How to See the World for Little to No Money

It takes a bit of creativity, patience and resourcefulness to find ways to travel for as little money as possible, or sometimes even for free, but if you have the time and resources, the payoff is worth it. See below for a few clever ways to work around the heavy prices that can come with travel.

Couch Surf

Sleeping on strangers’ couches might not seem like the wisest or safest idea, especially for solo travelers, but with reputable websites like Couchsurfing.com, the experience can be safe and rewarding. It’s a great way to not only meet locals but also to connect with other travelers, share tips and forge lifelong friendships.

Pet or House Sit

Animal lovers will find this is one of the best ways to score free accommodations when on the road. Verified sites like TrustedHousesitters.com connect travelers with pet and homeowners seeking someone to take care of their space while they are away. Membership requires a small annual fee, but it’s still a lot less than a few nights at a hotel.

Be an Au Pair

Love kids and families? Look into living with a foreign family to take care of their children. Bilingual families are especially looking for native English speakers to help kids learn and improve a second language. Bonus: All-inclusive family vacations!