Flights and lodging are the two major expenses when traveling. Fortunately with a bit of creativitiy and flexibility, there are ways to stay and fly for free or at great discounts.
Courier Flights
International courier companies will offer deeply discounted air tickets in exchange for traveling last minute carrying their cargo in the passenger’s baggage allowance. The passenger also has to carry the manifest documents from the originating airport to the destination.
Couch Surfing
Couch surfing is a wide world community. On the website (and ones like it) people create an online profile. The profile says whether they are looking to stay in someone’s home or if they have a bed, couch, tent, etc. to let someone sleep on for their vacation. No money is changed hands and the person hosting the bed has the right to say yea or nay.
Hostels
Hostels aren’t just for an eighteen year old doing a gap year before college. All ages are welcome to stay at hostels. Although some hostels can have a party atmosphere, others are quiet and laid back. The bonus about hostels is the people you meet, and the inside travel information on what to see and do.
Working at Hostels
For those stuck for cash while traveling, there is always work at a hostel taking care of check-ins or working the kitchen/bar. Pay is horrible in comparison to most work, but it does cover room and board.
Woofers
WWOOF is another organization on the internet caters to those that want to work on an organic farm in trade for room and board. The opportunities are diverse as a vinery on the BC coast to a coffee plantation in Costa Rica.
Crew On a Sailboat
For those with sailing experience there is the opportunity to crew on a boat making blue water cruises.
Deliver Cars or Boats (repositioning)
Opportunities do exist to move people’s stuff. Classified ads are the best place to find opportunities or place ads offering the service.
House Exchanges
Through word of mouth, classifieds ads, or internet organizations, people routinely swap houses with someone in another country for an inexpensive holiday.
House Sitters
Similar to home exchanges, people often need someone to take care of a house, plants, pets, etc. while they are away. Watch classifieds ads and bulletin boards.
Work For an Airline
One of the perks of working in the airline business is free air travel and deep discounts on hotels.
Work For a Cruise Ship
Consider being part of a cruise ship crew to see the world. Experiences vary greatly from working on a small eco-tour in Antarctica to luxury around the world tours.
ESL
Teaching English in another country has long been a popular way to travel and make money at the same time. Although each country is different, most require a bachelor’s degree and a TESOL certificate. Check out Dave’s ESL Café.
Travel Writer
Probably one of the most romantic jobs people envision. Unfortunately it is a very competitive field with low pay. Niche markets are the most productive. Writing for an online source such as Suite101.com is one way to gain experience.
Importer
Going overseas to purchase local treasures is not as lucrative as it once was, but there are still deals to be made in this global economy.
Last Minute Deals
Travel discounters often have weekly travel specials. Some will even have a newsletter showing all the latest deals. These work best if the traveler can be flexible on destination and travel dates.
Air Mileage Plans
Using a credit card linked to a mileage plan expedites accumulation.
.Com Airlines
There are many discount airlines that exist online. Often flights are little more than the taxes.
Volunteering
It is often possible to match a passion for a subject with an opportunity to volunteer in some exotic locale.
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