Longing to travel more this year, but lacking the funds to do so? Is wanderlust getting the best of you? There are always ways to travel more, for any budget, but you just have to know a few tricks of the trade! Read on to find 5 ways you can travel more throughout 2018.
Fernweh: an ache for distant places, a craving to travel
1. House-Sitting
One of the easiest things you can do to travel more this year is to house-sit. If you’ve never house-sat before, it’s a pretty simple job. Daily tasks consist of checking mail, watering plants, feeding and taking care of pets while homeowners are away. The length of a job can be as short as one weekend, or as long as multiple months. It’s best to start with people in your personal network–friends, family, neighbors or coworkers, and ask around to see if anyone is in need of a house sitter while they are away. Once you’ve gotten some experience under your belt, you can use a site such as Mind My House or Trusted House Sitters to build an impressive profile.
2. Travel Hacking
If your goal is to travel more this year, then you definitely need to learn more about travel hacking. Travel hacking is the art of traveling for free, along with getting free hotels, tours, and upgrades. How is this done you ask? By collecting frequent flier points and miles, and combining them with credit card rewards programs and airline promotions. To learn more, check out the Beginner’s Guide to Travel Hacking.
3. Get a Side Hustle
Want to travel more, but lack the funds to do so? Get a second job! Having a second job doesn’t have to be as arduous as it sounds, nor does it have to be permanent. You can try your hand at delivering pizzas for a couple of hours after your regular 9-5 gig. Are you more arts-and-crafts inclined? Try selling your handmade goods on Etsy. Are you looking to get fit while getting paid? Try becoming a fitness instructor. The options are limitless for what you can do for a good side-hustle. If you can find a way to merge a passion or hobby into a paying side-hustle, you won’t even feel like you’re working. Bonus points if your side hustle is in the travel industry. Take whatever income you earn and put it into a travel fund. Then you will be able to quickly save to travel more without touching your regular budget.
4. Volunteering
There are a number of different ways to volunteer abroad in order to travel more. Ever heard of the Peace Corps? Many volunteer opportunities even offer a small monthly stipend for whatever services you are providing. From teaching to building to growing, the work performed varies widely. Many opportunities offer room and board as well. A quick Google search can get you started on the right path to some amazing volunteer travel opportunities. What better way to get your travel fix in then by volunteering? You can’t beat free travel while simultaneously helping those in need.
5. Study Abroad
One of the easiest ways to travel abroad is to study abroad! If you are currently enrolled in school, see what your school offers for exchange options. Studying abroad is really an option for anyone, regardless of age, because you can learn new things at any age. And studying abroad is not only an easy way to travel more, it’s also a frugal way to travel more. Many overseas graduate programs are much cheaper than what you’d find in the US. Check out this list of countries where you can study abroad for free, or for a low cost.
Travel more, for Less
These are just a few ideas for how you can travel more for less. Remember, nothing in this world is out of your grasp. The world is your oyster if you are willing to work for it. Sometimes it just helps to be pointed in the right direction.
As always, we here at Effective Coverage want to hear if you’ve tried any of our tips. If so, snap a picture and tag us on Instagram at @effective.coverage. We’d love to hear more about your experiences and what worked for you!