Carpool or hitchhike

House-sit

In a nutshell:If you're kipping in your parents' spare room, sleeping in a college dorm, or surfing on your friends' sofas then you're out of luck on the house-swapping front (or, more accurately, you may already be travelling for free). But a house-sitting gig may be an option for you. If you are looking to house-sit, there are online boards where you can advertise your services. Check out: housecarers.com, mindmyhouse.com for postings in several different countries, or national boards such as Australia's housesitworld.com.au, happyhousesitters.com.au, or aussiehousesitters.com.au. You can also put the word out and look for homes in need through university communities (on general message boards, in residences, in university newspapers), church communities or community centres. Social networking sites like craigslist.org and facebook.com are also worth a try.

What advocates say:Finding a gig like this is golden. You’ll get free accommodation in exchange for watering some plants and walking a dog.

What Granny would say:Why would someone want a stranger in their house? They must be sexual predators!

Volunteer and fundraise

In a nutshell:Ever considered volunteering on a development project? One of the great things about devoting your time to help a worthy cause overseas is that it may allow you an opportunity to fundraise to support your work. Some volunteer organizations may help you out with room and board, and occasionally flights. Most organizations that do this require a significant commitment of time (one to two years) as well as specialized skills and experience. An alternative is to join a shorter-term project and fundraise. Schools, employers, community organizations, family and friends are all great sources of moral support for most volunteers, and most are happy to help out with a good cause. Some local organizations that support this kind of work include your local Lions Club (lionsclubs.org), Optimist Club (optimist.org) or Rotary Club (rotary.org).

What advocates say:Many volunteers are successful in raising enough to cover their out-of-pocket expenses, and even to make a donation to the project they are interested in. Not only will you be making a contribution to a worthy cause, but volunteer travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to see and learn about another part of the world.

What Granny would say:It sounds okay, but just don’t nag my friends for donations while we’re playing bridge.

Carpool or hitchhike

In a nutshell:You can get on board with someone going in the same direction, or if you have a car, you can look for people to join you—thereby offsetting fuel costs. Carpooling usually requires some advance planning, as travellers will look to fill their car way in advance of their departure. Some travellers advertise on travel forums (thorntree.lonelyplanet.com), and there are websites specifically dedicated to this kind of ride sharing like erideshare.com, compartir.org andhitchhikers.org. Rides can also be advertised at hostels and other venues where travellers congregate. While it requires slightly more planning than hitchhiking, carpooling is likely a safer option. You can meet the person in advance of the trip (preferably in a public place), as well as check their references, photo ID and phone numbers. Though of course, in some parts of the world, such as Cuba, hitchhiking is just part of the way of life.

What advocates say:Carpooling and hitching rides are both great ways to meet some local characters, and they’re also eco-friendly and cheaper than riding alone.

What Granny would say:Going on a trip with someone you met on the computer? Has your mother not taught you anything about your personal safety?

Crew a cruise ship

In a nutshell: There are about a zillion different jobs available on cruise ships. The best option for short-term contracts is to offer an area of expertise for the education or entertainment of the passengers. There are many websites that offer listings of cruise ship jobs—some of which are fraudulent—but most cruise companies list available job opportunities directly on their websites. Get started at carnival.com orroyalcaribbean.com.

What advocates say:It’s a way to see the world on someone else’s dime.

What Granny would say:Crew jobs are not all that glamorous: the staff work long hours, stay below deck and are allowed off the ship only very rarely.

WWOOF it up

In a nutshell:World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms is an international network of organic farmers who from time to time offer opportunities for volunteers to join them. Contact the WWOOF office in the country you wish to visit (at last count, in January 2015, there were opportunities in 65 different countries). A small membership fee gives you access to lists of member farms in that country. For further information about national branches and membership see wwoof.org.

What advocates say:It’s a good deal: room and board is often provided in exchange for help on the farm. And if you’re lucky, they might let you eat some fruit or veg on the house.

What Granny would say:Make sure you eat three solid meals a day to keep up your strength and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

Date: 2016-04-22; view: 901