7 Ways to Vacation for Free

Sometimes, the best things in life truly are free. If you’re itching to get away this summer, but your budget missed the memo, we can help! With some creativity and the willingness to try something new, you can have your vacation and your budget, too.

Here are five ways to vacation for free.

1. Move someone’s car

A great way to get from Point A to Point B for free is to transfer someone’s car. People who may be moving across state lines, or even across the country, may need someone to transfer their vehicle for them. Car rental companies having branches all over the country can have the same need. Find someone near you needing vehicle relocation through companies like Auto Driveway or Transfercar.

2. Swap houses

Don’t drop big bucks on hotel stays or Airbnbs! If you have friends or family members who live far away from you, consider a summertime swap. You’ll each enjoy exploring the others’ hometown without spending a dollar on vacay accommodations.

3. Blend work and travel

If you can’t afford to take a vacation, consider combining work and travel. There are many jobs you can do while traveling, like getting hired as a flight attendant, travel blogging or working as a travel nurse. Are you itching to sail the seven seas? You can get a job aboard a cruise ship through All Cruise Jobs, CrewSeeker or Yacrew. You might find work in entertainment, as a server or photographer while aboard.

4. Plan around a work trip

If your current job requires some travel, turn your next business trip into a vacation. Book your flight out a day early and see if you can stay an extra day, too. Check out local hotspots and attractions during any free time you have on your trip, and squeeze in a meal or two at a restaurant. Take a leisurely stroll between work commitments and pretend you’re only there for a vacay.

5. Volunteer with an organization

If you’re willing to volunteer as a teacher, farm hand or in another capacity, you may be able to score free room and board in an exotic location, and sometimes airfare as well. This can be a wonderful way to see the world and make it into a better place at the same time. Here are some organizations that can help you find a volunteer trip:

• Peace Corps partners in hands-on projects with 60 countries around the world.
• AmericCorps arranges service projects that can last three months to a year, in communities across the U.S.
• HelpStay lists 1,500 volunteer stays in 100-plus countries.

Don’t let budget limitations keep you from vacationing this summer. Use this guide for five ways to vacation for free.