How to travel for free: the secret that no one tells you
Want to travel the world for free? I've been doing that for a long time. In this article, you'll get an in-depth view of what I do, how I do it, and how you can do it too!
Of course I have seen people all over Instagram and Facebook living these incredible lives, getting to see amazing places all over the world. I must confess I always thought this was fake or that they were all rich people. But since I came across the answers of how to travel for free (that no one told me) it completely transformed my life.
The purpose of this article is not to simply give you a list of the options you have to travel for free. You can find that on the internet anywhere.
I’m here to give you real life proof of how I already travel the world for free, since I’ve been travelling and living the nomadic life since July 2019. I'm crazily excited to share this, knowing just how much of an impact it can make to a person's life.
Some people get a little sceptical before they really get what I do, which I completely understand. If someone I didn’t know told me I could travel the world for free, I would probably think they were trying to scam me or something. But I didn’t have anyone tell me about it. I found it myself, and now I want to help others do the same.
I knew I wanted to travel and quit my job to do it. That would mean no money coming in - an exceptionally tight budget. So, I found a solution to the problem: free food and accommodation!
In this article I’m going to walk you through how to do that. You can travel the world doing activities you love and get free accommodation - and even get paid to do it!
One day I woke up and realised just how much I hated my daily life. I was working a ludicrous number of hours to get a great paycheck each week, but I was miserable. I decided that I had to take it into my own hands and create a life that I enjoyed living. And for me, that means new discoveries and environments.
In February of 2019 I handed in my resignation with 4 months’ notice. This was mainly for me to know I finally had a date I would be escaping the rat race. By July of that year, I was on a one-way flight to volunteer in India with a backpack and a suitcase with everything I owned in them.
When I said goodbye to all my friends and family, they knew that I had no intentions of ever returning to Australia or the life I was so eager to leave behind.
I had no idea of what I was going to do, how I would be making money travelling or being able to survive, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that I had left behind a life that I didn’t want, in search of one that I loved.
It was then that I happened to stumble across the greatest life hack known to mankind – how to travel the world for free! I have now been doing this and enjoying every moment of it.
I have the freedom to go anywhere I want in this world, and know that I am able to support myself. With a combination of these two life hacks that I will be speaking about here, I get almost all my food and accommodation paid for.
I write for about two hours a day and I'm able to actually save a significant amount of money whilst I am travelling and experiencing the world.
How to travel for free: here's the secret
The number one best life hack that I have ever known is Worldpackers, hands down.
Worldpackers is a platform that connects volunteers with certain skills or abilities to hosts who are looking for help in these areas. The method behind it is work exchange, where volunteers give their time helping out around the place in exchange for accommodation and other benefits like meals, classes and tours.
It has provided me with numerous opportunities to travel through different countries on a tight budget, by not having to worry about accommodation and food. Not only that, but it has also given me an opportunity to build my name as an artist through both India and Sri Lanka.
As a girl who had a dream of travelling the world for free - with no idea of how to actually do it when I started - I am so lucky and grateful to have stumbled across Worldpackers!
Basically, you pay one fee of $49 USD which gives you access to all the hosts for a full year. To put that into perspective, $50 USD is likely A LOT less than you pay for one night of food and accommodation in most countries. And then you can spend 12 months with free accomodation and food wherever you want!
Seem’s crazy not to do it right? And what you give in exchange for the ability to travel for free, is often an experience you would bepaying a hefty price for. So really, it’s wins all around! You’re saving sooooo much money when you travel the world with Worldpackers.
Volunteer and travel for free
There are heaps of different options available when it comes to volunteer programs. So you’re sure to find something that calls to your heart. Some of them that I have chosen to work with are:
There are so many more options available, but these are the ones I have volunteered with so far. I typically look for art projects as I love painting. But other times I will apply for positions that pique my interest such as eco projects, because I am very much a save the world type of gal.
I have been very lucky to have had a range of volunteering experiences, mostly with painting. Mural painting is not something that I had ever even considered doing before.
I was so excited to do my first one and put my heart and soul into it, and surprisingly it was actually not that bad. From there I was able to apply for more Worldpackers positions as an artist where I received free accommodation and all my meals for free.
This is a dream come true for someone who had been travelling for two months. I had no idea how to make any money and was just trying to spend as little as possible to stretch the money I did have as far as it could go.
I’ve built great connections throughout communities doing this, and I’ve been asked to come back to a number of places, which is so heartwarming.
If you’re wondering how to travel for free, making an impact and giving more value to your contribution in this world, this is the secret. There are volunteer options that suit a range of different personality types and interests.
How to travel for free and also get paid
Although using Worldpackers covers almost all my expenses that I need to survive, there are still other things I need to pay for as I travel. Any flights, visas, sightseeing and going out with friends are costs that come out of my own pocket.
But someone I met at my first volunteer position provided me with a solution. I was only about two months into my travels at this point, when I explained to her my situation. She was blown away that I had no plan to balance working and travelling. In hindsight, it's a pretty crazy thing to do. Quit your job, pack your stuff and leave your own country without any means of income.
So, she introduced me to the world of freelancing. This is something I had never heard about before then. She explained to me that there are many people that work remotely and get paid for it, which is what she does for a company she worked for back in Germany.
I told her that I wouldn’t be able to do it as I was absolutely terrible with technology and had no skills that would be of any value. She convinced me that I had everything I already needed: fluent English and a tablet I could write on.
She told me about some freelancing websites and I signed up to both Freelancer and Upwork. I then started applying for different positions but was not getting any luck. I had been trying for basic administration positions, which of course every other unskilled person was also applying for, so I was just getting lost in the masses.
Earlier in 2019 I had decided that I wanted towrite a novel, which I am currently still working on, and this is something that I had shared with the girl who told me about freelancing. She saw me working on my novel all the time and motivated me to apply for some content writing positions.
"The worst they could do is say no, and the best that can happen is you start getting paid to travel."
Eventually one company gave me a trial. Turns out they loved my writing style and offered me an ongoing position.
Becoming a digital nomad
The work I do could not be more perfect. It is incredibly flexible, I can ask for as much or as little work as I want, and it is something that I enjoy doing.
I write content for businesses all over the world. Each piece might take me around 3 hours and will make me $50 USD. It’s not a lot, in fact, this job pays pretty terribly compared to the others I have now.
But depending on which part of the world I am, it pays for a LOT more than it would be back home.
And I have such a different relationship with money than I did when working a ‘normal’ job. I am only interested in making enough money to cover my expenses from the previous month or to splurge on a vacation, such as a fancy resort somewhere.
Not only has securing a freelancing job been able to free me financially, it is such a different experience to be working on your own clock. Sometimes I might go a few days or a week without writing at all. Because I don’t have the need for money. But other times I might write for a full week and do nothing else. That is the beauty of freelancing.
Each week I decide how many projects I want, which generally is anywhere between two and 10. So that is a maximum of 30 hours a week if I really want to make some serious money, but I rarely have the need for that. So most times, I only work about 6 a week.
Combining this small amount of income with travelling the world for free with Worldpackers, I am able to save money while I’m travelling! How crazy is that? I never would have thought that was possible.
An added benefit to freelancing is how much you learn about the potential of online work. I went from a non-tech savvy girl 15 months ago, to now having my own digital marketing agency.
I do this by outsourcing all the work to the talented freelancers I’ve met along my journey. So whether you’ve got that business mind, or just want to work 5 hours a week to live as a digital nomad, it works for everyone.
Balancing freedom and motivation
When I was in Australia, I was a businesswoman. Always in a suit rushing around from meeting to meeting and under immense stress. Now I wouldn’t be recognisable to any of the people from my old position, or the clients that I worked with so closely. I am able to completely and freely express myself.
I now haveblue hair and am starting to gather a collection of tattoos, and do you know what? It makes me so happy that I am able to live a life that is true to my own personality. Not to be living life restricted by the confines of society. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have responsibilities.
I have the freedom to now travel where I want, dress (country-specific of course) and later my appearance as I please. And all I need to do is work about 5 hours a day to make that happen. So on average, I would spend 1 hour a day working and another 4 volunteering.
Although it can be tempting to run out with my friends as soon as the volunteering is done, I just give myself a reality check. It’s one hour. And if I schedule my time well, it makes little difference to my day, but a big difference to my life.
For me, I found setting out schedules works best for me. Mine looks something like this: yoga, breakfast, work, volunteer, lunch, write my novel, then free time. Sometimes I find myself creating stress out of nothing, but finding my balance with a schedule and yoga always helps me to keep motivated.
What in the world are you waiting for?
Yes, there is a legitimate way to travel the world for free and get paid, if that is the kind of life you want to live. I do it myself, and I’m just your average everyday person. Sometimes I realize how lucky I am to live this life, and then remember that luck had nothing to do with it. I found this out through research and took a leap of faith.
Seeing new countries and experiencing new cultures has been eye opening for me. And this is not something I would have been able to do for so long if I hadn’t stumbled across this life hack so early into my trip.
But luckily for everyone reading this, I have found them so that you don’t have to go searching. So now that you know how to travel for free, what are you waiting for? Go see the world!
Join the community!
Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!
An Australian solo traveller who set out to find herself while discovering the world.
My aim is to discover the untouched, make long lasting connections, and expand my mind through the new people I meet and places I discover.
I want to inspire others through my experiences, showing just how important travel is for the soul, and how it can transform your life in the most positive ways.
You're living the life, girl! As an author myself, that's pretty much a dream come true. Traveling and writing. Thank you for your words. I wish you all the success!
Unfortunately, I don't. Right now, I just write in my home country. But I was published by a small publisher this year and I'm working on getting better to write on the road one day
It's great, I am cherishing the trip like you, currently I am looking for an online job to have money for the trip but I still haven't found it. Please guide and share your online work experience and your itinerary. Look forward to your guidance. My email: [email protected]
Hi Ayla, your story is very encouraging and motivational. I’m a newly certified Health and Life Coach, my dream is to work from anywhere, I got lost and confused, meanwhile I’m working part time as a professional organizer and decluttering, my dream is to travel so I decided enough of waiting to do it so I signed up here. But I’m interested in knowing more about your Marketing Biz, would like to talk to you about my business. Please could you reach out to me, [email protected] Thank You!!!
Very inspiring after reading what you have wrote. Yes, the money for buying a ticket is really concerning for me to step out from my comfort zone, and was thiking a lot should I make this work with travel the world with FREE. ❤
I am very much inspired by your story, I have a account in freelance and upwork. But in freelance they ask me to pay security deposit first is it safe to do so .
Such a priceless story that you can even describe with words🙏 I absolutely believe that hapiness can change this World. And when everyone starts to SHARE yourself for others - we will make a planet smile and blossom❤👋
P.s. Thank you for that motivation. I will try to spread around the love which I found here
Hi Pretty I hope you are doing in good health,
I am Asif fresh graduate from United Arab Emirates Dubai. i am interests travel to European countries. i am applying many volunteers position. If you are free then guide me which European countries best cheap for foreigner students. Respectfully thanks for your precious time.
Larissa
Oct 15, 2020
You're living the life, girl! As an author myself, that's pretty much a dream come true. Traveling and writing. Thank you for your words. I wish you all the success!
Okta
Oct 19, 2020
Wow you're ao cool
Junaid
Oct 20, 2020
Great ♥️
Ayla (Author)
Oct 20, 2020
Thank you beautiful people!
Let's keep sharing our stories and welcoming more people to the traveling the world for free community!
Mk
Oct 22, 2020
🙏💐
Jessica
Oct 22, 2020
Amazing text 🤍🤍 thanks for that
Nitin
Oct 24, 2020
Good job👍👍💐💐
Shadab
Oct 24, 2020
Proud of u
Luisa
Oct 31, 2020
Thank you so much❤️
Dipesh
Nov 02, 2020
Wooaaaaahhh 🤩🤩🤩🤩
Sanjay
Nov 06, 2020
amazing
Robocona
Nov 08, 2020
It's great, I am cherishing the trip like you, currently I am looking for an online job to have money for the trip but I still haven't found it. Please guide and share your online work experience and your itinerary. Look forward to your guidance. My email: [email protected]
Thank you
Gift
Nov 10, 2020
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Ahsan
Nov 11, 2020
Nc
Gounibira
Nov 11, 2020
Welcome Morocco
Laura
Nov 12, 2020
Super inspiring! :)
Yessenia
Nov 25, 2020
Hi Ayla, your story is very encouraging and motivational. I’m a newly certified Health and Life Coach, my dream is to work from anywhere, I got lost and confused, meanwhile I’m working part time as a professional organizer and decluttering, my dream is to travel so I decided enough of waiting to do it so I signed up here. But I’m interested in knowing more about your Marketing Biz, would like to talk to you about my business. Please could you reach out to me, [email protected]
Thank You!!!
Shihad
Nov 27, 2020
Well articulated
Srijana
Dec 01, 2020
wow i like it thank you so much for sharing this
Esther
Dec 03, 2020
Thanks for your inspiring words, keep it up! :)
Abdelfateh
Dec 03, 2020
Cool with patient and courage
Linda
Dec 03, 2020
Wow, I really needed to hear this. I'd love to chat with you deeper since I have so many questions! How can I contact you? Do you have Instagram?
Sergio
Dec 08, 2020
Hi there, I admire your courage, wish i can do the same, but i'm in a different situation. I loved your article, it's inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Pablo
Dec 09, 2020
Wow! This was such a good read.
Vikram
Dec 13, 2020
World are amazing & I love Nature 🙏🏞️🌄🌎🌏🗺️🥰
Rana Azan
Dec 17, 2020
Hi there we had a small conversation in Bangkok while Brushing the truth i am so glad to meet you cheers Appreciate it
Ashoo
Dec 17, 2020
Interested
Santosh
Dec 22, 2020
And you have written a beautiful blog here 😊
Rose
Dec 22, 2020
Very inspiring after reading what you have wrote. Yes, the money for buying a ticket is really concerning for me to step out from my comfort zone, and was thiking a lot should I make this work with travel the world with FREE. ❤
Devin
Jan 04, 2021
Thank you dearly, you have helped me and beyond, I have connections and so do they. Keep sprinkling more kindness, also free lol.
Oladele
Jan 13, 2021
Thank you so much for all what you've shared am impressed good luck to you bye
Vismay S
Jan 17, 2021
I am very much inspired by your story, I have a account in freelance and upwork. But in freelance they ask me to pay security deposit first is it safe to do so .
Vipin
Jan 18, 2021
Hi I want to travel world for free
Erik
Jan 19, 2021
click bait title and too long text which is a lot of filler text. could be shorter and to the point.
Brock
Feb 02, 2021
l am active now in France heading to Spain
Sadie
Mar 26, 2021
Is this possible with two children?
Mohamed
May 16, 2021
مرحبا
انا عندى سؤال هل انا بدفع مصاريف السفر صح ام لا وهل ينفع ان اعمل واخد مال ام لا
Kirill
May 31, 2021
Such a priceless story that you can even describe with words🙏 I absolutely believe that hapiness can change this World. And when everyone starts to SHARE yourself for others - we will make a planet smile and blossom❤👋
P.s. Thank you for that motivation. I will try to spread around the love which I found here
زيد
Jul 23, 2021
not true .
Yiğit
Oct 09, 2021
great writing. I hope i can join this life soon enough
Muhammad
Dec 19, 2023
Hi Pretty I hope you are doing in good health,
I am Asif fresh graduate from United Arab Emirates Dubai. i am interests travel to European countries. i am applying many volunteers position. If you are free then guide me which European countries best cheap for foreigner students. Respectfully thanks for your precious time.