Tips for Traveling Cheap or Free

Dreaming of traveling the world without breaking the bank? You're not alone. Many believe that exploring new destinations is reserved for the wealthy, but the truth is that with the right strategies, you can embark on incredible journeys at little to no cost. Get ready to uncover the secrets to affordable travel that will allow you to extend your adventures and create unforgettable memories.

It's common to think of travel as an expensive luxury meant for limited vacation days. However, the reality is that travel can be accessible and enjoyable, even on a tight budget. In this article, we'll explore various tips and tricks that prove you don’t need to empty your wallet to see the world.

Ways to travel cheaply (or for free): tips and tricks

Traveling doesn't have to be as pricey as you think. If you're skeptical, consider that the major expenses for travelers typically fall into four categories: activities, accommodation, transportation, and food. By employing smart strategies, you can significantly reduce these costs or even eliminate them altogether.

While some expenses, such as flights, are often fixed and unavoidable, there are plenty of creative ways to keep your overall travel costs to a minimum. Ready to dive into these budget-friendly tips?

1. Activities on a budget

One of the best aspects of traveling on a budget is discovering free things to see and do at every destination. Sure, some attractions may require an entry fee, but many offer free tours, events, and landmarks that are worth exploring.

• Websites like Cuponation, Cupon.es, and Lastminute provide fantastic discounts and deals on everything from car rentals to flights and accommodations. Recently, we snagged a 30% discount on a car rental—it's definitely worth checking out!
• Most cities offer free walking tours. Although it’s customary to leave a generous tip for the guides, these tours are an excellent way to explore local culture and history through the eyes of a local expert.
• Don’t forget to research your destination. Many attractions have specific days or times when entry is free, and you'll be amazed at how many activities you can enjoy without spending a dime.

2. Affordable (or free) accommodation

A significant portion of your travel budget often goes towards accommodation. Fortunately, there are numerous options for finding places to stay without spending a fortune—or even for free! Here are some ideas:

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is perhaps the most well-known platform, connecting travelers with hosts eager to share their homes. Staying with locals not only saves money but also provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

⭐ We've used Couchsurfing in India, New Zealand, and Japan, and each experience was memorable. Just remember to check your host's references before you stay!

⭐ Other similar platforms include Hospitality Club, BeWelcome, and Trustroots. If you're a cyclist, you might be interested in Warmshowers.org.

Home exchange: a great trick for budget travel

Another option is HomeExchange, which allows you to swap homes with fellow travelers. This system lets you earn points when you host someone, which you can use to stay at other homes around the world.

⭐ We've used this method twice, staying in a beautiful 100-year-old house in San Francisco and a lovely apartment in Barceloneta.

Housesitting: our favorite way to travel cheaply

If you don't own a home, you can still find ways to travel for free by housesitting. This involves caring for someone's home and pets while they are away. We had amazing experiences in places like New Zealand and Spain through housesitting.

⭐ TrustedHousesitters is the most popular site for finding these opportunities. Plus, if you register through our link, you'll get a 25% discount!

Workaway: working in exchange for accommodation

Not all budget travel involves living with locals or in houses. We spent 30 days in Tokyo, one of the most expensive cities in the world, without spending anything on accommodation. How? Thanks to Workaway, where you work a few hours each day in exchange for a place to stay.

⭐ Check out Worldpackers; there are countless opportunities available! Using our link gives you a $10 discount!

Other ways to find cheap or free accommodation while traveling

We've experienced generous locals offering us meals and a place to stay—most notably women we met during our travels. While most people are kind and welcoming, always use common sense and trust your instincts.

Additionally, consider taking overnight transport options. Those long bus rides may not be the most comfortable, but they will add to your adventure and save you a night’s stay!

Eating on a budget (and even for free)

While it's possible to find inexpensive food options like street food and special promotions everywhere, sometimes you might need to eat completely for free. We personally never had to resort to these extreme measures, but we know travelers who have made it work.

Diving dumpster

Diving dumpster refers to the practice of searching through trash for edible food. While it sounds extreme, many travelers find perfectly good food this way. There’s even a Trashwiki that helps you identify the best places to dive.

Common spots include dumpsters behind supermarkets, where you can often find food that is still fresh and safe to eat. Though we haven't tried it, friends of ours did it while traveling in Iceland and found surprising results.

Food rescue: the best trick for eating and traveling cheaply

Another related movement aims to combat food waste at cafes and restaurants. Apps like weSAVEeat and Too Good To Go offer discounted meals that would otherwise go to waste.

⭐ If you have some budget for food, consider making picnics with groceries (especially items nearing their expiration date), utilizing restaurant discount websites, sharing meals, and opting for tap water instead of bottled drinks. Generally, lunch menus are cheaper than dinner options, so take advantage of that!

Transportation: tricks for traveling cheaply

Transportation is another crucial factor in traveling affordably. Here are some tips:

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a classic travel method that can be thrilling. Once you try it, you may find it addictive. The beauty lies not just in saving money but in meeting locals who share their stories and experiences.

In some places, hitchhiking is a common practice, while in others, it may be frowned upon. Research is essential, and resources like Hitchwiki can help you find the best spots and routes.

Blablacar

Another popular option is Blablacar, where you can share a ride with someone going your way for a fee. Interestingly, sometimes it's cheaper to take a bus or train, so always compare prices!

Other affordable transportation options

• Consider barcostop, where you can find a ticket in exchange for helping the crew on a boat. Check out Findacrew for opportunities.
• Cycle! Many travelers embark on adventures on two wheels, and legends like Álvaro Neil (Biciclown) have been circumnavigating the globe on a bicycle for years.
• Some adventurous souls walk long distances. For inspiration, look up Nacho Dean, who walked around the globe in 2 years and 5 months—talk about dedication!
• Don’t forget to search for deals on bus tickets with services like Flixbus or Megabus, where you can find tickets for as little as $1!

⭐ If you’re exploring Europe, check out our Omio discount for additional savings.

More ideas for traveling cheaply around the world

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to travel cheap (or even for free). With a little research, creativity, and desire to explore, you can make your travel dreams a reality.

• If you're also interested in ways to self-finance while traveling, check out the article we wrote on that topic.
• And remember, when you're traveling, always negotiate!

We hope these tips and tricks for traveling cheaply (or for free) have inspired you to explore the world without a hefty price tag. If you have more suggestions for saving money while traveling, don't hesitate to share your insights!

How to Get Free Accommodation While Traveling

Traveling to Maldives on a Budget: 8 Essential Tips