Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and envied those seemingly perfect lives of people traveling the world? Maybe you dismissed it as a fantasy for the wealthy. I used to think the same until I discovered secrets on How Do I Travel The World With No Money, and it changed everything.
This isn’t just another generic list of travel tips. I’m sharing my real-life experience of how I travel the world for free since July 2019, living a nomadic lifestyle and loving every minute.
Woman with a travel backpack looking at a scenic view
Initially, some might be skeptical, which I understand. The idea of traveling the world for free can sound too good to be true. I didn’t have anyone to guide me; I stumbled upon it myself. Now, I’m here to show you how to do the same.
I wanted to quit my job and travel, but that meant a very tight budget. The solution? Free food and accommodation. I’ll explain how you can travel the world, engage in activities you love, and enjoy free accommodation – or even get paid!
My Journey to Free Travel
I reached a point where I couldn’t stand my daily routine. I was working long hours for a good paycheck but felt miserable. I decided to take control and create a life I loved, full of new experiences and environments.
In February 2019, I resigned with a four-month notice. It was a countdown to escaping the rat race. By July, I was on a one-way flight to volunteer in India, with a backpack and a suitcase containing all my possessions.
Traveler in India with a backpack
Saying goodbye to friends and family, they knew I had no plans to return to my old life in Australia. I didn’t know how I’d make money or survive, but it didn’t matter. I was leaving behind a life I didn’t want, in search of one I loved.
That’s when I discovered how to travel the world with no money! Now, I have the freedom to go anywhere, knowing I can support myself. Combining two key strategies, I get almost all my food and accommodation covered.
I write for about two hours a day and actually save money while traveling and experiencing the world.
Traveler using a laptop with a scenic landscape in the background
Unveiling the Secret: Work Exchange
My number one life hack is Worldpackers.
Worldpackers is a platform that connects volunteers with hosts needing specific skills. It’s based on work exchange, where volunteers offer their time in exchange for accommodation and other perks like meals, classes, and tours.
This has given me numerous opportunities to travel on a tight budget, eliminating the worry of accommodation and food costs. It has also allowed me to build my name as an artist in countries like India and Sri Lanka.
As someone who dreamed of traveling the world for free but had no idea how to start, I’m incredibly grateful for Worldpackers.
For a yearly fee of $49 USD, you gain access to hosts worldwide. That’s likely much less than a single night’s food and accommodation in most countries. You get 12 months of free accommodation and food wherever you go!
It sounds too good to be true, right? What you give in exchange is often an experience you would pay a lot for anyway. It’s a win-win situation! You save so much money when you travel the world with Worldpackers.
Two people working together on a project with Worldpackers
Exploring Volunteer Opportunities
There are many volunteer programs available, ensuring you’ll find something that resonates with you. Some of my chosen programs include:
- Teaching English
- Helping at hostels
- Working on farms
- Eco-projects
- Painting murals
There are many more options, but these are the ones I’ve volunteered with. I often look for art projects because I love painting. I also apply for positions that pique my interest, like eco-projects.
I’ve had a range of volunteering experiences, mainly with painting. Mural painting wasn’t something I’d ever considered before.
I was excited to do my first one and put my heart and soul into it. From there, I applied for more Worldpackers positions as an artist, receiving free accommodation and all my meals.
This was a dream come true. I had no idea how to make money and was just trying to spend as little as possible to stretch my funds.
I’ve built great connections within communities, and I’ve been invited back to several places.
If you’re wondering how to travel for free while making an impact, this is the secret. There are volunteer options to suit a range of personality types and interests.
Volunteers working on an eco-project
Getting Paid While Traveling
While Worldpackers covers almost all my basic expenses, other costs like flights, visas, sightseeing, and socializing still need to be covered.
Someone I met during my first volunteer position offered a solution. I was about two months into my travels, and she was surprised I had no plan to balance working and traveling. I had quit my job, packed my bags, and left my country without a source of income.
She introduced me to the world of freelancing. I had never heard of it before. She explained that many people work remotely and get paid for it.
I told her I couldn’t do it because I was terrible with technology and had no valuable skills. She convinced me that I had everything I needed: fluent English and a tablet I could write on.
She told me about freelancing websites like Freelancer and Upwork. I started applying for basic administration positions but had no luck. I was lost in the crowd of other unskilled applicants.
Earlier in 2019, I had decided to write a novel, which I’m still working on. The girl who told me about freelancing saw me working on it and suggested I apply for 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. They loved my writing style and offered me an ongoing position.
A person working as a freelancer on a laptop
The Digital Nomad Lifestyle
The work I do is perfect. It’s flexible, I can ask for as much or as little work as I want, and I enjoy it.
I write content for businesses worldwide. Each piece takes around three hours and earns me $50 USD. While it doesn’t pay much compared to other jobs, it goes a lot further depending on where I am in the world.
I have a different relationship with money than when I worked a ‘normal’ job. I only want to make enough to cover my expenses or splurge on a vacation.
Freelancing has not only freed me financially, but it’s also a unique experience to be working on your own clock. Sometimes I might go days or weeks without writing, because I don’t need the money. Other times, I might write for a full week. That’s the beauty of freelancing.
Each week, I decide how many projects I want, usually between two and ten. That’s a maximum of 30 hours a week if I want to make serious money, but I rarely need that much. Most weeks, I only work about six hours.
Combining this small income with free travel through Worldpackers, I can save money while I’m traveling!
An added benefit is learning about the potential of online work. I went from being non-tech-savvy to owning my own digital marketing agency.
I outsource the work to talented freelancers I’ve met along my journey. Whether you’re business-minded or just want to work a few hours a week, it works for everyone.
Worldpackers platform with different volunteer opportunities
Balancing Freedom and Responsibilities
In Australia, I was a businesswoman in a suit, rushing between meetings and under immense stress. Now, I’m unrecognizable to my former colleagues and clients. I can freely express myself.
I now have blue hair and am collecting tattoos, and I love living a life that is true to my personality, not restricted by societal norms. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have responsibilities.
I have the freedom to travel, dress (country-specific, of course), and alter my appearance as I please. All I need to do is work about five hours a day to make it happen. On average, I spend one hour working and four hours volunteering.
Although it can be tempting to go out with friends after volunteering, I give myself a reality check. It’s just one hour. If I schedule my time well, it makes little difference to my day but a big difference to my life.
For me, setting a schedule works best: yoga, breakfast, work, volunteer, lunch, write my novel, then free time. Sometimes I create stress out of nothing, but finding my balance with a schedule and yoga helps me stay motivated.
Volunteer painting a mural during their travels
Your Adventure Awaits
Yes, there’s a legitimate way to travel the world for free and get paid, if that’s the life you want. I do it, and I’m just an average person. Sometimes I realize how lucky I am, but then remember that luck had nothing to do with it. I found this through research and took a leap of faith.
Seeing new countries and experiencing new cultures has been eye-opening. I wouldn’t have been able to do it for so long if I hadn’t discovered this life hack early in my trip.
Luckily for you, I’ve found it so you don’t have to search. Now that you know how to travel the world with no money, what are you waiting for? Go see the world!
