If you’re monthly salary doesn’t quite match your around-the-world dreams, don’t throw in the towel quite yet! There are plenty of ways to see the world on a low budget. This has become a more-and-more popular topic and there are quadrillions of ideas out there. I have gathered my favourite three money-saving travel tips to help you get where you wanna go.
#1. WWOOF
Personally I feel this just couldn’t be anymore perfect. Not only will you live almost cost-free, you will gain skills, knowledge, resources and some new amigos!
WWOOF is a worldwide organization that connects volunteers with organic farmers. Basically, you do some labour on their property and they give you a free place to bunk, and most-commonly, one or two meals the days that you work. The best part about that is, most of what your meals are made up of are the products of your labour. Local! Fresh! Harvested with love!
Each WWOOF host has different specifications as far as labour hours and requirements. Each farm is unique and will bring a different experience, so invest some time in finding the right one for you.
I will have my first “WWOOFer” experience in August (2017), and you an expect a full blog review and photos!
For more information on WWOOF-ing, visit their website here
www.wwoof.net
#2. House-sitting
Here’s another way to get free accommodation (but you have to feed yourself). This time the organization connects pet and house-owners with pet and house-sitters. This is a super great idea if you’re taking short side trips. Although you can also find houses to sit for long terms. Read about a true house-sitter’s experience and here.
It’s a lot easier to be accepted as a house-sitter if you’ve got at least one good reference.
Tip! House-sit for a friend, family member, or someone in the current city you live in to get that reference.
NomadicMatt has a great detailed blog post about house-sitting if you want more information.
Below I listed three of the most used housesitting websites.
- TrustedHousesitters.com (currently: $139.00CAD annual fee)
- MindMyHouse.com (currently:$20.00USD annual fee)
- HouseCarers.com (currently: $50.00CAD annual fee)
#3. Work at a Hostel
A lot of hostels will exchange work for stay. This is a great option if you want to stay in the city/town rent-free. Also a great option if you want to meet other travellers easily.
Here are some good skills to have beforehand (not necessarily required)
- English is awesome to have but it’s always a plus if you have a second language
- A good work ethic and an outgoing personality
- Previous work experience (any prior work in the hospitality field)
- Flexibility with work hours
You can arrive at a hostel and offer your exchange deal in person, or check out one of these websites. They post different hostel employment offers.
**Note: You don’t need a work visa. As long as there is no cash exchange, there are no worries!
