Summary
- Travel for free by offering to move someone's vehicle during cross-country moves, turning it into a free road trip.
- Embrace the digital nomad lifestyle to work remotely while traveling, eliminating the need for accommodation costs.
- Volunteer time and skills to organizations in exchange for free accommodation and explore the country while helping others.
The US is blessed with so many beautiful destinations and incredible natural scenery where travelers can create unforgettable memories. But from flight fares to accommodation costs and buying admission tickets, the expense to explore and experience the beauty of the US can be very high. That’s why most people’s ultimate excuse for not traveling is lack of money. However, what if there was a chance to travel around the US for free?
While traveling for free might seem only true in a dream, today, there are more opportunities than ever to see the world without spending a dime. Surprisingly, part of the travel strategy doesn’t involve exploring cheap accommodations in the US or free attractions; it comprises handy hacks, tips, and smart opportunities to take advantage of no-cost travel (or minimally costing, at the very least).
Traveling for free can allow one to turn their dream vacation ideas around the world into a reality - the United States included - and get to know the place better. From embracing the digital nomad lifestyle to joining a work exchange platform, here are ways to travel the US for free.
10 Offering To Move Someone’s Vehicle Is An Easy Way To See The Country
Looking to take the most scenic road trip in America but don’t have the gas budget? During cross-country moves, many people need help with moving their vehicles. Driving someone’s car across the country is a great way to get out of town, enjoy a free road trip, and turn miles into money.
To benefit from such opportunities, register with Auto Driveway and Transfercar, which pair travelers with individuals or companies that need their vehicles driven. Some deals even include covering the driver's flight home.
Before setting off, make sure to fully understand the terms of the agreement and get expenses reimbursed.
9 Become A Digital Nomad To Enjoy Unparalleled Flexibility (And Earn While Traveling)
The digital nomad lifestyle is becoming widespread, thanks to the many types of jobs for digital nomads. Freelancing is such a different experience wherein people can work on their own clock. The flexibility it offers makes it possible to travel and make money. However, in most cases, being a digital nomad requires pairing with other ways to travel for free to cover flight fares and other expenses.
Swapping houses is one of the things that work perfectly for digital nomads as they eliminate the need to pay for accommodation while traveling from one place to the next.
Working remotely as a digital nomad is one of the best ways to make money and travel at the same time. This way, visitors can keep up with their work while traveling and living all around the US, experiencing different cultures and lifestyles simultaneously.
8 Become A House Sitter Or A Pet Sitter To Get Free Accommodation
Staying in even the cheapest hotels in the US can eat into any travel budget. Being open to taking care of someone’s home, pet, and plants while on vacation is one of the easiest ways to get free accommodation and live like a local. Travelers can also discover tiny yet charming villages and small towns they would have never known about through these arrangements.
There are many websites dedicated to connecting house sitters with homeowners, including MindMyHouse and HouseCarers. Pet lovers can check communities like TrustedHousesitters and Animal Aunts to connect with homeowners in need of pet sitters.
Check the reviews of the homeowner before signing up for a house-sitting job.
7 Volunteer To Travel For Free
Time is a valuable resource, and people can enjoy free traveling upon lending their time to organizations. There are many programs in the US that offer volunteers free accommodation and food in exchange for completing tasks. The Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is one of the widely known programs.
Travelers who aren’t afraid to get dirty work on farms for about 25 hours a week and can spend the rest of their time exploring. Other famous programs include HelpX, HelpStay, and Workaway.
Before signing up to volunteer, make sure to understand the job requirements and all the rules of the organization.
6 Score Free Nights By Swapping Houses Or Couchsurfing
Nowadays, travelers have mastered the art of trading their place for someone else’s in order to get free accommodation and travel for free. It is an easy way to cut accommodation costs while on vacation.
There are many websites dedicated to connecting like-minded travelers willing to swap their homes. Some home-swapping communities include Love Home Swap, HomeExchange, and Homelink. For those looking for somewhere to rest, Couchsurfing connects travelers with local hosts who are willing to offer free accommodations.
Before making a decision, be sure to read all reviews and feedback from previous guests on the host's profile page.
5 Combine Work And Travel
Several careers allow for a work-life balance that includes traveling from one state to another. Those pursuing careers in hospitality, entertainment, spa, photography, and other flexible careers can check out relevant websites and agencies for assignments that offer ideal life-work balance along with the chance to travel.
For example, Travel Nursing offers qualified nurses an opportunity to explore the country as they complete assignments for a great paycheck. Au Pair World is yet another great platform where travelers can score free accommodation during their stay.
4 Leverage Loyalty Programs To Rack Up Free Flights And Nights
One of the best travel hacking tips for beginners is to take advantage of loyalty programs. Travel hacking allows people to easily afford flights and hotels. Many airlines, hotel chains, and travel credit cards offer loyalty points, allowing travelers to fly and stay for free.
Travelers just need to use travel credit cards that offer perks whenever they undertake regular spending (responsibly, of course). Some great options include American Express Platinum, Delta SkyMiles American Express, and Chase Sapphire cards.
Check loyalty programs of airlines and hotel chains that visitors are already loyal to.
3 Take Advantage Of Overbooked Flights
Pondering how to get free flights in the US (and worldwide even)? Volunteering to give up one's seat on a flight when it's overbooked is one of the ultimate ways to fly for free.
Of course, most people don't want to be bumped from a flight, as it can be inconvenient. That’s why American Airlines contacts passengers ahead about overbooked flights. But there are times when it is worth taking advantage of overbooked flights. It only requires a little flexibility, which can actually work best for digital nomads.
At the airport, when the airline staff opens the intercom and starts making announcements, pay attention to see if they request for volunteers to give up their seats and be rebooked onto a later flight. Often, in such cases, the airline may refund the tickets of volunteers who agree to give up their seats and be bumped to a later journey. Alternatively, they might offer a hefty discount or a free future flight.
This is an excellent way to take advantage of any free flight opportunities. Depending on replacement flight delays, travelers may even end up getting up to 400% compensation.
2 Work As A Flight Attendant To Earn Money While Traveling The US (And The Rest Of The World!)
Looking for a career in travel that will translate into free traveling in the US (and potentially beyond)? Become a flight attendant for a US airline. It is a lucrative and exciting career, but traveling for free is the biggest bonus.
With a travel pass program, flight attendants can usually take as many free flights during their free time as long as there are empty seats.
Try to apply for the biggest airlines that offer the most benefits and discounts.
1 Guide Tourists And Be A Group Trip Leader While Traveling The United States
Tourists and vacationers from overseas often require help to make the most of their trips. Those with an outgoing personality, a sense of adventure, and a thirst for new experiences can quench their desires by working as travel guides in the US. In particular, wildlife safaris and adventure tours offer plenty of opportunities.
The best way to get started is to check for openings in local travel companies. Those seeking the thrill of exploring a specific destination can organize a family or group trip and be the group leader. There are many ways to minimize costs when traveling as a group that leaders can apply, and many flights offer discounts or even free flight seats to group leaders when they organize and book a trip for their group.