You might be thinking 'yeah right, how can anyone travel Europe for free' but stay with us: it's actually possible. Sure, there might be some planning involved and a few upfront costs, but you can travel Europe for free if you're smart.
Here's how!
1. Couchsurfing
This is one of the easiest and best ways to cut costs in Europe. If you've never heard of couchsurfing, it's basically a huge community of 14 million people who offer up their homes to travellers. They can show you around, tell you awesome tips and most importantly, give you a roof over your head. It's also a great way to meet new people.
2. WOOFF
Want to work and live on an organic farm anywhere in Europe or the world? WWOOF connects farms looking for volunteer help with volunteers. In exchange for your work, you get food, accommodation and other opportunities. Nice.
3. Teach English
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One of the best ways to make money for travel is to teach English in Europe. You can make a lot of money teaching, all you need is the ability to speak English fluently and a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate, depending on the country you work in. Check out some opportunities here - some give you accommodation and food.
4. Housesit
Housesitting is becoming super popular and a really easy way to travel free or close to free. You sign up to a housesitting service, get verified and go! Housesitters can stay in beautiful villas in Greece or houseboats in Spain or even vineyards in France. Go go go!
5. Hitchhike
This is an oldie but a goodie, though you need to proceed with caution (duh). Hitchhiking in safe communities during the day, with a partner and with personal safety devices is usually totally OK but try at your own risk!
6. Free walking tours
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If you're already somewhere in Europe and want to explore the city for nothing, there are free walking tours in almost every city. They do expect you to give a tip at the end but hey, maybe you can give them another form of tip like a gift!
7. Crew a yacht
You don't need to know how to crew a boat to work on one. It's a lifechanging opportunity and a great way to see the world. Check out UK-based Crewseekers International: crewseekers.net
8. Work on a cruise ship
Hey, it counts. It's technically free 'cause you'll be working AND travelling. There are about a million different jobs available on cruise ships, and the best option for short-term contracts is to work on the bar. Lifelong friendships and memories are a given on a cruise ship as it's a tightknit community. See some cruise ship jobs here.
9. Transport other people’s vehicles
Sometimes people do one-way car rentals and the rental company needs the car to be driven back to its origin spot - that's where you come in. Many car rental places need people to drive cars back for them. Keep in mind that many companies require you to be at least 21 years of age, but if you are, you're grand. Start here.
10. Trade labour at a hostel
Again, while not ~technically free~, you can get a pretty sweet deal by working in a hostel in Europe. Hostels will usually cover meals and accommodation in exchange for some work. They might even need you for tours which = free travel in Europe.
