The Ultimate Guide To Getting Free Travel: Tips, Tricks, And Hacks

Traveling more is on the wish list of millions around the world. Traveling helps to increase your happiness level, exposes you to new cultures, and lets you disconnect from your regular schedule for a while. But unfortunately, it can be costly.

The larger costs of flight, rental cars, and accommodation are increased by extras such as food and drink, admission prices, travel insurance, TSA precheck, and insurance. So, it's understandable that many people put off their travel dreams for years at a time thinking they are unattainable.

But it is actually a lot easier to travel cheaply or travel for free than you may think! There are several travel tips and hacks you can start using to snag cheap flights and hotel stays right away.

How to Travel Cheap in 2023

The main way to make your travel life easier and cheaper is to be creative in your approach. If you are willing to do the research and try the workarounds, you could find yourself saving thousands of dollars in your yearly travel costs.

There is a wide range of apps and websites out there that will help you to lower travel expenses and even help you find ways to generate money while your travel! It's all about being flexible and creative in your approach!

Some of the best travel and life hacks will allow you to score free transport, hotel stays, or accommodation and reduce your living costs while abroad.

In the article below we will tell you everything you need to know about quick and simple tips to make your budget travels easier and less stressful in the future.

Consider Temporary Employment Overseas

If you are fed up with your current location and want to switch things up while experiencing other cultures, you could look into getting a temporary job abroad. There are thousands of opportunities out there, and you aren't making a long-term commitment - you are just earning money to pay for your travel and future trips if you choose to move on.

Here are some jobs to consider if you want to lower your costs while experiencing life abroad:

Bar Tender - If you already have experience, then there are plenty of places all over the world that would love to make use of your skills. And you are always likely to be able to find work somewhere else when you want to move on. Alternative roles include dishwashing or waiting on tables.

Child care/ Au Pair - If you are good with kids, you can apply for work as an au pair. This role involves moving into a family home abroad, caring for the kids, and helping out with the housework. In exchange, you'll get room and board and a conservative salary.

Tour Guide - Make the most of your language and communication skills by applying to be a tour guide in your country of choice. If you are confident, outgoing, and comfortable talking to large groups, this could be the perfect option.

Hostel Work - Turnover in travel hostels is usually pretty high as workers move on to travel elsewhere, so there is always a high demand for staff. The bonus of staying here is that you will also be able to develop friendships with fellow travelers while staying in the hostel for free! Check Workaway or Worldpackers for work and volunteer opportunities.

Working on a Yacht or Cruise Ship - If you don't suffer from sea sickness and have some service work experience then getting a job on the crew of a cruise or yacht may be a great option. You'll be able to experience fantastic destinations on your time off (but be prepared for long hours on your feet.)

These job options won't be high paid and you may have to spend a lot of time making sure that other travelers have enough ice cubes, drinks, or pillows. But, if you are looking for a realistic way to pay your bills while abroad, you can consider taking this route.

Getting jobs is a straightforward way to lengthen the period of time you can travel and support your food and accommodation costs as you move around the world.

Become an English Teacher

One of the most popular ways for English speakers to earn money while overseas is to get a job teaching their native language. You will need to have native fluency in the language, and possibly a TEFL degree.

Schools all over the world have a high demand for English teachers. And you may even find that some organizations in Asia are willing to cover both your travel and accommodation costs if you teach for them!

Farm Work

If you are physically fit and enjoy working outdoors, then farm work will allow you to enjoy free room and board in a destination of your choice. You will have to pay to travel to the farm, but once there living costs are low and you have the opportunity to truly gain a local perspective of the place you are staying in!

The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms website has opportunities in more than a hundred countries including Australia, Costa Rica, and Hawaii.

Use Sharing Apps and Websites

Cut your costs and meet new people by taking advantage of the wealth of sharing economy opportunities around the world. You'll be able to enjoy local home-cooked meals, get travel tips from local drivers, and even babysit pets in exchange for free accommodation!

Trusted House sitters will connect you with homeowners looking for pet/house sitters. RVShare and Campspace will help you to access cheaper accommodation. And BlaBlaCar will let you ride share with local drivers with a spare seat!

Travel By Rail

If you are planning to travel in Europe, by far the most cost-efficient way to get around is rail. You can invest in a Eurail Pass which will work out much cheaper than buying a ticket each time you plan to take a trip. It may take longer to arrive at your destination than flying, but you'll have a lot more spending money spare when you arrive!

Stay in Hostels and Dorms

Unless you have been steadily building up points on a hotel travel credit card, you are unlikely to be able to snag many free hotel stays while you travel. But that doesn't mean that you can't cut costs significantly by opting to sleep in a hostel or shared dormitory.

Whether you feel comfortable sleeping in a room full of strangers is an individual choice, and you may decide this isn't the best option for you. But it is a definite way to limit the strain on your travel funds.

Use Travel Credit Cards to Get Free or Cheaper Flights and Hotel Stays

If you are planning your travel far enough in advance, then applying for a travel credit card is one of the easiest ways to go about saving money for travel. If you pick the right card, you'll be able to build up points towards your flights and accommodation every time you pay for groceries, dining, and online shopping.

You won't have to do anything other than use the card for your everyday spending (you can build up points quicker by buying items for friends and family to reimburse in cash.) And most cards will give you a hefty points bonus if you hit spending targets within the first few months!

Cards to consider include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• American Express® Gold Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Takeaway - The Ultimate Guide to Getting Free Travel: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

Traveling the world doesn't have to be a budget-busting exercise or solely for the super-rich. If you are willing to research, work and get creative, then there are plenty of ways to save money and get traveling in 2023.