Tuesday, 8 May 2012

10 ways to travel for free (or atleast very cheap)


We’ve all heard the old adage that the best things in life are always free. But most people assume this rule only applies to life’s little pleasures like smelling flowers or laughing with friends. And sure, those are nice, but what about those bigger pleasures, like jetting off across the world? Can you do that for free too?
Well, if not for free, then very cheap. If you’re looking for an international experience but don’t have the cash to splurge on it, this article is for you. You don’t need thousands of dollars to get yourself on the road. In fact, all you need is a little originality, some guts and enthusiasm, and some ideas to get you started. Some of the ideas below are sensible ones that Granny would approve of. Others are a little more risqué —it's amazing what some people will do to save a buck—but hey, since when do you take Granny's advice anyway?
So don’t let your empty wallet stop you from taking the trip of a lifetime. Just remember: with the right attitude, the best things in life—even travelling—can come pretty cheap.

1. House-swap or rent out your home

In a nutshell: Made famous by the recent movie The Holiday, this option, of course, requires you to have a house. If you do have a house to offer up, there are various websites that provide online classifieds for owners to advertise (homeexchange.com, homexchangevacation.com or homebase-hols.com). Most require a registration fee, but then you can advertise your property for the entire year. The length of time for exchanges depends on the needs of the two parties swapping houses. Another alternative for those travellers lucky enough to be property owners is to rent out your home.
What advocates say: Accommodation with no cash down? This is a no-brainer. Staying in a home rather than a hotel usually has perks like an equipped kitchen, telephone and some may even have internet. And renting out your home while you’re away is a great source of cash; monthly rent from an apartment in Toronto, Vancouver or even St. John's can go a long way towards covering your costs in Bolivia or Ghana.
What Granny would say: Screen candidates carefully before handing over your keys, otherwise you may not have a home to come back to.

2. House-sit

In a nutshell: If you're kipping in your parents' spare room, sleeping in a college dorm, or surfing on your friends' sofas then you're out of luck on the house-swapping front (or, more accurately, you may already be travelling for free). But a house-sitting gig may be an option for you. If you are looking to house-sit, there are online boards where you can advertise your services. Check out: www.housecarers.comwww.mindmyhouse.com for postings in several different countries, or national boards such as Australia's housesitworld.com.auhappyhousesitters.com.au, oraussiehousesitters.com.au. You can also put the word out and look for homes in need through university communities (on general message boards, in residences, in university newspapers), church communities or community centres. Social networking sites like craigslist.org and facebook.com are also worth a try.
What advocates say: Finding a gig like this is golden. You’ll get free accommodation in exchange for watering some plants and walking a dog.
What Granny would say: Why would someone want a stranger in their house? They must be sexual predators!

3. Volunteer and fundraise

In a nutshell: Ever considered volunteering on a development project? One of the great things about devoting your time to help a worthy cause overseas is that it may allow you an opportunity to fundraise to support your work. Some volunteer organizations may help you out with room and board, and occasionally flights. Most organizations that do this require a significant commitment of time (one to two years) as well as specialized skills and experience. An alternative is to join a shorter-term project and fundraise. Schools, employers, community organizations, family and friends are all great sources of moral support for most volunteers, and most are happy to help out with a good cause. Some local organizations that support this kind of work include your local Lions Club (www.lionsclubs.org), Optimist Club (www.optimist.org) or Rotary Club (www.rotary.org).
What advocates say: Many volunteers are successful in raising enough to cover their out-of-pocket expenses, and even to make a donation to the project they are interested in. Not only will you be making a contribution to a worthy cause, but volunteer travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to see and learn about another part of the world.
What Granny would say: It sounds okay, but just don’t nag my friends for donations while we’re playing bridge.

4. Carpool or hitchhike

In a nutshell: You can get on board with someone going in the same direction, or if you have a car, you can look for people to join you—thereby offsetting fuel costs. Carpooling usually requires some advance planning, as travellers will look to fill their car way in advance of their departure. Some travellers advertise on travel forums (thorntree.lonelyplanet.com), and there are websites specifically dedicated to this kind of ride sharing likewww.erideshare.comwww.compartir.org and www.hitchhikers.org. Rides can also be advertised at hostels and other venues where travellers congregate. While it requires slightly more planning than hitchhiking, carpooling is likely a safer option. You can meet the person in advance of the trip (preferably in a public place), as well as check their references, photo ID and phone numbers. Though of course, in some parts of the world, such as Cuba, hitchhiking is just part of the way of life.
What advocates say: Carpooling and hitching rides are both great ways to meet some local characters, and they’re also eco-friendly and cheaper than riding alone.
What Granny would say: Going on a trip with someone you met on the computer? Has your mother not taught you anything about your personal safety?

5. Crew a yacht

In a nutshell: You don't need to know your port from your starboard in order to help crew a boat. Knowledge of seamanship might make you a shoo-in, but culinary, mechanical or navigational abilities could score you a paid position on board, and often an extra set of hands is enough to earn you working passage on a yacht. If you want to get a feel for the kinds of options available, check out UK-based Crewseekers International: www.crewseekers.net (Note: A membership fee applies). Crewseekers lists many opportunities, including paid positions, shared contribution voyages and working passage trips.
If you are up for a bit of adventure—or happen to find yourself in a port town—then just get yourself down to the marina and start asking questions. Check out the bars and restaurants, check bulletin boards for ads and consider posting your own. At different times of the year "repositioning crossings" take place—boat owners have a limited weather window during which time they must move their vessel (hurricane season, anyone?) Get yourself to the right place at the right time, with the right attitude, and you're almost sure to find a vessel to take you on.
What advocates say: Haven’t you always dreamed of an adventure on the high seas? Treat this adventure like hitchhiking with a real live captain!
What Granny would say: Are you crazy? Haven’t you seen Pirates of the Caribbean?

6. Crew a cruise ship

In a nutshell: A much less adventurous way to travel at sea, in some respects. But there are about a zillion different jobs available on cruise ships. The best option for short-term contracts is to offer an area of expertise for the education or entertainment of the passengers. There are many websites that offer listings of cruise ship jobs—some of which are fraudulent—but most cruise companies list available job opportunities directly on their websites. Get started atwww.carnival.com or www.royalcaribbean.com.
What advocates say: It’s a way to see the world on someone else’s dime.
What Granny would say: Crew jobs are not all that glamorous: the staff work long hours, stay below deck and are allowed off the ship only very rarely.

7. Transport other people’s vehicles

In a nutshell: When people move from one place to another, they often have their car sent—and that’s where you come in. Start by inquiring directly with car rental or relocation companies, some of whom need drivers to move vehicles from one city to another in a limited number of days. Checking for ads or advertising your own services in city, community, or university newspaper classified sections could also bring you in contact with a car owner in need of a driver. Try advertising and looking in both the city where you are and in the city that you want to travel to. Australia-based rental companies including Britz (www.britz.com.au), and Maui (www.maui.com.au) require occasional relocations throughout the year. And at season's end, they often need to move a number of vehicles en-masse to a specific location due to seasonal demand. Keep in mind that many companies require you to be at least 21 years of age.
What advocates say: As long as you have some flexibility, this is a simple and cheap solution for getting from point A to B.
What your Granny would say: Don’t forget to check which side of the road they drive on in Australia!

8. WWOOF it up

In a nutshell: World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is an international network of organic farmers who from time to time offer opportunities for volunteers to join them. Contact the WWOOF office in the country you wish to visit (at last count, in November 2007, there were opportunities in 83 different countries). A small membership fee gives you access to lists of member farms in that country. For further information about national branches and membership see www.wwoof.org.
What advocates say: It’s a good deal: room and board is often provided in exchange for help on the farm. And if you’re lucky, they might let you eat some fruit or veg on the house.
What Granny would say: Make sure you eat three solid meals a day to keep up your strength and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

9. Get a travel scholarship

In a nutshell: "Internationalization" is the buzzword on campus these days, and more and more funding is becoming available for Canadian students who want to study abroad. For a sample of the kinds of funds available, check out www.scholarships.gc.ca, which lists awards for Canadians wanting to study in 50 countries. For graduate study and fieldwork in international development, check out the International Development Research Centre (www.idrc.ca/awards). For a listing of higher-education study opportunities and scholarships in 129 countries, see the UNESCO Study Abroad Guide at www.unesco.org/education/studyingabroad/networking/studyabroad.shtml.
What advocates say: If you can get one of these grants, you’re not only set for your travels, but it will look great on your resume.
What Granny would say: Now this sounds like the most sensible way to travel.

10. Fly smart

In a nutshell: Budget airlines are virtually a religion in Europe, where few people pay full price for airline tickets. In fact, some airlines--especially those in the United Kingdom--offer international fares for little more than the taxes. You’ll be blown away by some of the sales on offer, check out www.ryanair.comwww.easyjet.com orwww.flymonarch.com. Similarly, domestic fares within Australia are worth checking out, likewww.virginaustralia.com that offers happy hour rates for one hour a day and www.jetstar.com.
What advocates say: A $30 ticket to get across Europe? It makes the train seem pricey.
What Granny would say: Sounds good. Do they offer a discount for seniors?

travel cheaply


cheap Stay at home travel ideas
It’s a rough economy out there and the ones that change the way they spend money are the ones who will survive it without any trouble at all.

Here’s what I mean a one week all inclusive vacations for a couple is going to cost them at the cheapest (for a decent resort) around $2000 total for the both of them. This will include their airfare, hotel, meals, drinks and transfers.

The vacation is only going to last seven days. You’ll have to take at least 5 days off in a row if you work Monday to Friday. This will actually give you nine days away from work counting the weekends. If you stay at home and do things like grab a bed and breakfast, go camping or rent a small motor home you can actually be traveling for the 9 days for much less than $2000.

For the people out there that like camping you’re going to be the ones that save the most money. Perhaps you can back to your childhood and remember places that you haven’t been to in twenty years. How great would it be to head back there for a few days?    

Most campsites out there at the high and of the scale will only cost $30 with electricity for your tents. For those of you who have trucks borrow a friends canopy if you don’t already have one and throw an air mattress in the back. You have an instant mobile home.

This is the chance for you to go do all the things that are so much fun and you never have time to do. On day one make a bunch of food that you really like and keep the leftovers in the fridge. You’ll be glad you did and it’ll save time later on. Get together with some great friends and make blender drinks or get some cans of soft drink or even grave that bottle of wine you been waiting to drink, might as well drink it because you’ll be out wine tasting on day four and will buy another bottle.