So, you have been bitten by the travel bug but your wallet hasn’t gotten on board with the whole idea of you seeing the world.  That’s okay there are ways where you can travel for free or very close to it.  Here are some travel tips that the gurus swear by to get you around the globe even on a very limited budget.

Get a Rewards Credit Card

If you haven’t already signed up for a travel rewards credit card then you are really losing out.  This doesn’t mean charging plane tickets you can’t afford, but using your card for day to day expenses that you have to pay anyway.  Most card companies have some kind of travel rewards card that you can use to accumulate travel points, just remember to read the fine print and use it responsibly.

Teach English Abroad

You can live abroad for anywhere from 9 months to a year or longer if you like and you can get paid to teach English.  There are plenty of countries that don’t require you to have your TEFL certification, but it is recommended.  You can head to Asia or Europe and help the locals master conversational and written English and many of these programs will offer free room and board at the same time.  Here is how to get your TEFL certification.

Go House Sitting

There are two ways that you can do this, you can offer to house sit for someone else, or you can swap houses if you’re willing to let someone else use your home.  Sites like GuestToGuest can help you find someone willing to swap with you.  You can also sign up with for one of the sites where you can house sit for someone else.

Take a Car Across the Country

Got a week or two to spare, they you can see the country by driving someone else’s car from one destination to another.  You will need to be at least 23 and have a valid license, then head over to AutoDriveaway.  You will need to put down a deposit (it is refundable at the destination) and on top of that you will be paid either per mile driven or a flat rate.  The cost of gas is also covered by the car owner.

Become a Volunteer with WWOOF

WWOOF is Willing Workers on Organic Farms is a work exchange program that gives you free accommodations, food and the chance to learn some new skills along the way.  You will have to pay the travel costs yourself but room and board is free.  If you don’t want to do any farm work there are other opportunities as well.

These are just a couple of ways that you can travel for free or very close to it.  Go and explore your world!