There are many ways to travel without spending a fortune. You don’t need to be rich, you just need to know some things and be let’s say open-minded.
TRANSPORTATION
The first step is to get somewhere.
FLY
Try to book in advance and be flexible with time and date. Check my article ‘how to find the cheapest flight’ for tips.
BUS
Take public busses or chicken busses (in Central-America) as much as possible. They might take more time, be less comfortable or you have to take several but hey it can save you heaps of money so it’s worth checking out.
CAR
– Blablacar.com: You can get a ride from someone who goes the same direction and has some seats left. In return you pay a bit of money for gas. Or you take some travelers with you if you have a car and get some money from them. You can see pictures and reviews of other people and contact them in advance. People do it for different reasons. Not only to travel for free, but also to meet other travelers or because they don’t like to drive alone. I’ve done it a couple of times and I would really recommend it.
– Hitch-hiking: Just put your thumb up or a piece of cardboard with your direction and get a ride for free. It can be a lot of fun and it’s not as dangerous as people think. Route du Soleil for example is a trip where many young people try to go as far as they can by hitch-hiking. Of course it’s better not to do this at unsafe places, as a girl alone or in the dark. Use your common sense.
STAY
HOUSESITTING
Yes, this really exists! People, who go on vacation and need someone to look after the house, water the plants or take care of a pet. It can be short or long term, anywhere in the world. There are a lot of sites and organizations but the principle is the same. You pay a bit of money for a membership on the site and you can start looking. Eg: http://www.trustedhousesitters.com, http://www.housecarers.com, http://www.mindmyhouse.com,…
COUCHSURFING
This is the cheapest option and also the most interesting. Just create an account on couchsurfing.com and find a place to stay for free. It’s not dirty or creepy as some people think. You can see pictures of the person and place in advance and check out reviews. Most of the time it’s just travelers who want to help out other travelers or just to meet people from all around the world. Couchsurfing doesn’t always mean sleeping on the couch. Sometimes they have a spare bed available or even an extra room. It’s also a great chance to meet a local and get great tips which tourists don’t know about.
HOSTEL
Hostels are so much more fun than hotels. Everyone is way more social, you make new friends and the atmosphere is relaxed. You can sleep in a dorm but most of the time there are also private rooms. Hostels are usually clean and sleeping with other people in a dorm room is not scary or dirty. There are lockers for your bag and valuables. Just bring a padlock and some ear plugs in case someone snores. The amount of people depends, it can be 4, 6, 8, 12,… and sometimes you have the option to sleep in a female only dorm.
One of my favorite hostels I’ve been to was Plus Hostel in Florence. It’s a luxury hostel and they have different hostels in different cities around Europe. In Florence there is a swimming pool, spa, gym, relax area, bar, restaurant,… The atmosphere is really good, the food yummy, the rooms are very clean and it’s located in the city center.
WORK AND TRAVEL
WORKAWAY.INFO
Get a free place to stay and food; in return you work a little bit. It’s a great idea if you want to be somewhere for a longer amount of time but you don’t have any money. It’s also a great experience and you learn new things. There are so many options like working in a hostel or a store, help kids, take care of animals, teach English,… Just pay a little bit of money for a membership online and you get access to all the job offers. Because it’s ‘volunteering’ you don’t need a special visa or deal with complicated paperwork. Another site is ‘Helpx’ where you more often live with a family and help them out.
ASK AROUND
If you fall in love with a city and don’t want to leave just ask around for work. Many hostels can use some help, ask for a job in a bar or do promo work.
VOLUNTEER
There are many organizations which offer volunteer jobs but you have to pay a lot of money. Don’t do this unless you have too much money and you want everything perfectly organized for you. Almost all the money goes to the organization itself and not to the people who need it. There are sites where you can do volunteer work for free or get food and accommodation in return for your help. Some examples are: http://www.helpstay.com, http://www.freevolunteering.net, http://www.movingworlds.org, http://www.gooverseas.com,… You can also just go to a place and ask if they need help.
BE A PROMOTER
If you want to meet a lot of people, you’re social and not scared to talk to strangers, this one is for you. For example, every summer Stoke Travel is looking for promoters on the beach in Barcelona. The beach is you’re office. You talk to people and convince them to go to a boat party or join the amazing trips Stoke Travel offers such as a the surfcamp in San Sebastián, La Tomatina, Runnning of the Bulls, Oktoberfest,… You can also promote for pub crawls, parties, bars,… Have a search on Google and you’ll find something. Just keep in mind that they’ll always need more people during high season so apply or sign up in time before summer starts.
REAL TRAVEL JOBS
Earn money by traveling and make it a way of life.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Read my articles ‘life of a flight attendant’ and ‘how to earn your wings’to know more
WORK ON A CRUISE SHIP
Cruise ships are like a floating hotel. The possible jobs are very diverse. From entertainer, to photographer but also hair stylist, lifeguard, waiter, gym instructor,.. You earn money and at the same time you don’t spend anything cause food and accommodation is included. Just look on the internet for open jobs and apply online.
ENTERTAINER IN A HOTEL
Go to a destination for summer season and entertain tourists. You don’t earn that much but sure it’s a lot of fun and a great experience.
TOUR GUIDE
If you are good at showing people around, remembering facts and have a loud voice. The more languages you speak, the better.
So as you see, if you really want to travel than money is no excuse. There is always a way to make your dreams come true. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you. It’s better to do it and be disappointed than don’t do it and always wonder.
Chasin waves and sunshine 
