How to travel for free or cheap in 2025

March 12, 2025 Editorial Staff 52 Views 0 Comments

This problem, and how to solve it, is the most frequently asked question. “Matt I don’t understand how to afford traveling. I have addressed this subject in numerous posts, emails and tweets. Long-term readers might even be getting sick of me discussing this subject because it is one I talk about so much.

But I know no matter how often I address this question, it will come up again.

Since this question comes up so often, I like to constantly remind people of this fact: You do not need to be rich to travel.

There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget (and for free) — you just need to be willing to get creative.

Traveling the world with little or no money sounds like an impossible dream. It is possible. This post will show you how to travel on a budget. There are many ways to travel overseas, even if you’re not rich or have debt (I had debt on my first journey around the globe). If you want to travel, then these are the best options. They might not be luxurious or fancy but they will work for you! Click on the link below to go directly to that section. Find a Job Abroad

Not earning enough at your current job? You hate your job? Why not work abroad? As long as you’re not picky, there are many opportunities around the world. This isn’t your career — you’re just earning money to travel. You can find a variety of jobs when you travel. You get free room, board and a modest salary in exchange. You can read this post for more info on being an au pair.

Bartender

– It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, so if you have the skills then this is an easy job to move overseas. If you choose to work under the table, it’s easy to find a job. If you don’t have the skills to tend bar, consider being a dishwasher or busser.

Hostel worker

– Hostel workers rarely stick around for long, which means there is always a demand for new help. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and adjust to a different location. Three websites that can help you find hostels to volunteer at are Worldpackers, Workaway, and HelpX.

Waitress/waiter
– There are tons of seasonal restaurants around the world (and around the US) that need extra help during the busy tourist months. It is easy to find a job abroad if you are experienced. Best of all, these jobs are usually in picturesque tropical locations!

Tour guide

– If you’ve got a knack for history and don’t mind speaking in front of groups, this is the perfect job for you. It’s also usually a cash job, which means you get your tips directly.

Cruise ship worker

– This is a much more formal position than the ones above, but it’s a great way to travel. Ski resorts are always looking for seasonal workers. They need instructors, restaurant staff and hotel staff. Yacht worker

: While the hours are long, the money is great. Best of all, you’re usually in some pretty amazing destinations!Yoga instructor
– If you have the skills (and certification), teaching yoga abroad is an easy way to make some spending money. While you might need to know the language, there are yoga studios in pretty much every city in the world.Working overseas often gets discounted as an option because it seems hard to do. It’s not. Be open. Are you looking for a well-paying job in an office? Will you be able to get a low-paying job that pays for all of your travel expenses? Yes!
I have met people of all backgrounds, from Western countries and non-Western ones, who fund their travels in this way. It’s an easy, fun way to lengthen your travels, deepen your experience, and make a little money so you can keep on traveling.READ MORE ABOUT WORKING OVERSEAS:
15 Ways to Find a Job and Work Overseas2. Teach English Abroad
Teaching English abroad is one of the best ways to earn money to travel. If you are working in a country that requires a TEFL certificate, you will need to be able to speak English well and have a degree in the language. If you have a college or university degree, you’ll be able to make more money and apply for better positions though it’s not necessary for many countries.Additionally, there are many websites and services out there that allow you to teach virtually. You can teach English anywhere you have an internet connection. Italki is one of the most popular online platforms.
READ MORE ABOUT TEACHING OVERSEAS:3. You can work on a farm by WWOOFing. This platform allows you to exchange your work on a farming farm for free accommodation and food. This is a wonderful way to explore a place in depth while also allowing you to commune outdoors. It costs money to get there but everything else is included! There are WWOOF opportunities in 130 countries, with more than 12,000 hosts and over 100,000 WWOOFers. The most popular WWOOF destinations are Portugal, France and Italy. Costa Rica, Australia and New Zealand also feature on the list. Use the Sharing Economy
Use sharing economy to find cheaper accommodations, quirky tour guides and rideshare options. You can also get home-cooked meals from local chefs. By using sharing economy websites, you can bypass the traditional tourism industry and access locals who use their assets and skills to create small tourism businesses with lower prices. Locals also know where to look for deals. Talking directly to them gives you access to that knowledge.BlaBlaCar – A ride-sharing app that connects you with drivers who have extra seats in their car (primarily for medium and long distances, and mainly in Europe).
EatWith – Platform connecting local cooks serving private meals.RVShare – This website lets rent RVs and camper vans directly from locals.
Turo – A car sharing marketplace where you Talking directly to them gives you access to that knowledge.Here are some of my favorite websites:
BlaBlaCar – A ride-sharing app that connects you with drivers who have extra seats in their car (primarily for medium and long distances, and mainly in Europe).EatWith – Platform that connects you with local cooks serving private meals.

RVShare – This website lets you rent RVs and camper vans directly from locals.

Turo – A car sharing marketplace that lets you rent vehicles from locals.

Campspace – This platform lets you camp on private property. Properties range from basic tent plots to luxurious glamping and RV stays.

Trusted Housesitters – Connects you with locals with whom you exchange pet and house sitting services for free accommodation.

5. Cook Your Own Food

The most cost-effective way to travel is to prepare your own food. This is a savings of $150 USD! This is a $150 USD savings! You can expect your host to have a full kitchen if you are Couchsurfing, or using Airbnb. Pack your container and cutlery to make sandwiches and salads while on the move. You don’t need a stove for every meal, do you? It won’t ruin the trip if you don’t eat out on one day. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your vacation!

READ ABOUT SAVING ON FOOD WHILE YOU TRAVEL:

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6. Rail passes are an excellent way to save on train travel. Rail passes are cheaper if you plan to travel around a region over a period of time. This does, however, lock you into a fixed schedule. Rail passes are a great way to save money and have the flexibility you want without being tied down by a schedule. Read more about rail passes:

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7. Sleep in large dorms

Large dormitory rooms at hostels are the most affordable paid accommodations. The larger the dorm the cheaper the accommodation will be. A 4-6 bed dormitory might offer more privacy but a dorm with 12-18 beds will be cheaper. This will add up over time. If you have earplugs, a sleeping mask and other essentials, go for the larger dorm. This will keep your budget intact. Download an app that plays rain sounds in a loop if earplugs aren’t enough. Set a timer to stop the rain sounds after an hour. This will help you block out the noise of the dorm as you try and fall asleep. HostelPass offers discounts on hostels throughout Europe. HostelPass offers discounts of up to 20% on hostels in Europe. There are always new hostels being added. It’s finally here! I have always wanted this. Use code NOMADICMATT to get 25% off. )

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8. Use Discount Cards for Students and Others

Are your a student or teacher? Or are you under 26 years old? Enjoy 50% off attractions and many other discounts. Get a student/teacher/youth card and save big while you’re abroad. If you have recently graduated, you may still be able to use your ID card as long as it does not expire. Always ask if there are discounts available for students or youth as this is an easy way to save tons of cash as you travel around!

Museums, galleries, and other major tourist attractions usually have discounts (especially in Europe). Asking never hurts! Ask about discounts. Senior travelers, veterans and other groups may also be eligible for them. Get City Tourism Cards
If your plan is to see a lot in a particular city, it’s worth getting a card. You can get free or discounted access to major museums and attractions, and free public transport with these cards. I saved more than $100 USD using the London Pass, $80 USD by using the Paris Museum Card, $50 USD by using the Helsinki card and many other cities tourism cards. Find out which cards are available by visiting the local tourism office. You can ask them any questions you have and they will help you to save money. Most major cities have them. You’ll save money by planning to see the main sights. Profit from your skills
Need a little extra cash? You can find odd jobs on Craigslist, TaskRabbit, or Gumtree. These sites operate in over 70 countries and offer paid odd jobs like helping people with their home chores. It’s a way to make money when you travel without committing to a long-term job.
Additionally, if you have a skill, sell it. You can offer haircuts to travelers, perform at buskers for money or provide online services such as graphic design, editing or consulting. Online work has never been so easy. You can earn money online as long as you’ve got Wi-Fi. Get creative — the sky’s the limit!
11. Get Free Flights!
Collecting points and miles is the #1 way I’ve been able to afford so many flights and hotels over the years. With a travel card, I can earn free hotel and flight stays by using money that I would have spent anyway. Sign up for several travel credit cards and collect miles. Then, fly for free. You can also combine your points if you have both a credit card for an airline (e.g. a United card) and one that offers general rewards. This will help you get a cheaper flight. There’s even a card now — The Bilt Mastercard(r)- that lets you earn points on your rent!

Collecting points and miles isn’t only for Americans either (though US residents have the best options). Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and UK residents can also collect points. Stay for Free

There is a wide range of services that will connect you with locals willing to host you for free. These sites will allow you to stay for free. This service has been used dozens of time and I have always met amazing people. You may get a free room, a couch or an air mattress. You can save a lot of money by using these websites, but you also get to experience the local culture and lifestyle. Win-win! Here is a list of websites to use for free accommodation:

13. Hitchhike

Hitchhiking is a free way to get around that is relatively safe and quite common in many parts of the world, including Central America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

I’ve hitchhiked in more than a handful of countries (and I know solo female travelers who have done the same!). It’s true that hitchhiking has a bad rep in North America. But with a little common sense and patience, you can save a lot of money! This will allow drivers to decide whether they can assist you. Check the laws. In some areas, hitchhiking is prohibited. Take precautions

: Note the license plates of those who pick you up, and send them to a friend. Chances are you won’t need it but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Keep your valuables on you

– Don’t leave any valuables in your bag if it goes in the trunk in case it gets left in the car (or stolen).

Consult Hitchwiki

– Hitchwiki is the #1 hitchhiking resource there is. Consult it before hitchhiking to get tips and make sure you are hitchhiking safely. Free Walking Tours

Wanting to learn more about the city and get your bearings? You can find them in most major cities — just ask the local tourist office, your hostel staff, or Google “free walking tour (city name).” You can find them in most major cities — just ask the local tourist office, your hostel staff, or Google “free walking tour (city name).”

You’ll get a solid introduction to the city while also getting access to a local guide you can ask questions to. It’s how I start every visit to a city. This page contains a list of my favorite walking tours in different cities around the world. If you are on a budget, consider pet- and house-sitting for other travelers when they take their vacation. You can sign up to house sit on one of these sites to get free accommodation. You can be sure that all accounts are verified and have reviews, so you will not get scammed. You will often have access to a car and will sometimes be given a tip. It’s generally people who are well enough off that they can afford multi-month vacations, so you’re usually in pretty nice homes and apartments too!

The best website for this is Trusted Housesitters.

You can read this post to learn more about how to start house sitting.

16. Use your social network

Does a colleague of yours have a distant relative who lives in Spain? Maybe you have a distant relative who lives in New Zealand. Maybe a childhood friend is now working in Brazil. Do not hesitate to make use of it! Ask co-workers or friends who know where you are going. You can use your social network to help you travel the world. You never know who you might be able to ask!
By implementing these tips you can travel on a budget. You can travel around the world on a budget with a bit of planning and creativity.
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive, whether it’s for two months, two year or a simple two-week holiday. It’s important to stop thinking that booking a flight, a hotel and other travel necessities is the only way to go. It all begins with a shift in perspective. From there, with some patience and practice, you’ll be able to make your travel dreams a reality — without breaking the bank!

Stop paying full price for travel!

Download my free guide to points and miles and learn how to use points and miles for free travel! This is how the pros travel! This guide will show you how you can save money and travel the world on $75 per day. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”

Click here to learn more and start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight

Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. Skyscanner is my favorite search engine, because it searches all websites and airlines in the world.

Book Your Accommodation

You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. Booking.com is the best option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel. It consistently offers the lowest rates for hotels and guesthouses.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Want to Travel for Free?

Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Want to Travel for Free

Travel Credit Cards allow you to earn rewards that can be used to redeem for free flights or accommodation. Discover Cars offers affordable international car rentals. They’ll find you the best and cheapest rental car for your trip, no matter where you are going! Ready to book your trip?

Check my resource page to find the best companies for you to use. Here are all the companies I use to travel. You can’t go far wrong with them. They are top-of-the-line and the best you can get.