Authentic Travel On A Budget
You need a vacation! You also need a vacation without the high price tag. Although all-inclusive resorts can be cheap and cheerful, there are more authentic ways you can travel economically. From house swapping to pet sitting, consider these ideas for your next getaway on a budget:
1. House Swapping
If you haven't heard of house swapping by now, you'll want to learn all about it. House swapping is exactly that; trading homes with other people in a different part of the world. They get to explore where you live as you travel around their location. Accommodation is the usually the biggest expense and house swapping saves you a lot of money while giving you an authentic experience.
2. House Sitting
People in other parts of the world take holidays too. You can browse online for house sitting services where people are looking for someone to take of their home while they're away. Like house swapping, house sitting is an ideal way to experience life as a local with free accommodation.
3. Pet Sitting
If you love pets and traveling, this could be your new gig! Many people around the world want to leave their fur babies in good hands and there are several online companies that connect them with sitters. There's a good chance you could stay for free in Paris dog sitting a poodle.
4. Au Pair (International Nanny)
If you prefer humans to dogs, consider becoming an au pair in another country. Often au pairs are hired to look after the children and do a few household chores for the host family. In return the au pair typically gets an allowance and a free place to stay.
5. Volunteer Travel
A beautiful way to see the world is by volunteering. There are many places in need of help, from cleaning up to caring for animals. Often volunteer work comes with free or low-cost accommodation and may include meals. Volunteering abroad lets you make a positive change while you explore a new destination.
6. Working Holiday
If you're under 35, there are plenty of opportunities for a work holiday visa that lets you travel and work in a country for a year or two. If you're past your thirties, you can still work abroad in several countries, it's just not with the same visa. Working abroad funds your long-term traveling and often comes with staff accommodation if you work in hospitality.
7. Camper Van
Explore a country or two on the open road! Rent, buy, or renovate a camper van and camp your way across the land. Your house on wheels saves you from pricy hotels and transit travel costs and lets you explore the natural world up close.
8. Couch Surf
You're not necessarily sleeping on the couch when you sign up for "couch surfing" but it's up to your host! Typically, you stay for free at people's homes while you're traveling around. Couch surfing is an authentic way to meet locals and learn about their hometown.
9. Live With A Local Family
There's no better way to immerse yourself in culture and community then living with a local family. You can learn a new language, cook and eat new food, and experience other ways to live. At a low cost, you can stay at your host family's home, groceries included.
10. Education Travel
Become an international nerd; go back to school, but do it abroad! There are countless courses, schools, and programs you can sign up for across the globe that allow you to stay and travel for longer, while receiving an education.
11. Get A Rail Pass
See the world by train! Several destinations including Europe and India are renowned for their train travel. A rail pass is typically a cheaper way to travel long distances and you can cover a lot of ground. Train rides let you relax while gazing out the window at the scenery and give you the freedom to hop off and explore multiple locations.
12. Travel On Two Wheels
If you're a cyclist or a motorcyclist, consider exploring on two wheels. A bike will get you and your budget far distances, offering you an incredible journey in the open air. You don't have to rely on public transport or missing any hidden gems. Biking gives you the freedom to see hard-to-reach places on your own schedule.
13. Work & Travel On A Boat
Have you ever considered life out at sea? There are several ways you could travel cheaply by boat. Working on a cruise ship is a good first step but if you're an avid sailor, look for tour or fishing companies with employment opportunities.
14. Arrange Tours
Sometimes pre-arranging tours make traveling cheap and cheerful. You can learn a lot from a local guide and meet tons of new people. Tour packages often include meals, transport, and accommodation so you know exactly how much you're spending ahead of time.
15. Become A Digital Nomad
Online jobs are fit for people with itchy feet. If you dream of a beach as your office or a ski hill for your breaks, digital nomad life could be your calling. Nowadays, many companies have international employees who can work from anywhere with a good wifi connection, allowing you to work from your dream destination.
16. Travel To Friends
You make the best of friends from all over the world when you travel. Consider planning a trip to locations where you know people who could host you and can give you a true local experience. You can always return the favor when it's their turn to travel to you.
17. Teach A Language Overseas
You can can travel and teach your way around the world. There are plenty of opportunities to teach English and other languages abroad. Whether you teach online or in an international classroom, there are several ways you can do it, allowing you to make an income to fund your wanderlust.
18. Travel Off-Season
Are you a tourist that dislikes tourists? Avoid the crowds and consider traveling off-season. When you travel to a destination at a less popular time, accommodations and hotel packages are much cheaper. If you don't mind the weather that time of year, you'll have a much more laid-back experience.
19. Farming For Accommodation
You can become an international traveling farmer. Several help exchange programs offer agricultural work for board. Depending on your skills, you could work for any kind of farm from berry picking to milking goats. Room and meals are often included as payment for your helping hand.
20. Split Rental Home With Friends
Sometimes bigger is better! A rental home with multiple rooms can often end up cheaper when you split the cost with friends or family. Plan a group getaway and stay in a beautiful home for less than a hotel or resort.
