Living the digital nomad lifestyle is a dream for many, but there’s just one question: how do you pay for it?
We already have an article on the best short-term rental sites for nomads, but not everyone can afford to live in a hotel or Airbnb for a month. However, for those who hold a remote job or maintain the flexibility to travel, there are ways to travel for free or at a substantially reduced rate.
1. Trusted Housesitters
Cost: starts at $129 per year
Availability: 140+ countries
Trusted Housesitters is a membership-based platform that connects homeowners with housesitters. It’s especially popular among pet owners seeking care for their animals while they’re away. In exchange for free accommodations, sitters take care of pets and gardens, making it a great option for animal lovers on a budget.
Potential sitters must undergo a thorough background check, and applications to book a home might include a video interview with the homeowner. Some sitters report difficulty securing homestays initially, especially without previous reviews. Trusted Housesitters operates on a subscription model where sitters pay $129 for the first year. After that, a $169/year paid plan includes free video calls and liability insurance. A $259/year premium plan also offers compensation for last-minute cancellations, airport lounge passes, and a premium profile badge.
It’s important to note that many homeowners prefer women or couples as housesitters. While this makes Trusted Housesitters a great option for these groups, single men may find it more challenging to book homestays on the platform.
TrustedHousesitters scores 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot, which is ahead of most apartment rental sites.
đź’°Discount: Get 25% off TrustedHousesitters annual Memberships with code ND25
2. Couchsurfing
Cost: $14.99 per year
Availability: 230+ countries
Couchsurfing is a social hospitality platform that connects travelers with locals who are willing to host them in their homes. The idea is that travelers can obtain free accommodations (in a spare room or couch) in exchange for cultural exchange and company. Both hosts and surfers create profiles on the platform, sharing information about themselves, their interests, and their accommodations. Surfers must search for hosts in their desired destinations and send a request to stay.Â
Although the platform only charges a small $14.99 annual fee (or $2.39 per month), there’s a soft expectation that you will socialize with your host and provide accommodations at your own home in the future. It’s a way to experience a destination from a local’s perspective, make new friends, and save money on accommodation.
Couchsurfing maintains a low 1.1 out of 5 score on Trustpilot, although many of the complaints are related to the platform’s buggy identity verification system.
3. HomeExchange
Cost: $220 per year
Availability: 145+ countries
This house swap platform allows you to temporarily exchange homes with another traveler. This mutually-beneficial arrangement allows travelers to experience a destination like a local, while obtaining free accommodations.
The concept is straightforward. Homeowners create profiles on the platform, providing details about their homes, location, amenities, and availability. Members reach out to other members to discuss potential exchanges and discuss the logistics. You also have the option to accumulate “GuestPoints” by hosting someone in your home, which you can then use toward future home exchanges on the platform.
HomeExchange boasts an impressive 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with many users writing that they have been using the platform for years. One downside is that the deposit only covers $500 in the event of damage to your home.
More Ways to Obtain Free Accommodations While Traveling
If you’re willing to stay in one place for a while or work for a host, consider these alternatives for obtaining accommodations at no cost.
Au Pair programs
Au Pair Programs are arrangements where young people, typically women, live with a host family in exchange for providing childcare and household help. These cultural exchange programs are popular for families in the United States and Europe.
Au pairs typically apply to agencies or directly to host families. Agencies match au pairs with suitable host families based on factors like age, experience, and language skills. In most countries, au pairs must obtain a special visa to participate in the program. The agency or host family may assist with the visa application process.
Au pairs live with the host family, sharing meals and participating in family activities. They are responsible for childcare duties, which may include taking care of children, preparing meals, and helping with household chores. Au pairs receive a small stipend, which covers their living expenses. They may also have access to benefits like health insurance and language classes.
Numerous agencies facilitate au pair exchanges, the largest of which is Cultural Care Au Pair. Other reputable agencies include AuPairWorld, Au Pair International, and AuPairCare.
Hostels
Working at a hostel can be a great way to get free accommodations while traveling. Many hostels offer staff accommodation in exchange for work.
To get started, look for hostels in your desired destinations that are hiring staff (Hostelworld’s database contains over 12,500 hostels in 2,600+ cities). You can search online, contact hostels directly, or look for job postings on travel websites. If you’re selected, you’ll likely have an interview to discuss your skills, experience, and availability. Once hired, you’ll be assigned specific tasks and responsibilities.
In exchange for your work, the hostel provides you with free accommodation, which can include a private room or a shared dormitory. Some hostels may also offer additional benefits, such as meals, laundry services, or staff discounts.
Work exchange
Several websites help connect travelers with hosts who offer free accommodation in exchange for helping with tasks like gardening, teaching, or animal care.
Workaway is a platform that connects travelers with hosts who offer free accommodation in exchange for helping with tasks around their homes or businesses. It’s a popular option for those seeking cultural exchange, language practice, and affordable travel experiences.
Hosts and travelers communicate to discuss the details of the arrangement, including the tasks to be performed, the expected hours of work, and any additional benefits or requirements. Once an agreement is reached, the traveler stays with the host, performing the agreed-upon tasks in exchange for free accommodation.