Many people believe that summertime is synonymous with vacation time. However, few Americans take all their paid vacation days (if, in fact, they have any). Even though research indicates that getting away is vital to preserving health and productivity, many simply lack the funds to travel.
But does vacationing have to cost a ton of money? Not at all! With a little creativity, it’s possible to see the world without making a dent in your bankroll. Here’s how.
1. Do a Good Deed
Want to travel overseas for free? Why not sign up for a volunteer vacation and perform acts of charity to pay your way? Some organizations offer scholarships, which provide travelers with spending money, while others provide free food and lodging.
Those who follow certain religious faiths can travel overseas on mission trips, too. Oftentimes, church members raise money to cover the cost of the journey. Keep careful records of any expenses you rack up, as they may be tax-deductible.
2. Seek Sponsorship
Ever dream of scaling Mt. Everest or running a marathon in the Sahara desert? Why not make it into a charitable journey and raise money for a cause while satiating wanderlust? Those who possess athletic prowess can see the world if they sign up for a challenge and gather sponsors.
3. Find Cheap Flights
Airline tickets can cost more than lodging, but bargains abound, too. Have good credit? Sign up for a credit card from your favorite airline, and use it for everyday purchases. Pay it off each month, and watch the miles quickly add up.
Choosing the right time to fly matters, too. Obviously, summer is a busy time for most airports, but flying during the week on a Tuesday or Wednesday can cut fare prices. Flying into a nearby airport sometimes lowers your fare, too.
4. Get Lodging on the Cheap
Nowadays, sites like AirBnB and HotelTonight can help you find cheap lodging. If you prefer staying in a hotel, HotelTonight helps users find last-minute hotel deals. Hotels make less money when rooms sit empty, so waiting until the last minute to book a hotel can result in getting a good deal (Hoteliers figure that something is better than nothing!).
AirBnB allows users to stay in participating hosts’ homes. Visitors may not get an entire house for bargain rates, but many people with a spare bedroom are happy to let travelers crash for as little as $20 per night.
5. Pet Sit
Adore puppies and kitties? Why not satisfy the old traveling bone by seeing the world through pet sitting? Many people consider their pets part of their families and need someone to stay with their precious fur babies when they hit the road.
Adore puppies and kitties? Why not satisfy the old traveling bone by seeing the world through pet sitting? Many people consider their pets part of their families and need someone to stay with their precious fur babies when they hit the road.
Those who love creatures great and small can find gigs taking care of a stable in France or nurturing a colony of feral cats in Greece. There is an annual fee, but rates run lower than most plane tickets. See the world while caring for animal friends? Who wouldn’t love that?
6. Pack a Tent
Going on vacation doesn’t need to mean getting on a plane or booking a hotel. Given how connected most people are to electronic devices, getting out in nature can lead to the best R&R possible. Throw your tent and air mattress in the trunk, and hit the open road to find a campsite. Yes, believe it or not, human beings had lives before the invention of the iPhone!
Now that you know how to travel for pennies on the dollar, what’s stopping you from getting some well-deserved time off this summer? Whether you head to the beach, the mountains, or a foreign country, everyone needs to take a break now and then.
Feature Image by Mesut Kaya on Unsplash
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