Convinced that you need a considerable budget to roam? Think again! Be creative with your plans, and make your travel dreams affordable. Sure, saving on flights is straightforward – just choose low-cost airlines. But what about a place to live? The good news is it's possible. You can get free accommodation in exchange for work.
You can live on a remote farm, working part-time while enjoying the countryside. Another option is to help restore historic homes in charming villages across France, Sweden, or the UK. Or maybe you'd love a less tense way to save? Become a house and pet sitter and get a free place to stay, care for furbabies, and get the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Wondering how it all works? Let's explore five tried-and-true ways to get free housing!
Imagine you've cracked the code for how to travel the world for cheap, so now you can say goodbye to exaggerated hotel bills and Airbnb costs. Not just for a few nights, but often for weeks, so you have enough time to explore, try local food, and meet new people. The catch? You exchange your time and skills for a roof over your head.
Lots of people around the globe search for reliable individuals to run their houses while they're away. Your tasks might include taking care of pets and handling simple chores like:
For your efforts you get a place to stay for free. You'll have access to all the home's amenities: kitchen, bathroom, washing machine, Internet connection, and entertainment systems. Though, remember that, unlike hotels and hostels, there's no cleaning service. Cleaning after yourself is a crucial part of the deal.
You will find a place to stay for free easier than you think when you know where to search. There are hundreds of options for those interested in volunteering, teaching English, working on a farm, or house-sitting. Start by deciding what tasks you're comfortable with and the destinations that interest you. From there, search for platforms tailored to your goals.
For example, house-swapping programs are perfect for those looking to exchange homes temporarily – just search for “house exchange” platforms. If working on a farm excites you, explore specialized programs that match volunteers with farms. Review their fine print, and you're ready to go! If teaching is more your style, plenty of programs offer free accommodation as part of teaching opportunities abroad.
If house or pet sitting sounds more like your thing, try platforms like Flatrover. Join our big and friendly community, and get all the instruments to find places to stay with no money. Create your profile, specify your preferences, and begin your search. Also, Subscribe For Updates to be instantly notified about the latest opportunities!
Well, almost for free. For sure, you'll need some money for emergencies and food, but you can cut your travel costs so much that your adventure will be cheaper than staying home. Here's how:
Traveling in Europe? Take advantage of railway discounts. In Italy, private companies like Italo offer routes such as Milan to Turin for just €10, while state railways provide deals like discounted round-trip day tickets. Switzerland's railway system even offers day passes that grant unlimited access to trains, buses, and funiculars.
Food costs depend on your preferences, but these tips will stretch your budget:
Plus, learning local customs can save you even more. In Italy, for instance, drinking coffee at the bar is way cheaper than sitting at a table.
Research is your best friend. In Europe, people under 25 often qualify for reduced or free tickets to museums and cultural sites. Some museums even offer free admission days for everyone, making it easier to experience art and history without spending a fortune. Specific cities, like Milan, provide free entry to certain landmarks on designated days, so check local schedules.
Sitting houses and furbabies is one of the best options for budget travelers. Instead of working long hours on a farm or committing to a teaching program, you can stay in someone's home and care for their pets or property. This arrangement not only provides a comfortable place to stay for free but also gives you plenty of time to explore your surroundings. House sitting often allows longer stays as you can move between different families in the same country.
Yet, there are some other options. Ready to explore them?
Where can you stay for free while traveling? As we've already discussed, there are many opportunities to score accommodations at no cost. Let's explore just a few:
Finding where to stay for free is easier than you might think. Yet, it requires time, patience, and meticulous planning. Narrow down your preferred destinations, evaluate the terms, and communicate with property owners or program organizers to ensure the fit is right for you.
And remember, caution is key. Always have a plan B, keep some emergency funds in your bank account, and maintain contact with someone who can support you remotely if needed. Traveling smart and prepared will ensure your journey is memorable and safe.
What if you want to stay abroad longer than just a two-week travel? House sitting is one of the ways to make this happen. It often lets you stay longer in one place and feels like living at home. Sure, you'll have to care for pets and keep the house clean, but you'll still have plenty of time to explore, relax, or even work.
And if you already have a remote job, it gets even better! You're free to hop from one location to another – a few weeks in cozy German towns, a month in the French countryside, and maybe even a stint somewhere exotic. Yet, ensure you have a robust connection to keep your workflow smooth.
Remember, though, that a little preparation goes a long way:
Finally, keep someone – a friend or family member – back home in the loop. Thus, you always have someone to help you in emergencies. With the right mindset and a bit of planning, living abroad for free can be more than a one-time adventure. It can become your lifestyle.
Planning an unforgettable trip across Europe? With Flatrover, it's not just possible – it's simple. Our platform is packed with offers for house sitters from this region. Whether mapping out a whirlwind tour of multiple countries or settling in one spot for a while, you will find your solution.
Europe is a fantastic destination, and it's surprisingly easy to explore. If you're traveling solo – yes, even as a woman – it's one of the safest regions in the world. Plus, with a single EU visa, you can visit all twenty-seven European Union countries and even Switzerland, which, while not in the EU, is part of the Schengen zone.
That said, always check the fine print. For example, if you're in Switzerland, your European roaming plan might not cover you – hello, surprise fees! A little prep helps keep your budget intact.
Seeing the world without spending a fortune is real. All it takes is a little planning, clear goals, and some savvy travel tips to make your dream journey affordable:
And here's the most important tip: stay positive and enjoy your journey. Follow Us on Social Media so our Flatrover community of homeowners and housesitters can provide timely pro advice.
Everything is simple. Flatrover is designed to make your search smooth and stress-free independently, whether you're new to the idea or already experienced. Here's your 101 guide:
All set! You're ready to explore the world with free accommodation. And remember that whenever you need it, Flatrover's 24/7 support squad is always here to assist you.
How do I find free accommodation in exchange for work?
Use platforms like WWOOF or Flatrover. Create a profile and browse hosts offering free housing in return for tasks like house-sitting, teaching, or farm work.
What are some ways to stay for free while traveling?
Couchsurfing, volunteering, and work exchanges are great options. House-sitting, in particular, offers more freedom to explore. With research, wild camping is also possible in some countries.
How can I live abroad for free?
You can live abroad for free by house-sitting, volunteering long-term, or teaching through programs that include housing. Combining this with remote work makes it even more sustainable.
Where can I find places to stay in Europe for free?
House-sitting platforms like Flatrover, Couchsurfing, WWOOF volunteering, or wild camping in countries with "right to roam" laws are excellent resources for free European stays.
Is it possible to travel the world cheaply by staying for free?
Absolutely! Use house-sitting for free stays, pair it with online work, and follow budget travel tips like cooking your meals to cut costs and make it happen.
