How to Bum Around the World and Not Go Broke

Running away from life

Stumped about what to do during your gap year?  Or perhaps you’ve got absolutely no summer plans?  Want to travel somewhere cool for a while in your time off?  You don’t have to join the Peace Corps to go do something cool, especially since the Peace Corps is not something to be undertaken lightly. It has roughly a year-long application process and not everyone makes it in.  It’s also a two-year commitment.  While it’s definitely an amazing experience, not all of us might be up to the challenge.

For a less time-consuming commitment, consider looking into World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, WWOOF for short.  It’s fairly simple: you sign up to volunteer on a farm, and in return, they feed you and let you sleep there.  The organization hosts are scattered across the globe.  There is a registration fee to gain access to the list of host farms.  Also, make sure to check into their story and who they are as much as you can so as not to end up somewhere creepy (rare, but it has been known to happen).

If farms aren’t your thing, check out Helpx.  Helpx is like WWOOF, but includes “host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.”  Helpx is also an international organization.  Make sure to look into the countries visa requirements to make sure that it’s okay to work there if you’re not from the country.  Being deported is never a great thing to have to put on a job application.

If you’re really up for an adventure, take a look at couchsurfing.  No, it’s not that thing where you slide down the hill standing on a couch.  It’s like hitchhiking, but instead of a ride, you get a place to sleep.  People offer up spare beds or couches to travelers for free.  Sounds sketchy?  It quite often can be.  Decide what you’re comfortable with before signing up.   The good thing is that members and hosts are reviewed and rated by each other, so you can look into their story before jumping in.

If you happen to be traveling around with absolutely no plans, here’s a bonus site.  Drungli.com finds really cheap flights from whatever location you’re at.  You don’t have a lot of flexibility in terms of options quite often, but the prices are dirt cheap.  Look out for sneaky baggage fees though!