How To Travel For Free

By: Biju Sukumaran

Break Studios Contributing Writer

International travel is becoming more common as the world grows smaller due to technology.  News, the Internet, and travel magazines have injected a strong desire for global travel in our society. Luckily, there are more and more opportunities to travel for free so here are a few options explaining how to travel for free.

  1. As a native English speaker, teach English abroad.  Most countries are in desperate need of teachers of the English language.  As the world grows smaller, English is becoming the international language of choice.  Countries in Asia, South America, Africa, and some parts of Europe offer plenty of jobs to native speakers with minimum qualifications.  Many programs will even fly you out, give you a place to stay, and offer a bonus or pension in addition to a salary.  Join as soon as you can, because opportunities are rapidly being filled as this is a popular way to travel for free.
  2. Become a volunteer.   A great portion of the world still exists in suffering. Starvation, human rights issues, and abuse still exist, and you can lend a helping hand.  As information of these events becomes disseminated, more programs are arising to combat them, and they need help.  Whether it be lending a hand to build a well in Africa, to working at a school in Thailand, there are many opportunities to  travel the world for free.  Many of these organizations, such as the Peace Corps, will even give you a place to live and help you pay for graduate school afterwards.  Volunteering is an excellent way to travel the world for free while doing a good deed in the process.
  3. Join a summer camp and become a counselor.  Camps all over the world need camp counselors to lead kids and conduct outside activities.  If you are reasonably able-bodied, enjoy socializing, and like outdoor activities, this is the perfect way to travel the world for free. Summer camps allow you to act as a mentor to kids in beautiful surroundings, an entertaining and rewarding manner to travel.  
  4. Work on a cruise ship. Cruise ships often require additional hands to help out with activities.  Cruises take customers all over the world and entertain them with events, games, and exercise.  Such jobs include teaching yoga, dance, leading group activities, or being a part of theatrical performances.  Any of these jobs will give you a place to stay on the cruise, a modest wage, and a unique opportunity to travel the world.
  5. Become a  seasonal agricultural worker.  If you are in decent physical condition and enjoy a good workout in the outdoors, becoming a seasonal worker can be a fun manner to see the world.  In countries like Australia and New Zealand, plantation and orchard owners need individuals to pick fruit and take care of crops and animals.  Owners will often pay a wage in addition to giving you a place to stay.  This is an excellent way to travel for free.
Posted on: Mar. 19, 2010