Ways to Get a Free Vacation

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.