Five Ways to Start Traveling for Free

I got paid to see the world—and I loved it. Here are ways some savvy people pay next to nothing for flights, accommodations, tours and car rentals.

Published July 18, 2024

What ways have you discovered to save money on travel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” It’s a quote that, while cited as anonymous, rings true for many. Travel has the power to transform and renew us. From interacting with other cultures and taking in new landscapes, to simply being able to step outside our norm. But, on the downside of that, globetrotting can come with a hefty price tag at times—causing many to miss out.

Luckily, there are now ways to get away for less or even for free. While they may require a little work from you, the end result might worth it. I can certainly say, from personal experience, that packing up to move abroad and teach English in South Korea for a year was the best decision I made for myself in my early thirties. That experience not only transformed me, but it allowed me to also see seven other countries—Cambodia, Vietnam and the Maldives to name a few —that I likely would have never seen, if I had not already been on that side of the world.

So, if you’re ready to add more stamps to your passport or just simply take a much-needed vacation, here are 5 ways to see the world for free.

Teacher and Schoolgirl Exchanging High-Five in Classroom

Teach English abroad

While many recent college grads use this option as a gap year to “figure out life”, there is no age limit on when you can do this. There are programs all over the world, with some of the more popular ones happening in South Korea, China, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). You can browse sites like ESL Cafe, English First and TEFL to find job openings around the world. Requirements for one to teach English abroad include: a four-year college degree, being a resident of an English-speaking country (USA, Canada, South Africa, or the UK), and a clean federal background check. Some countries may also require you to possess a certified teaching certificate.

As for the perks, you might be provided with free housing (usually a single apartment or a stipend to use toward an apartment), a monthly salary and health insurance, and several weeks of paid time off which means more opportunities to travel during your breaks.

Black Woman Cuddles with her dog at home

House sit or pet sit

Some avid travelers have made an entire lifestyle out of it. The perk of this is, you can seek out available opportunities in a city or country that may be on your travel bucket list and receive free housing in exchange for your time and services.

Websites like MindMyHouse, Nomador and TrustedHouseSitters post listings often, but keep in mind, there is typically a membership fee for those who want to receive and apply for openings. Review the terms carefully. If travelling abroad, be sure to investigate whether you may need a work visa.

Use credit card rewards or airline miles

A travel hack that has become very popular among millennials. With most travel credit cards today, anytime you spend money on everyday purchases (coffee, groceries, gas, etc.) you can accrue rewards points or even airline miles that can be redeemed or used toward flights, hotels, experiences and even car rentals. Which could mean little to no money out of your pocket to travel.

Most major US airline carriers (Delta, America, United, etc.) offer their own branded cards, or you can apply through financial institutions like Chase, Capital One, and Barclays or hotel brands like Hilton, IHG and Marriott. There is no real trick other than reading the fine print to determine which card and its rewards/perks best suit your needs and your life.

Host a group trip

Many would-be travelers sit out because of concerns about traveling alone. But that’s becoming thing of the past thanks to the explosion of group trips. There are now companies that will allow folks to make money in exchange for taking the time to plan, curate and lead group trip. If you see an outfit that interests you, consider asking if they are looking for excursion leaders. Or you can utilize a travel agent to plan things that way. The host’s travel (airfare, hotel, transportation, etc.) is typically covered through the attendees’ fees.

So, if you love hosting in general, you might round up your text group chat or a group of sistah girls with common interests and plan a vacation.

Volunteer

If you have a deep passion for giving back, you can also do so in exchange for free housing accommodations and meals in another country. Volunteering abroad, AKA voluntourism, is the perfect way to make a difference while immersing yourself in another culture. Volunteers are often asked to work five days for about four to five hours each day. Each opportunity varies, though, so you’ll want to read the details to make sure it's right for you.

You can sign up for memberships on websites like Volunteer World, HelpStay or Workaway to receive the latest volunteering opportunities directly to your email inbox.

As an avid traveler and someone who likes to save money where I can, I love searching out what’s frugal or free. Moving abroad to teach English was the best decision I ever made, and now I’m coming to appreciate accruing airline miles just by making purchases on things I already pay for—like my oat milk vanilla lattes.

What ways have you discovered to save money on travel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

DeAnna Taylor is a criminal defense attorney turned travel writer, author, and senior level editor. The Charlotte, NC native has touched all 7 continents, traveled to over 40 countries, and even lived and worked in South Korea. Her passion lies in educating others on how to see the world. IG: @brokeandabroadlife.