Thread by @nomadicmatt

There are plenty of ways to travel around the world without breaking the bank! Here’s a thread with some of the best ways to travel super cheap/free in the coming year:

1. There are many services that connect travelers with locals who will let them stay for free. It's a great way to save money but, more importantly, meet locals and learn about the place you're in!

Couchsurfing.com
Servas.com
GlobalFreeloaders.com

(1a. @Couchsurfing also has a ton of groups and meet-ups so even if you don't want to stay with someone, you can use their app to find out who is around. I use it frequently when I'm on the road. Great way to find stuff to do!)

@Couchsurfing 2. You have friends...and they have friends! Tap your friends and see who they know! Here’s a great article on how to use your existing network for success:

nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/s…

@Couchsurfing 3. Hitchhiking isn't as scary as you think and it's a wonderful get around - and quite common in many parts of the world, including Central America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

(Also, see who in your hostel is driving and ask them for a ride!)

@Couchsurfing 4. Use the sharing economy. Doing this will help you find cheaper accommodation, quirky tour guides, rideshare options, and home-cooked meals! Some of my favorite sites:

@couchsurfing
@eatwith
@Airbnb
@BlaBlaCar

@Couchsurfing @Eatwith @Airbnb @BlaBlaCar 5. Use tourist boards! Local tourist offices are a wealth of knowledge and often have tons of discounts not found anywhere else. Not enough people use them.

@Couchsurfing @Eatwith @Airbnb @BlaBlaCar 6. Learn to travel hack and get FREE flights & accommodation. You can do it in many countries (it's not just a US thing). I wrote a free guide. You can get it here: nomadicmatt.com/travel-hacking…

@Couchsurfing @Eatwith @Airbnb @BlaBlaCar 7. Cheap flights are everywhere. Be flexible on your dates or your destination and you'll always find a deal. @scottsflights, @holidaypirates, @TheFlightDeal are good sites to find deals.

@Couchsurfing @Eatwith @Airbnb @BlaBlaCar @scottsflights @holidaypirates @TheFlightDeal 8. Want to find cheap eats and don't trust Google or Yelp? Walk into a hostel and ask them. They deal with budget conscious travelers all day. They know where the cheap eats are. Ask them. They'll answer even if you aren't staying there.

@Couchsurfing @Eatwith @Airbnb @BlaBlaCar @scottsflights @holidaypirates @TheFlightDeal 9. Speaking of food, follow my 5 block rule. Walk 5 blocks from any major tourist attraction and you'll find non-touristy eats. Tourists never venture far from the crowds. The food will be better and cheaper.

@Couchsurfing @Eatwith @Airbnb @BlaBlaCar @scottsflights @holidaypirates @TheFlightDeal 10. Want to learn about the city, get your bearings, and see the major sights? Take a free walking tour. It will help you pass the time, learn, and do a cheap activity! (Just be sure to tip your guide.)

@Couchsurfing @Eatwith @Airbnb @BlaBlaCar @scottsflights @holidaypirates @TheFlightDeal 11. Speaking of free things, use Google. "Free things to do in X" is my favorite search phrase. There's so much information online that you're going to find lots of options that can fill your day.

@Couchsurfing @Eatwith @Airbnb @BlaBlaCar @scottsflights @holidaypirates @TheFlightDeal 12. And, finally, travel like you live. You don't spend a lot of money per day. Neither do the locals where you're going. Take public transit, go to food markets, look for free things to do, and limit your drinking. Do that and you're already primed to save money on your trip!