The idea of discovering oneself while traipsing to unknown parts of the world is very popular. However, a hindrance to such an adventure is often cold, hard cash. Most people in their teens and twenties don't have the financial means to spend a year on the road without parental sponsorship. There are ways, however, to reduce the cost of living while travelling.
One such traveller, Jessie, has been living and working in New Zealand for 5 months, paying only minimally for accommodations and food. Find out how you can get free room and board as well. With her advice, this article guides adventurers on how to make their travel dollars go farther.
Wwoofing
Wwoofing stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. This organization operates worldwide and connects volunteers with organic farms. Workers exchange 4 to 6 hours of labour for free room and board. Volunteers sign up for wwoofing in a particular country and then have access to a database so they can chose a good match for location and conditions of work. The worker then contacts the host to set up "employment". Members pay a $30US membership fee.
HelpX
HelpX is similar to wwoofing, but is not limited to organic living and working. Again, the premise of the program is an exchange of labour for free room and board. The HelpX system also has a rating system so all members can check if hosts or volunteers have a bad reputation. As in the wwoofing program, the worker contacts the host to arrange for an appointment. The membership fee is $30US for a two-year years.
Couchsurfing
The couch surfing network has millions of members in over 200 countries. The members are all friendly welcoming people who open their homes to visitors. Members can choose to be both a host and visitor or just a visitor. Being a host, however, will earn you public feedback and increase your chance of being accepted into someone's home. The system depends on honestly and trust but can offer the most rewarding travel and host experiences. This is a great way to meet local people and get a free night's sleep. There is no membership fee.
Au Pair or Nanny Programs
Travellers who genuinely like children may want to consider becoming an au pair. An au pair is a live-in child care and domestic helper. Au pairs are meant to be part of the household, eating with the family and joining in family activities. Typically, an au pair supplies child care and light house keeping duties in exchange for room, board and a small allowance. Be sure that a contract stipulates the number of hours expected and the financial reimbursement. Au pair experiences vary greatly, so ask as many questions as possible before making a commitment.
In addition to the above programs, travellers can arrange free room and board independently. Many hostels exchange free rooms for a couple hours of daily cleaning duties. Backpackers can solicit farms, hotels or other places of employment for a deal that includes room or meals. Perhaps the restaurant you work at will throw in free dinners. Think innovatively, be friendly and willing to pull your weight. You will be surprised at the deals you can negotiate.
Travellers who manage to get free room and board can extend their travel time by months. In addition to saving an incredible amount of money, the wwoofing, couch surfing, helpx and au pair programs give a traveller a unique opportunity to genuinely be part of a new society and get to know the locals. The programs offer experiences and personal growth that one can never get via the normal tourist methods.
For more money saving tips read: Saving Money While Travelling : Tips for Backpackers or Gap Year.
Linda Wongkee - Linda is an online and print author. She writes about travel and education, her two passions!!
