How to Travel for Free

Co-authored by Laura Krueger & Michelle Donson

Last Updated: May 1, 2023 References

Traveling is one of life’s great pleasures but it can cost a lot of money. However, there are ways you can travel for free - if you know where to look. Some free traveling opportunities even come with free hotel or housing accommodations, as well as other amenities that can help you see, experience, and enjoy the world on a budget.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Accumulating Points Using Rewards Programs

1
Enroll in credit card rewards programs. Your financial institution likely has a rewards program through which you can start accumulating points towards free travel just by entering your email address and a few other details. These points can often be applied towards vacation packages, or else used to obtain discounts on travel by air, land, or sea. They can also be exchanged for frequent flyer miles on participating airlines.
- Bus companies like Greyhound and passenger train companies like Amtrak also have rewards programs through which you can accumulate points. Sign up for their rewards programs and make sure to log in to your account first before booking trips by bus or train so that each paid trip counts towards your point total.
2
Review the terms of rewards programs for any credit cards you already have. You may be sitting on a gold mine of potential free travel opportunities. Check out the relevant pages of your credit card company and learn what it takes to earn free travel opportunities.
- Many cards have cash back opportunities where you receive a certain percentage of what you’ve spent on the card at the end of each month or year. If you can pay off the balance in full each month, consider increasing what you put on your card each month. The cash you get back may be enough for you to offer your next trip!^{[1]
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- Many credit cards also provide points towards free travel when you eat at certain restaurants. If you can afford it, you may want to consider eating out at a couple of these places to increase your point total.^{[2]
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Avoid those established by the credit card companies themselves. Instead, look for those set up by individuals who have successfully leveraged their credit cards for free travel. If there is considerable affiliate marketing on the page, that may be a sign to take the advice offered with a grain of salt.
Many transportation companies sell gift cards that you can use to increase the points you need to earn free trips. A few gift cards for your birthday or Christmas could be just what you need to get to your next vacation spot!
5
Enter sweepstakes with destination vacations as prizes. Your credit card company may offer sweepstakes whose entry fee is a certain number of rewards points. You can also often also submit multiple entries as long as you have the rewards points to cover the cost of each entry. Just make sure to read the fine print when you apply, though.
- Your chances of winning may be extremely low if you don’t have enough points to submit multiple entries. Also, some of these contests pay for the entire trip, while others only pay for a certain portion.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Using Frequent Flyer Programs

Many personal finance magazines and blogs on travel hacks have articles that compare the frequent flyer mile programs of the major airlines. You’ll want to look for which programs give you the most miles per dollar, which ones allow you to exchange points from other affinity programs for miles, and other terms of the programs.
2
Assess which credit card rewards programs you're enrolled in work with which frequent flyer miles programs. Some rewards programs offer higher points-for-miles exchange rates than others. Others offer better selections of vacation packages. But some cards only work with a limited number of airlines.
- Make sure that your choice of frequent flyer program is aligned with any rewards programs you are already enrolled in.
Enrolling is usually as simple as going on the website of the airline carrier, creating a frequent flyer rewards account, and agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions of the frequent flyer miles program.
4
Check if your company will give you frequent flyer miles from business travel. Some companies have prohibitions against this, but many companies, especially smaller ones, do not. If you work for a company that lets you take advantage of those miles, ask the appropriate staff person to start booking your business flights on the airline where you have your frequent flyer miles program set up.
- Make sure to check with a tax professional to determine any tax-related liabilities you may incur if you receive frequent flyer miles from employer-paid business travel.
5
Exchange miles-for-points or points-for-miles to earn the trips you want. You’ll want to carefully look at what kinds of exchanges will get you what you want. For example, you may be able to earn an all-inclusive destination vacation package in a shorter period then it would take you to accumulate the miles necessary for airfare to the same vacation spot.
- Make sure you look at the rewards offered by both points and miles and assess both in terms of dollars and time spent to earn the trips you want.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Finding Free and Low-Cost Places to Stay

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Laura Krueger & Michelle Donson
Travel Specialists

Expert Interview} Some hotels also let you exchange frequent flyer miles for points, which in turn can be used to cover hotel costs.
Even if you can’t find a willing or available relative or friend, they may know someone who is perfectly willing to let you stay for a few days. There may be some conditions, but whatever arrangement you work out, like doing light housework while you’re there, is probably going to be a much better deal than paying for a few nights at the nearest Hilton.
3
Use websites like Couchsurfing for free places to stay. If you’ve exhausted your own personal network, you can likely find a short-term housing solution using sites like CouchSurfing, Global Freeloader, and Hospitality Club, which specialize in connecting travelers, tourists and others in need of a place to stay with those willing to offer their residences.
- Keep in mind these sites do not screen those offering accommodations, though they do let travelers post their experiences with hosts staying who advertise on their sites. Do your due diligence on any potential hosts before you make travel arrangements.
You’ll likely have to water some plants, feed some pets, and bring in the mail periodically. But these opportunities, which you can find on a variety of regular job sites like Indeed and Craigslist, as well as niche sites like HouseSitters.com and LuxuryHousesitting.com, can save you big bucks while you explore a new city or country!
5
Stay at a hostel for a low-cost option. Websites like Hostels.com, Hostel Worldwide, and Hostel Bookers can provide you with pricing and availability for hostels across the world. You should understand first that you’ll be sharing your accommodations with other travelers and so you should prepare yourself mentally for a dormitory-style experience.
- Always take necessary precautions to secure your valuables and documents while living with others.
6
Buy a time-share. While this costs some money upfront, a fully paid off timeshare will allow you to avoid paying housing costs. Moreover, some timeshare contracts allow you to rent out your property to others seeking low-cost housing accommodations.
- It’s possible for a savvy individual to cover most or even all of their timeshare purchase costs by renting out their property during peak vacation times.
Perhaps you have a home in a location a friend of yours wants to visit, and they have one in a place you’d like to spend your next vacation. Call them up and coordinate your calendars. Voila – you’ve just saved yourself a boatload of money!

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Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Traveling Abroad through Volunteer Programs

Many people have explored a foreign country through this time-honored two-year program, which offers participants full immersion in a developing country in exchange for working on local development or infrastructure projects.^{[4]
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state. The domestic version of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps lets individuals live in another part of the country and use their skills to teach or work in low-income communities. AmeriCorps participants are usually provided a small stipend during their time of service. They also can receive an educational award, good towards collegiate studies in qualifying undergraduate and graduate programs.^{[5]
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Apply to the United Nations (UN) Volunteer Program. UN Volunteer options are highly specialized and based on the needs of specific sustainability initiatives the UN is driving in various parts of the world. They usually come with a time commitment and a living allowance but also may require volunteers to have demonstrated experience in certain fields.^{[6]
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- You can learn more about existing volunteer opportunities on the UN website.
This organization connects volunteers looking to live and work on organic farms across the globe with opportunities on those farms. Participating farms will provide housing but not living or transportation expenses. You may need to use your savings or crowdfund the rest.^{[7]
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Crowdfund a volunteer project. There are a lot of volunteer programs that don’t offer potential applicants transportation and/or living expenses. But you can look to cover these costs by crowdfunding your volunteer project. Set up a GoFundMe or Kickstarter campaign describing the experience in detail, including how you and those you will help will benefit. Share your campaign on your social media channels, and email links to your friends and family.
- Since people usually feel moved to donate to highly compelling crowdfunding campaigns, consider incorporating a video wherein you make a personal appeal to potential donors. Share background information about the importance of the cause you are volunteering, as well as what the effort means to you personally.
- Don’t just rely on text or images – a highly compelling video can really make your campaign stand out from all the rest!
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Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Finding Jobs that Let You Travel for Free

Many firms have begun to attract top talent by offering paid travel along with vacation time. Others involve travel as a part of the nature of the work.
Look online for job opportunities or head to the marina in the nearest port town to look for ads.^{[8]
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In cities and countries across the globe, there are shortages of qualified nursing professionals. Some hospitals and healthcare facilities offer enticing recruitment packages, including relocation expenses, for qualified nurses.^{[9]
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There are firms, like Auto Driveaway, that connect drivers with owners, allowing you to see the country on the road while earning a little cash on the side.^{[10]
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Become an influencer in the travel space by blogging. You should know that doing so is hard work, involving regular writing, photography/videography, social networking, and digital advertising. The more popular your blog becomes the more likely it is that you will be offered free travel opportunities by tourism and hospitality firms.^{[11]
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- Keep in mind that growing your presence this much is not a hobby – it’s a business.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Studying to Travel for Free

If you are a current college student, you may be able to find scholarships or exchange programs that allow you to travel for free for a semester or two. Some programs require you to pay part of the expense, but if your academic record is strong enough, you may be able to apply for a scholarship or grant that pays your way there and allows you to stay for free at a sister university.
2
Enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program overseas. In addition to semester-long programs, you may want to consider completing your entire college program overseas. If you’re in high school, carefully research overseas college programs and discuss this possibility with your parents. You may want to spend a year or two at a college in your home country, and after you’ve had a couple of years of living and studying on your own, transfer to a program abroad to complete your degree.
- Keep your grades high to maximize your chances of getting a scholarship to cover the costs.
- If you’re applying for a graduate program and working for a multinational corporation, you may be eligible to have your company cover the costs of a part-time graduate program overseas, provided you work full-time in their office overseas. Usually companies who agree to do this also have you sign a contract indicating you’ll work for them for a certain period after you graduate, as well as maintain a certain minimum grade point average throughout the duration of the program. You’ll want to discuss such opportunities thoroughly with your HR department.
Many travel companies will cover the educator’s expenses, or split them with the school district or university, while the parents or students will cover their own costs.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I stay in hotels for free?

Laura Krueger & Michelle Donson
Travel Specialists
Laura Krueger (right) and Michelle Donson (left) are Travel Specialists and the Founders of LM Media Worldwide, a free service that sources and negotiates contracts for hotel rooms and meeting space needs. With a combined 30 years of experience, they specialize in hospitality sales, contract and rate negotiations, room reservations, and wedding planning. Laura holds a BS in Business Management with High Honors from Rutgers University and has directed several sales teams, negotiated thousands of contracts, and consistently exceeded national sales goals for hotel chains such as Wyndham, Radisson, and Starwood. Michelle holds a BS in Hospitality Management from the University of Delaware and has worked in group sales and banqueting for Marriott and directed several sales teams with InterContinental Hotel Group, Wyndham, and Starwood. Michelle has also earned the prestigious “Salesperson of the Year” award twice consecutively for Wyndham Hotel Group’s national sales team. LM Media Worldwide is trusted by Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks, Marriott, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Melia Hotels & Resorts, Gaylord Hotels, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Wyndham Hotel Group, and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Laura Krueger & Michelle Donson

Travel Specialists

Expert Answer

The best way would to be accumulate rewards points. Most major hotel chains allow you to earn points for each reservation, which you can redeem for free or discounted stays.

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Things You’ll Need

Internet Access
A Smartphone
A Government-Issued ID
A Passport and Visa, if traveling overseas
Debit/Credit Cards and Cash
Luggage
Resourcefulness

Tips

Mentally prepare yourself to encounter challenges if you’re pursuing low-cost travel opportunities. Traveling on a budget requires a little courage and composure, especially if you encounter unanticipated expenses or encounters abroad.

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Physically and financially prepare yourself for traveling on a budget. Always make sure someone back home knows where you are, that you’ve secured your money and travel documents, and that you are as prepared as you can be for potentially unsafe situations. It’s easy to prepare yourself mentally if you’ve put some safeguards in place.

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Have fun. Don’t become consumed with the volunteer work you’ve signed up for, visiting every single tourist attraction, or unforeseen circumstances you may encounter. Make sure you take some time to breathe and drink in your new experiences. Enjoy yourself!

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Warnings

Exercise caution when relying on strangers. While many of the people you come into contact with are genuinely helpful and decent, you do run the risk of crossing paths with a dangerous person. Do as much research on the people you plan to ride with or stay with as possible. If you get a bad feeling about a person or situation, remove yourself.

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