You probably know by now that we at VENTURE 4TH® are absolutely obsessed with the world of travel – but we’re pretty sure that we’re not the only ones. For many people, the idea of being able to explore the hidden wonders of the globe one by one is a dream come true. Add that to the possibility that you can do it all for free – or even get paid for your time, and it almost seems too good to be true.
Today, even those of you who think you can’t afford to go on vacation might be able to take advantage of some incredible opportunities to travel the world for free. Rather than having to save thousands of dollars back for a much-needed trip, all you’ll need is a sense of adventure, a keen mind, and perhaps a windproof travel umbrella for those unpredictable downpours. So which companies can you go to, if you want this awesome deal? Following, we’ll list just a few of the businesses that are helping everyday folk to travel the world – without paying a single cent.
1. Diverbo
Do you speak English?
English is one of the most commonly used languages on the planet, and the ability to speak it makes you a VIP in the eyes of various companies hoping to shell out language education to individuals across the globe. For instance, Diverbo commonly recruits English speakers who have absolutely no experience speaking other languages, to help people in Germany and Spain explore their language skills.
The best thing is that you get to learn a new language while you’re there, but you will find that you don’t get much downtime during the experience. If you want to travel the world for free, sometimes you need to be willing to work. Of course, parties and theatre performances in Munich and Madrid probably don’t seem like much of a hardship.
2. PGL
For some people, the idea of a perfect vacation involves some time spent lounging on the beach – for others, it’s all about getting active, trying new things, and getting involved with fantastic hobbies. If you’re already into skiing and snowboarding, then why not get paid to visit some of the best resorts on the planet? A website known as “AdventureWork“, allows you to track down available openings in this area, and you can choose whether you want a long-term assignment, or a quick trip.
One fantastic company, PGL, is well known for hiring ski reps at resorts across the U.S., Austria, Italy, and France. In exchange for your time accompanying school groups onto the slopes, you’ll get a small stipend of around $229, lift passes, and all your food and resort expenses paid for.
3. WWOOF
Interested in farm life? If you’re good at working with animals and growing crops, then you might find a place for yourself in WWOOF, or the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms organization. This group is perfect for globetrotters who don’t mind getting dirty in the search of a free adventure.
When it comes to ways to travel the world for free, WWOOF allows you to check out “help-wanted” ads from farmers across the world. From there, you simply apply for anything you want, from making wine to gathering herbs, and in return, the farm pays for your food and accommodations. The great thing is that you only work a few hours a day. Beyond that, you can grab your windproof travel umbrella and explore your location.
4. HouseCarers
If you’re simply looking for somewhere to stay on your next big adventure, and you don’t mind the idea of looking after someone’s pet, or their home while they’re away on vacation, then offering your services could be a great way to avoid costly hotels. Companies like HouseCarers are great for connecting travelers around the world with people in need of sitters.
Just remember that you’ll be expected to treat the house you’re looking after with the utmost respect, so inviting people to come along with you for wild parties is a strict no-go.
5. YMT Vacations
Another sneaky way to travel the world for free is to act as an organizer for a group of your family and friends. Most people don’t realize this, but many travel operators will be willing to cover the costs of your flight and stay if you’re willing to function as a trip leader. For example, YMT Vacations are happy to hand out free vacations to anyone who enlists twelve people to take a trip with them. If at least eight of your guests book their flights through YMT too, your airfare will be covered.
There’s a number of great companies that offer opportunities just like this one, and it’s a great solution for those planning family reunions or large group vacations.
6. Explorica
If you’re a teacher looking for ways to immerse your students in a new culture and a range of fantastic learning opportunities, then you might be able to snag a free adventure for yourself too. A number of companies for educational travel are willing to offer free trips to teachers who want to host trips for their students, and many will even throw in a quick training trip beforehand to help you get the most of your journey.
Explorica is just one of the most popular options on the market today, offering plenty of solutions for adventurous teachers. However, there are a range of other great businesses available that provide the same kind of experience.
7. Workaway
Finally, one of the simplest ways to travel the world for free is to simply be willing to put a little hard work and elbow grease into your next vacation. There are organizations across the world that are happy to connect travelers with locals around the globe who are looking for emergency help from volunteers, such as Workaway.
Most of the time, in these situations, volunteers will work for at least five hours a day, five days a week, before getting the remaining time to themselves to explore and adventure as they like. It’s a great way to see a new place affordably, and really immerse yourself in a new culture.
