How to Travel the World for Free • The Blonde Abroad

Got that travel bug biting away at all your thoughts? Can’t go a day without wanderlust poking its way into your agenda? If you constantly find yourself daydreaming and thinking of your next great escape, maybe you should just stop thinking about it and put some plans into action.

For anyone thinking, “Ya right. I can’t afford to travel.”, this article is for you!

The reason you might think time away is going to cost a fortune is because hotels, car rentals and activities come with a price tag. But, there are many alternative ways to travel that not only save money but allow you to engage with local communities and people in ways that will absolutely immerse you in a whole new culture and outlook on life.

Plane tickets cost money, sure, but adventure and spirit-filled happiness is priceless.

The following programs and websites offer some totally awesome ways to help lower your expenses and, essentially, travel the world for free.

You’ll be amazed at how you can find ways to see the world for free!

Volunteer Work in Exchange for Accommodation

Websites like Work Away list hosts in all different countries around the world that let you stay with them in exchange for a few hours volunteering throughout the week.

Okay, you pay a signup fee for this website, but it’s like 10 euros. Considering you’d struggle to get a hostel for a night for that price, and here you get access to all these hosts for two years. It’s a no-brainer!

Couch Surfing

One of the better-known free methods of travel is Couch Surfing where you can host or stay with people around the world. People likely to host you couch surfing are travelers themselves who know what it’s like to be on the road.

Some people may be worried about their safety when staying with a stranger, but use your best judgement and have some trust in fellow humans.

You’ll probably meet some of the coolest people out there!

House Sitting

Put on your responsible hat and take care of someone’s house, pets and gardens while they’re away. Websites like HomeExchange and Mind My House help play matchmaker for homeowners and home “watchers” around the world.

Again, there’s a small annual fee but, for long-term sitting, you’d be paying pennies per day to live in an amazing property! Hello, month-long accommodation!

Earn Points for Free Travel

While this is something that mostly benefits American travelers, credit card rewards programs offer benefits for everything from free fine dining to free hotel stays to free international flights.

While it can take some serious research and a bit of a mastery of rewards programs, travel hacking can help you use rewards points wisely and ultimately travel for free.

Start earning those reward points and GO!

HELPFUL TIP: If you have been looking to get a travel reward credit card, I recommend applying for one before a big trip or purchase. Some of the biggest benefits are earning points to use for free flights and hotels. Plus, many cards offer additional points when making travel-related purchases. Some cards also offer travel protection when you pay for a trip with the card.

My personal favorite is the Chase Sapphire Reserve (for frequent travelers) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred (if you’re just starting out)! Check out my favorite travel reward credit cards!

WWOOF

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms where travelers can live and work on a farm in exchange for free meals and accommodation.

It’s a great opportunity learn about a local culture, learn something new and get outdoors. Simply pick a destination and see what opportunities are available!

Hitchhiking

Same as with couch surfing, it’s time to trust in mankind! Western European countries like France and Spain have a great reputation for hitchhiking, as well as places like New Zealand, and people will get you places safely.

Use your best judgment and use helpful resources for hitchhiking tips and information on how to get started. For women, hitch-hiking will always have an element of risk, so never go alone.

Take a friend with you to be safe and share the adventure!

Teaching English as a Second Language

There are so many ways to teach English all over the world where you actually get paid to travel! The beauty of a TEFL certification is that once you have that certificate, you can teach ANYWHERE!

TEFLPros is an award-winning online certification course for anyone who is looking to teach English abroad or online and begin a life of teaching, learning and traveling to places that you can only dream of. TEFLPros is woman-owned and operated by a teacher trainer who understands all the ups and downs of what it’s like to follow this path

TEFL certification is a requirement for most reputable schools and the TEFLPros course will not only make sure you are fully prepared to teach but also provides lifetime job assistance for all grads.

Working at a Camp

Working at a recreational camp in Europe or the Americas is not only super fun but will save you so much money. Some programs geared towards college students, like Camp Adventure, even earn you college credits.

For the length of your contract, you typically receive a living stipend, plus all accommodation, meals and laundry are provided.

Your free time may be limited to the weekend but it’s a great learning a cultural experience!

Car Sharing Network

If you aren’t keen on sticking out a finger and waiting on the side of the road, use a car-sharing network like Bla Bla Car. It’s basically organized hitch-hiking that connects people who need to travel with drivers who have empty seats.

Save money on train or plane tickets, chip in for fuel and meet some awesome people!

Do you have any tips on traveling for free?

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This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18584247925015178

This carousel is a pretty accurate reflection of motherhood for me. My life’s most beautiful moments intertwined with the hardest ones.

As many of you know, shortly after Oliver turned two, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Pediatric oncology diagnosed him with an “inoperable” optic pathway glioma, and the only treatment option presented was 15 months of weekly chemotherapy.

Had that been the path forward, he would have only finished treatment in March of this year.

Instead, I shared his story here. Families who had walked this road before reached out — ultimately connecting me with the neurosurgeon who changed the course of Oliver’s life.

After a 12-hour craniotomy and now over a year of clear scans, there is hope that he is fully cured.

While motherhood has been the most beautiful chapter of my life, it has also been the most humbling.

His diagnosis changed the way I look at time.
At motherhood.
At what actually matters.

Spending this year abroad with Oliver is, in many ways, my way of saying yes now instead of someday.

This Mother’s Day, I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Grateful for the strength I found in the hardest season of my life.

Grateful that even through fear and uncertainty, I never stopped choosing joy and adventure for him.

And most of all, grateful that after everything we’ve been through, I still get to hold his hand through all of it.

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman carrying both the beauty and the heaviness of loving someone so deeply.

And to those missing their mothers, their children, or the version of life they thought they’d have today… I’m sending so much love to you too. 🤍

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18029767580663424

Kenya looks like this too 🏝️🇰🇪
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We spent a week in Diani Beach (just an hour flight from Nairobi) staying at @almahali.villas, and it ended up being one of those trips I’ll always remember. This was a mommy + me getaway, and I genuinely didn’t expect it to be this kid-friendly—so easy, so relaxed, and just fun.

We had a private villa with a chef (game changer), got around by tuk tuk, and spent our days between the beach and some of the cutest beachfront restaurants—some even have playgrounds and kids programs on weekends (@galu_ecolodge_madafoos was a favorite).

The little moments made it: fresh coconuts from beach vendors, a dhow boat ride that led us to dolphins, Maasai warriors hand-beading the boys’ friendship bracelets, the warmest ocean I’ve ever felt, and the craziest vervet monkeys you’ll ever meet.

And the best part—getting to experience it all with my friend @tailsofamermaid, who lives in Nairobi and knows all of the best parts of Diani. She showed us all her favorite spots, and it made the trip feel so local and special!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#dianibeachkenya #diani #dianibeach #kenya #familytravel

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18588507736001531

Packing smarter > Packing more ✈️

This garment duffel has been such a game changer for short trips—keeps clothes wrinkle-free, has a separate space for shoes, and still fits all the essentials.

I’ve been pairing it with the packing cubes and checked luggage from @OneQuince, and everything just works together—luxury quality, without the luxury price tag.

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6amYb

@onequince @shop.ltk #liketkit #QuincePartner
#travelessentials #packingtips #luggage

Song: I’m That Girl by Phury _ from. Melody the Superstar

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18005693585857886

Posting a February recap… in *almost* May should tell you everything you need to know about this season of life.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Between another bout of illness (life with young kids!) we filled our days with so much fun!

Celebrating my mom’s birthday in the Cape Winelands 🤍
Morning visits with the penguins
A trip to Nairobi to see close friends @tailsofamermaid

Feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
Safari days
A visit to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Then slowing down in Diani Beach —
villa life, beach days, and dolphin spotting on a dhow cruise.

Filling our days with adventure…
and holding onto how good this all feels. ✨
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown #nairobi #kenya #dianibeach

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18075675671194480

Meeting rescued baby elephants at @sheldricktrust has been on my bucket list for years… and it exceeded every expectation! 🐘
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We booked a private visit, which is $1,500 for a group of up to 10 people (2026 pricing), and fully donation-based — directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.

There are only two private slots per day, so this is something you need to book well in advance.

It’s absolutely a splurge, but for such an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experience (and knowing it supports conservation) felt incredibly worth it!

If that’s not in budget, they also offer daily public visiting hours (around $20 per person), which are still really special.

NOTE: You’ll also need to pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee for any visit.

It pairs perfectly with a safari drive in the park, since you’re already there. It’s such an easy and meaningful add-on to any Nairobi itinerary.

This is one of the most special (and ethical) wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya 🤍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#kenyatravel #nairobikenya #africasafari #ethicaltravel #bucketlisttravel

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Vera

Those are great tips! I do really love traveling and affording it is always a big issue, but knowing this actually does help a lot! What I’m most looking forward to is to be a counselor at a camp! It looks superfun!
With love,
Vera

October 28, 2014 at 12:34 pm · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Glad it helps!

October 29, 2014 at 12:26 pm · Reply

Scott Grimmer (MileValue)

Great post, but I have one quibble.

Flights are free too if you are responsible with credit since banks love to give away 50k+ point sign up bonuses and you can get a roundtrip to Europe for that plus $100 in taxes (or even free.)

I cringe about at your link to the post about the British Airways card though because redeeming those miles usually requires paying hefty fuel surcharges.

Best to stick to United, American, US Airways, and Delta miles. There are great offers on the American Airlines and US Airways credit cards at the moment too!

I just booked a flight from Colombia to the USA for 15k American Airlines miles and $40. The current credit card bonus is 50k miles. That’s a lot of travel.

October 28, 2014 at 1:57 pm · Reply

Kiersten Rich

For some people the British Airways card makes sense, for others it doesn’t. I definitely agree there are some other awesome rewards cards. Working on a new post featuring the best cards!

October 29, 2014 at 12:18 pm · Reply

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