Travel is a passion or hobby for all kinds of people. Many of us want to travel and see the world until the reality of our finances kicks in. After all, it typically costs a lot to travel just about anywhere, never mind the entire globe.
The good news is that there are cheaper alternatives to the traditional expenses associated with travel. There are ways to see the world with little money in your bank account. You just have to learn about them, and you will in the following paragraphs. A great example is a car-sharing service like RideAlike. This platform allows you to rent vehicles, even luxury cars, and rent to own vehicles in Toronto.
That’s just one idea. Now let’s get going with the ultimate guide to traveling when you have little or no money.
10 Ways You Can Travel When You Have No Money
We’ll look at 10 ways you can turn your travel dreams into a reality. To start with, however, there are a couple of interesting points to consider.
Traveling with no money will still involve some expense at the front end. A good example is travel insurance. You should have it, and you will have to pay for it, before embarking on an extended trip.
Another reality you need to get used to – cheap travel means letting go of luxuries. You will be able to get to your destinations, but be prepared – you likely won’t be traveling lavishly.
Now, let’s get into the 10 ways to help make your travel dreams come true, at minimal expense.
The Sharing Economy Concept
Taking advantage of the sharing economy is a great way to help you cut costs as you see the world. You’ll be able to significantly lower your accommodation and other expenses, in a totally legitimate way.
The sharing economy will allow you to get cheap rooms to rent, as well as ride-sharing, and even home-cooked meals and other deals, all on the cheap.
Platforms such as Airbnb, EatWith, and others will allow you to lower your travel costs. By taking advantage of them, it’ll become much less expensive for you to see the world even on a meager budget.
Get a Travel Relevant Job
This idea includes the prospect of getting a job in a different country. There are also gigs out there that allow you to earn while traveling. Many jobs will allow you to travel and get paid at the same time. Some of them include bartenders, tour guides, casino workers, and many more. You’ll need to do a little research as to who is hiring, and how to go about applying, but those travel jobs exist.
Cook for Yourself
Very often, while traveling, the food, particularly at restaurants and even food stands, can get quite expensive. To cut down on food expenses, you should minimize eating at restaurants. Cooking your own meals is a great way to save money while traveling.
You can easily obtain a local cookbook at just about any store while traveling. Or, you can find the recipes on local websites. Pick up the appropriate ingredients, and you can be on your way to cooking for yourself during your travels.
Consider Sleeping in Dorms
Dormitories are another excellent alternative for accommodation during low-budget trips. Many cities have dormitories, shared by fellow travelers. It can truly reduce down on your expenses.
You need to be careful about certain aspects and details with this form of accommodation. For example, you must careful which dorm you choose to stay at – read the reviews and the policies of the organization. Remember also, you will be sharing sleeping accommodations with others. Get comfortable with that idea ahead of time.
Use Student and Credit Cards for Discounts
Many countries around the world offer different types of student discounts. Take advantage of your student ID card and get those deals.
Banks also offer discount cards for student travelers. There may even be good hotel or airfare deals associated with these discount cards. Be on the lookout for such opportunities, especially when your travel funds are limited.
Use Your Creative Skills
Take advantage of your creative skills, and you just might be able to travel the world with them.
Supposing, for example, you are an excellent photographer. Compile a portfolio of pictures – including nature, wildlife, cities, and neighborhoods – and start offering it to companies such as travel agencies. You could be hired or contracted as their designated travel photographer.
Another opportunity: If you’re skilled and knowledgeable on many destinations, you may get work as a travel presenter. A travel presenter goes to different places providing travelers with info on the history, beauty, and attractions of world locations. You could be traveling the world at absolutely no expense to yourself.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is the time-tested method of seeing the world for free. Once you get to your destination, use your thumb or a signboard to get you across the United States, Europe or just about anywhere else in the world that allows hitchhiking.
It’s always very important to remember that when you are hitchhiking, you are accepting rides from total strangers. Understand the risks upfront. You must be very careful at all times, with this exciting mode of transportation.
Pet Sitting and House Sitting
There are opportunities to see the world merely by looking after peoples’ pets and houses. There are various sites for hiring such help, and of course, they are located all over the world. Pick your destinations, and apply for those gigs.
In short order, you could be staying at a lovely house, in some far-off place, without any money, or need for it. Indeed, you could be getting compensated to get it done.
Become an International Performer
Take advantage of the talent you have been blessed with, as a singer, musician, or busker. Once you get to your destination as cheaply as possible, your street performance could help cover your costs and then some. Many destinations around the world are accepting of talented performers on their streets. Tourists and locals alike reward them for their shows.
So pack up your guitar, or your juggling balls, or your mime makeup, and hit the streets of the world, as a performer.
Free Walking Trips – Start Small
Start really, really small on your quest for free travel – by walking. You can begin right in your home town. See the sights, get used to living on the cheap. Become an experienced walking traveler.
From there, you can expand your range. For example, take a cheap bus ride to the next city over; do a walking trip there – see the sights as inexpensively as you can. Save up a little more money, and go further the next time. Keep it up, and you may get to see the whole world, all on two feet.
Conclusion
We all know it really helps to have a huge bank balance to travel luxuriously. But not having a pile of money does not mean you cannot travel, as you’ve seen by these examples and ideas. The 21st century is actually a great time for travelers.
Look for ways where you can cut travel expenses or eliminate them altogether. Put together your imagination, your talent, and your tenacity. Think about our very last suggestion – perhaps you can start really small, locally, on foot. Build your way to becoming the world traveler you’ve always wanted to be, and do it on a tight budget. Happy travels!
