We’ve all said it before—traveling the world is expensive. But now more than ever it’s possible to travel for free. It’s just not going to be exactly glamorous.
Thanks to instant communication, social networks, and new travel trends, being near-broke doesn’t stop curious backpackers, volunteers, and seasoned work-away connoisseurs. Here are some of the unique ways people travel for free, or even get paid to.
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Couch surfing
Sleeping on a complete stranger's couch is certainly one of the weirdest things I've done in order to see a new city. But using it smartly became my favorite method of free travel.
Booking a stay on couchsurfing.com feels more like an opportunity to share stories (and a roof) with a fellow nomad than a death wish, since many of its user-rated hosts are former backpackers, bilingual tutors, or seasoned jetsetters looking to give back to the travel community they know and love. That's not to say there aren't bad eggs or fake profiles—but a Google or Facebook search, some review scouring, and trusting your gut can go a long way when it comes to couch surfing.
BlaBlaCar
If couch surfing doesn't sound completely crazy to you, its car-share counterpart, BlaBlaCar, might also be of interest. This app is popular outside of the U.S. and lets individuals with large cars charge fellow travelers for seats in an effort to save gas money and the environment.
Rides between bustling cities like London and Manchester go for as low as £10 (about $14.49, check XE.com for current rates), but it's not abnormal for free seats to open up as well. Some people just don't want to drive alone, and loneliness is sometimes the key to free travel, apparently. Search or charge for rides on their website or in the app, available on iOS and Android.
Work at a hostel
Living and and working in a gritty hostel isn't everyone's dream job, but it'll pay for your travel habit. SmarterTravel's Caroline Morse once worked in a hostel in Ireland for eight months, and describes the experience as equal parts work and play.
"You get to meet lots of different people from all over the world. The schedule is usually designed so you work a lot of days on and have a lot of days off," Morse says. "Instead of five days on, two days off, it's more like seven on and seven off, so you have time to travel."
Websites like Hosteljobs.net act as a board for jobseekers and hiring hostels alike. From work-exchange and live-in opportunities to bartending gigs at hostel parties, there's plenty to choose from.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider