Travel Globetrotting With Kids, Without Breaking The Bank

Travelling the world with children for free is possible. Here are some ways to do it:

- Become a member of Worldpackers and get access to hosts for a full year.

- Get a job overseas, such as an au pair, bartender, hostel worker, waitress/waiter, dive instructor, tour guide, cruise ship worker, seasonal worker at ski resorts, yacht worker, or yoga instructor.

- Teach English overseas.

- Do WWOOFing and work on a farm.

- Use the sharing economy to find cheaper accommodation, rideshare options, and home-cooked meals with local chefs.

- Cook your own meals.

- Sleep in large dorms.

- Use student and other discount cards.

- Get city tourist cards.

- Capitalize on your skills and sell them.

- Get free flights by collecting points and miles through credit card bonuses, smart everyday spending, online surveys, bonuses, and other methods.

- Couchsurf.

- Hitchhike.

- Take free walking tours.

- House sit and pet sit.

- Use your social network to find free accommodation.

Work Exchanges

Work exchange programs are a great way to travel the world for free with your children. These programs allow you to exchange your time or skills for accommodation, food, and other benefits. You can expect to work around 4-5 hours per day, 5 days a week, in exchange for a place to stay and meals. This arrangement is a fantastic way to stretch your travel budget and explore the world without depleting your savings.

There are several reputable work exchange platforms that connect volunteers with hosts around the world. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Workaway: Workaway offers opportunities in more than 170 countries and provides various filters to help you find the perfect volunteer work for you and your family. The cost for a single traveler is €39 per year, while the double/couple plan is €49 per year.
• Worldpackers: Worldpackers is a collaborative community that connects volunteers with hosts in over 140 countries. They offer various volunteer opportunities, such as eco-projects, hostel administration, and art projects. The cost for a solo traveler is $49 for one year and three months, and the couple/friends plan is $59 for the same duration.
• HelpStay: HelpStay is a platform that connects individuals offering volunteer work with hosts and social projects in over 100 countries. Helpers can exchange their skills and services for accommodation. The cost for a single individual is €42.99 per year, and for couples or friends, it is €51.99 per year.
• HelpX: HelpX is a traditional volunteer exchange site that has been around for over 20 years. It offers positions worldwide and has a free plan, although it has some limitations on contacting hosts directly. The premium plan costs €20 for two years.
• WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms): WWOOF connects volunteers with organic farms, offering unique voluntourism experiences and promoting environmental education. They have over 12,000 hosts in more than 130 countries. The single membership costs €20 for two years, and the double costs €30.

When choosing a work exchange program, it is essential to read reviews from former volunteers carefully and do your research to ensure a positive and safe experience. Additionally, be mindful of the type of work you are interested in and the skills you can offer. Some common types of volunteer work include teaching languages, animal care, hospitality work, farming, and digital marketing.

By participating in work exchange programs, you will not only get to travel the world for free, but you will also make lasting connections, gain valuable skills and experiences, and create unforgettable memories with your family.

House-Sit or Pet-Sit

House-sitting and pet-sitting are great ways to travel the world for free. You can stay for free in exchange for taking care of the owners' pets and plants. There are entire websites dedicated to connecting house sitters with pet owners, such as TrustedHousesitters.

However, house-sitting isn't limited to pet owners. Some homeowners sleep easier knowing someone is minding their home while they're away, whether that means you care for their plants or are simply there to deter break-ins.

Teach English as a Foreign Language

Teaching English as a foreign language is a great way to travel the world for free with children. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started:

• Get qualified -- You'll need a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification to get started. There are plenty of online courses available, and some even include hands-on teaching experience.
• Choose your destination wisely -- Salaries for English teachers vary greatly around the world. In some Asian countries, teachers can make enough to support their family, while in many European and Latin American countries, a teacher's salary might only be enough to support one person. Consider the cost of living and whether you'll need to send your children to international schools when choosing a destination.
• Consider working as a couple -- If both parents are working as English teachers, it may be possible to support your family, depending on the local cost of living and expenses for education and childcare.
• Look into visa requirements -- If you're planning to stay long-term, make sure you understand the visa requirements for yourself and your children. In some cases, your children may be able to reside in the country on a dependent visa, but it's important to check with local authorities.
• Prepare for cultural adaptation -- Older children may experience more difficulty adapting to a new country, especially if there aren't other kids their age who speak their native language. Consider finding opportunities for your children to socialize and make friends.
• Research healthcare options -- Medical care and health insurance are important considerations when traveling with children. In some countries, medical care may be included with your contract, or you may need to purchase additional insurance. Research the options in the countries you're considering teaching in.
• Join communities and seek advice -- There are many online communities and forums for teachers traveling with their families, where you can seek advice and support. It's also a good idea to speak to an admission advisor before registering for a TEFL course or making a decision to move to a new country.

Become a Digital Nomad

Being a digital nomad with children can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to become a digital nomad and travel the world with your family.

Plan Your Finances

It is important to have a financial plan before you embark on your journey. This could be a combination of savings and a location-independent job for you and/or your partner. There is no specific amount that you need to save, but it is recommended to analyse your current financial situation and cut back on unnecessary costs. It is also crucial to have a monthly budget and put aside savings for unexpected costs.

Choose a Career Path

If you are planning a career change to become a digital nomad, consider choosing a remote-friendly career path. Identify your skills and interests, build a portfolio, and start networking. Roles in sectors such as education, marketing, sales, and IT are often more location-independent.

Figure Out Your Destination

When deciding on a location, consider budget-friendliness, safety, inclusivity, connectivity, time difference, and tax requirements. Choose a country that offers a digital nomad visa and meets your family's needs in terms of education, healthcare, entertainment, and internet connectivity.

Select Accommodation

There are various housing options for digital nomads, including private rentals, houseshares, co-living spaces, hostels, and remote year programs. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and the need for peace and privacy when working remotely.

Prepare for Departure

Apply for the necessary visas and obtain travel insurance. Downsize your belongings, simplify your life, and use packing cubes to maximise space and stay organised.

Establish a Routine

Create a productive routine by finding a suitable work set-up, such as a co-working space or a café. Get a VPN to access geo-blocked apps and websites from your destination country. Download useful apps for online banking, content management, and travel planning. Set boundaries between work and leisure time to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

Join Communities

Connect with other digital nomads and travelling families through online communities on Facebook, Reddit, and other social media platforms. These groups can provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and cultural events.

Manage Work-Life Balance

Accept that your travel pace will be slower, especially with young children. Let go of the traditional 9-to-5 work schedule and find a routine that suits your family's needs. Be prepared for constant adjustments and discussions about managing tasks and responsibilities.

Embrace Worldschooling

Consider the various approaches to worldschooling, such as settled globetrotters, unconventional traditionalists, structured adventurers, and unschooling. Remember that every approach enhances your child's education through hands-on, real-world experiences and cultural immersion.

Socialisation on the Road

Understand that your children will socialise and make friends with people of all ages and backgrounds. They will learn to navigate social interactions and develop social skills beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. Be open to slowing down your travel pace or joining worldschooling communities to provide more stability and opportunities for social connections.

Maintain Stability

Stability comes from consistent daily routines, such as bedtime routines, mealtimes, and other family rituals. As a parent, you can provide stability by being present and spending quality time with your children, whether through worldschooling, outdoor adventures, or shared experiences in your destination country.

Stay Persistent, Brave, and Creative

Embarking on a nomadic lifestyle with your family can be scary, but it is worth it for the freedom and experiences it brings. Be persistent in pursuing your dreams, brave in facing challenges, and creative in finding solutions.

With careful planning, a location-independent source of income, and a willingness to adapt, you can become a digital nomad and travel the world with your children.

Get a Job Overseas

If you're looking for a way to travel the world for free with your children, getting a job overseas is a great option. This allows you to earn money while exploring new places and immersing yourself in different cultures. Here are some popular and easy-to-find jobs that can help fund your travels:

• Au pair: Become a live-in caregiver for a host family, looking after their children and doing basic housekeeping. In exchange, you'll get free room and board, along with a small salary. This is a great way to learn a new language and experience a new culture.
• Bartender: If you have the skills or are willing to learn, bartending can be a fun and social job overseas. It's also an easy job to find, including under-the-table work.
• Hostel worker: Hostel workers are always in demand due to high turnover. It's a great way to meet other travelers and often includes free accommodation. You can start as a volunteer to avoid visa complications. Websites like Worldpackers, Workaway, and HelpX can help you find these opportunities.
• Waitress/Waiter: Seasonal restaurants in tourist destinations often need extra help. If you have experience, this is an easy job to find abroad.
• Dive instructor: If you're certified, you can find work as a dive instructor in picturesque tropical locations worldwide.
• Tour guide: If you have a knack for history and enjoy speaking to groups, consider becoming a tour guide. It's usually a cash job, so you get your tips directly.
• Cruise ship worker: Working on a cruise ship can be a unique way to travel and see the world. While the hours are long, you get to live at sea!
• Casino worker: Working in a casino can be an option if you're a night owl and don't mind the casino scene.
• Seasonal worker at ski resorts: Ski resorts need all sorts of staff, including instructors, restaurant staff, hotel staff, and lifeguards. This is a great opportunity to earn money in scenic winter destinations.
• Yacht worker: Working on yachts can provide good income, and you'll often find yourself in amazing destinations. However, the hours can be long.
• Yoga instructor: If you have the skills and certification, teaching yoga abroad is a flexible way to make money while traveling.

Remember, these jobs might not be high-paying, but they will help fund your travels and allow you to extend your stay in different places.

Frequently asked questions