Traveling on a tight budget has never been easier. With all of the jobs and opportunities available abroad, the options are endless and readily available. Whether you want to travel for a week or stay abroad for a year, the options below will interest you.
If you’re from the U.S. or fluent in English, you are already at a great advantage because people from all over the world are looking to employ or take in a native English speaker. You don’t need to speak the country’s language you are visiting it, and it’s even preferred you don’t so that you only speak English.
Traveling abroad and living in another country gave me the opportunity to learn a new language, experience an entirely different culture, and make friends from all around the world while we stuffed our faces with some of the best food I’ve ever had. Check out the jobs and programs I’ve personally done below, and the benefits that I received.
Today I have a post to share from my friend Alexis about 6 Ways to Travel the World for Free. Alexis is the blogger behind FITnancials, a travel, fitness, and lifestyle blog. Last year Alexis took the leap and became a full-time blogger! She is passionate about helping others by providing advice on living a healthy lifestyle on a budget, and traveling without breaking the bank.
#1. Au Pair
Possibly the easiest way to live abroad and make a small stipend each month is to become an au pair. An Au pair has several different duties depending on what the family and au pair agree to. I wrote an in-depth post on How to Become an Au Pair and Travel the World.
The monthly stipend is small, but when you factor in the free accommodation (sometimes even your own apartment), cell phone, and food, the savings add up. I was an au pair in Bologna, Italy (the food capital of Italy!) and was able to take many day trips to Florence, Venice, Milan, and more. Weekend trips to Germany, France, Switzerland, and other bordering countries were common, too. I also made friends from all around the world, which was my favorite part of this experience. I also lived with an Italian family and was shocked to see how different Americans are vs. Italians.
#2. Workaway
Workaway has become the go-to way for travelers all around the world to travel on a budget. A Workawayer will volunteer 20 or so hours a week at a hotel, sanctuary, farm, yoga retreat, and hundreds of other options. You get free room and board, food, and a few extra things depending on the host.
I stayed at a Workaway site in Perugia, Italy on a small farm. It was one of the most beautiful and enriching experiences I’ve ever had in my life, and again, I met the most amazing people from around the world. I played with goats, pigs, and chickens, and even saw a pig give birth to piglets.
#3. Volunteer Program
There are hundreds, if not thousands of volunteer programs to choose from around the world. I want to mention, though, that finding a reputable volunteer program is key. Volunteering has come under scrutiny for possibly doing more harm than good.
IVHQ was the volunteer program that I went through while I stayed in Cusco, Peru. I volunteered at a special needs orphanage and it was one of the toughest 6 weeks of my life. All I brought with me was a backpack filled with travel essentials that you can check out on my post 10 Affordable Travel Essentials.
I lived with a Peruvian family and ate Peruvian food daily, which was some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life!
#4. Teach English Abroad
Teaching English abroad has such a long list of benefits, which is why it’s no surprise that so many college students are exiting college and going straight into this field. You can save a lot of money depending on the country you go to since the school will pay for your apartment, flights, food, cell phone, and other things that you might need.
To become a teacher, you need a TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). I got mine for under $1000 and it took about 2 months. A bachelor’s degree is needed for certain countries, while a high school diploma is sufficient for many countries as well.
#5. Work on a Cruise Line
Working on a cruise line poses many benefits, such as traveling the world by sea and getting free accommodations and food. The job is hard and grueling, though, and I want to make sure to point that out. It’s usually a 12 hour workday with little to no breaks, which can be tough since you’re standing for the entire shift.
#6. Housesitting or House Swapping
Housesitting is slowly but surely becoming popular in the traveling world. You can easily find a homeowner that needs a housesitter on a housesitting website. Most people request housesitters because they want someone to take care of their animals, plants, and keep their house protected.
As you can see, there are so many benefits to traveling. We no longer have to go the old fashion route, which is booking a hotel and staying in a city for a few days. I’ve seen 5 continents by the age of 23, and I rarely ever stayed in a hotel or hostel. If you have any questions related to any of the above jobs or volunteer programs, please feel free to email me.
I’d like to thank Alexis for stopping by and sharing 6 ways you can travel the world for free. Don’t forget to check out FITnancials if you’re looking for advice on managing your finances, being healthy, and traveling!
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