10 Ways to Travel on a Budget!
Like me, I did Peace Corps from 2014-2016 and it is important to understand that you will not be living in a 5-Star hotel type accommodation. Depending on your work experience, you could do Peace Corps Response for shorter periods ( I think 6 months or year long positions). But if you are open to live and volunteer abroad for two years, this is sufficient time to learn a language, a different way of life, and become familiar with a new culture. The biggest benefit about this option is that it is completely free, where the program pays for the passport, flights, and housing/health insurance for your entire service. If you do choose to travel to other places, that depends on your own savings and management of money. For me, I was actually able to save some of my monthly salary from Peace Corps to go places, though it would just take a few months to save up! Normally, it was just enough for me to buy my living basics.
But, if you do not really see yourself going abroad and would rather stay in the United States, Americorps is a great opportunity to travel in country while helping others as well. You get to see what types of other cultures and traditions we have right in your own backyard! If you are from the west, why not get some real fried chicken only found in the south? Are you from the north of the USA and have always wanted to live in warmer weather? This is a great program to help others and travel at the same time.
But, if you do not really see yourself going abroad and would rather stay in the United States, Americorps is a great opportunity to travel in country while helping others as well. You get to see what types of other cultures and traditions we have right in your own backyard! If you are from the west, why not get some real fried chicken only found in the south? Are you from the north of the USA and have always wanted to live in warmer weather? This is a great program to help others and travel at the same time.
Another great program abroad or in country is WWOOF. But you will need to pay for your own transportation and a small fee upfront to receive a listing of contact information of places that participate around the world. You get free room and board though in exchange for doing a little farm work!
2. Study Abroad/Fulbright Program
Studying abroad is a great way to see another country, study a language, and get a few college credits out the way all at once! I was able to use my scholarships and grants to go so the only expense for me was the plane ticket (and if I wanted to do any extra traveling). Some programs offer great deals where you get a home-stay, cultural excursions and activities, and orientation. If you are looking for graduate school opportunities, which can be tougher to find funding, the Fulbright Program is a great way to go abroad for free too!
3. Couch surfing.com
Check out the site in which ever city you may be in! Plus, you get to know the locals for a better experience and insight on which places to visit and maybe even some delicious food.
4. Teaching English programs
There are really programs anywhere in the world where you can teach English. You could even do 3 month summer programs, 6 months, or a year. Some of my friends have told me about World Teach, which gives you various country options though you do have to pay a program fee. Also, to name a few, there are the Chinese Cultural Center, if you want to teach in China and want a reliable source; places in Korea or the JET program in Japan; and CIEE. If you want to know more, I do know of a few government program in Spain and a few other options so, just leave us a comment or message if you want to know more!
5. Holiday Work Visas
There are a few countries that I found that allow United States Citizens to receive visas to countries for a year, which include New Zealand and Australia. But of course, you will have to pay for your own transportation through these programs and hope that you will find a job once you are there so that you can stay and travel! From others, they have told me that it was not too much time until they found a job. However, I do believe there are age limits for these programs where you need to be under 30 years..
6. Work at a Hostel!
I have met a few travelers that have contacted hostels to work for them in exchange for a bed! This can save you money if you want to stay for a few weeks or months and only costs you have to pay are transportation and food.
7. Work for a Cruise Ship
Why not try it out for a bit?! And you get to see many new places but in a shorter time frame. I keep up with a friend on Instagram who does this option and is a great work opportunity to see many places.
8. Get a Courier Flight!
I have not done this option but have read that you could get super cheap flights to go anywhere in the world just as long as you are willing to deliver the package. However, you have to have your schedule open since it depends on the airlines schedule and not yours.
9. Become an Au Pair
Some families want their children to learn English (or another language) so this could be a great option if you want to save some money while being abroad!
10. House Exchange with a Friend
Get in contact with those friends you have abroad or someone near you as well! You do not have to go far to feel like you are on vacation. Maybe a friend has a house in the mountains about two hours away and could offer to exchange houses with them for a period of time! There is a program that has listings of people to contact but you will have to buy a membership. Plus, if you are unsure about exchanges places with a stranger, check out your own network of people. A suggestion I have read is to make a contract, which helps list the boundaries of your house, food they can use, and to act as a guide for places to go, etc.
**If you guys have any other strategies you use to travel, please share!! I want to know too and fill my passport pages with new places as well while staying on a budget!
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