Traveling abroad is a dream many people want to come true. But not many can afford the high costs of flights, accommodation and living expenses. These factors have made the dream only a dream. However, there’s always a way for people who are determined to visit or live in the country of their dreams. With the right information, you will find free passage to Canada, the US, the UK or any country you want to travel to.

This blog shows you some of the ways to travel abroad without paying a dime. Some people have used these methods and are currently enjoying a beautiful life already. If you are willing to follow their legit means of traveling abroad, here are some strategies to adopt:

How to Travel Abroad Legitimately for Free

Volunteer Programs

One of the sure ways to move abroad for free is by joining volunteer programs. Many organizations around the world look for volunteers for various projects. They offer free accommodation and meals in exchange for the time and effort you put in those projects. Here are some amazing volunteer projects to go for::

1. WWOOF 

WWOOF(World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connects volunteers with organic farmers and growers around the world. Volunteers can work on the farms for a few hours daily, and in return, they receive free food and housing. This is a great way to make new friends and learn new local culture and principles of sustainable farming.o

2. Workaway

This is an online platform that connects travelers with international hosts who offer work opportunities in exchange for free accommodation and meals. The tasks to do can range from teaching English, house renovations to working in a hostel. Workaway provides you an opportunity to live like a local and acquire new and relevant skills.P

3. Peace Corps

If you are among those looking for long-term jobs, the Peace Corps is a US is a fantastic opportunity. This is a government program that sends volunteers abroad to work on social and economic development projects. In return, volunteers receive many benefits including travel expenses, accommodation and financial assistance to cover living costs.C

4. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a useful community of travelers who offer their couches or spare rooms to fellow travelers for free. These kind gestures not only cut accommodation costs but also allow you to meet new people and get reliable information on the best places to visit. Couchsurfing is a good way to make new friends and experience a better international destination.

How to Join Couchsurfing

  1. Create a Profile: First go to the site and create a profile that truly reflects your personality, interests and travel experiences. 
  2. Find Hosts: Go to the search function and use it to find hosts in the country you are interested in. Make sure to read their profiles and reviews carefully to know who they are.
  3. Send Requests: Send a well detailed personalized requests to the host you have selected from your search. Explain to them why you would like to stay with them and the services you can render in return. Examples of what you can offer your hosts include cooking a meal or sharing travel stories. 

Travel Hacking Rewards and Points

Travel hacking is the art of using credit card rewards and loyalty programs to travel anywhere for free. This method has become increasingly popular among international travelers in recent times. When you use credit cards that offer travel rewards, you will accumulate points that will enable you to redeem flights, hotels and other travel expenses.

How to Maximize Travel Rewards

  1. Pick the Right Credit Cards: Look for cards that come with generous sign-up bonuses, points for travel-related purchases and have no foreign transaction fees.
  2. Meet Minimum Spending Requirements: Most times, you’ll need to spend a certain amount within the first few months to earn the sign-up bonus. Plan your expenses to meet this requirement and avoid overspending.
  3. Use Your Cards Wisely: Use your travel rewards credit cards for daily purchases. In this way, you will accumulate points faster. 
  4. Sign Up for Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs: Many airlines and hotel chains offer loyalty programs that allow customers to earn points or miles for every booking they make. 
  5. Redeem Points Strategically: Try not to waste your points. Use them for long-distance flights, international travels or high-end hotels to get the value for your efforts.

Teaching English Abroad

If English is your first language, teaching English abroad can get you free travels and even earn you cool money. English teachers are in high demand in many countries. Some of these demands include paying for your flights, accommodation and provision of salary.

Popular Programs for Teaching English Abroad

  1. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language): Many organizations offer TEFL certification courses, which when completed online or in-person, makes you qualified. Once certified, you can find teaching jobs in countries non English-speaking countries like China, South Korea, and Spain.
  2. JET Program (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program): This program employs native English speakers to teach in schools inJapan. Participants receive salaries, accommodation and a chance to understand Japanese culture.
  3. CIEE Teach Abroad: This organization offers teaching positions in various countries such as Thailand, Chile and South Korea. It provides support with job placement, visa assistance and job orientation.

House Sitting

House sitting is another legitimate way to travel abroad for free. Homeowners who go on vacation would need someone to look after their house and pets. In exchange for your services, they will offer you free accommodation.

How to Become a House Sitter

  1. Join House Sitting Websites: Register on websites like TrustedHousesitters, MindMyHouse or HouseCarers. Create a profile to showcase your experience with pets and home care.
  2. Apply for Assignments: Search for house sitting openings in the country of your choice and apply. Make sure your application meets each homeowner’s needs.
  3. Build a Good Reputation: Complete all assignments responsibly to collect positive reviews. A good reputation will help you get more house sitting jobs in the future.

Scholarships and Study Abroad Programs

This is specifically for students who wants to leave their home. You may consider applying for scholarships and study abroad programs. Many universities and organizations offer scholarships that cover your tuition fees, travel expenses and living costs.

How to Find Scholarships and Study Abroad Programs

  1. University Programs: Go online and check for scholarship opportunities on your university’s international office for study abroad.
  2. External Scholarships: Do online research on scholarships from governments, non-profits and private organizations. Websites like ScholarshipPortal and Fastweb are useful resources for scholarship finding.
  3. Exchange Programs: Participate in exchange programs like Erasmus (for European students) or Fulbright (for US students). These programs provide financial support for students who wish to study abroad.

Travel Blogging and Content Creation

If you have the passion and good at writing, photography or videography, you can turn your travel experiences into beautiful content and share them online. Successful travel bloggers and content creators often get free trips, accommodation, and sponsorships in exchange for promoting places, people and brands.

How to Start Travel Blogging and Content Creation

  1. Create a Website or Have Social Media Presence: You may start a blog or create social media accounts dedicated to your travel experiences only. Then focus on creating high-quality content that gets the interest and attention of your target audience.
  2. Build an Audience: Actively engage with your fans and followers by sharing valuable travel information, stories and amazing photos. Remember to use SEO strategies and social media marketing to grow your online following.
  3. Team up with Brands: Once you have a large following, reach out to travel brands, tourism boards and hotels for available opportunities. Always maintain e professional attitude and showcase how you can add value to their brand.

 

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