Who doesn’t dream of free travel? Enjoying a sunset on a tropical island knowing that it won’t cost you anything. Is that possible? Yes, it certainly can! Although free may not be quite the right term but it doesn’t have to cost you money. There are lots of different ways to work while traveling and see a lot of the world ‘for free’ – we tell you the ten best ways! In addition, you can also check out Workaway.info. On this site, people offer all kinds of work in exchange for board and lodging.
#1 Go teach English
Many countries are desperate for people who can teach English. A prerequisite is that you have a good command of English. Look in South America or Asia and approach schools to ask if they are still looking for people. This way you can earn a nice amount of money and be in a beautiful environment. If you really want to do it professionally and earn a reasonable salary, you can do a TELF course beforehand. This is an internationally recognized course for teaching English.
#2 Become a receptionist in a hostel
In hostels they are regularly looking for people who want to work behind the front desk or clean for a few hours a day. In return, you can ask for money, of course, but also consider a free night’s stay? Sometimes two or three hours of work a day will do the trick. Working behind a bar is also a good option or at beach destinations as a propper.
#3 Arrange a work visa
A number of countries offer work visas for foreigners. For example, in Australia, if you are between 18 and 30, you can get a work visa for several months. Then you can work in a vineyard or pick fruit, for example. You get to enjoy the outdoors and earn some money to continue your travels. This is done a lot by backpackers!
#4 House-sitting
Some people are not comfortable leaving their homes behind for long periods of time. Search the Internet for people who are looking for a “sitter” for their house for some time. You usually don’t make any money doing this, but you are in a different environment and so you have no further accommodation costs!
#5 Become a digital nomad
A digital nomad is someone who can work anywhere in the world with their laptop and thus is not bound to one location. There are countless jobs to name where the digital nomad lifestyle is possible. Think of graphic designers, bloggers, coaches, copywriters. If you can earn your money online then you have all the freedom to go wherever you want as long as a good wifi connection can be found.
#6 Work behind the bar
This is one of the most fun things you can do when you are young, unattached and can have a few months off. In fact, during the summer months, larger beach resorts are always looking for proppers, bartenders and waitresses. Just keep in mind that you won’t always see much of the country because you’ll be working a lot in the evenings and at night. But if you’re still young, you’ll be fine to spend a few nights, right?
#7 Working on a cruise ship
Working on a cruise ship is actually one of the most fun jobs in the world. Who doesn’t want to be working in the great outdoors, in the middle of the ocean where you visit a different destination every few days. And if you plan a little skillfully with your schedule you can see many different places in a short time. Great fun!
#8 Become a WWOOF-er
Few people think of this option when it comes to free travel.WWOOFstands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or in other words, working a few hours a day on a farm for room and board. So you sleep and eat for free in people’s homes in exchange for a few hours of work. In your free hours you can go out and enjoy the surroundings. Ideal!
#9 Volunteering
You can volunteer worldwide but it is most needed in third world countries. These countries are often beautiful and unjustly left off the list of “most impressive destinations. By volunteering here, you are helping the development of a country as well as seeing it from a different perspective. In many projects they provide your accommodation and meals. Preferably work at local organizations and not through large Dutch organizations that charge huge amounts for these projects.
#10 Take a job as an au pair
Earn money and get to know a country. This is also possible as an au pair! Do you speak the language of the country where you are going to travel well? Then definitely consider becoming an au pair. In most cases, you will earn a nice amount of money and of course you will have free board and lodging. Make sure that you make good arrangements in advance, so that you have some free time to go out.