“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” – Jack Kerouac

Everyone has dreams of traveling far and wide, but the associated cost of spanning the globe often keeps people from crossing places off their bucket lists. Even with mid-week flights, booking flights far in advance, and hoarding frequent flyer miles, traveling can be expensive. However, traveling for free is not just a fairytale or a perk for pilots and flight attendants. You might have to get creative, but there are proven ways to travel for free and even ways to get paid to travel!

Let’s take a look at eight great ways to see the world without having to open your wallet:

1. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering – exchanging your time for accommodation and food – makes it very easy to travel the world without having to worry about many of the associated costs. While this option means you’ll have less free time than on a normal vacation, it gives you a chance to help those in need and make a lot of new friends. Volunteering can also be a great learning experience and, most importantly, it can allow you to travel to pretty much any country in the world.

2. Teach a Language

There are companies out there that are always on the lookout for new teachers, and most of them don’t require teachers to know a second language. Many countries are in dire need of English teachers, So, even if you only speak English, this is still an option. As long as you have no qualms about taking some training and getting a TEFL certificate, this is a great way to travel the world without having to worry about the cost.

3. Become a Travel Influencer

Every year, through Global Yodel’s marketing agency Global Yodel Media Group, we spend tens of thousands of dollars paying our Yodeler’s to fly around the world on amazing once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. Want to learn how to get involved? Check out our new course titled Travel For Free to learn the actionable steps to make this lifestyle dream a reality. Click here to get early access and a HUGE discount code.

4. Get a Job on a Cruise Ship

These days, cruise ships are so large they are practically their own cities, which means there are plenty of job opportunities. Although bartenders and musicians might first come to mind, cruise ships have a variety of jobs. Doctors, IT professionals, and engineers are all common jobs to be found on cruise ships. What better way to travel to popular port cities than aboard a cruise ship?

5. Try Housesitting

Believe it or not, there is a large market for housesitters in a variety of locations. When homeowners are away – perhaps on vacation themselves – it’s common to have someone watch the house, help out with pets, and perform other chores or tasks. Housesitters get to stay at these places for free, and some of the houses can be quite luxurious.

6. Couchsurf

Couchsurfing connects travelers on a global scale; anyone can sign up to share their homes, and avid travelers use it as a way to get a bed, room, or just a couch – for free! This service is a great way to become immersed in the culture and quirks of a new city or country. What better way to become acquainted with a new place than to live with the locals?

7. Join a Lecture Circuit

Success with this tip may vary, depending on your area of expertise. Universities often plan trips for alumni that have educational elements – like lecture circuits. Get in contact with your alumni association to see if your educational background can get you onto one of these circuits. If you’re lucky, you will get to travel to some fantastic places while talking about a subject you’re passionate about.

8. Take Chances at the Airport

Anyone who has spent time in airports knows that airlines often overbook flights and ask for passengers to volunteer to take a later flight. Those of you that can be flexible with your travel plans should jump at these opportunities because they result in free travel vouchers, which can be quite generous. In tandem with this tip, signing up for frequent flyer programs is always a great choice that can lead to additional free flights.

There you have it! Traveling is known for hitting your wallet hard, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As long as you are flexible with accommodations and willing to put in some work, traveling across the world can be cheap or even lucrative!