Times are tough, but everyone needs a holiday once in a while. Here are a few tips on how to globe-trot with minimal costs.

Deliver mail
If you’re over the age of 18 with a valid passport, why not travel the world by delivering other people’s mail (you’ll have to travel light as you’re only allowed to hand carry bags)? Air couriers are entitled up to 50% off their flight if they agree to carry the manifesto of the package that is being delivered. Or, if you’re willing to travel at a moment’s notice, you’re entitled to a free air ticket.

Hitchhike
A very popular form of travel in the 70’s, hitchhiking is by far the most adventurous way to travel. Go with the flow and you could end up anywhere (literally.) Be wary of who you’re getting in a car with, and where possible, always travel in pairs.

Stay close to home
A holiday doesn’t have to involve a flight across the globe. There are plenty of interesting places nearby. Go to the countryside, beach or mountain, lay out your sleeping bag under the stars and leave all your worries behind. The advantage of this is that if anything goes wrong, home is only up the road.

Get creative
If you can’t afford the transport, why not get creative à la Robinson Crusoe? Fashion a canoe out of coconuts, or build yourself a go-kart. Home-made transport won’t necessarily get you far, but you’ll certainly get a kick out of your feeling of accomplishment.

Offer your services
Many people are happy to open their homes to travellers, so flaunt your skills. If you’re a wonder-chef, can play a fiddle, or know your way around a farm, you’ll be able to barter these services for free food and accommodation.

Crash on someone else’s couch
Couchsurfing, Hospitality Club and Global Freeloaders are great online networks that connect travellers with local hosts. Type in the city you’re heading to and find the people in the area who are happy to give up their couch for your stay. Not only do you save money on accommodation, but you’ll have a local showing you around. WWOOF is another excellent website that connects travellers with organic farmers who will trade room and board for an extra hand. Make sure you take the necessary precautions and judge your instincts.

The power of language
Native English speakers can easily travel the world for free by teaching language classes in each destination they visit. There are many companies that help set you up and also give you a small allowance in exchange for teaching English in a local institution. You’ll probably also pick up a few new languages along the way.

Travel on the job
Why not make a career out of travelling? There are thousands of jobs available that involve extensive travelling, such as a being a tour guide or working on cruise liners. Just be aware of your carbon footprint as you fly (or sail) across the globe.

House sit
Why not sit houses in exotic locations? Whether it’s watching someone’s cats in Canada, or tending to a garden in the South of France, you can stay in a place for free and enjoy the new destination. A number of websites such as Caretaker, Housecarers, Housesitworld, and Sabbaticalhomes all have listings of houses in various parts of the world that need taking care of while their owners are away.

Go on a road trip in someone else’s car
Driveaway duty is when a car owner needs his vehicle moved to a new location and either can’t or doesn’t want to do the driving. Rather than pay to ship the car, the owner signs his ride up for a driveaway programme which essentially offers free car rental to people who are willing to drive it to its new location. With a free tank of gas, you can hit the road and drive to whatever destination you’re given, with adventure satisfaction guaranteed!

Image courtesy of Carpentier.wordpress.com