like a free donut (thanks Krispy Kreme) or free Blizzard (thanks Dairy Queen) if you download the app or sign up for their rewards program.

Another option is to forage for food on public land, or politely ask homeowners or farmers if you can harvest extra fruit or veggies from their property. Offering to just grab the fallen fruit or the too overripe to sell produce is your best bet. Just don’t steal and always ask for permission first.

Become a mystery diner

These are competitive gigs, and you’ll often need to pay out of pocket for your meal, write the review, and get reimbursed later.

Look for zero-waste supermarkets and apps

Many of these work with pay-what-you-feel distribution centers, which often let you volunteer to work in the warehouse as payment instead of cash.

You can also look for zero-waste apps to find free food. Apps like Olio connect you to see who has excess food items.

Pancake breakfasts

Looking for a free breakfast? Depending on the time of year, and where you’re located, pancake breakfasts at churches and during some events (like the Calgary Stampede) may be a good option. Look for festivals and upcoming events at the place where you’re heading to see what’s on the menu.

Dumpster diving

This is a pretty extreme option, to be sure, but better than going without food. I haven’t tried this myself, but I’m guessing the best time to do this would be at closing time. Some bakeries and produce centers even offer them out free to closing customers.

Free hotel breakfasts

If you have to pay for a hostel or hotel, look for one that offers free food. Some only offer free cookies and coffee, but others offer a full breakfast, and still others offer manager’s happy hours with plenty of great food to be had.

Check your receipts

Check your receipts for surveys that offer a free food bonus for taking a customer satisfaction survey.

Discounted food apps

Download a discounted food app like Flashfood .

Food isn’t free on these apps, but it is heavily discounted. Flashfood is free to download – check out this helpful Flashfood review here .

Exchange work for food

Not having much luck? Consider exchanging work for food, by working in a restaurant or supermarket that gives you some meals for free as a perk of your employment.

How to get free transportation when you travel

This is a tough one. Transportation might just be the hardest travel cost to get for free.

In this section, we’ll rev up your travel game with a few ways to hit the road, sail the seven seas, or fly the skies for free.

Whether you’re a student looking for the best discounts, an airline employee ready to take advantage of those well-deserved perks, or a social butterfly who loves the idea of carpooling, we’ve got the tickets to your next adventure.

After all, the joy of travel isn’t just in the destination, but also in the thrill of getting there without breaking the bank.

Get a job with an airline

We have a friend who used to work with Air Canada well over a decade ago. He still has several friends and family passes that let him and a guest travel anywhere in the world Air Canada flies for free. I’m not sure if all airlines offer this perk to employees, or even if it’s still available at Air Canada, but it’s one of the best ways to get free flights I’ve ever heard of.

Get free transit passes as a child, student, senior, or if you have a low income

Depending on where you’re visiting, and for how long, you may be able to get discounted or free public transportation. You may also be eligible if you have a disability.

Bicycle (or e-bike)

While you’ll need to pay the upfront cost for a bike (or e-bike), you’ll get plenty of exercise, and never have to pay for gas if you travel by bike.

Working as a yacht crew

We volunteered as yacht crew for evening cruises at the yacht club in Brisbane and found the club and captains to be friendly and open to our help.

Depending on where you volunteer, you may be able to get a ride around the harbor for an afternoon, or embark on a sailing trip around the world.

Have a friend who’s traveling? Ask them if you can exchange some driving time for a ride. Make sure you clarify who’s paying for gas here – many people will expect carpoolers to split the cost of gas (or at least pitch in).

Share your ride sharing refer-a-friend code

Several ride sharing apps (Uber and Lyft) offer a refer-a-friend bonus if you refer someone who creates an account, and uses the service, with your refer-a-friend code.

Transport a vehicle to its final destination

There are sites where you can sign up as a driver and get a gig delivering a car to its destination. Car and RV dealerships or car rental companies sometimes hire people to drive cars to a different destination.

There are no guarantees with these, but you just may luck out with sites like Canada DriveAway, Cars to Florida, or HitTheRoad.ca.

Work on a cruise ship

There are plenty of jobs available on cruise ships, from entertainers, to cooks, to housekeepers, to almost anything you can imagine.

These jobs are better suited to single people, as you’ll be on the road a bit.

You’ll also travel to exotic ports of call, but you’ll likely only stay for less than a day, and return to the same port. The one exception here are repositioning cruises, where you’ll crew a ship on a one way trip to a new destination port.

Work on a cargo or container ship

While not as glamorous as working on a luxury cruise liner, working on a container ship can be a more leisurely way to see the world. Workers often act as lookouts and perform maintenance like painting and maintaining containers. You’ll need a high school diploma and many deckhands have training through industry or labor union schools.

How to get free entertainment when you travel

Let’s set the stage for the most fun part of your journey – scoring free entertainment.

Whether you’re a student in search of cultural enrichment, an airline employee seizing those extra perks, or a savvy traveler ready to tap into the local scene, we have the keys to unlock a world of entertainment. After all, travel isn’t merely about moving—it’s about creating memories, and they are every bit as precious when they come without a price tag.

Volunteer at Events

I’m surprised how rarely I see this tip, but most festivals and events offer their volunteers free tickets (and sometimes extra perks) in exchange for volunteering. Sure, you have to do some work to get the free tickets, but it’s still a pretty sweet deal. You’ll have better luck with smaller local events, and less luck with huge festivals like Coachella or Burning Man but even those positions need to get filled somehow.

Attend free events

Most cities have plenty of free events, which are just an internet search away. Some are surprisingly high quality, ranging from free yoga classes, to theater and late night movies on the lawn events, to festivals, to free sporting matches!

Take advantage of free nights

Many museums and art galleries offer free nights for admission. They’re usually evenings or weekends (though not always). We’ve visited museums around the world on their free entry days. Most weren’t that expensive but when traveling with 4 of us those costs can quickly add up.

Do free things

Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do for fun when you travel. You could wander through the city center (or take a free walking tour), visit local parks or the beach, go to the library, hike, take in the architecture, or people watch.

How to travel the world for free

Are you ready to transform your adventures into priceless moments, all while on a tight budget?

Remember, the world is your oyster and it’s full of treasures that are there for the taking.

The next step? Take the plunge, let go of those financial reins, and embark on your journey to travel the world for free. After all, the greatest adventures you ever take might just be those that cost you nothing, but enrich you in ways beyond measure.

So, here’s to free travel and the endless memories it will bring! Safe journeys fellow nomads​.

11 Ways to Travel Internationally For Free (Yes Free)

Posted on Published: March 15, 2022  - Last updated: March 4, 2023

Travel influencers make it seem like traveling well requires wealth, but it isn’t! With creativity, hard work, and hustle, it’s possible to travel internationally for free.

Although not for the faint of heart, it’s possible to journey around the world without spending a dime of your own money. Well, at least, no more than you’d spend staying home.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• 11 ways to travel internationally for free
• 1 popular method for free international travel that ethically is not an ok way to travel
• and my thoughts on the best and worst routes to free international travel .

Keep reading to learn about 11 ways to take off on an international adventure without emptying your savings or running up debt.

Does free international travel sound too good to be true?

Some versions of it are. But if you are willing to compromise the finer points of travel and sacrifice some free time, it is possible to travel internationally for no cost.

Previously, I’ve written about choosing cheap European destinations, how to save money as a traveler , how to set a budget and stick with it while overseas, and how to make money while traveling . In this article, I will actually be sharing a few strategies for international travel for free.

Of course, nothing in life is ever completely free. Traveling for free generally means that you’ll be giving up your time, your skills, or a bit of your freedom instead of paying money to travel. Here are my 13 ways to travel the world for free.

Become an English teacher

When I spent a month in Peru in 2019, I had the opportunity to get to know a fellow American living there permanently. She stayed in a village about an hour down the mountain from Machu Picchu , Ollaytaytambo, Peru .

From a small house near Peru’s Sacred Valley, she taught English to students in China. By teaching in a high cost of living location while living in a country with a low cost of living location, she saved money. Her income from teaching one English class each day was sufficient to fund her lifestyle as an ex-pat in Peru.

For recent college grads, teaching in another country is a great fit for many travelers who want to travel internationally for free. While you’ll still be responsible for some expenses, it’s easy and affordable to get a visa to teach English in many countries. Your employer will pay many of your travel expenses for you. You’ll have options to teach in person or virtually. Typically no special credentials are required.

Become a Pro at Using Travel Rewards

Many reward programs for credit cards are barely better than a scam – but some are legitimate. Though most of the time credit consumers are on the losing end of rewards cards, it’s not always a fact. Some consumers have spending patterns that can create incredible returns on travel rewards.

For example, if you’re a small business owner that buys massive quantities of widgets for resale, you might benefit from using a card with reward points. Consider making your inventory purchases by using a credit card with travel rewards. When cash flows, funneling spending through a rewards card can pay off.

Red Flags to Avoid:

• getting random credit cards,
• getting stuck with only one choice of airline to travel on,
• allowing yourself to get into debt in over your head,
• or opening too many accounts to manage well.

If you can handle your spending and payoffs with extreme responsibility, traveling free by using travel rewards may be possible.

Become a Nanny

Working as a nanny overseas usually is one of the best paying work opportunities for young adults who want to travel. Free housing and a small stipend are guaranteed. Other perks (like traveling with a family as they head out on vacations of their own), are often included.

Thousands of corporations house executives and their families overseas temporarily. Many of these working professionals seek au pairs and nannies to care for their children. American nannies are a top choice for child care for both temporary international residents and ex-pats (those who have chosen a more permanent relocation).

Au Pair World is a website where you can explore opportunities to travel for free as a child care worker.

TIP: To improve your chances of getting a great nanny gig overseas and traveling for free as a child care worker, invest in training. College classes in child development, a community college parenting class, or simply just first aid certification can help land your dream job.

Trade your House

If you’re a homeowner, one free way to travel internationally is through a house swap arrangement.

Various sites have popped up on the Internet in recent years allowing potential travelers to trade homes. People in one location view, select, and book a house swap with residents somewhere else in the world. Through this arrangement, you visit their house while they visit your house.

By traveling through house swapping, you can eliminate one of the biggest expenses of traveling: accommodations. It’s a pretty good way to travel internationally for nearly free- and you don’t have to work!

Unfortunately, this option is typically not a possibility for renters or people who own a home outside of a desirable tourist location.

Work your way around the globe

If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and WWOOF (aka work as a farm laborer) or work in a hostel, you have options. It’s reasonably easy to get free housing, free food, and even free transportation by doing a work exchange.

In many nations, you need a work visa (these are a little tough to get) to get an actual job. However, working in exchange for logging lodging is often exempt- as is volunteering at a farm in exchange for room and board.

In almost any hostel around the world, you’ll find a twenty-something vagabond traveling internationally for free through the magic of work exchange.

Workaway.info is the go-to place for researching this type of travel and connecting with hosts.

Work for an international company

If you are a recent college graduate or a skilled consultant, you may be able to structure your next job hunt to support your travel. Be open to sacrificing a bit of pay or a few benefits to get your foot in the door with a company that will pay your on a few international trips each year.

Many companies that fly employees internationally for business trips are flexible on departure and return dates. For example, if they fly you out to consult with the team in Paris for a Monday through Friday week, they probably won’t mind if you return late. You might be able to book a return flight Sunday night instead of Friday evening. This practice allows you to stay somewhere cheap or free for a few days while exploring the city on your own time.

Consider the Military

During peacetime, the military can be an opportunity for travel for certain types of individuals. If you don’t mind extreme structure and physical intensity, joining the military can be an opportunity to see parts of the world you never would as a civilian.

With many other benefits, the military can be a free way to travel the world that works for some people.

Travel Free via Working for a Cruise Line

30 million people took cruises in 2019 1 , and the industry is expected to fully recover by 2025. Cruise ship companies constantly look for employees to live on the ship and work in food service, entertainment, hospitality, or specialty positions.

If you’re willing to sign on for months at sea, working for a cruise can be an incredible opportunity to see ports worldwide. Working on a cruise ship can be hard work and include cramped quarters and less than ideal food options for employees. However, the drawbacks can be outweighed by the opportunity to travel internationally for free while making friends and earning an income.

Think working on a cruise ship might be right for you? Check out a list of job descriptions commonly available on cruise ships.

Housesitting as a Way to Travel Free

Like house swapping, housesitting is growing in popularity as a way to travel internationally while eliminating the huge cost of lodging and accommodation. Through housesitting, you agree to care for someone’s home, pets, and plants in exchange for free housing. Sometimes, you also get a small stipend or other perks like free food.

Theoretically, housesitting sounds a great gig for international travelers, however, the daily schedule of caring for someone else’s pet, cleaning up its accidents while it stresses over its missing owner, and dealing with home-related emergencies when you’re the person in charge is actually a pretty easy way to ruin a vacation.

While I’ve written at length on how to get housesitting gigs in Seattle , I personally don’t recommend housesitting while traveling internationally due to the complications it adds to what could be a really freeing experience of travel.

Study Abroad to Enjoy Free International Travel

If you are still in school, or would like to return to school, consider a study abroad program. You can apply for scholarships to cover your costs. In many countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Germany, colleges are free and a number of English language courses are available.

While it’s difficult to complete an entire education in an international location where you don’t speak the primary language, it’s possible. Studying abroad can offer opportunities to meet people and see a different part of a country than you would experience simply by being a tourist.

  The one way you absolutely     should not travel for free  

There are many ways to travel internationally for free that are effective ways to partially or fully discount the cost of traveling, but there’s one method that I want to call out as not a good way to travel for free, and that is begging.

In a number of countries, particularly Southeast Asia, it’s not unusual to see a scruffy-looking Western backpacker crouched on a street corner holding a sign asking for money. These ostensibly wealthy by Southeast Asian standards beggers take money that might otherwise be given to locals with no choice but to live in abject poverty, and in a postcolonial world that’s not just a moral grey area, it’s very clearly wrong.

If you aren’t willing to work your way around the world and can’t afford to travel without begging strangers for money, you simply can’t afford to travel .

Final Thoughts on Traveling for Free

As you can see from this list, there are actually many opportunities to internationally travel for free. People who are willing to get creative about their employment and labor have many options!

In this list of ways to travel for free, I find the best options are:

• providing childcare,
• doing a work exchange,
• or working on a cruise line.

Military, housesitting, and business travel fall last place on my personal list.

However, everyone’s goals, energy level, vocational life, and travel expectations are different! The free ways for international travel that work for some people won’t work for others, and that’s okay!

Lynli Roman’s unique approach to travel is informed by decades of experience on the road with a traveling family and, later, years spent as a solo international traveler. When she’s not writing about Seattle from her Pike Place Market apartment, Lynli writes on-location while conducting hands-on research in each destination she covers. Lynli’s writing has been featured by MSN, ABC Money, Buzzfeed, and Huffington Post. She is passionate about sharing information that makes travel more accessible for all bodies.

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10 Ways to Travel the World For Free in 2023

Sustainable travel expert, adventure seeker

Chicago, IL, USA

5-star resorts, private shuttles, and business class have conditioned us to think that travel is always going to break the bank. Of course there’s space for budget-minded travelers, but have you ever pondered how to kick it up a notch and really save money — perhaps by spending hardly any? With some creative spirit, there are plenty of ways to travel the world for (nearly) free.

Most of these are for the adventurous soul, so prepare to exit your comfort zone and enter that money-saving mode. From sleeping in airports to crashing on random couches, there’s no shortage of ways to cut costs. Try one of these 10 ways to make it work:

See the world for free by joining a work exchange platform

Can you pick fruit all day? Clean a questionably nasty bathroom? Wash piles of dishes? If the answer is yes and you’re willing to do it, you can find an opportunity for these types of jobs (and a handful more) by joining a work exchange platform. Participating travelers provide their labor in exchange for a free place to stay, with occasional bonuses like food or drinks, depending on your setup. With opportunities all over the world, this is one of the most common methods to get a free place to stay on the road.

How: Some of the more popular platforms include Workaway and Worldpackers .

Work in a hostel, earn free accommodation

For those who gravitate towards the backpacker lifestyle, working in a hostel gives you a cost-free place to hang your hat, cultivate a community, and have fun while doing it. Many hostel jobs are posted on the aforementioned work exchange platforms, but cold emailing is another useful tactic. Most hostels will ask for several days per week of work in exchange for a free dorm bed — and don’t be surprised when you receive free drinks, either. It almost makes up for the moldy shower that you now call yours.

How: Check out Hostel Jobs to find your new home.

Hack your hotel budget by becoming a house sitter

Enter house sitting: a far more comfortable way to be a total cheapskate. Studies have shown significantly lower volumes of snoring bunkmates and moldy showers by taking this avenue. It’s a bit more competitive — but not impossible. General duties include making sure that no one breaks in, occasional care for pets, garden tending, and any other upkeep that requires a traveler’s touch.

How: Aspiring house sitters can check out House Carers and Mind My House . Word of mouth is fairly popular with this option, but the magic of the Internet can pull through too. Either way, references are a big help. And, if you have a home of your own, check out HomeExchange : a unique, mutually beneficial way to share your home in exchange for a stay in someone else’s.

Save cash for future travel by Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a global network of travelers and gracious hosts opening their homes (and often hearts) at zero cost. That’s right—it’s 100% free, and often an awesome social experience.

How: For social butterflies who embrace unpredictability, Couchsurfing is a one-of-a-kind way to make connections across cultures and stay for free all over the world.

Score a free stay while WWOOFing

No, it doesn’t have to do with dogs (sorry). World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is a database filled with international organic farms that offer once-in-a-lifetime volunteer opportunities for those who wish to explore their green thumb. You can earn a free stay and learn about local life, all while contributing to sustainable practices.

How: Visit wwoof.net to register and find farms in your destination of choice. Membership costs a small fee, but it pays for itself, especially if you plan to travel long term.

Make bank by teaching english abroad

Teaching English abroad can take many forms: TEFL certified teaching positions, online teaching, or a less formal arrangement. The good news is: this option can actually be quite profitable, especially if you’re living somewhere in Southeast Asia where the cost of living is dramatically low.

How: Paid jobs usually require TEFL certification , which can be achieved through a variety of in-person or online classes. The uncertified can still volunteer their knowledge of the English language by participating in a volunteer program in exchange for room and board. Diverbo and Culture Go Go are online resources to jumpstart your experience.

Earn free travel opportunities by living on a boat

Have you ever said screw land and lived on a boat? If you haven’t, it’s time to consider it. Cruise lines and yacht companies are always looking for crewmembers, especially during the high seasons for tourism. Whether you have experience in hospitality, cleaning, kitchens, or entertainment, the available positions vary greatly.

How: Carnival and Royal Caribbean are the biggest companies, offering seasonal positions and year round options. For yacht opportunities, try out Crew Seekers .

Cut transport costs with ride shares

While there’s no guarantee of safety for this one, there are several countries in the world where hitchhiking is both acceptable and common. HitchWiki breaks it down by country, so you can be the judge of your own chances. Proven fact: hitchhiking builds character, so stick out your thumb and hope for the best.

How: If you prefer a tad bit more of an organized process, try out an arranged rideshare. These long-distance carpool services can be incredibly cheap, despite the lengths traveled. Blablacar is worldwide, and Ridesharing.com is popular in the U.S. and Canada. And hey, it’s good for the environment too!

Travel the world for free by becoming an au pair

Think babysitting, but instead of your childhood suburb, it’s a beautiful coastal town in the south of France. Au pairs are in high demand in several countries, and it’s a formidable way to learn about a different culture, and also live for free. There are both English and non-English speaking opportunities, but knowing a foreign language opens up more doors. France, England, and Australia are three of the more popular destinations for au pairs, but the opportunities are worldwide.

How: Visit AuPairWorld or AuPair.com to connect with families around the globe.

Save money on travel by signing up for airfare alerts

Okay, okay, it’s not completely free, but it can still save tons of money when you play the cards right. There are a few budget airlines worth keeping an eye on. Sales and promotions are common, and if you can hop online when they go live, there’s a great chance at scoring a major deal.

How: A few to keep in mind are Ryan Air , Air Asia , Jetstar , and Virgin Australia . In addition to the airlines themselves, fare finders like Scott’s Cheap Flights can send you alerts based on the latest and greatest deals. There’s no guarantee for legroom, but who needs it anyway? You’ll be on the beach in a few hours.

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How to Travel Cheap: 16 Ways to Travel for Cheap or Free

Whenever I ask readers what the number one thing holding them back from traveling is, I almost always get the same answer: Money.

This is something I hear from everyone I talk to: “Matt, I simply don’t have enough money to travel.”

This problem — and how to overcome it — is my most asked question. Over the past 14 years , I have answered this question in a plethora of posts, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts. Long-term readers might even be getting sick of me discussing this subject because it is one I talk about so much. 

But I know no matter how often I address this question, it will come up again.

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact: You do not need to be rich to travel.

Let’s repeat that: You do not need to be rich to travel.

There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget (and for free) — you just need to be willing to get creative.

Traveling the world with no little or no money sounds like an impossible dream. But it is possible. It’s not glamorous, but it’s possible.

It should be said that there are some expenses you shouldn’t compromise on (like travel insurance ) but there are tons of ways you can travel the world on a budget — including plenty of ways you can actually travel for free.

In this post, I’m going to show you two things:

• How to travel cheap
• How to travel for free

Learning how to travel cheap is all about taking advantage of helpful apps and websites that save you money, finding ways to lower your expenses, and even making money as you travel. It’s about finding value and lowering your expenses while still being able to afford to do what you want.

Learning how to travel for free entails taking advantage of free accommodation, transportation, and activities that are already out there, thereby reducing your cost to zero. You can also use points and miles to earn free flights and accommodation . Here, you sacrifice comfort and convenience to extend your travels as long as possible.

With the right budget and the right mindset, you can make your travel dreams a reality. Even if you don’t earn a lot or you have debt, there are still plenty of ways to go overseas (I still had debt when I went on my first trip around the world). They may not be fancy or luxurious, but if travel is your priority then you can definitely make it happen!

Ready to kick-start your budget travels and save money? Just click on either of the links below to jump directly to that section!

Table of Contents

1. Get a Job Overseas

2. teach english overseas, 3. do wwoofing and work on a farm, 4. use the sharing economy, 5. cook your own meals, 6. get rail passes, 7. sleep in large dorms, 8. use student and other discount cards, 9. get city tourist cards, 10. capitalize on your skills, 11. get free flights, 12. stay for free, 13. hitchhike, 14. take free walking tours, 15. house sitting & pet sitting, 16. use your social network.

Not making enough money at your job? Or, even worse, are you working a job you hate? Why not get a job overseas? There are plenty of opportunities in the world as long as you aren’t picky. After all, this isn’t a career you are starting — it’s just a way to earn money for travel.

Here are some popular (and easy to find) jobs you can get when you travel:

• Au pair – An au pair is a live-in caregiver who helps a host family by looking after their children and doing some basic housekeeping. In exchange, you get free room and board and a small salary. This is a great route if you’re looking to learn a new language or immerse yourself in a new culture. You can read this post for more info on being an au pair .
• Bartender – It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, so if you have the skills then this is an easy job to move overseas. It’s also an easy job to get under the table if you decide to go that route. If you don’t have the skills to tend bar, consider being a dishwasher or busser.
• Hostel worker – Hostel workers rarely stick around for long, which means there is always a demand for new help. It’s a great way to meet other travelers while adjusting to a new location. You can usually also start off as a volunteer (in exchange for a free room) to avoid visa complications. Three websites that can help you find hostels to volunteer at are Worldpackers , Workaway , and HelpX .
• Waitress/waiter – There are tons of seasonal restaurants around the world (and around the US) that need extra help during the busy tourist months. If you have experience, this is an easy job to find abroad.
• Dive instructor – If you have your certification , this is an easy job to travel with as dive instructors are needed everywhere. Best of all, these jobs are usually in picturesque tropical locations !
• Tour guide – If you’ve got a knack for history and don’t mind speaking in front of groups, this is the perfect job for you. It’s also usually a cash job, which means you get your tips directly.
• Cruise ship worker – This is a much more formal position than the ones above, but it’s a great way to travel. The hours are long, but there’s something to be said about living at sea!
• Casino worker – While this might require some training, if you’re a night owl and don’t mind the casino scene this is a fun job to work abroad.
• Seasonal worker at ski resorts – Instructors, restaurant staff, hotel staff, lifeguards — ski resorts need all sorts of staff to keep things moving, making this a goldmine for the overseas traveler (as long as you don’t mind the snow!).
• Yacht worker – While the hours can be long, you can make great money working for the rich and famous on their yachts. Best of all, you’re usually in some pretty amazing destinations!
• Yoga instructor – If you have the skills (and certification), teaching yoga abroad is an easy way to make some spending money. While you might need to know the language, there are yoga studios in pretty much every city in the world.

Working overseas often gets discounted as an option because it seems hard to do. It’s not. Just be open. These jobs don’t require advanced degrees or a lot of work experience either.

Are you going to get a high-paying office job? No.

Will you get a shitty, low-wage job that will pay all your travel bills? Yep!

I’ve met people from all walks of life, both from Western and non-Western countries, funding their travels this way. It’s an easy, fun way to lengthen your travels, deepen your experience, and make a little money so you can keep on traveling.

READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS: 15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas  

All you need is the ability to speak English fluently and a TEFL degree , depending on the country you work in. The world is yearning for teachers, and this is a job in high demand; many companies in Asia will even pay for your flight over as well as cover your rent while you’re there.

If you have a college or university degree you’ll be able to make more money and apply for better positions though it’s not necessary for many countries.

Additionally, there are many websites and services out there that allow you to teach virtually. As long as you have a great Wi-Fi connection, you can help people learn English from anywhere in the world!

Some places you can teach online are:

READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:

• The Best TEFL Courses for Teaching English Abroad
• The 9 Best Places to Teach English Overseas

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms . It’s a platform that allows you to work on a farm in exchange for free room and board. It’s a great way to see a destination in-depth while allowing you to commune with the great outdoors. You have to pay to get to the farm, but once you are there, everything else is covered! It definitely will help you travel cheap as well as have a unique experience and meet lots of cool people.

WWOOF has opportunities available in 130 countries around the world, with over 12,000 hosts and 100,000 WWOOFers. Some of the most popular destinations for WWOOFers are Portugal, France, Italy, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

READ MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING :

• How to Travel and Work Around the World with WWOOF
• How to Ethically Volunteer Anywhere in the World

These websites have changed the travel game and made travel more accessible for everyone.

Here are some of my favorite websites:

• BlaBlaCar – A ride-sharing app that connects you with drivers who have extra seats in their car (primarily for medium and long distances, and mainly in Europe).
• EatWith – Platform that connects you with local cooks serving private meals.
• RVShare – Lets you rent RVs and camper vans directly from locals.
• Turo – A car sharing marketplace that lets you rent vehicles from locals.
• Campspace – This platform lets you camp on private property. Properties range from basic tent plots to luxurious glamping and RV stays.
• Trusted Housesitters – Connects you with locals with whom you exchange pet and house sitting services for free accommodation.

READ MORE ABOUT THE SHARING ECONOMY:

• How to Use the Sharing Economy to Travel on a Budget
• How to Find the perfect Apartment on Sites Like Airbnb

The best way to save money on the road is to cook all your own meals. While in Stockholm , I spent $60 USD for a week’s worth of groceries instead of an average of $15 USD per meal eating out! That’s a savings of $150 USD!

I’ve done the same thing in dozens of countries all around the world — especially in expensive destinations like Iceland where eating out can really destroy your budget.

If you are staying in hostels , book accommodation that has a kitchen so you have space to cook. If you’re Couchsurfing or using Airbnb,your host will probably have a kitchen.

No kitchen? Pack your own container and cutlery and make some sandwiches and salads on the go. Not every meal requires a stove, right?

Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you need to eat out every meal. You won’t ruin your trip to Paris if you decide not to eat out one day! There’s simply no reason to be spending lots of money on food on your trip!

READ MORE ABOUT SAVING MONEY ON FOOD WHEN YOU TRAVEL:

• How to Eat Cheap Around the World
• How to Eat Around the World on a Vegan Diet

If you are booking individual trips, booking ahead of time can usually save you about 50% of the cost of a train ticket. However, that fixes you to a set timeline. If you don’t want to be tied into a fixed schedule, rail passes can save you a lot of money while giving you the flexibility you need. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars in Europe doing this!

READ MORE ABOUT RAIL PASSES:

• Is The Eurail Pass Right For You?
• A Complete Guide To The Eurail Global Pass
• The Ultimate Guide To Saving Money With Eurail Passes

Large hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest paid accommodation out there. If Couchsurfing isn’t your thing, this is your next best way to save money on a place to sleep. The bigger the dorm, the cheaper it will be. While a 4-6 bed dorm might give you more privacy, a 12-18 bed dorm is going to be a bit cheaper. In the long run, this will add up. As long as you’ve got earplugs and a sleeping mask, opt for the bigger dorm to keep your budget intact!

If you’re a light sleeper, make sure you read the reviews before you book to ensure you don’t choose a party hostel. In larger cities, you can usually find a hostel that is quieter than the others. It might not be as social or as centrally located, but you’ll at least be able to get a good sleep.

In a large dorm, you’re almost guaranteed to have some snorers. If earplugs don’t quite do the trick, download an app like Rain Rain , which plays rain sounds on a loop. You can set a timer so they stop playing after an hour or two, helping you ignore the noises of the dorm while you try to fall asleep. Spotify also has all kinds of rain and whitenoise playlists too.

For discounts on hostels in Europe, check out HostelPass . This card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and am glad it finally exists! (Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off your membership.)

READ MORE ABOUT HOSTELS:

• Why I Still Stay in Hostels When I Travel
• 11 Expert Tips on Picking a Good Hostel
• 6 Ways to Avoid a Bad Hostel

Are you a student, teacher, or under 26? Welcome to the world of 50%-off attractions and a plethora of discounts! Get a student/teacher/youth card and save big while you’re abroad. Even if you’ve recently graduated, chances are you can still get by with your expired ID card (as long as it doesn’t have an expiry date). Always ask if there are discounts available for students or youth as this is an easy way to save tons of cash as you travel around!

Museums, galleries, and other major tourist attractions usually have discounts (especially in Europe ). It never hurts to ask! (There are also often discounts for senior travelers and veterans as well, so always ask!)  

If you plan on seeing a lot of sights in a city, you should get a city tourism card. These will offer you discounted and/or free access to the major attractions and museums, as well as free public transportation. I saved over $100 USD with the London pass, $80 USD with the Paris Museum card, $50 USD with a Helsinki card, and tons more with other city tourism cards.

They are an amazing way to save money on attractions that not enough people use. Just head to the local tourism office to find out what cards are available. They can help answer all your questions and make sure you save as much money as possible. Not every city has them, but most major destinations do and you’ll save a lot of money if you plan on seeing the major sights.  

Need some cash? Use Craigslist (operates in 70 countries), TaskRabbit (mainly in the US and Canada, though also in Italy and Spain), or Gumtree (UK-based) to find paid odd jobs, like assisting people who need a few things done around the house. It’s a way to make money when you travel without committing to a long-term job.

Additionally, if you have a skill, sell it. Offer haircuts to other travelers, busk for money, provide online services like editing, graphic design, or consulting. It’s never been easier to work online. As long as you have Wi-Fi you can make money. The sky is the limit here — get creative!  

These days, there are tons of ways to earn free flights. Simply sign up for a few travel credit cards , collect miles, and then fly for free.

Most cards offer sign-up bonuses of 50,000 points (or more) — which is often enough for a free round-trip flight right there. And if you sign up for both an airline card (e.g., a United credit card) and a general rewards card like the Chase Sapphire, you can combine the two point balances and get a cheap flight faster.

You can go a lot further in the world when you take away the cost of flights and some accommodation. By collecting points and miles through credit card bonuses, smart everyday spending, online surveys, bonuses, and other methods, you’ll accrue a ton of miles even before you’ve left for your trip. There’s even a card now — the Bilt rewards card – that lets you earn points on your rent!

Collecting points and miles isn’t only for Americans either (though US residents have the best options). Canadians can collect points too, as can folks from Australia and New Zealand and the UK .

Europeans also have several options as well, including all kinds of airline cards such as Norwegian Air, SAS, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, and more.

READ MORE ABOUT POINTS & MILES:

• Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Each Year
• The Best Travel Credit Cards

There are many services that connect travelers with locals who are willing to let them stay with them for free. Using these sites, you will never have to pay for accommodation. Years ago I read about a guy who traveled for years while only Couchsurfing.

I’ve used this service dozens of times over the years and always meet amazing people. Sometimes you get a room, sometimes a couch, sometimes an air mattress, but it’s always free.

Ideally, you’ll want to repay your host’s kindness by cooking them a meal, bringing them a souvenir from home, or taking them out for a drink. But that will still be much cheaper than paying for accommodation!

There are also local Couchsurfing group meet-ups that can help you make friends in your new city. You can even use the app just to meet people without having to stay with them. It’s a great way to connect with local insiders — whether you want a free place to stay or not.

Moreover, because of the rise of the sharing economy in the last few years, there are now websites that let you not only stay with locals but share rides, meals, train tickets, gear, and much more! These websites not only save you a TON of money but also get you off the tourist track and into the local life. Win-win! Here is a list of websites to use for free accommodation:

• Couchsurfing
• Warmshowers

READ MORE ABOUT FINDING CHEAP OR FREE ACCCOMMODATION:

• How to Find Cheap Accommodation
• How to Start House Sitting and Never Pay for Accommodation
• How to Crush it on Couchsurfing

I’ve hitchhiked in more than a handful of countries (and I know solo female travelers who have done the same!). Sure, it has a bad reputation in North America, but with some common sense and a bit of patience, you can hitchhike almost anywhere — saving you tons of money in the process!

Here are a few basic tips to help you get started:

• Use a sign – Make a clear sign that lets people know where you’re heading. That will help drivers decide if they can help.
• Look presentable – Wear clean clothing, smile, and don’t obscure your face with something like sunglasses. People want to see who they are picking up.
• Check the laws – Hitchhiking is illegal in some places. Always check the laws to make sure it’s ok to do where you are.
• Take precautions – Note the license plate of anyone who picks you up and text it to a friend. Chances are you won’t need it but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Keep your valuables on you – Don’t leave any valuables in your bag if it goes in the trunk in case it gets left in the car (or stolen).
• Consult Hitchwiki – Hitchwiki is the #1 hitchhiking resource there is. Always consult it before you hitchhike to pick up tips and ensure you’re hitchhiking in a safe place.

READ MORE ABOUT HITCHHIKING:

• 14 Ways to Safely Hitchhike Across the United States
• What I Learned Hitchhiking Around China
• A Lesson in Kindness While Hitchhiking through Iceland

Want to learn about the city, get your bearings, and see the major sights? Take a free walking tour. You can find them in most major cities — just ask the local tourist office, your hostel staff, or Google “free walking tour (city name).”

You’ll get a solid introduction to the city while also getting access to a local guide you can ask questions to. I always start my visits to a new city with one. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end (that’s how they get paid).

READ MORE ABOUT TAKING FREE WALKING TOURS:

• The Best Walking Tours of NYC
• The Best Walking Tour Companies in London
• 8 Ways to Choose the Perfect Tour Company
• The Best Walking Tours in Paris
• The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam
• A Self-Guided Tour of Colonial New York

You can sign up for one of the sites below to start house sitting, allowing you to stay in one destination for a while without having to pay for accommodation. Everyone’s account is verified and has reviews so you know you won’t get cheated.

This is a great way to travel long-term, with an important added bonus: you get a kitchen to cook your food (which saves you even more money!).

You will also often get access to a vehicle and sometimes will be left a tip or free groceries. It’s generally people who are well enough off that they can afford multi-month vacations, so you’re usually in pretty nice homes and apartments too!

Here are the best house-sitting websites to check out:

• Trusted Housesitters

READ MORE ABOUT HOUSE SITTING:

• How to Become a House Sitter and Never Pay for Accommodation
• How to Start House Sitting

Does your colleague have a relative in Spain? Or maybe you have a distant cousin who lives in New Zealand. Or maybe a childhood friend of yours is working down in Brazil.

These days, we have a vast social network of friends and family that stretches across the globe. Don’t hesitate to use that! Ask your co-workers and friends if they know anyone where you’re going. Get your mom to ask her co-workers and friends, too.

Using your social network can be hugely helpful in traveling the world . You never know who knows who!

By implementing a variety of these tips, you’ll be able to travel for relatively little money. With a little planning and some creativity, you can travel the world for cheap.

Because if I can do it, you can do it too!

Whether it’s two months, two years, or just a two-week vacation, travel doesn’t need to cost a ton. The key is to get out of the mindset that you must travel in the typical manner of simply booking a flight and a hotel. Using out-of-the-box, nontraditional ways to travel can lead to big savings.

But it all starts with a change in mindset. From there, with some patience and practice, you’ll be able to make your travel dreams a reality — without breaking the bank!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How to travel for free?

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Flights for Free

• Credit card offers – There are two ways to leverage credit cards for free travel. Firstly, many credit cards offer sign up deals for new customers where if you spend a certain amount by a certain deadline you receive bonus air miles. The second way is that, some also allow you to collect air miles for every transaction. This means you will be earning free flights thanks to the everyday items you need to buy anyway. Before you try this, note applying for new credit cards can affect your credit score.
• Frequent flyer programs – If you’re wondering how to travel for free, frequent flyer programs are your best friend. You earn miles every time you fly, and you can then redeem the miles on flights, baggage, seat upgrades and even hotels. You can also transfer points, so if you have a birthday coming up, why not ask a relative or parent who flies often for them to transfer their frequent flyer points to your account instead of buying you a gift?
• Dining rewards programs – If you’re more likely to be spending your money on food than flights consider joining dining rewards programs. Similar to frequent flyer programs, except airlines let you earn air miles when you dine out at participating restaurants. It’s also possible to earn more miles by leaving restaurant reviews.
• Surveys – If you’re one of those people who waste hours each night scrolling social media, why not use that screen time to help you travel for free? There are survey sites such as e-rewards , miles for opinions and rewards for thoughts that let you earn air miles for doing online market research and sharing your opinion about products and services.
• Social Media – Whilst you’re online filling out those surveys, why not follow your favourite airlines on social media (especially Twitter)? Many offer bonus air miles through competitions or simply for signing up for newsletters, referring friends etc.

Free Accommodation

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Stay with locals for free.

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Jobs That Let You Travel For Free Around The World

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Flight attendant, work on a cruise ship.

Travel Agent

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About Lauren

Growing up in a small coastal village in Scotland inspired Lauren to seek adventure and challenge the norm. Armed with just her backpack and trusty travel companion Darren, she quit her day job to liv ... show more... e her daydream and travel the world! ​​​​​After their first Workaway in 2017, they had officially caught the travel bug and decided to share behind the scenes from life on the road through their travel blog Faramagan. Their blog shares the tales (and fails) of two clueless millennials avoiding adulthood one adventure at a time with Darren the technical wizard and Lauren the content creator. When the backpack is off, Lauren can usually be found cooking, writing or attempting yoga while saving for her next plane ticket.

View all posts by Lauren

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60 Virtual Tours To Travel The World During The Coronavirus Pandemic

• Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
• Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024

A comprehensive list of free virtual tours that will intrigue and delight all types of travel lovers. Discover the Seven Wonders of the World, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic landmarks around the world from the comfort of your home! Experience your first virtual travel experience with us.

With extensive travel bans, citywide lockdowns and strict social distancing measures, it’s hard not to eventually let cabin fever weigh you down. This is especially true if you’ve got a healthy addiction to travel like us. So we’ve found a way around the problem – virtual travel!

Obviously it doesn’t replace the real thing, but it’s better than nothing. It’s also a great way to get travel inspiration and learn some interesting facts about the destination until we can travel again.

It will give you something positive to look forward to while we all do the responsible thing and #stayhome. Treat it like Facetiming the world!

It’s also a great thing to do with kids at home. They’ll especially love the wildlife live webcam feeds! This list is guaranteed to keep them occupied for days if not weeks!

So whether you love city escapes, exploring museums or learning interesting facts about the natural and man-made wonders around the world, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure you share this with your friends and family who love travelling too.

What Do You Need To Virtual Travel The World

Virtual touring the world is easy. All you need is a laptop, cellphone or tablet and an internet connection. You don’t need a VR set (virtual reality set), but if you have one it’s a bonus.

We recommend using Google Chrome web browser because some of these virtual tour websites are not in English. Chrome makes it really easy translating foreign languages to English or whatever language you prefer.

Lastly, have a little patience as some of these virtual tours take a bit longer to load.

New Seven Wonders Of The World Virtual Tour

Everyone’s heard of the Seven Wonders of the World. But did you know that there are two different lists for the 7 Wonders of the World?

No? We didn’t either. The list most people know is the New Seven Wonders of the World. But there’s also the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

Are you one of the those rare humans that can list all New 7 Wonders of the World?

1. Great Wall of China

Often cited as the only human-made structure that is visible from space. The Great Wall of China is probably the most well known Wonder of the World. It captures over 2,000 years of history and stretches more than 21,000 km across several provinces in China. That’s as long as 5 times the length of Australia!

This iconic landmark is usually teemed with tourists all year round. But you can visit it crowd-free on this Great Wall of China virtual tour.

2. Chichen Itza, Mexico

The ancient city of Chichen Itza is one of the most well restored Mayan sites in Mexico and also its biggest tourist attraction. El Castillo may be the most famous pyramid of Chichen Itza, but there are many other ancient ruins to explore.

If you love astronomy, you’ll love learning how each structure was intricately designed to align with specific planets and stars. Sounds fascinating?

You can virtually tour Chichen Itza and explore some of its most popular sites and facts right from the comfort of your own home.

3. Christ The Redeemer, Brazil

The cultural icon of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a symbol of Christianity across the world. The Christ The Redeemer statue is the largest art deco statue in the world. It stands 38 meters tall (around 13 storeys high) and stretches 28 meters wide.

It was built by the Roman Catholic community of Brazil following the end of World War I. The community was concerned about the growing ‘godlessness’ when Brazil officially became a republic and the church was officially separated from the state.

You can skip the 200+ step climb to the top on this stunning virtual tour of Cristo Redentor .

4. Petra, Jordan

Also known as the ‘Carved City’ or the ‘Lost City’, Petra is known as one of the oldest cities in the world. It is estimated that the city was established in the 4th century (312 BC) but was only discovered by Western civilisation in the 1800s.

Only 15% of Petra has been explored by archaeologists, so not much is known besides it being home to about 800 tombs.

It’s simply one of those places that you have to see to believe that it exists in real life. Petra is still on our travel bucket list, but this virtual tour is probably one of our favourites!

5. Taj Mahal, India

One look at the Taj Mahal and it’s easy to see why it’s a wonder. It’s considered to be one of the most magnificent masterpieces of architecture in the world. Besides that, it’s also a symbol of love. Don’t believe us? See the Taj Mahal in VR for yourself.

The emperor built it in remembrance of his third wife who passed away giving birth to their 14th child. Today the couple remains buried together beneath the main inner chamber of the Taj Mahal.

It took more than 22,000 workers, 1,000 elephants and 22 years to build this incredible structure. Now there are concerns that it will crumble into pieces as its wooden foundations are rotting away.

6. Rome Colosseum, Italy

Did you know that Italy has the most number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world? There are a total of 51 World Heritage sites within Italy of which the Colosseum is the most famous.

Historically, the Colosseum was a place where gladiator fights and executions took place in Ancient Rome. Today it stands as a symbol of power and majesty of the Roman Empire. It’s also one of the most popular tourists attraction in the world.

7. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is famous for being the Lost City of the Incas. It is believed that this is where the Incas escaped to when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century.

Besides its historical significance, Machu Picchu also showcases the Incas’ incredible mastery of stone. The stones used to construct some of the most beautiful structures in Machu Picchu were cut so precisely and wedged so closely together, that a credit card cannot be inserted between them.

Not only was this more aesthetically pleasing, it also has engineering advantages. The stones were designed to bounce through earthquake tremors and fall back into place. This was only possible because no mortar (or cement) was used and the reason why Machu Picchu still stands today.

Virtual Tours of Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Top unesco sites in africa.

8. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most famous landmarks around the world. Its sheer colossal size and perfect symmetry makes you wonder how this world icon was constructed more than 4,500 years ago.

Today, the Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving members of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

9. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world and also home to Africa’s highest mountain.

If you love hiking as much as we do, then Kilimanjaro is probably on your bucket list too. Close to 35,000 people attempt to hike Mount Kilimanjaro every year. But only 40% of them successfully reach the summit and around 5 to 15 people die every year attempting it.

There isn’t a proper virtual tour of Kilimanjaro , but you can get some awesome 360 panoramic views using Google Map street views. Just drag the little yellow man to the circles on the map to ‘explore’ the area.

Save Me For Later

10. Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Not only is the Drakensberg Mountains a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, it’s also a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Drakensberg is culturally significant because it hides more than 20,000 San rock paintings inside its nooks and crevices.

These rock paintings are important because they represent the earliest form of human creativity. They also symbolise the beginning of art in the world today.

We’ve had the privilege of hiking the Drakensberg Mountains when we lived in South Africa. If you plan to hike it too, make sure you read our top Drakensberg hiking trails of the Royal Natal National Park . We also share tips on how you can hike the Drakensberg with children .

Since that’s not possible right now, you can enjoy the magnificence of the Drake nsberg on this beautiful virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in Asia

11. Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is known as the ‘sea of temples’ because it has the largest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world. There were originally 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries built here in the 1000s and 1100s. But only 2,000 of them still exist today.

Needless to say that the entire Bagan Archaeological zone is too vast to explore by foot alone. You can compliment your walk with a ride on old rickety bicycles, hot balloon rides or on this mind blowing virtual tour of Bagan .

12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is famous for being the largest religious monument in the world. Yes, it’s even bigger than Bagan! Before the fall of Angkor Wat in the 15th century, it was actually the largest city in the world.

Unlike Bagan, most of Angkor Wat still exists today. It was built with durability in mind because it was designed and dedicated to the immortal gods.

13. Terracotta Army, China

This World Heritage Site isn’t a temple, but a mass grave. It’s the burial ground for the First Emperor of China and his world renowned Terracotta Army.

No one knows exactly how many terracotta warriors were made. But it’s been estimated that more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses were sculpted. And if that wasn’t amazing enough, each soldier has its own distinct facial features and were all built to life-size.

It took around 40 years to ‘build’ the entire army and its sole purpose was for protecting the emperor in his afterlife.

You can wander between these soldiers yourselves on this Terracotta Warrior virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in Europe

14. Acropolis of Athens, Greece

‘Acropolis’ translates into ‘high city’ in Greek. Most cities in ancient Greece had their city centres built on a mound or a hill. This is where they would build their important temples and where citizens could retreat to if under attack.

The most famous acropolis of Greece is, of course, the one in Athens with the iconic Pantheon dominating its skyline. The Acropolis of Athens has withstood the test of time, including bombardments, earthquakes and vandalism. Yet it still stands today as a reminder of the rich history of Greece.

15. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

Also known as the Bronze Age Ring of Standing Stones, Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most unique sites and visited attractions. It’s a prehistoric monument steeped in all kinds of myth and speculation because no one knows its true origin or purpose.

Some believe that Stonehenge was a Druid temple, built by ancient Celtic pagans as a centre for their religious worship. Others believe it to have astronomical significance as the light from sunrise and sunset aligns with the stones during summer and winter solstice.

Why don’t you decide for yourself based on the interesting facts you’ll learn on this Stonehenge virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in North and South America

16. Mesa Verde National Park, USA

Mesa Verde is the largest and one of the most spectacular archeological sites in the USA. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it encapsulates how Native Americans once lived by carving their homes into the cliff.

It’s one of the most well preserved ruins of the Ancestral Pueblo people in North America and you can virtually explore Mesa Verde right from the comfort of your own home.

17. Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala

At first glance, the Mayan Ruins of Tikal appears to be quite similar to the ruins of Chichen Itza. They were both major cities in the history of the Mayan civilisation and are both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The biggest difference between the two is that Tikal is less visited and often less crowded compared to the more popular Chichen Itza. That’s because Tikal is located in the remote Guatemalan forests whereas Chichen Itza is much easier to access.

Some areas of Tikal remain unmapped or excavated too. So if you love hidden gems, make sure you visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal , even if it’s only by virtual tour for now.

18. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is a Chilean island in the south Pacific Ocean. It’s famous for its 900+ giant statues known as Moais, which are scattered around the entire island.

It is believed that the Rapa Nui natives built these Moais to honour chieftains and important individuals from their village. They believed that by doing this, the spirit of the person would forever watch over the tribe and bring good fortune.

Today, Easter Island is believed to be the most remote inhabited island in the world. That’s why it’s also very expensive to get to. But have no fear, you can admire Easter Island virtually until then.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings Around the World

Some of the most iconic and recognised landmarks and buildings around the world that you can explore for free from home.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in USA

19. The White House, United States

Anyone can visit the White House free of charge. But you have to register and request a tour online and wait between 3 weeks to 3 months to visit. Skip the wait on this White House virtual tour.

20. Statue of Liberty, USA

More than 130 years ago, France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States to celebrate the friendship the two endured during the American Revolution. Today it represents freedom and democracy in the USA.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in the United Kingdom

21. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom

The official residence of The Queen and a must-visit when in London. Skip the long 3 month wait and the €30 entrance ticket and see Buckingham Palace virtually.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Italy

22. The Vatican, Italy

Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the seat of government. More than 5 million people come to Rome every year to feast their eyes on the prized paintings and sculptures of the Vatican and to experience the most religious and cultural site in the world. Check out youvisit.com/tour/vatican for the tour.

23. Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most recognised landmarks in the world. The intention was to build the tallest bell tower for that era in order to show off Pisa’s growing wealthy and prosperity. The ‘leaning’ part of the equation was actually an engineering mistake.

24. Doge’s Palace, Venice

More than a 1,000 years ago, Doge’s Palace was the home to the ruler of Venice and the seat of power for the Venetian Republic. Today it is one of Venice’s must-see museums. Wander around the corridors of the Doge’s Palace or along one of its many surrounding canals on this beautiful virtual tour.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Germany

25. Reichstag Parliamentary Building, Berlin

The Reichstag is one of the most important buildings in Berlin today. Built to symbolise the reunification of Germany. It’s one of the few parliamentary buildings in the world that allows the public to watch over government processions. Similar to the White House, it’s free to visit but you have to book months in advance for a tour. Wait no more as this virtual tour of the Reichstag is pretty awesome.

Wondering how travelling in Berlin and Germany has changed since COVID? Find out what it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic .

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in France

26. Palace of Versailles, France

Did you know that the Palace of Versailles was a mere hunting lodge before it became the world’s largest palace? It’s one of the most important landmarks in French history because it symbolises the power and downfall of the French monarchy.

Explore its opulent, regal interior and admire its intricate details on this Palace of Versailles virtual tour.

27. The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre use to serve as the royal palace for the French monarchy. It only became an art museum after the royal family moved their residence to Versailles. Today it is the world’s largest art museum and an iconic historical monument in Paris.

28. The Catacombs of Paris, France

It’s no coincidence that the word ‘catacombs’ rhymes with ‘tombs’. The Catacombs of Paris is the world’s largest underground burial site. The city was growing too fast for its cemeteries to handle the bodies of the dead. The solution was to move the bodies and bury them underground. Archaeologists estimate that around 6 to 7 million bodies were buried down there. Creepy…

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Israel

29. The Holyland, Bethlehem and Jerusalem

Also known as the most sacred place on earth. It is here at The Holyland that the main religious faiths believe that God first entered into a relationship with the human race.

Virtual Tours of Top Natural Wonders and Attractions

30. Niagara Falls , Canada – see live video feeds of these world famous falls on EarthCam.

31. The Northern Lights , Canada – another great live webcam to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Remember to watch this in the evening Canadian time.

32. Victoria Falls , Zambia – a magnificent virtual tour of the world’s largest waterfall.

33. Sahara Desert , Africa – explore the world’s largest desert without getting sand in your eyes.

34. Mount St Helens , USA – travel back in time and witness the day Mount St Helens erupted back in 1980.

35. Mount Everest , Himalayas – the only way to trek the world’s highest mountain without training is going on this virtual tour. Remember to click on the arrows to explore around.

36. Cliffs of Moher , Ireland – discover the most beautiful natural landscapes of Ireland on this gorgeous virtual tour.

37. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , USA – one of our favourite virtual tours from the whole list. Not only is it mesmerising, but you can also learn so many interesting facts on this tour.

38. Grand Canyon , USA – enjoy a virtual hike and explore one of the most famous national parks in the USA.

39. Yellowstone National Park , USA – a nature lover’s paradise. Make sure you use Google Chrome for this tour.

40. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , China – otherwise known as ‘Avatar Mountain’. The mesmerising, otherworldly landscapes that inspired the ‘floating mountains’ in one of our favourite movies, Avatar.

41. Galapagos Islands , Ecuador – A scuba diver and nature lover’s idea of paradise! This is right on the top of our travel bucket list.

42. Raja Ampat , Indonesia – The epitome of utopia. Hundreds of jungle-covered islands as far as the eye can see and some of the best beaches, coral reefs and scuba diving spots in the world.

Virtual Tours From The Top: City Skylines

43. New York Skyline – New York, New York! Head up to the 102th floor of the Empire State Building on this virtual tour and admire the city that never sleeps from above.

44. Tokyo Skytree , Japan – Teleport yourself to the highest structure in Tokyo and admire the vibrant capital city of Japan from the top. We hope you aren’t afraid of heights because the Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall which is more than double the height of the Eiffel Tower.

45. The Eiffel Tower , Paris – Head to the top deck of the Eiffel Tower and marvel at the City of Love on this breathtaking virtual tour.

46. The Peak , Hong Kong – Ever heard the phrase ‘A New York minute is a Hong Kong second’ before? Discover one of the most populous and expensive cities in the world from its highest peak. When you’re ready to visit Hong Kong in person, make sure you read our 7 tips to travel Hong Kong on a budget before you go.

47. St Paul’s Cathedral , London – Admire London’s epic skyline from the top of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Free Virtual Museum Tours

You should download the Google Arts and Culture app to your phone if you’re a museum lover. You’ll find tons of stunning virtual tours and interesting things to learn from the arts and culture world. Here are some of our favourite free virtual museum tours.

48. The British Museum , London – The famous British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture. Their permanent collection consists of more than 8 million pieces of artwork. Making it one of the largest and most comprehensive compilations in the world.

49. Musée d’Orsay , Paris – If you love French art whether that’s paintings, sculptures, furniture or photography, you’ll love the Musée d’Orsay Museum.

50. Pergamon Museum , Berlin – Explore one of the largest and most visited museums in Germany. The Pergamon Museum is known for its antiquity collection and Islamic and Middle Eastern artworks.

If you love history and want to learn more about the story behind the Berlin Wall like why it was famous and so important. We’ve explained it simply (i.e. Story of the Berlin Wall for dummies) in our Berlin Wall by Bike guide.

51. Rijksmuseum , Amsterdam – The national museum of the Netherlands that holds some of the world’s most famous artworks from artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt.

52. Van Gogh Museum , Amsterdam – Another jewel from Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum needs no introduction.

53. The Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York – Also known as The Met. This is one of the largest museums in the world. You can easily spend days if not weeks here admiring everything from antiquities, paintings, sculptures to modern art and fashion. A museum that has something for everyone.

Live Webcam Feeds for Wildlife Watching and Scuba Diving

We saved the best for last. Watch wildlife and underwater sea life from home via live webcam feeds! If you didn’t know you could do that, now you know.

54. Tau Game Lodge in Madikwe , South Africa – The beautiful Madikwe Game Reserve is located on the edge of the South African border close to Gaborone, Botswana. They have a 24 hour live webcam looking over one of the water reservoirs where the animals come to drink.

55. Kruger National Park , South Africa – Have you always dreamt of going on safari? Wait no more! WildEarth is hosting daily safari rides, twice a day so you can see some of South Africa’s most beautiful wildlife live with their awesome rangers! This is definitely one of our favourite wildlife webcam feeds! Support WildEarth with a donation if you can during these difficult times.

56. African River Wildlife, Kenya – There are more than 10 live webcam feeds here so you’re spoilt for choice. Head over to Explore.org and enjoy ‘Facetiming’ these amazing creatures.

57. Virtual Dives with National Marine Sanctuaries – Discover the underwater world with virtual scuba diving! There’s a host of coral reefs waiting for you to explore. Just click on the video and use your mouse or VR set to look around.

58. Underwater Cave Diving – Even certified scuba divers like us are not allowed to explore underwater caves without the right technical qualifications and training. So whether you’re a scuba diver or not, you’ll most definitely enjoy this cave scuba diving virtual tour.

Want to learn how to scuba dive? Check out our Beginners Scuba Diving guide where we share how you can save time and money getting certified.

59. Georgia Aquarium – ‘FaceTime’ with the residents of Georgia Aquarium via their live webcams. See sea lions, puffer fish and even the elusive beluga whale.

60. Monterey Bay Aquarium – Another amazing aquarium with an array of live webcams. Spy on sea otters, jellyfish, penguins and even turtles and sharks.

Virtual Tours: How To Travel For Free From Home

We had a lot of fun looking for different ways to ‘travel’ the world from home. We hope you enjoyed your first experience of ‘armchair travel’. We’d love to hear which one was your favourite.

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12 Ways to Travel the World for Free in 2021

There is never going to be a perfect time or the perfect amount of money to travel. Truth is: you can travel the world for free. Whether it’s house-sitting in London or working on an organic farm in Ecuador, there are options for all personalities and lifestyles to travel the world for free.

In 2015, I booked a one-way ticket to Antigua, Guatemala. For two months I worked as a caretaker for an 86-year-old English woman named Annette. I lived for free comfortably in a spacious bedroom in her antique-style home. In exchange, I walked the dog, painted her nails, and helped organize her home.

It was during my time with Annette where I found my passion for free travel.

After my 8 month trip, the memories that stuck out the most were the people and moments that costed nothing.

I’ve compiled a list of 12 ways to travel FOR FREE. They require little-to-no experience.

Now, let’s jump right in!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you use my links, I get a small percentage without costing you a thing. Thank you for using my links and supporting my blog! xoxo

1. Sign up for a work exchange (volunteer abroad)

Work exchange is volunteering your time for 20 hours a week (or less) in exchange for food and housing. Some examples of volunteer jobs are yoga instructor, caretaker, English teacher, hostel worker, and more.

You can use websites like Worldpackers to find work exchange positions. Worldpackers requires a membership fee for their site (valid for one year). Once you’re in, you have access to thousands of work exchange opportunities around the world.

Click here for $10 off a Worldpackers membership or use discount code “courtneytheexplorer10” for $10 off!

How long are the volunteer positions? They can range from a week to a couple months. If you love your position, you can ask to extend. If you hate it, you can leave.

Who is work exchange right for? Work exchange is for anyone looking for a cultural immersion and unforgettable experience. There are so many opportunities, you are bound to find one that fits your personality. Worldpackers also offers an initiative program for writers and video creators who want to share their volunteer experience.

Workaway , Help X , Culture Gogo , and Working Traveller , are also websites in which you can find work exchange opportunities.

Related article: Ultimate Guide to Work Exchange: Travel for Free

2. Work on a farm for a month in the middle of no where

WWOOF is a worldwide movement that links volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences. Its goal is to build a sustainable, global community. Much like Workaway, hosts provide housing and food in exchange for working on their organic farm.

One of my best friends WWOOFed in Italy for 3 months and loved it. My cousin also WWOOFed all around South America. Both have similar stories of hard hands-on work, hot and sweaty days in the sun, and unforgettable experiences.

Who is WWOOFing right for? I would only recommend this for people who like the outdoors, are interested in sustainable living, and are adventurous travelers. A lot of times things are chaotic, unorganized, and sweaty (like the picture up above.)

Tip: Make sure to check out reviews from former volunteers and always message your host with questions beforehand. My friend even skyped with hosts before she committed to volunteer with them. Never be afraid to ask questions!

Note: you can work on farms using other sites (like Workaway), but WWOOF is one of the most popular.

3. House sit your way around the world

House sitting is when you take care of someone else’s home and pets while they’re away. You get a free place to stay and they get peace of mind knowing their home and furry friends are in good hands. Although house-sitting opportunities are most popular in Europe, you can find opportunities everywhere.

Who is house-sitting right for? House sitting is perfect for long-term travelers or digital nomads who like animals.

How long are house sits? The time period can be anywhere from a week to a couple months.

Related article: How To Housesit Around the World

4. Teach English for a year in Asia

I taught English in South Korea in 2019-2020. English teachers are paid a monthly salary and given an apartment to live in. The job (in some cases) also includes free lunches, flight reimbursement, medical insurance, and paid vacation.

Teaching abroad is most popular and lucrative ($$) in places like Korea and China, but there are opportunities all over the world. I have met a lot of teachers who have paid off student loans and saved thousands of dollars. Even though some days are tough, it can be quite worth it in the end.

Who is teaching abroad right for? I only recommend teaching abroad for people who like kids and are patient, flexible, and adaptable. It’s a challenging and exhausting job. For the right person, it can be a rewarding experience.

Interested in teaching in Korea? Check out, How to Teach in South Korea .

Want to get TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certified? Check out, The Best School for Your TEFL Certification .

Interested in teaching online for $22/hour? Check out, 9 Steps to Getting Hired with QKids

5. Au Pair for a family in Europe

An au pair is a young person (18 to 30 years old) who goes abroad to live with a family and take care of their children in exchange for room and board. The main objective is to have a cultural exchange .

A friend of mine spent 3 months in South Korea traveling around Asia with a Swedish family with 2 small children. Her housing, food, and luxurious trips were all covered by the family. She stayed in a high-rise condo off the ocean with a private bedroom and bathroom. She worked during the week with nights and weekends off.

My friend found a rare (but possible) experience. Most au pair jobs are in Europe or Australia where you live with one family for a summer, a year, or maybe longer. It’s a great option if you’re single, want to travel, and LOVE children . (I repeat: must love children.)

How to become an au pair? You can use an agency ($$) or there are many websites where you can find opportunities ($). Below is an article with the top 10 websites that can help you find an au pair job in different regions of the world.

How much are you paid? The pay ranges, but in most cases the pay is low.

Related article: How to Become an Au Pair

6. Couch surf the world

Couch Surfing is one of my favorite ways to travel. Couch surfing is staying in someone’s home for free as a way to promote free and affordable travel as well as have a cultural exchange.

Couch surfing is super popular in Europe, but there are hosts all around the world. I couch surfed as a solo female traveler and while traveling with a partner in South and Central America.

You simply sign up for a membership (free) , create a profile, and start looking for couch surfing spots. Some people provide private bedrooms and bathrooms, others provide a couch hence the name.

Who is couch surfing right for? I recommend couch surfing for adventurous travelers looking to meet locals and learn the language.

Related article: Solo Female Travel Guide for Couch Surfing

7. Hitchhike

Hitchhiking is simply asking someone for a free ride . It could be to the next town over or a days trip. Hitchhiking originated in the United States, then made its way to Europe and other parts of the world. Hitchhiking has been around forever, but became decreasingly popular in the 70s (in the states). The decrease was caused by a better economy, more access to cars, and the fear of trusting strangers. Hitchhiking has become illegal in most parts of the United States but in Europe and other parts of the world, it is still quite popular.

I met a few hitchhikers in Guatemala and although I was skeptical, I decided to give it a try. I ended up hitchhiking for the remainder of my trip, up through Mexico. It was some of the most adventurous and magical moments of my life . I met kind strangers and have some of the greatest stories to tell from those experiences.

If you are traveling alone, I recommend always hitchhiking with a friend or group of people. Always have a plan and know where you are going. I also recommend knowing the basics of the language.

Related article : Ultimate Guide to Hitchhiking

8. Sign up for free travel opportunities

Gabby Beckford from Packs Light , a blogger I follow, opened my eyes to the possibilities of travel opportunities for young people (mostly 16 to 30). There are plenty of opportunities to travel internationally for conferences, leadership programs, fellowships, internships, scholarships, grants, festivals, and etc. And almost all of them can be completely funded.

This option is mostly for students, but there are grants and free trips for writers, photographers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Gabby always says to apply even if you don’t 100% qualify. It’s worth the shot.

Some examples of current opportunities: Capetown Writer’s Retreat (5-day all expenses paid retreat), Holland Scholarship ($5,000 scholarship to study in Holland), Tinggly Blogger Accommodation (free stay for Bloggers/Creatives in Lithuania). Click here for a full list.

9. Become a travel blogger

Do you love to write, take pictures, and share your experience ? Start a travel blog. It’s never too late.

As a travel blogger or influencer companies will pay you (or give you free product/service/trips) to share an honest review and promote their brand.

Nowadays, companies are spending billions of dollars on influencer marketing. Travel bloggers receive gifted hotel stays, free tours, press trips, and etc., because of their influence and following on social media platforms.

Important Note: you do not need a huge following to get free stuff or get paid. My Instagram following is under 5K, I have under 500 subscribers on YouTube , and my blog numbers aren’t too crazy either and I have worked with brands.

Interested in learning more? Everything I Learned At Travel Con (one of the biggest national travel blogging conferences), Lessons from The Chicago Blogging Conference (7 tips and secrets)

10. Be a travel hacker

Travel Hackers strategically collect frequent flyer miles and points to travel for free. Most miles are earned without ever stepping foot on a plane. To be honest, this is not something I have done. But, I’ve seen friends reap the benefits, so I must share.

Who is travel hacking right for? I think travel hacking is a good option for travelers who book flights often, stay in hotels, and have good credit. With some credit cards you need to spend at least $5,000 in the first couple of months to get the mega rewards. Therefore, this is a good option for people with car payments or those who spend $$ every month. But, I think EVERYONE who owns a credit card should take advantage of points and rewards.

There are Facebook groups, books, and tons of blogs to help you step by step travel for free using travel hacking.

More resources: The Lazy Person’s Guide to Travel Hacking , follow @basictravelcouple on Instagram (they are the bloggers who originally opened my eyes to this form of free travel)

11. Crew a sailboat or work on a luxury cruise ship

Sailing the world is both amazing and expensive. If you can’t afford to buy a sailboat, why not work on one? People who own sailboats and travel the world often hire (both paid and unpaid) help.

How to find opportunities? There are websites to match owners with crew. One popular site is crewseekers.net . There are also Facebook communities and groups. (Facebook groups are great for finding opportunities in general.)

You can also work on a cruise ship and travel the world. To find these sort of jobs, go to the cruise ship’s main website and search for employment. It’s an easy and adventurous way to save money while traveling the seas.

For more information: Check out, How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship with No Experience , How to Crew a Yacht

12. Join the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is a government funded organization (like PeaceCorps) who supports non-profits in the United States. These are technically volunteer jobs, but they pay you a housing stipend. AmeriCorps salary ranges from $15,000 to about $27,000/year. At the end of your term, you are given an education award of $5,000 (max).

I volunteered with AmeriCorps for their summer program while I was still in school. I managed the volunteer program for a Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Iowa. It was one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had . I trained new volunteers, created a volunteer guide, and recruited new volunteers.

AmeriCorps is a way to get away from your home state, go to a new city and live and explore for a year.

The Peace Corps is similar to AmeriCorps, but requires a two-year commitment. I applied for the PeaceCorps after University, but didn’t get accepted. The jobs are pretty lucrative, but I encourage you to apply if it feels fitting to you!

PeaceCorps accepts all ages (over 18) and is a two-year commitment. You must have a bachelor’s and be a US citizen to apply. Jobs range from English teacher (most popular) to environmental specialist to health educator.

For more information: AmeriCorps and Peace Corps

I hope one of these options feels like a good fit for you. Have you ever done a work exchange or been an au pair or even anything on the list? (or not on the list!) I’d love to hear your story! Share in the comments, e-mail me at he***@co*****************.com , or DM @courtneytheexplorer to chat! xoxo

Other resources: 6 Ways to Learn Spanish for Free , How to Quit Your Job to Travel , Tips for Solo Travelers

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Alla Ponomareva

I especially like your tip about Travel Hacking, it’s not very well known among the non-travelers. They think it’s cheating the system or having the need to accumulate millions of points in order to fly once for free. I’d say I fly free maybe every couple of years just from the points I acquire by doing/having everyday expenses.

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Great advice!

My partner and I have been using Workaway for a bit and were full time travel blogging when Covid hit. It was an incredible experience. Thank you for sending me to Gabby! We will definitely be looking further into this.

ramahaj kaur

Hey, my name is Ramanpreet kaur and i am from India . I want to travel for free , now i am student and dont have money . please suggest me something

Places to live in

Your love and respect for the places you visit and the people you meet shine through in your writing. It’s so refreshing to see.

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How Travel Chicago On a Budget

Adios chicago | february 2021 update.

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Budget Travel Guides , Free Travel

How to travel for free: a woman’s guide to traveling the world for free.

First of all, I want to debunk the myth that travel is expensive.  Travel can cost a lot of money, but it doesn’t HAVE to.  There are lots of ways to save money while travelling, and even plenty of ways to travel without spending any money at all!   So, for those of you like me, who love to travel without the hefty price tag, there are some fabulous ways to travel for free, or at a very low cost.  Check out my epic guide to travelling for free, and you’ll learn how to travel for cheap and how to travel for longer!

This website contains sponsored and affiliate links. If you click through the links on this page and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. [Learn more]

Travelling For Free Safely

Before we get into it how to travel for free, I want to talk about travelling safely while still being on a budget.

As a solo female traveller, safety is one of my main concerns.  In this list of tips for travelling for free, I have deliberately left out some suggestions that I have seen some male backpackers recommend, such as sleeping on a park bench or in a phone box because I would not personally do that, or recommend anyone to do that, least of all a woman travelling on her own.

However, I have done my best to include tips for those of you who want to try hitchhiking and Couchsurfing for example.  Your safety should be your priority, but with these budget travel tips and recommendations, I believe that it is possible to travel safely on a budget without resorting to “begpacking”, stealing or any other inappropriate ways to get money!

Now that is out of the way, let’s talk about how to travel with no money, including free travel opportunities for everyone from students to seniors and everyone in between!

Free Accommodation While Travelling

Sleep while you travel.

For cash-strapped travellers, spending the night actually travelling saves a night on accommodation, although you will probably have to sacrifice several hours of sleep.  Red-eye flights and overnight buses and trains are a great idea in theory, as you wake up in your destination and are ready to go.

However, check the arrival times into your destination, as some overnight flights arrive early in the morning so you would have to get a taxi from the airport instead of public transport, which makes that part of the trip more expensive. 

Wild Camping

Depending on where you are in the world, wild camping in a tent or campervan (or car) could be an option to save you lots of cash.  I wild camped for a few nights in my campervan , although I usually prefer the comfort and security of a campsite.

Check the rules of your destination regarding wild camping.  It isn’t usually permitted in England, although it is in some places in Scotland for example.  General guidelines include arriving late and leaving early, camping away from people’s homes so you are not disturbing them, and of course to leave your campsite in the same (or better) condition than you found it, taking all litter home with you.

For campervans and motorhomes, you can often park up for the night in a pub carpark as long as you have something to eat or drink in the pub.  Campervan apps such as Park4Night and iOverlander have hundreds of places where you can spend the night in your camper. 

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing can be a great way to get to know local people, by staying in their homes without paying any money.  Couchsurfing used to be completely free, but now you have to pay to have an account, and your stays are free of charge. 

The whole idea of Couchsurfing is that locals let you crash on their sofa, or in some cases in a spare room, in exchange for chatting, cooking a couple of meals, and essentially having a cultural exchange . 

I love this idea, although I admit have used it sparingly – mainly due to concerns over safety about staying the night in a stranger’s home.  There are frequent complaints that some male hosts use the app as a hook-up. so many female couch-surfers prefer to only stay with female hosts.

Before you stay, check reviews of the person first, exchange a few messages and see if you get along before agreeing to stay.  And be prepared to do your bit, don’t treat your host’s home as a hotel, it might be free but don’t take liberties.

Servas is an international organization created shortly after the 2 nd World War with a view to creating peace and understanding between different cultures.

There is a small membership fee, and in order to join ideally you should apply before you travel, as you will have an interview before being allowed to join, and the process usually takes three to four weeks.  It is a reciprocal arrangement, so you will be expected to host visitors in your home in order to be hosted elsewhere.

Once joined, you will be sent a list of potential host members in the country you plan to visit, at which point you can contact them to arrange a stay, a maximum of two nights per stay.  The site seems more formal than Couchsurfing, but I have heard some excellent recommendations of the site, and the interview process should keep out the creeps!

Volunteering & Cultural or Work Exchanges

Work exchanges.

Work exchange programmes provide a way for backpackers and budget travellers to share their time and skills while saving money. 

Work exchange sites like Workaway , Worldpackers and various others offer a platform for local people, businesses and organisations to advertise for help they need.  Potential volunteers sign up to the websites to search for suitable hosts and volunteer placements in countries all over the world.

The type of work placement available varies from working in hostels to teaching, cooking, cleaning, helping with eco-projects and everything in between.

In exchange for working part-time for their hosts, volunteers get free accommodation in dorms, private rooms or tents, and usually some meals too.  Volunteers may also get other benefits like free tours or language lessons, as well as a cultural exchange by spending time helping local people with their projects. 

You will usually need to commit at least a couple of weeks to each volunteer work placement, so if you are backpacking long-term this is a great option for you to save some cash and stretch your budget.

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I also have a lot of articles all about work exchanges to help you choose the best option for you, check them out for more information, or browse all of my work exchange articles .

Work Exchange Programs: Are They For You?

6 of the Best Work Exchange Sites Compared

Which is Better – Worldpackers or Workaway?

How to Travel for Free by Volunteering Abroad with Worldpackers

Free Accommodation in Exchange for Work as a Hostel Volunteer

Volunteering on a Farm

WWOOF or Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms does what it says on the tin – working in a similar way to the work exchange websites but solely for placements on organic farms.  Each country has its own WWOOF network, and you have to pay for registration for each country’s network which tends to be $20 – $30. 

The farms offer excellent opportunities to experience rural areas of your chosen countries, but by their nature tend to be more isolated from city centres and offer more basic accommodations than you expect to find in hostels or destinations where tourists are. 

I love this idea as it makes me think of the film “The Holiday”, but of course you do need your own home to exchange.  Swapping homes with someone on the other side of the world could be a great way to experience another culture while they do the same in your home, without having to pay for accommodation.

There are various websites that act as an intermediary to help you find a suitable swap, try Home Exchange to get a feel for what is available (there is a membership fee to actually do an exchange, but you can browse for free)

Housesitting or Petsitting

Everyone’s dream: staying at someone’s luxury villa for a week’s holiday with all perks included!  House-sitting is a wonderful way to get free accommodation, although it is generally for more mature travellers – would you want to let a party backpacker into your home unguarded?  It seems to be a harder network to crack into, simply for this reason.

Often people will have pets to look after, and their primary concern is having someone responsible and caring to look after their beloved animals, and of course their home.  Once you have a couple of references under your belt the game gets easier, although it is always best to have a skype call with your potential homeowners to check you will be a right fit, and vice versa. 

One of the largest house-sitting sites is TrustedHousesitters the fees are just under $10 per month for a year’s membership.  They have a large number of sits in Europe, Australia and North America, and are growing steadily in other countries.  I have just started using TrustedHousesitters and am working on a review for you!

How to Get Free Transport While Travelling

Hitchhiking.

Hitchhiking is not my favourite activity, especially as a female solo traveller, but some people swear by it.  I have tried it a few times when I’ve been with a friend, and I must admit that there is nothing quite as liberating as flagging down a pick-up truck and leaping in the back to get to the next town. 

Once I had a lift from a family in their truck, and on another occasion, my friend and I got a lift from a guy who we got on well with and offered to take us out for a drink later – although I’m pretty sure he was already drunk when he was driving which is another risk to bear in mind!

I don’t recommend doing it alone, or at night, or doing anything that may put you at unnecessary risk.  I am a budget traveller, yes, but sometimes it is worth spending the money on a bus or taxi fare. 

If you do want to try hitchhiking, do some research on the destination to make sure that hitchhiking is common, and find out where is a good place to do it.  Make a note of the number plate of the vehicle and text it to a friend – and let the driver know you have done it.    

Get Paid to Drive

What’s better than travelling for free?  Getting paid to travel, that’s what!  In the USA, you can apply to become a driver for Auto Driveaway which hires people to drive their clients’ vehicles from one place to another.  Usually, the trips are one way, so you’ll need to find your own way back – unless there is a request to take a vehicle back the same way! 

It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t expect to take lots of time on a leisurely road trip – in most cases, you will be given a deadline so may not have time to see the sights along the way. 

Toronto Driveaway run a similar service in Canada, and there may be an equivalent in Europe, but I haven’t come across it yet.

Offer Someone a Lift on Bla Bla Car

If you’re driving your own vehicle and want some help with the petrol costs, put your trip on Bla Bla Car .  You advertise your trip, how many spare seats you have, and how much you want to charge for the trip, and people travelling part or all of the same journey can book a seat in your car. 

The money is all paid via the website and you can check reviews of passengers (and drivers) before accepting them.  You get all or part of your petrol paid for, and you can meet new and interesting people.  Bla Bla Car is a great way to save money while travelling, especially with the price of petrol these days!

Self-Powered Travel

Having your own transport means you don’t need to pay someone else to take you anywhere.  Having my own campervan has given me a lot more freedom than I ever had when I relied on public transport, and I love being able to go anywhere I want, whenever I want!

If you are driving, you’ll need to pay for petrol of course, but walking or cycling are free and better for the environment too!  I love to walk around a destination to explore, but for hiking and walking trips you save a lot of money just using your own two feet.

For longer journeys, bikes offer even more freedom.  I met several people who were travelling around South America on bicycles, which is a challenge but a great way to explore on a budget.  You’ll need to plan carefully to take into account breakdowns and be able to carry everything you need on your bike, but bikepacking can be an incredible adventure if you’re fit and don’t mind a sore bum!

Free Stuff in a Destination

Free activities.

Once you have arrived in your destination, you can enjoy many activities and experiences without spending a penny.  I love walking around the streets, visiting local markets and watching the local people just go about their daily business. 

Free walking tours are a great way to get your bearings in a new city, whilst learning about the culture and getting tips for other places to see or restaurants to dine at.  Although the tours are ‘free’, remember to tip your guide for their time.

There are always parks to enjoy for free, landmarks to admire, and more often than not there are free museums to visit too.  In addition to things that are always free, check out the local newspapers and Facebook pages for free events, music performances and festivals. 

Many destinations also have certain days of the year when museums are free to visit, perhaps on bank holidays, Sundays or other special dates. 

Check out some of these blog posts for inspiration and ideas for free things to do in cities around the world:

Free Things to do in Las Vegas

Free Things to do in New York City

Free Things to do in Vancouver

Free Things to do in Toronto

Free Things to do in Venice

Free Things to do in Edinburgh

Free Things to do in Barcelona

Free Things to do in Budapest

Get Free Wi-Fi

Phone roaming costs can be extortionate, so to avoid the hefty fees try to rely on free wifi whenever you can.  I turn off data roaming and search for free wifi in hostels, accommodation, even in Starbucks or McDonalds if needs be.  Even if the wifi isn’t strong enough for a WhatsApp call, you should be able to send messages for free.

The WiFi Magic app is a useful (if cheeky) way to access as much free wifi as possible during your trip.    Users upload the access passwords for wifi networks in shops, hotels, cafes and other places where you are usually required to be a customer.  I usually prefer to find open wifi signals wherever I can, but in emergencies this app could come in very handy.

Before leaving home, make sure you have an offline (or paper) copy of everything you need for your journey – flight/transport details, the address of your accommodation and directions for how to get there. 

Maps.me is another very useful app which allows you access to maps of your destination while you’re offline, so download the app before you go and download any maps you might need. 

I love foraging for free food, but I mainly stick to blackberries which grow in abundance during late summer in the UK.  I don’t know enough about picking mushrooms or wild herbs to go all out with free food but buying a foraging book for your destination could be useful.  The food available will vary depending on the season but being able to pick your own free food is such a good feeling! 

The Falling Fruit website has some spots where you can pick your own food from public land, as well as places where you can go ‘dumpster diving’ for food which is thrown away by supermarkets, cafes and restaurants. 

I haven’t done this myself, but if you have then please let me know how you get on!  As a middle ground in supermarkets, I always trawl the reduced section to find discounted food to eat that day, which can still save a bunch of cash, although sometimes the discount is negligible so compare the original price with the discount offer.

I’ve also enjoyed plenty of free meals while doing work exchanges , as at least some meals are usually included in placements, and may also be offered for other volunteering or work abroad programs. 

In smaller, rural communities you may also find that people leave out food like fruit or vegetables that they have harvested from their garden and can’t eat themselves.  In those cases, make sure to follow the instructions and leave some money in the honesty box if requested.

Use Your Friends and Family

Heritage travel.

If you are travelling to learn more about your heritage and family history then you may be able to do it for free.    

These programs are usually geared towards young people who stay with host families and have an educational trip to better understand their cultural identity.  In some cases, a portion of the airfare may be covered too.

The programs I’m aware of are: Birthright Israel , Heritage Greece , ReConnect Hungary , Birthright Macedonia , Birthright Armenia and CubaOne , although there may well be more. 

Stay with Friends or Family

One huge benefit of travelling is meeting people from around the world.  If you keep in touch with friends from previous trips, they may well offer you a place to stay or at least show you around some of their favourite haunts. 

Don’t forget to check with relatives for contacts in the area too, a lot of people will be happy to welcome you into their homes – but don’t outstay your welcome! 

Birthday, Christmas, and Wedding Gifts

If travel really is a priority for you, then for Christmas, birthdays, and other celebrations you can ask for money towards your next trip, gear to take with you, or for activities to do while you’re there. 

The best-known ‘free’ holiday is a honeymoon of course, that’s a huge perk of inviting everyone you know to the wedding – a better chance of having a dream trip all paid for!

Want More Travel Gift Ideas?

• The Best Travel Gifts for Travellers
• The Best Backpacking Gifts to Buy This Year
• Awesome Hiking Gifts for the Hiker in Your Life
• 16 Gorgeous Personalised Travel Gifts
• World Map Gifts for Map Lovers
• Campervan Gifts for Motorhome Owners
• Gift Experiences to Give Travel Lovers
• Beach-Themed Gifts for Beach Lovers
• Small Travel Gifts & Stocking Stuffers

Work to Travel

Grabr delivery of stuff.

How would you like to earn money every time you travel, just by delivering something?  And no, it’s not drugs, and yes, it is legal!  In countries all around the world, people want to buy things that aren’t available in their country.  Grabr allows people to request orders from people who are travelling who purchase the item for them and deliver it to them, without having to pay expensive postage and import costs. 

Upload your travel plans to Grabr to see requested orders on your route.  Choose the order(s) you want to deliver and arrange the details with the shoppers.  The shopper pays Grabr, who hold the payment.  You buy the item with your own money and deliver it in person to the shopper, then Grabr will release the funds to you.

It all sounds pretty straight forward, although I haven’t tried it myself, I know people who have.  Next time I set off on a trip I’m definitely going to check it out!

Language Exchanges

I only recently heard about this but am interested to give it a try.  Companies such as Pueblo Ingles and Angloville run language exchange holidays where volunteers get a free stay at one of their holiday centres in Europe.  You pay for your flights to the country, and any accommodation before the program officially begins, then everything is covered by the company.

The catch?  Speaking with the language exchange students for up to 12 hours a day.  You don’t need any teaching qualifications; you simply have to chat.  This type of program is not suitable if you want some relaxing alone time, but if you are a chatty person who has plenty of stories to share from your travels and day to day life this could be a great fit!

Student Working Holidays

Students and young people are often eligible for different visas to allow them to work and travel more freely than the rest of us, so if that’s you, take advantage of it while you can!  When I was studying at University I (as a British person) worked in the USA one summer using the J1 visa exchange program. 

I joined BUNAC’s Work America program which helped me to find a job and arrange the visa I needed to spend the summer working on a ranch in Wisconsin.  I didn’t earn a huge amount of cash, but it was enough to cover my costs for the trip and I had a great time.  It was my first solo trip and it was one hell of an adventure!

BUNAC has been running since the 1960s and can help you arrange working holidays in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, America, Germany and the UK, as well as arranging volunteer opportunities in various countries too.

Become a Digital Nomad

There are hundreds of jobs that you could do online, and work from anywhere in the world.  Even jobs which were traditionally office-based are becoming more flexible, and you can even become a digital nomad without any experience with some beginner-level online jobs.

Working online will of course require a good internet connection, so travelling while working can be a challenge in some countries.  Many digital nomads prefer to find a base for a month or two (or more), so they have a fixed base with reliable internet before moving on to the next destination.

I work full time on my travel blog which means I can work from anywhere, but you don’t need to start a blog to do that.  Writers, web designers, virtual assistants, English teachers, video editors, digital marketing, social media managers can also do that, and there are hundreds of other freelance and permanent jobs which can be easily done 100% online.

Work Abroad

Working in another country obviously isn’t a way to travel for free, but if travel is part of your job, or if your job is in another country, you can still get to travel! 

Working abroad may require a special visa, depending on where you are from and where you are travelling to, so make sure you check what is required and arrange any visas before you travel.  If you want to work with kids, you will also require additional background checks.

You can apply for a permanent job abroad, although some countries often have rules in place which give preference to people from that country, so do some research before applying.  Temporary or seasonal work may be easier to get.

A lot of temporary work abroad is in the tourism industry and can be great fun.  It is still a job though, so you will be expected to start on time, complete all the required tasks and be somewhat professional.  However, after hours, workers have chance to let their hair down and have a great time!

In days off you can explore the area and get to know the local people and culture much better than you would in a ‘normal’ trip.  Some jobs will provide accommodation, whereas others may require you to rent your own room nearby, so check on the costs for that before you accept the job. 

Some jobs are seasonal, others might be full time over the year.  You may choose to work a summer job in one place, then head to the mountains for a ski season over winter. 

There are lots of options for this type of job, you just need enthusiasm and some inspiration!

Here are some ideas for jobs you can get abroad to allow you to travel.

Teach English Abroad

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world.  For most teaching positions you will need a TELF (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification, which will give you the training and skills needed to get started.

Organisations like TEFL Org have online and in-person courses and access to job boards and other resources to help you find a job once you are qualified.  As well as placements in specific destinations, you can also teach English online from anywhere in the world.

If you enjoy working with children, getting a job as an au pair could be a great option for you.  Au pairs usually live with a family and look after the children, perhaps taking them to school, doing some housework and cooking some meals for them.  Au pairs are typically younger people from 18-26 years old as they are often eligible for student or exchange visas.

Applying for au pair jobs through an agency is probably best, as they offer more safety and security for you and the families looking for an au pair.  Check out the British Au Pair Agencies Association         in the UK or the Department of State Au Pair program in the US as a good place to start.

Work as a Tour Guide

Travel companies who run tours around the world need tour guides.  Some prefer to have guides who are locally based, so you could guide in your local area or your own country, while others have opportunities to guide tours abroad too.  Overland tour companies such as Intrepid Travel , G Adventures and Oasis Overland are a good place to start.     

Crew a Yacht

Not recommended if you suffer from sea-sickness, but if you are fond of water then working on a yacht can bag you a free adventure on the open sea.

Bar work means long hours and can be very busy and noisy.  But if you’re prepared to work hard and play hard this could be a great choice for you, especially if you can earn extra cash in tips.  

Work on a Campsite

There are various jobs on campsites that you could do – receptionist, cleaner, entertainer or kids club worker among others.  I worked on a campsite in France for the summer after I finished University and had a great time!

Work in a Hotel or Hostel

I’ve done this in several different countries, and I love it.  There are various roles you can apply for from wait staff to receptionist and more.  Speaking other languages is useful for customer-facing roles.  Learn more about working in a hostel by reading about my experience as a hostel volunteer here .

Theme Park Attendant

Theme parks, water parks and funfairs all take on extra staff for busy holiday periods.  Be prepared to spend a lot of time outdoors!

If you prefer the cold, then head to the mountains to work a ski season.  You don’t even need to ski as you can also find jobs as cleaning staff, a chalet cook or working in bars and restaurants too.

Diving Instructor

If you are a diver or are thinking about getting your PADI certificate, build on your training to become a divemaster or instructor so you can get a job in one of the hundreds of diving schools around the world.  Take a look at the PADI website for more information and inspiration to see what you could do.

Travel Hacking

If you’re a savvy shopper and always looking out for the best deals and travel hacks, then these are for you.  You’ll need to spend some money in order to get rewards in return, but it can be worth it if you find the right deal!  Travel hacking is not my forte, but here are some ideas to get you started!

Travel Credit Cards 

Generally, credit cards in the USA have much better points programs than in the UK, but it is worth doing some research.  If you can earn points by spending your day-to-day expenses on a credit card, then it really is a no-brainer, as long as you only spend what you can afford to pay.

Popular options for credit cards with great rewards include Chase Sapphire and other Chase cards in the USA, but I am not a financial advisor and am not responsible for your personal finance so be sure to do your own research before signing up for any credit card.  Remember,  don’t spend money on it if it would mean you end up in debt at the end of the month!  

Airline Rewards

If you are a frequent flyer, for example, due to your work, then airline rewards points can provide you with free flights!  You usually need to take a lot of flights to finally earn enough for a free flight, but if you can earn airline points on your credit card as well then you could end up earning enough much sooner!

Other rewards cards offer benefits such as airport lounge access which can bag you free food and drink at the airport or an upgrade.

Loyalty Programs

Similar to credit card rewards, some loyalty programs award free night stays and other benefits.

As I use Booking for all of my hotel stays I am a Genius member and also get access to special offers for up to 30% discount on rooms and other perks like free breakfast or room upgrades for some bookings, so if you travel regularly that comes in handy! >>>READ MORE ABOUT GENIUS DISCOUNTS

FIND CHEAP HOTELS  

Hotels.com offer the 10 th night free whereas large hotel chains have their own rewards cards which work in a similar way to airline points.  Even car rental companies have their own rewards programs! 

In theory, you may as well sign up for as many loyalty programs as possible but check the rules and benefits of your favourite brand’s program.  Remember that some credit cards may offer points on hotels, flights and car hire which could work out better than signing up for the individual programs as you can earn points quicker.

Cashback Websites

This isn’t exactly a way to travel for free, but it will give you free money to use towards your next trip, so why not?  Cashback websites such as QuidCo (UK) and Rakuten (USA) give you money back on purchases made via their website, which seems like a no-brainer to me. 

Search for cashback websites in your region to find a local equivalent. However, make sure you can’t find what you’re buying cheaper anywhere else before you purchase. 

Volunteer for Bumping

Flight companies assume that a certain percentage of people booked on a flight won’t show up, so they often sell more seats than they actually have available.  This means that popular routes are often over-booked, and when the people all show up and want to fly, the airlines ask for volunteers to be bumped to another flight.

If you are in a rush to get somewhere then this isn’t for you, but if you have time on your hands and a flexible itinerary, volunteers are usually offered vouchers as a thank you for giving up your seat, in addition to putting you on the next available flight.  Use your vouchers to buy a free flight next time, but accept that there is no guarantee.

A good time to try this is over peak times such as Christmas and other holiday periods.  At the gate, hang out close to the boarding gate desk so that you’re at the front of the queue when they ask for volunteers. 

Final Thoughts on How to Travel The World for Free

I truly believe that everyone should be able to travel if they want to, so I hope that these free travel tips will help you to follow your dreams and all you to travel abroad for free, or even explore your own country if you prefer.  I’ve got lots more articles on budget travel and how to travel cheap so browse the site or comment below if you need more help or advice about travelling for free!

You might also want to check out:

How to Save Money for Travel

How to Make Money While Travelling

Like this post?  Pin it to read later:

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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The Best Websites to Help You Travel for Free

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Traveling around the world is something many of us dream of. One of the biggest barriers to worldwide travel, however, is budget. Many of us believe that a life chasing wanderlust can only be achieved with high earnings, or by saving money for a long time.

Jetting around the world is actually more accessible and cheaper than you might think. Read on to find out how you can travel the world for free by using these websites.

Look After Other People's Homes and Pets

Accommodation can be a huge cost to consider when making international travel plans. Perhaps you’ve bought a plane ticket can't find affordable accommodation at your destination. The solution? Sign up for a housesitting service.

Housesitting is a great way to explore new areas rent-free, and many homes have a furry resident to keep you company—perfect if you're a solo traveler. There are hundreds of pet and homeowners around the world who are looking for people to look after their belongings and animals whilst they themselves travel.

Getting started with housesitting is straightforward. Most websites require you to set up an account, fill out a personal profile, and then undertake a few security checks to verify you as a reliable and trusted house sitter. Don’t forget to fill your profile with plenty of info about yourself, including adding some friendly selfies to increase your chance of securing a sit.

It’s worthwhile looking for certified sites, as you’ll be covered by insurance (both pet and home). Plus all household members have to undertake security checks, so you can be assured that you will be staying somewhere safe.

Here are three certified house and pet sitting websites.

TrustedHousesitters

If you love pets, TrustedHousesitters is a great place to start. Sits are available in England, Australia, South America, Asia, and more, with accommodation ranging from houses and apartments, to city or farm sits. Expect to look after all sorts of pets, from cats, dogs, and birds, to tortoises, chickens, and horses.

To become a certified member on TrustedHousesitters, you will need to provide a full profile and undertake some security checks. Couples are also welcome to sign up together under one profile, which is ideal if you're traveling with a friend or partner.

There is a registration fee, but for the money you save on accommodation, electricity, and Wi-Fi, it's a small price to pay.

House Sitters America

If you're keen to discover more of the States, then House Sitters America is the perfect site for you. Hosted exclusively for house sits in the US, sitters can choose to look after homes with or without pets.

There is a joining fee for sitters, but unlike TrustedHousesitters, some homeowners offer to pay their sitters for their services. This means that you have the potential to earn back your registration fee reasonably quickly.

Having a criminal record check and good references will also help your profile stand out amongst the competition of other sitters.

MindMyHouse

Global house sitting service, MindMyHouse, offers sits in Canada, the US, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, South Africa, and more.

Established in 2005, MindMyHouse is a great place for newbie sitters, thanks to its robust online community. It provides encouraging testimonials, helpful advice, as well as blogs and FAQs to answer any questions or concerns of new house sitters.

MindMyHouse claims the "lowest annual fee" on the internet (just $20 per year) and doesn't automatically renew. With a simple sign-up and easy-to-assemble profile, it's a great platform to use to save money on travel.

Related:  Apps for Finding Cheap or Free Places to Stay While Traveling

Work and Live Abroad as a Seasonnaire

Despite the association of university gap years and seasonal work, there isn't an age limit on becoming a seasonnaire. You can find a wide choice of paid roles that are suitable for all ages, skill sets, and experiences, with many perks and freebies included.

Not only do you have the opportunity to live like a local for free, but many employers will also pay for your flights, accommodation, and sometimes meals as part of the employee package.

For example, winter seasonnaires living in a ski resort may receive employee benefit packages which include ski lift passes and ski rental, whilst summer employees can enjoy free excursions, such as boat rides and land tours.

Seasonal work is traditionally split into summer and winter opportunities—although there are positions that span across multiple seasons—where you can find yourself living in a new country for five to six months at a time. You might find yourself taking on the role of a resort representative, kids' club activity leader, or even a tour guide.

There are several online job boards for seasonnaires, including the following.

Season Workers

Season Worker is an easy-to-use bulletin board website. Not only can you find summer and winter seasonal work on Season Workers, but there are also opportunities to undertake courses (e.g. ski instructor or cookery courses), find airline work, and even jobs teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL).

Go Abroad has been helping students travel the world since 1997. You can choose to study, teach, intern, or volunteer abroad, as well as just undertake a worldwide adventure. It offers opportunities for travel around the world, so you aren't limited by location.

Anywork Anywhere

Based in the Netherlands, the international recruitment website Anywork Anywhere offers a huge list of jobs around the world to suit all tastes and experiences. You can find a range of jobs from Au Pair and Activity Instructor positions, to fruit picking, farm, and customer service roles.

With thousands of opportunities worldwide, you're bound to meet like-minded travelers wherever you go.

Related: How to Teach English Online and Work From Anywhere in The World

Volunteer Abroad for Amazing Life Experiences

Volunteering abroad is a way to travel the world whilst getting involved in huge projects, such as helping local communities and tackling poverty. Like seasonal work, you'll meet like-minded people when you volunteer abroad.

Here are some brilliant websites that let you make a difference while traveling.

Volunteer Forever

Volunteer Forever is a comprehensive resource for finding and funding volunteer, internship, and "teach abroad" experiences. Packed with expert information, scholarship advice, and shared experiences, it's a great website to get started as a volunteer.

International Volunteer HQ

If you want to enjoy life-enriching travel experiences that also have a positive impact on a community, check out International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ). You can plan your trip based on the causes you want to help (for example, childcare, conservation, women's empowerment, or community development), or pick a country and see what projects you want to be a part of.

The stressful stuff, like securing plane tickets and booking a hotel, is taken care of by IVHQ. This way, you can fully enjoy the travel and volunteer experience.

International Citizen Service

Funded by the Department for International Development, the International Citizen Service (ICS) is ideal for candidates looking to volunteer for charity services whilst on a budget.

Volunteer placements are available for 18 to 25 year-olds, and anyone age 23 to 35 can sign up for projects as a team leader. Participants are encouraged to raise money before travel, but financial support is given by the ICS staff.

Get Ready to Travel for Less

There are plenty of opportunities and resources online to help you travel for free or on a budget. It's also always worth checking out the World Health Organization 's website ahead of travel to clue up on rules and safety advice of the country or region you're planning on traveling to.

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How to Get Free Flights (Or Close to It)

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You may have seen or heard it. At the workplace water cooler, the holiday dinner table and just about every place else you go, proud travel hackers are boasting about scoring free flights to far-off destinations.

Ready to get in on the action? Here’s everything you need to know about how to get free flights, starting with a caveat: "Free flights” aren’t usually free. You often pay at least $5.60 each way for Transportation Security Administration fees on your ticket. For certain international flights, you'll also be on the hook for fuel surcharges , which can sometimes cost around $200 each way for economy class and more than $700 each way in business class.

Now that you know award travel means “mostly” free, here are the most reliable ways to get free flights.

5 ways to get free flights

With time, strategic spending and the right credit cards, you'll be well on your way to flying at deep discounts.

1. Earn miles or points by flying your preferred airline

Sign up for an airline loyalty program (joining is free). Every time you fly the airline, you will earn miles or points that can be redeemed for free flights.

» Learn more: How do airline miles work?

The number of miles you earn varies by airline. Most award you miles based on the cash price of your ticket. For example, United Airlines’ MileagePlus program members earn 5 MileagePlus miles per dollar spent on qualifying tickets. Premier members of the program get bonus miles on top of that.

Other airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, award miles based on how far you fly. A 2,397-mile flight from San Francisco to Honolulu, for example, puts 2,397 HawaiianMiles in your loyalty program account.

You can also earn miles with your preferred airline by flying on one of its partners . For example, if you fly JetBlue, you can use your HawaiianMiles member number when booking to earn miles on Hawaiian. Or, book a flight to Paris on Air France , use your Delta Air Lines SkyMiles number when booking and you’ll earn Delta miles for your trip. Determine which airlines partner with your preferred carrier to see all your options for earning miles.

» Learn more: Plan your next redemption with our airline points tool

So how many miles do you need to rack up before you have enough for a free flight? That depends on the airline miles you collect, where you’re going and when. Search your preferred airline’s website for sample award bookings for your travel dates and other dates to see how award prices can vary.

To give you an idea of how far your miles can take you, NerdWallet keeps a regularly updated chart showing the estimated cash value of each mile or point from some major airline loyalty programs.

2. Earn miles making everyday purchases with an airline credit card

Airlines partner with financial institutions to offer airline credit cards that award your spending with miles or points deposited directly into your loyalty program account. You can earn enough points or miles for an award flight without ever buying a plane ticket with one of these credit cards.

If you want to avoid paying out-of-pocket for a credit card, several no annual fee travel cards are worth considering.

The trick is to choose an airline card that offers the most points and miles for your spending style. For example:

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

$0 intro for the first year, then $150 .

• 2 miles per $1 on United purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at restaurants and hotels (when booked directly with hotel).

• 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and on internet, cable, phone services and select streaming.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 6 points per $1 with JetBlue.

• 2 points per $1 at restaurants and grocery stores.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 1 Mosaic tile per $1,000 spent.

Before you sign up for a card, think about where you spend most of your money. Then compare credit card annual fees, and find one that fits your budget and has valuable benefits.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

3. Earn thousands of miles as a credit card welcome bonus

The fastest way to get enough miles for a free flight is to snag a credit card “ welcome bonus .” These offers typically include a big stack of points or miles, often in the tens of thousands. You earn this welcome bonus when you sign up as a new cardmember then hit a spending minimum in a set period — usually the first three months after opening.

on Citibank's application

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.

4. Earn flexible points using a non-airline credit card

Chase, American Express, Capital One, Citi and other financial institutions offer travel credit cards that pay points. You can redeem points for flights on the issuer’s travel booking site or, for some of these programs, convert your points into your favorite airline's miles. Others allow you to redeem them for a statement credit to compensate for the cost of a flight or hotel.

For example, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card earns you 1.5 points per dollar. You can use those points to book a free flight in Bank of America’s travel booking portal, or you can purchase a flight using the credit card, then apply your points for a statement credit to offset the purchase.

These flexible rewards cards give you a more comprehensive selection of airlines to choose from. But they don’t offer some perks, like free checked bags or bonus miles for buying same-brand flights with an airline's co-branded card.

Airline-branded cards work best for travelers who favor a single airline, while broader travel rewards cards are better for those who aren’t loyal to one brand.

5. Earn an airline companion pass

Some airlines offer a chance to earn a “companion pass,” which lets a second passenger fly with you for free (not including taxes or fees). For example, you can earn the Southwest Companion Pass by flying 100 one-way flights or accumulating 135,000 qualifying points through purchasing flights or spending on a Southwest credit card . The Southwest Companion Pass lets you pick one person who can fly with you on the same itinerary for the cost of taxes and fees, which start at $5.60 each way. It’s valid for the remainder of the year in which you earned it, plus the entire following calendar year. You can even change your designated companion up to three times a year.

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card also comes with a one-time-use companion fare each year, which gets your companion on a flight with you starting at just $122 (($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23).

If you want to fly for free ...

Travelers who want to join the ranks of those who get free plane tickets, plan your strategy carefully. First, consider where you’ll travel and on what airlines. Next, sign up for loyalty programs, then look at credit card welcome bonuses and other ways to earn miles. Even if you don’t make a lot of credit card charges, you can slowly work toward low-cost or nearly free airline tickets.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

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Featured posts.

Whenever I've done posts comparing the prices across different programs I've already found that JAL Miles are among the lowest, but today I'll show you how to potentially double the value of these already great miles.

As you'll see, I first try to figure out the rules preventing me from abusing maximizing this program with stopovers, stops in my home town, open-jaws, etc... Once I figure out the rules, I have ideas for loop-holes, then I do tests. Then I either find "deals", or I find a new rule.

These fundamentals are things I'm going to apply to other distance based programs as I work my way across every program, which I'm dissecting for my day job.

No one reads this site for the artful writing (-I can barely spell my name-), but I consider this unpublished rule dissection my art.

Hopefully you learn something about JAL miles that can open up an amazing trip, and learn something about program dissection.

"Drew, what in the world is an award efficiency rating, and how does British Airways Avios have one? Did you just make this up?"

Yes, I did. But get used to it! Because I'm going to be doing posts with efficiency ratings more often!

And not just British Airways Avios, but for many programs. In fact, I got the idea working on an upcoming JAL post.

So this post is really just to introduce the concept of an "award efficiency rating".

Let me explain what it is , and what cool things you can discover from it (using Avios)...

Right now I'm digging into JAL Miles and before I do a post on the best uses, I wanted to give an overview of their four award charts.

I have made condensed, easier to read charts and a map for JAL flights, and will generally explain which award chart you use for which redemption.

I also made a chart showing which chart is better under which distance range, the JAL Miles "OneWorld Award Chart" or the "Partner Award Chart".

I'll give a list of partners, and a brief overview of the rules.

I've got a big announcement... And I'm going to tell you about it, and I'm going to do it in my typical overly-honest way.

In 2010 I started a wordpress blog. In 2011 Carrie and I took our millions of miles (and little else) and booked a oneway ticket to Asia.

We really had no idea where that journey would take us. If you've followed along, you know that it took us all over the world. That journey - of full-time globetrotting and living in hotels for years - was nothing short of fantastic!

Carrie and I both wanted to redo our Hotel Rewards Program infographic and my post on the best rewards program.

The infographic does a good job of giving a visual display for the following areas:

• Number of hotels
• Which brands have the most 4/5 star hotels
• Which loyalty programs earn free nights most quickly
• Status benefits
• Best credit cards

The rest of the post will discuss some of the things not included in the infographic and more details...

I've recently been intrigued by the idea of car/RV rental relocation as a way to get cheap (or even free) trips.

That's right. You can get a rental of an RV with beds and your gas reimbursed for free (or $1 a day) for simply relocating the vehicle. Your only expense on such a trip would be airfare, food, and possibly paying for an RV campground night.

And while you can't choose just any route, there seems to be popular routes for vacationing and RVing. For example Salt Lake City to Vegas or LA... Which could be an amazing RV trip through Utah, as there are so many interesting, remote areas (like Canyonlands National Park).

In this post I'll list the best websites for finding and booking these rentals and then go over the details of a typical rental.

Finally, here is the map of Choice Hotels by points price. This is one of the last hotel chains as part of the Complete Map series (which can also be found on the Resource Page ). So be sure to check out Marriott, IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, and Radisson there as well.

Like Alaska miles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has a unique set of mileage redemptions that varies by partner, some of which are amazing deals.

In truth, I made a note to look into their partners after OneMileAtAtime booked and posted about a first class flight on ANA for 120,000 miles ... Which ended up being only 92,500 Amex MR points (due to a transfer bonus). An amazing first class deal.

But there are lots of great deals that are even better with a 30% bonus. With a 30% bonus, a oneway to New Zealand for 30,000 miles is nearly 23,000 miles. A 25,000 miles business class ticket to Africa would be 19,200. And a 10,000 mile flight to Europe would be 7,700 miles.

See all featured posts...

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45+ best free travel apps you want to download for your next trip

Does this have an app? This is me, every time I find out about some helpful resource I can use for my trips. After traveling around the world for more than 8 years now and writing an eBook about ways to travel on a low budget , I think I have tried and tested almost all the apps out there.

Yes, it’s true guys, there might be affiliate links in this awesome, free post. This means that if you decide to buy something that you find here, and you use one of my links to do so, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I plan to use the money to buy ice cream and to travel more so I can write these useful guides for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The best free travel apps will help you navigate an unfamiliar place with ease, manage to travel without speaking all languages, find better flight deals, join the cool activities you want, and even find a public toilet around.

If there’s a need for it, there’s an app for it, this is what I always say. Check them out below and see which ones you prefer!

Table of Contents

Best free navigation apps.

With so many options available when it comes to navigation, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. Luckily, there are several free navigation apps available that can help you navigate your way through unfamiliar territories. When it comes to choosing a navigation app for travel, there are several features that you should consider. So, before you hit the road, be sure to download one of these top-rated navigation apps.

Google Maps

Google Maps is undoubtedly one of the best free travel apps out there. It’s like having ALL of your father’s maps in your pocket! Not only does it provide accurate and detailed maps of any location you’re interested in, but it also offers real-time traffic updates, public transportation schedules, and even restaurant reviews.

Whether you’re exploring a new city or trying to navigate your way through an unfamiliar neighborhood, Google Maps has got you covered. Plus, with the ability to download offline maps, you can access them even when you don’t have an internet connection. You can also use Google MyMaps to save your desired locations in one go. I even have map collections to sell in my shop , this is how useful I find them.

If you’re buying any JR Pass product with my affiliate link, whether it is a train pass , a portable Wi-Fi , or the Meet & Greet package, send me a copy of your receipt at [email protected] and you’ll get my Japan Map Collection entirely for free!

Google Maps also has great coverage, with maps available for most parts of the world. You can easily search for your destination and get directions, even if you’re in a foreign country. Additionally, it provides information about nearby places such as restaurants, gas stations, and hotels, making it easy to plan your trip.

What’s cool about this app is that it’s useful to you as a driver and as a pedestrian. It gives you reliable driving information like traffic data and alternative routes, but also walkable areas and information about various places of interest like restaurants, museums, and businesses.

Waze is a free navigation app that uses real-time data to provide users with the best traffic information. It is a community-driven app that relies on user-generated data to provide accurate and up-to-date information about traffic conditions, road closures, accidents, and more.

With Waze, you can get turn-by-turn directions to your destination and receive alerts about traffic conditions along the way. The app also allows you to customize your route based on your preferences, such as avoiding toll roads or highways. As a user, you can voluntarily provide information to help other traffic participants, thus ensuring a nice environment for everyone around.

One of the best features of Waze is its ability to provide real-time information about traffic conditions. The app uses data from other users to provide accurate information about traffic congestion, accidents, and road closures. This means that you can avoid traffic jams and get to your destination faster.

A cool feature of this app that I use all the time is the notification when you are above the speed limit. It’s not 100% accurate as it cannot know the temporary limitations that appear, but for the most part, you’ll be notified if you’re above the limit. Raise your hand if you have never missed a speed limit sign before! No one? Yeah, I thought so!

If public transportation is your thing, then Moovit is one of the best all-in-one options available. This app is available across the world, making it a great choice for travelers who need to navigate unfamiliar cities. Moovit offers real-time public transit information, including bus and train schedules, as well as alerts for delays and other service disruptions. The app also provides step-by-step directions that are tailored to your specific route, so you can easily get from point A to point B.

One of the standout features of Moovit is its ability to integrate with other transportation options, such as ride-sharing services and bike-sharing programs. This means that you can easily plan a multi-modal trip that combines different forms of transportation to get you where you need to go.

In addition to its navigation features, Moovit also includes several helpful tools for public transit riders. For example, you can use the app to track your bus or train in real time, so you know exactly when it will arrive at your stop. You can also use Moovit to find nearby transit stops and stations, as well as to view maps of transit routes in your area.

While most big cities have their app that is the single source of truth, not all of them are translated into English. Having a free universal app when traveling is better than trying to understand directions in Japanese , believe me!

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Trainline is another fantastic free travel app that every traveler should have on their phone, especially if traveling within Europe. It’s the perfect tool for booking train tickets, checking train schedules, and even tracking your train in real time. With Trainline, you can easily compare prices from different train companies and find the best deals for your journey.

The cool thing about this free travel app is that it can combine tickets from multiple providers, thus giving you the best cost-effective way to travel. Whether you’re a frequent train traveler or just planning a one-time trip, Trainline is a must-have app that will make your travel experience a breeze. So next time you’re planning a train journey, make sure to download Trainline and enjoy the convenience it brings.

DiscoverCars

DiscoverCars is one of the best free travel apps if you’re looking to rent a car. With this app, you can easily compare prices from different car rental companies and find the best deals for your dates and needs. DiscoverCars also offers a wide range of car options, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

What’s more, the app also provides a 24/7 customer support service, ensuring that you always have someone to turn to in case of any issues. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just need a car for a few days, DiscoverCars has got you covered. Stop manually comparing rental companies and prices and get all of your information in one place.

If you’re a hiking enthusiast, Alltrails is the perfect app for you. With over 400,000 trails in its database, Alltrails allows you to discover hiking trails near you and around the world. The app provides detailed information on each trail, including distance, difficulty level, and elevation gain.

One of the best features of Alltrails is the trail maps. The app provides detailed maps of each trail, so you can easily navigate your way through the hike. The maps also show the elevation gain and loss, so you can prepare yourself for the difficulty of the hike. While it also has a paid plan, the free one is just enough for most people, especially when beginning their hiking journey.

Alltrails allows you to save your favorite trails and create your hiking routes. The app also allows you to record your hikes and share them with your friends. You can even download the trail maps for offline use, so you don’t have to worry about losing signal while you’re out on the trail.

Best free apps for finding cheap flights

Dollar flight club & jack’s flight club.

Dollar Flight Club is a fantastic free travel app that helps you find the best deals on flights. With this app, you can get alerts for discounted flights to destinations all around the world. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to travel but doesn’t want to break the bank.

Jack’s Flight Club is another great free travel app that helps you find cheap flights to your favorite destinations. With this app, you can get alerts for flight deals from your home airport and even book flights directly through the app. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to save money on flights.

When it comes to choosing between Dollar Flight Club and Jack’s Flight Club, it comes down to personal preference. Both apps offer similar services, but Jack’s Flight Club tends to focus more on flights starting in Europe while Dollar Flight Club is more geared towards the USA market. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which app best suits your travel needs and budget.

Both of them offer a free plan and 2 paid plans, and you can decide later if you want to upgrade. If I had to choose between the two free plans, I’d choose the one from DFC , as it sends you better deals than Jack’s Flight Club . This is, of course, my personal preference, feel free to try them both and let me know how it works for you. You can also check my recommended travel items to see what else I use for myself.

Skyscanner & Kiwi

Skyscanner is an amazing free travel app that helps you find the cheapest flights to your desired destination. With this app, you can compare prices from different airlines and even set up price alerts for specific flights. My favorite feature is the ability to leave the destination open, so your budget can actually guide your destination, but I also love the ability to choose the dates based on prices. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to save money on airfare.

Kiwi is another great free travel app that offers similar features to Skyscanner. What I particularly like about it is the map feature that’s giving you a good overview of the options you have available.

When it comes to choosing between Skyscanner and Kiwi, it depends on your travel style. Skyscanner is great for finding the cheapest direct flights while Kiwi is perfect for those who want to explore multiple destinations on a single trip. Both apps offer unique features and benefits, so it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your travel needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for a free travel app that can help you plan your next trip, then Hopper is worth checking out. This app uses advanced algorithms to analyze flight prices and predict when they will be at their lowest. You can set up price alerts for specific flights and even book your flights directly through the app.

Hopper also offers a feature called Carrot Cash which allows you to gather rewards and unlock discounts. This is perfect for traveling a lot, as you can use your rewards on any future trips. This can be applied to anything from flights to accommodation to rental cars. Now, who doesn’t want rewards?

Best free apps to book accommodation

After you booked your flights, let’s assume you don’t plan on staying on the streets. While accommodation can rarely be free, finding it doesn’t have to cost you a dime. While you might already know some of these free travel apps, I’m sure you don’t know all of them, and I’m sure there’s something helpful you can find in this section as well. Check them out below!

Booking & Agoda

Booking and Agoda are two of the best free travel apps for booking accommodations. Booking offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, and even vacation rentals. You can easily filter your search by price, location, and amenities to find the perfect place to stay.

Agoda, on the other hand, specializes in booking accommodations in Asia, and this is what I prefer it for. It offers a large selection of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in popular destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Japan . Some accommodation options are not even available anywhere else, and when comparing prices in Asia, Agoda often comes at a better price than Booking.

When it comes to choosing between the two, it depends on your travel destination and accommodation preferences. If you’re traveling to Asia, Agoda is a great option, while Booking is perfect for finding accommodations all around the world. Ultimately, both apps offer great features and benefits, so it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your travel needs.

Secret Escapes

If you’re looking for a free travel app that offers exclusive deals on luxury hotels and vacation packages, then Secret Escapes is the perfect app for you. This app provides access to hand-picked hotels and resorts around the world, with discounts of up to 60% off the regular price. You can browse through a wide range of destinations and find the perfect accommodation for your next trip. S

Secret Escapes is offering you the last available rooms at luxury locations, this being the reason they’re so heavily discounted. Believe it or not, even top hotels hate empty rooms, so they’d rather give them for a lower price than have them empty. With this app, you can enjoy a luxurious vacation without breaking the bank. So, if you’re looking for a great deal on a luxury hotel or resort , be sure to check out Secret Escapes and start planning your dream vacation today.

While most apps will offer you various rooms available at various hotels, the Roomer travel app is different. This app allows you to buy and sell non-refundable hotel reservations that you can no longer use, often at a discounted price. You can browse through a wide range of hotel reservations and find great deals on luxurious accommodations.

Roomer also offers a feature called “Explore,” which allows you to find a hotel room without specifying exact dates or destination specifics. This is perfect for anyone who has some flexibility in their travel plans and wants to find the best deals. So, if you’re looking for a way to sell your non-refundable rooms or buy one from someone else, check out this app and enjoy their portfolio.

HotelTonight

If you’re someone who loves to book last-minute trips (I know I am!), then Hotel Tonight is the perfect free travel app for you. This app offers exclusive deals on hotel rooms that are available for booking on the same day or up to a week in advance. You can browse through a wide range of hotels and find great deals on luxurious accommodations.

What’s nice about this service is their very helpful app. If you’re booking something last minute, you rarely have time to stay at a computer and book the room online. With this app, you can enjoy a spontaneous trip without worrying about finding a place to stay. So, if you’re someone who loves to travel on a whim, be sure to have HotelTonight readily available for your next trip.

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Best budgeting apps for iphone or android.

Worried about overspending? I’ve got you covered! In this section, we’ll be exploring the best budgeting apps for iPhone or Android that can help you keep track of your expenses and stick to your travel budget. These apps are easy to use and will help you stay on top of your finances while on the road. So, whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or just want to keep track of your expenses, be sure to check them out and start planning your next adventure without breaking the bank.

If you’re someone who loves to travel but hates dealing with foreign currency and high exchange rates, then Revolut is the perfect free travel app for you. This app provides a range of financial services, including a multi-currency account, a prepaid debit card, and the ability to exchange currency at one of the best exchange rates out there.

With Revolut, you can easily manage your money while on the road and avoid costly fees. The app also offers a range of other features, including budget tracking and the ability to split bills with friends. I use this app so much, I have created a special blog post all about ways to use Revolut for your travel needs . And yes, it does have a paid plan as well, but most people are absolutely fine with the free one for a long time.

If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, keeping track of expenses can be a challenge. That’s where Tricount comes in – this free travel app makes it easy to split expenses and keep track of who owes what. With Tricount, you can create a shared expense list and add expenses as you go, whether it’s for accommodation, meals, or activities.

The app will automatically calculate how much each person owes and keep a running total, and it gives you the best option to settle everything, without you having to calculate what you have to pay and to whom. Tricount also allows you to settle up directly within the app, making it easy to split the bill and avoid any awkward conversations. So, if you’re traveling with a group and want to avoid any financial headaches, be sure to download Tricount and start enjoying your trip without any worries.

TravelSpend

If you’re someone who wants (or needs) to keep track of your travel expenses in real-time, then TravelSpend is the perfect free travel app for you. This app allows you to track your expenses, create budgets, and get a clear overview of your spending while on the road. With Travel Spend, you can easily add expenses as you go, whether it’s for transportation, accommodation, or meals.

The app will automatically categorize your expenses and provide you with insights into your spending habits. Travel Spend also allows you to set a daily budget and receive notifications when you’re close to reaching your limit. So, if you’re someone who wants to stay on top of your finances while traveling, be sure to download TravelSpend and start enjoying your trip without any financial worries.

Xe currency converter

Xe currency converter is the perfect free travel app for you when traveling to a foreign country. This app allows you to easily convert currencies and get up-to-date exchange rates for over 180 currencies. With this currency converter, you can quickly calculate how much your money is worth in the local currency and avoid any confusion or surprises when making purchases.

The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to track your favorite currencies and set alerts for when exchange rates reach a certain level. So, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, be sure to download the Xe currency converter and start exploring the world without worrying about exchange rates.

Best free travel planning apps

When it comes to travel planning, I’m such a huge nerd I highly suspect this is why no one is coming on vacation with us (anymore). So sharing the absolute best free travel apps to help you plan your trip is like the holy grail for me! Let’s explore the best free apps for travel planning, from itinerary creation to sightseeing recommendations. These apps will help you plan your trip with ease and make the most of your time on the road. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, be sure to check them out and start planning your dream adventure today!

While Trello is not a travel-specific app, it can be an incredibly useful tool for organizing your travel plans. This is a free project management app that allows you to create boards, lists, and cards to keep track of tasks and ideas. You can use Trello to create a travel itinerary, track your packing list, and even keep track of your expenses.

The app allows you to collaborate with others, making it perfect for group trips or family vacations. With Trello, you can stay organized and on top of your travel plans, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing. I particularly like the fact that you can use it on any device and you can customize it for your needs. And once you have a template ready, you can reuse it forever.

The app is free to use. They have a few premium features you might be interested in, but I have managed to use it only with the free version until now. You can either create your template or use a pre-defined one like the one I created , and you can re-use it for each trip by customizing each board per your needs.

If you’re an over-planner like myself but a more visual person than a spreadsheet one, then Trello is for you!

Visit A City

If you’re someone who loves to explore new cities but hates the hassle of planning an itinerary, then Visit A City is the perfect free travel app for you. This app provides pre-made itineraries for over 1,000 cities around the world, making it easy to plan your trip and make the most of your time on the road. While it’s not perfect, and it won’t cover things that only first-hand experienced travelers can share with you, it’s a great starting point for any travel planner.

With Visit a City, you can customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences, whether it’s sightseeing, food, or culture. The app also provides useful information about each destination, including maps, restaurants, and transportation options. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to plan your next city adventure, be sure to download Visit A City and start exploring the world without any stress.

Wanderlog & TripIt & TripCase

Wanderlog is a free travel app that allows you to create a digital travel journal and share your adventures with friends and family. You can easily add photos, notes, and locations to your journal, making it the perfect way to document your trip and relive your memories. This app makes your life easy as you keep everything in one place: that random thing you read about in this blog post will be in the same app as your flight reservation number and accommodation confirmation document.

TripIt is another free travel app that allows you to organize your travel plans in one place. Simply forward your confirmation emails to TripIt, and the app will create a master itinerary for your trip. Its special feature is the integration with SAP Concur, so if you’re traveling often for business purposes, this is the app for you!

TripCase is a similar app that allows you to organize your travel plans, including flight information, hotel reservations, and rental car bookings, but it also caters to travel management companies, so you can share some of your tasks with a travel agency, for example. Getting more information about this app is quite hard without an account though, so first decide if it’s really useful to you before you sign up for it.

When it comes to choosing between Wanderlog, TripIt, and TripCase, it depends on your travel needs. If you’re someone who just needs to organize their collected data and share it with others, then WanderLog is the perfect app for you. If you’re looking for a way to organize your travel plans and keep everything in one place, then TripIt and TripCase are both great options. TripIt is perfect for business travelers who need to keep track of multiple itineraries, while TripCase is great for leisure travelers who want to stay on top of their travel plans. Ultimately, all three apps offer great features and benefits, so it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your travel needs.

Roadtrippers

If you’re someone who loves to hit the open road and explore new destinations, then Roadtrippers is the perfect free travel app for you. This app allows you to plan your road trip, find the best routes, and discover new destinations along the way. With Roadtrippers, you can easily add stops to your itinerary, whether it’s for sightseeing, food, or just a place to refuel and rest.

The app also provides useful information about each destination, including photos, reviews, and ratings. Roadtrippers also offers a feature specifically for RV-ers, so your trips will be curated for your needs and special requirements. So, if you’re looking for a way to plan your next road trip and discover new destinations, be sure to download Roadtrippers and start exploring the world on four wheels. And if you’re interested in their paid plans, use code “ BTR5QTP ” to get $5 off!

Google sheets

I know, I know, this is just too basic, it’s not even a real app! But if you’re the sort of person that visualizes things better in tables rather than a nice UI, hear me out. While Google Sheets is not a travel-specific app, it can be an incredibly useful tool for organizing your travel plans. This free spreadsheet app allows you to create and customize spreadsheets to keep track of your travel expenses, itinerary, and packing lists.

With Google Sheets, you can easily share your spreadsheet with others, making it perfect for group trips or family vacations. The app also allows you to access your spreadsheet from any device, making it easy to update your plans on the go. And if you’re a bit savvy with these things, you can even implement formulas and calculations to help you plan with ease. With Google Sheets, you can stay organized and on top of your travel plans, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.

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Top free travel apps for flights, apple or android wallet.

This might seem like such an easy thing, but I’m amazed at least once a month that not everyone knows about it already. Apple or Android Wallet is the perfect free travel app for any traveler. This app allows you to store your credit cards, boarding passes, and other travel documents conveniently on your phone.

With Apple or Android Wallet, you can easily access your travel documents and make purchases without having to fumble through your wallet or purse. The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to store loyalty cards and gift cards. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to store your travel documents and make purchases on the go, be sure to use Apple or Android Wallet on your next adventure.

Miles apps from airlines

Miles & More and similar free apps allow you to earn and redeem miles for flights and use them to get free flights, upgrades, and lounge access. These apps are perfect for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards for their travels, especially if you mostly use the same airline or airlines within the same alliance.

Miles & More is just one example of a loyalty program app, as many airlines and alliances have their loyalty programs with similar apps. These apps allow you to earn and redeem rewards, track your progress, and access exclusive offers and promotions. While your miles can technically be tracked without the app, it’s easier for you to check your status if you have this handy tool available.

Airline apps

Airlines apps are a must-have for any traveler, as they allow you to access important information about your flight, including flight status, gate changes, and boarding times. These apps also allow you to check in for your flight and access your boarding pass directly on your phone, making the airport experience much smoother and more efficient.

Many airlines also offer additional features on their apps, such as the ability to track your baggage, book flights, and access exclusive offers and promotions. I can go even further and tell you that gate changes and delays are sometimes found easier in the app than in the airport, so your app might tell you what the check-in employee doesn’t even know yet. And if you have to rebook your flight because of a cancelation, you’ll have an easy way to do so. Check out below my helpful PDF with ways to avoid delayed and missed flights and learn more handy tips like this one!

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FlightRadar24

For those situations when you need to track flights and stay up-to-date on flight information, the FlightRadar24 app is the perfect free travel app for you. This app allows you to track flights in real-time, see flight paths, and get up-to-date information on flight status, delays, and cancellations. With FlightRadar24, you can easily search for flights by flight number, airline, or airport, making it easy to find the information you need.

The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to view airport information and weather conditions. So, if you’re looking for a way to stay on top of your flight information and avoid any surprises at the airport, be sure to download FlightRadar24 and check out all the cool information it provides.

Have you ever thought you had a great seat for a long-haul flight, but then arrived on the aircraft and you were next to the restroom, and your seat was not reclining? If you would have known about SeatGuru, your life would have been much better. This app provides detailed seating charts for over 1,000 airlines, allowing you to find the best seats on your flight.

With SeatGuru, you can easily search for your flight and view the seating chart, which includes information about legroom, seat width, and other amenities. The app also provides useful information about each airline, including baggage fees, in-flight entertainment, and food options. So, if you’re looking for a way to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable flight, be sure to download SeatGuru and find the best seats on your next flight.

If you have ever experienced flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking, then AirHelp is the perfect free(mium) travel app for you. This app helps you claim compensation for flight disruptions, such as delayed or canceled flights. With Airhelp, you can quickly check if you’re eligible for compensation, file a claim, and track the progress of your case. The app also provides useful information about your rights as a passenger, including compensation amounts and airline regulations.

Yes, they do take a commission if they get you the compensation, but this is paid only in case of success so you’re not paying unless you’re compensated. They also have a yearly subscription you can buy that gets you the full amount in case of disputes, so you might want to check this out as well. Otherwise, the freemium version is good as well. No matter what, if you’ve experienced a flight disruption, even in the last 3 years, and want to claim compensation, be sure to download Airhelp and get the compensation you deserve.

Sandeman Tours

Are you a history buff like myself? Are you passionate about history and culture? If so, then Sandemans Tours is the perfect free travel app for you. This app offers a range of free walking tours in cities around the world, led by local guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and insights. With Sandemans Tours, you can easily book your tour, meet your guide, and explore the city’s top landmarks and hidden gems.

The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to access your tour information offline and receive instant confirmation. While the tours are not exactly free, as you usually offer the guide a small tip at the end, you decide how much you pay based on the quality of the tour, and the guides are usually really helpful and nice.

Want a scratch map but have nowhere to display it? While this is one of the coolest ways to display travel souvenirs, sometimes your situation doesn’t allow for this creative outlet. Well, let me introduce Skratch, your online scratch map! This cool little app allows you to save various maps, from the places you’ve already seen to the ones you’d like to add to your bucket list.

With unlocking features that allow a bit of fun gamification and ways to organize your travel memories like photos and video, Skratch might just become your cute way of keeping up with all of your trips like it’s a long-forgotten photo album. Check it out when you have a chance!

Top useful travel apps

Aren’t all these apps useful? Well, yes, but this is the section where I put all the apps that didn’t fit anywhere else, but are still important. Because no matter how well you plan everything, and how organized you are with your documents and your flight information, you’ll need the following travel apps as well.

Instabridge

Please raise your hand if you have ever depended on the free Wi-Fi from Starbucks while on a trip. Yeah, me too! Instabridge is an app created for people like us. This app allows you to easily find and connect to free Wi-Fi networks in your destination, making it easy to stay connected without using your data plan. With Instabridge, you can easily search for Wi-Fi networks by location, view Wi-Fi maps, and connect to the networks directly through the app.

The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to save your favorite networks and receive notifications when you’re near a Wi-Fi hotspot, plus you can choose to buy an eSIM from them if you’re really in need of internet on the go (although I recommend AirAlo for this service). Please keep in mind though that these types of networks are not the safest in the world, so don’t share any sensitive information while using this feature. Check out my other ways to keep your valuables safe while traveling here to know more.

Excuse me, do you know where the toilet is? This is me literally every time I’m out. And to not have to learn this phrase in too many languages, I have found an online solution for it: the Flush app, for both Apple and Android . Because you know what? I cannot be the only one doing all sorts of less-than-healthy things to avoid needing to use the restroom while away. So this app might sound stupid, but it’s OMG so useful!

Timeshifter

Picture this: you’re in Japan, you finally arrived after a 12-hour flight, and you’re scrolling aimlessly on your phone at 3 AM. I don’t have to picture it, I have lived it! And it’s about as bad as it sounds. And you’ll find all sorts of information on how to handle jet lag, but keeping track of which direction you’re flying to and what time you’re landing and all of that may be way too much work for what’s supposed to be a vacation.

So, enter Timeshifter! This cool app will tell you exactly what you need to do to minimize the jet lag impact on your body. It’ll tell you when to go to sleep, when to stay exposed to plenty of sunshine, when to avoid caffeine and it can even help you choose if you want to use melatonin or not. Especially if you’re traveling a lot for work, check out this app to help you enjoy your trips more.

Google Translate & DeepL

A classic, of course, but it has to be mentioned. Google Translate is an app you want for any international trip, as it can help you get around a foreign country. It has cool features like using the camera to “read” a text, translating live conversations, and being able to save the languages offline, so you can access them even when you don’t have internet available.

DeepL is my favorite translation app, but this is just a matter of preference. Their solution is more accurate than Google Translate, but it covers fewer languages and they don’t offer the offline language option. I would say DeepL is better if you need high-precision information like if you’re reading a contract, but if you just want to translate a menu at a restaurant (and you don’t have allergies), you can go by Google Translate.

Headed to Paris and you want to order your coffee in French? Then start practicing with Duolingo and be bullied daily into doing your 5 minutes of exercise. I’m not joking, the gamification features of this app are borderline bullying, but hey, there’s nothing like a shaming owl to make you practice your French now, isn’t it?

The app is pretty basic, so don’t expect to be able to read Moliere after using it for a week (for more advanced language classes you can check out Babbel+ , even though this is not free), but you’ll learn enough to get by for a short while, and at least you can prove that you tried. In the end, no one expects a traveler to speak the language of the country they’re visiting, so any effort from your side is appreciated.

When going on vacation, take half of the things and double the money, they say. But sometimes, that’s just wasteful to choose to buy new stuff when you have perfectly good stuff at home. So, to keep your packing lists in order, and to get helpful information on what to pack for various destinations and occasions, check out Packpoint.

While you can mostly get away with a Notes app for your packing list, PackPoint is also providing you with helpful recommendations based on the information you provide, like the destination, season, and occasion you are going to. It’s very simple to use and it simplifies your life a lot, especially if you’re packing for more than one person.

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Tunnelbear vpn.

Especially if traveling in “exotic” places. where you know information is either censored or influenced, it’s better to use a VPN to protect your data. I give more details about this in my travel safety post, but the short story is: use a VPN as much as possible when away.

While there are many paid options available everywhere (like NordVPN , for example), there’s also a free version called TunnelBear VPN. It’s free for the first 500 Mb, so don’t get excited, but hey, free is free! And it might just be enough for your needs really, so check it out when you have a chance.

To tip or not to tip? This is the real question! I don’t know about you, but where I come from, you tip most people from the service industry at a rate of about 10% of the bill. Where I live now, you can leave a few euro as a tip for your waiter, but it’s not mandatory, and you rarely tip another service provider. In Japan, you don’t have to tip, and they’ll even follow you on the street to give you the money you “forgot” on the table. And in the US, well, we all know how that goes. So, how do you decide?

So you don’t have to panic about this, you can use GlobeTips. It not only calculates how much you own so you don’t have to do the mental gymnastics yourself, but you can also scan the bill using your camera and calculate how much each person from the table should add when paying. This is a lifesaver after you’ve had a couple of beers in Germany, you know?

Metric conversions

Yes, the world indeed would be a better place if we would all use the same units, for example, the metric system and Celsius for the temperature. USA-ers, please don’t throw tomatoes at me, you guys know that comparing things with football fields is not a good use of your time and energy. But it’s not my place to change the world so, maybe use an app instead?

This simple app will help you with all of your conversion needs. No matter if you need to calculate how long that 300 km trip will take or if you want to understand how to dress tomorrow based on the temperature, this app will help you without judging.

What’s one of the best parts about a trip? Eating all the food, am I right? If you’re one of the people that like to book tables to ensure they will att at the best restaurants around, TheFork is the app for you. The app offers not only reviews but also the option to book a table and discounts for certain restaurants around the world. It is majorly used in Europe, but hey, if we use it long enough, it will spread to other parts of the world as well.

SmartTraveler & Emergency app

Developed by public organizations, safety apps are a must for any international traveler. While most of them are developed with US Americans in mind, I think most countries have developed their app for their citizens, with important information like alerts and embassy information. I cannot realistically link to all of them so you’ll have to check them out yourself, based on where you’re from and where you’re going to.

Also, keep in mind that sometimes you should also download local safety apps from your destination. Japan is one of the countries where you should be aware of earthquakes and tsunamis, so downloading their app is a good way to be prepared. A short Google search for “best apps for ” will bring you this information for sure.

Global Blue

One of my favorite budget tips (by the way, did you know I wrote an eBook with tips to travel on a low budget ?) is to get a tax refund when shopping abroad if you have the option to do so. While some stores will do this on their own, plenty of them will use Global Blue for this.

And yes, Global Blue is keeping a part of your refunded money for the trouble, but in some situations, you would never get a refund if they wouldn’t exist. It’s usually the store’s choice how they want to handle this so realistically, you cannot influence it. But less money is better than no money, you know?

Want to travel more without increasing your budget? Check out my eBook on ways to travel on a low budget and make it happen!

Yes, it’s called that. I mean, you can choose any weather app really, or you can use the default one most phones have already, but why not make a boring subject like the weather a bit more fun? With this app, you’ll find out the weather and the latest burns in one go. Now, isn’t that something you need on a rainy day?

The best free travel apps – The takeaway

I hope you found this post useful as much as I loved writing it. Having the best free travel apps nicely explained like this will be helpful for all of my future trips, and I hope they will for you as well. From finding a room for a very good price to being sure you are safe at all times, these apps will make your life easier and your trips better, and I’d be happy to know I helped with that.

And you know what else would help you on your future trips? These little-known tips to help you avoid delayed and missed flights and reduce your chances of lost luggage. Because there are things you can do to avoid it, and you want to be the one to know.

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Last-minute summer travelers are finding the best deals in years

Held off on taking a summer vacation? You may still be able to squeeze in one on the cheap.

Record numbers of travelers have been flooding airports since the pandemic, but U.S. airlines now face a surplus of empty seats after racing to add capacity. Many are slashing prices to fill them, making bargain flights more readily available than they have been in years, travel agents and industry experts say.

“Deals are easier to find this summer since prices are already so low,” said Hayley Berg, lead economist at the travel booking site Hopper.

Flights overall were at least 5% cheaper as of June than the year before, government inflation data shows. Hopper estimated domestic airfares for August are down about 6% since a year ago, and it flagged supercheap domestic round-trip deals this month — like $69 for Chicago to Baltimore and $82 for New York to Nashville.

And it’s not just airfares — costs are cooling off for car rentals and hotel rooms too. They were down roughly 6% and 3% year over year, respectively, in the federal data and are now about flat in most cities on Priceline.

For clients with a little flexibility in their travel dates, I’ve been able to get very low airfare for last-minute trips.

Ashley D’Aristotile, owner of Flyaway Travel

The discounts expand the map for late-season travelers and coincide with a broader value push this summer . Restaurant chains from McDonald’s to P.F. Chang’s are dangling promotions to hang on to frugal customers. The gambit is largely working , with major retailers’ recent sales helping prop up consumer spending and the economy as a whole .

Vacation-planning procrastinators are having better luck this year.

On July 26, Debra Banton, 61, and her 26-year-old daughter Rachel booked a trip overseas departing in two weeks.

“We usually plan way in advance, never last minute,” said Banton, who lives in Charleston, South Carolina. But Rachel works full time while attending school, leaving little down time, and since she’s never been to Europe and is getting married next May, they figured now’s their best shot.

“With just four weeks’ planning time, I was able to secure the last few rooms at some fabulous resorts in Greece and get them a great deal on business-class air to Athens,” said Kimberly Hilliard, their Annapolis, Maryland-based travel adviser with Front Porch Travel.

While prices typically come down heading into the fall, the current end-of-summer season is a “unique window” for travelers who haven’t booked far in advance, said Jesse Neugarten, the CEO and founder of Dollar Flight Club.

The flight alert site said the average international airfare from the U.S. over the next three months is $401, and the average domestic flight costs $212 — collectively down an average of 29% from the same period a year ago.

“For clients with a little flexibility in their travel dates, I’ve been able to get very low airfare for last-minute trips,” said Ashley D’Aristotile, the owner of Orlando, Florida-based Flyaway Travel.

Lousson Smith, a flight expert at the travel site Going, agrees: “At this point in the summer, if you’re flexible, you can find something really nice under $150 nonstop from major markets, but anything under $200 this late in the game is a decent deal.”

While the costs of U.S. flights to Europe soared during the post-pandemic travel boom, Hopper estimates international airfares have fallen 9% since last summer. Round trips from Boston to Dublin, for example, have been going for as low as $415 this month, Hopper said, and there are $461 options between Chicago and Paris.

Domestically, the Southeast is seeing some of the best bargains, according to Priceline, with both Miami and Nashville making its “most affordable” list for August.

“For families who still have several weeks before school officially begins, you can take advantage of lower prices in some Southern states like Florida and Tennessee,” said Christina Bennett, a consumer travel expert at Priceline.

When it comes to accommodations, “markets and individual hotels will be looking to fill their rooms by offering last-minute deals and discounts,” said Jan Freitag, national director of hospitality analytics for CoStar Group, a real estate data firm.

“In general and on average, room rates are not up a whole lot,” and occupancy is down in some cities, he said. The average daily room rate in June was up just 1.5% year over year — lower than the overall inflation rate of 3% — and ticked down even further, to a 1.3% annual increase in the last week of July, CoStar data shows.

The availability seems unusual for this time of year … and many hotels are throwing in extras.

Chirag Panchal, founder of Ensuite Collection

But bargain hunters will need to be nimble, Freitag said: “A deal may be offered on Wednesday for that Saturday, so the question is: What is your appetite for booking ahead or booking last minute?”

Chirag Panchal, founder of the Dallas-based travel company Ensuite Collection, said that type of appetite has been strong lately.

“The availability seems unusual for this time of year, and I’ve been receiving a lot more last-minute travel requests than usual,” he said. “We’re seeing great availability in places like Colorado and New York City, and many hotels are throwing in extras such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, special amenities for kids and extra nights for free.”

If you’re ready to go and have a few destinations in mind, experts suggest signing up for one of the free fare-alert services offered by various travel platforms so you can act fast. Or use a tool like Google Flights to search for the cheapest destinations from your nearest airport. And while travel agents charge their own fees, many get access to reduced fares and packages that may not be available on booking sites.

But don’t worry if you can’t sneak in a summer vacation before August wraps. After all, the season doesn’t officially end until three weeks after Labor Day, and many travel promotions look set to continue.

“I’m finding quite a few locations offering discounted packages moving into September,” said Jennifer Byrne, CEO of the Tropical Travelers, an agency in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Harriet Baskas is an NBC News contributor who writes about travel and the arts.

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Scottish government ends free bus travel for asylum seekers: 'Disappointing and devastating'

Free bus travel boosted mental health and integration for asylum seekers, refugee organisations said. But the Scottish government has ended a £2million pilot

Asylum seekers were given free bus travel in Scotland under a pilot scheme. Image: V267 ESX/Flickr

Refugee organisations have criticised the Scottish government’s “disappointing and devastating” decision to end free bus travel for asylum seekers.

The scheme provided a “glimpse of hope for the future” for asylum seekers, said the leader of one charity, as the government decided to end a pilot which had run since October 2023.

Free travel reduced isolation, enhanced integration, and improved health and wellbeing for asylum seekers – who are unable to work and survive on less than £50 a week – said Ekta Marwaha, chief executive of Refugee Sanctuary Scotland.

“It is concerning and disappointing to hear this news today and we are sorry to all the asylum seekers who had been shown a glimpse of hope for the future,” Marwaha told the Big Issue.

STATEMENT ON FREE BUS TRAVEL We are extremely disappointed with the announcement by the Scottish Government to scrap the commitment to implement the Free Bus Travel pilot scheme for people seeking asylum in Scotland. @scotgov @FionaHyslop pic.twitter.com/8f2BcL5a09 — Maryhill Integration Network (@Maryhill_IN) August 19, 2024

Announced in October 2023 with £2m of funding, Scotland’s initiative inspired similar calls across the country. Oxfordshire County Council was considering bus travel for asylum seekers as of June , with one Green Party councillor branding it “performative cruelty” to deny them a bus pass.

A campaign in London has pushed Sadiq Khan to adopt a similar policy, and at a protest in February asylum seekers told the Big Issue they had missed dental appointments and struggled with education as they were unable to travel.

Scotland’s is not the only government-backed scheme to be rolled back. In Wales, a “Welcome Ticket” scheme for buses and trains which had run since March 2022 ended on 31 March – but the Welsh government said it planned a future replacement.

“This decision will have a significant negative impact for people seeking asylum in Scotland. For some, it was a last ray of hope under such difficult and hostile policies,” said the Maryhill Integration Network on X as it shared the news.

The Big Issue has contacted Transport Scotland for comment.

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more . Big Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the  App Store  or  Google Play .

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• public transport

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