Think you can't afford to take a vacation, or just looking for ways to travel on the cheap? Then, check out these free vacation options:
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
Description: Work on an organic farm in exchange for room and board. There are farms to choose from all over the world.
What's Included: Food and accommodations
Ages: Must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult (some farms allow children, others don't)
For More Info: wwoof.net
Workaway
Description: Choose a volunteer opportunity that interests you – assisting with the upkeep of a chateau in France, teaching English to school children in Thailand, etc. Then, explore the area in your off time.
What's Included: Food and accommodations
Ages: Any
Keep in Mind: You will need to pay a membership fee to participate in the Workaway program.
For More Info: workaway.info/
Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation
Description: Help to maintain the trails in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, located in Montana. Then, use your free time to explore the trails and backcountry.
What's Included: Meals and accommodations (camping)
Ages: All ages
Keep in Mind: You will need to make a $50 deposit to participate, but it will be refunded at the end of your project.
For More Info: bmwf.org/volunteer.html
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Description: Join a trail crew, and help with the annual maintenance of the Pacific Crest Trails – a system of trails that runs from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington.
What's Included: Meals and accommodations
Ages: All ages
For More Info: pcta.org/volunteer
Warmshowers.org
Description: Plan a bicycle tour. Then, jump on Warmshowers' database, and find someone who's willing to put you up for each leg of your trip.
What's Included: Lodging
Ages: 18 and older
For More Info: warmshowers.org/faq
Se7ven
Description: Volunteer for an environmental or social project in your country of choice, and explore a new culture, while you meet new people and learn new skills.
What's Included: Accommodations and usually food
Ages: None specified
Keep in Mind: Not all volunteer opportunities on Se7en are free.
For More Info: the7interchange.com/Home.aspx
Couchsurf
Description: Pick a travel destination. Then, search through a database of members to find someone in your chosen locale who's willing to let you crash on their couch.
What's Included: Accommodations. Hosts may also offer to show you around, share meals, etc.
Ages: 18 or older
For More Info: couchsurfing.org/
Mystery Shop
Description: Sign up with several mystery shopping companies, and work your way up the ranks until you qualify for vacation shops. You'll be sent to a popular vacation destination to evaluate the hotel, resort or timeshare property that you're staying at.
What's Included: Typically they'll comp your hotel or resort stay, give you something towards your transportation costs, pay you a small fee and allow you to keep any gifts that you receive for attending any timeshare presentations.
Ages: Varies, but 25 and up is common. You'll also need to have a good credit score to be eligible for any vacation shops. Some shops require you to travel with your spouse. Some allow you to bring kids, others don't.