Whoever said that traveling isn’t cheap simply didn’t know where to look. Of course, an all-inclusive tropical getaway in the Bahamas can be pretty pricey, but there are plenty of hidden opportunities to satisfy your wanderlust without draining your bank account.
If you’re willing to put in a little volunteer work or help out a local community, these options can help you explore dozens of countries for no cost—in some cases, you might even get paid!
Whether you want to stay for a few days or a few months in a different country, there are a few sites where you can find free boarding in exchange for your work. The Working Traveller, for instance, is a website that lists thousands of job openings around the world. Workers can build up their resume while traveling anywhere their heart desires, and they can enjoy free boarding from a verified host family.
Workaway is a similar site for travelers who would like to learn more about the culture of the region they’re visiting. Typical users of Workaway will put in a few hours of work every day in exchange for free food and accommodation. Right now, there are over 30,000 hosts on the site from 180 different countries, each offering unique lodging and employment options.
WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. If you love the outdoors and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty, definitely check out this website! WWOOF is a program that welcomes travelers and offers free room and board in exchange for help around an organic farm.
Although all volunteers are responsible for obtaining background checks prior to their travels, it’s a small price to pay for such a unique experience. You’ll be able to help out a family produce high-quality food, learn about the culture from the local residents, and staying on a farm will give you a much-needed break from crowded, noisy, and tourist-packed cities. This program is run by an international team, so you’re likely to find a WWOOF opportunity in several different countries of your choosing.
If you can’t afford a luxury vacation on your own, you can still have an incredible time in a new region by house-sitting for others! Believe it or not, thousands of people search for trustworthy house-sitters before going on a trip. You might have to do some light housework or take care of the person’s pets, but you’ll also get an entire house to yourself in a different part of the world. Here are just a few of the sites where you can find verified users looking for someone to watch their home:
There are a number of work-exchange opportunities where you can volunteer to travel abroad and speak with students in English to help them improve their own language skills. Diverbo is one trusted site that provides English-speaking volunteers with free room and board during the entire time they stay in that country. In Germany and Spain, volunteers will also receive free transportation to and from the school.
If you’re willing to invest a little into your education and earn a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, you can make some serious money by teaching overseas. Many Asian countries will even pay for your flight or offer free accommodation with the job!
Working on a cruise ship comes with accommodation, a salaried position, and the opportunity to see several different places around the globe. If you don’t like the tropical cruises that frequent the Carribbean, you can find job openings on less traditional ships, such as Alaskan or Norwegian cruise lines.
These giant ocean liners need people with all kinds of skills, so you’re sure to find a job that appeals to you! If you have a talent for singing, dancing, or magic, you can find employment entertaining guests. If you love taking care of children, you could be a child care supervisor or youth counselor on the ship. There are truly endless options… unless you’re prone to seasickness, that is!
As you explore the world, you’ll want to share every new experience with your loved ones back home. With an unlimited SIM card from BNESIM, you can stay connected and enjoy reliable phone coverage in over 170 different countries. You can call, text, and surf the web anywhere in the world with an affordable, fully personalized plan.
Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees and overpriced phone bills, and say hello to a better communication solution from BNESIM, the worldwide roaming free mobile operator.
Cover photo credits: marishavini
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