Most people want to travel, but for some reason or another we don’t perceive it as feasible.
Not enough money.
Or time off from work.
Who’s going to watch the dog? (or worse – the kids)!
The reason why you don’t think you can is dependant on the type of travel you’re seeking. We tend to associate travel with vacation, and vacation with negative bank statements.
This doesn’t have to be true.
Now you may be thinking, Tori I don’t want to stay in a hostel with barley legal teenagers in a drinking for the first time in a country where the legal age is 18.
Heard you.
So, let me tell you, you don’t have to.
- Housesitting: Traveling Rent Free
If hotel costs stress you out and airbnb fares aren’t your thing, trusted housesitters might be the perfect soultion.
You get FREE accommodation, YES FREE!! in places all over the world in exchange for watching someone’s pets or home.
For only $10.75 a month, you’’ll have access to hundreds of verified hosts looking for a sitter – plus, if you feel the need to cancel for whatever reason, you’re money is safe with their money back guarantee.
Free accommodation isn’t all – a lot of the time hosts will offer their car for sitters who have their own car insurance – elimating two of the biggest costs when traveling.
From Hawai’i to Europe, Africa, and even Antartica, the opportunities are literally endless.
I recommend purchasing their basic sitter plan for less than $4 extra. This way you have dedicated member support and accident and third party liability plan covered up to $1 million – so there’s really nothing for you to worry about.
- Volunteering: Worldpackers vs. Workaway
Both Worldpackers and Workaway are incredible ways to travel on a budget while immersing yourself in local cultures. But they each have unique features. Let’s break it down:
Worldpackers
- Focus: Community-focused and eco-friendly opportunities (think organic farms, eco-lodges, and social projects).
- Vetting: Verified hosts provide added security, which can be reassuring for first-time travelers.
- Insurance: Offers travel insurance options, so you have extra peace of mind while abroad.
- Examples of Projects: Helping on a sustainable farm in Colombia, assisting with eco-tourism in Southeast Asia, or volunteering in social projects in Brazil.
- Cost: Membership fee around $49 per year, with options for single or pair memberships if you’re traveling with a friend or partner.
- Flexibility: Great if you’re into green, sustainable travel and want to contribute to community-centered projects.
Workaway
- Focus: Larger network of hosts with a huge variety of projects, from guesthouse management to animal care and more.
- Vetting: Hosts are listed but not verified to the same extent as on Worldpackers, so you’ll want to do your own research before committing.
- Examples of Projects: Taking care of horses on a farm in Ireland, teaching English in a small school in Nepal, or helping a family renovate a historical home in Italy.
- Cost: Annual membership is about $44, which grants access to an enormous variety of hosts and projects.
- Flexibility: Perfect if you want lots of options and variety in locations, as you can choose from an extensive range of projects and switch around as much as you’d like.
Key Differences
- Worldpackers prioritizes sustainable and community-focused opportunities, with an added layer of security through verified hosts and optional insurance.
- Workaway offers a broader selection of projects and locations, ideal if you’re seeking flexibility and want the option to try out multiple kinds of experiences.
Both platforms are great for experiencing travel beyond the typical tourist path—whether you prefer a focus on eco-travel or the flexibility to jump from project to project, there’s a place for you.
- Au Pair Jobs: Travel, Earn, and Live Like a Local
If you’re interested in a more immersive travel experience and don’t mind working with kids, being an Au Pair could be the ideal path. It’s a fantastic way to live in another country with room, board, and a small stipend, plus plenty of time to explore.
How It Works
- Job Basics: As an au pair, you live with a host family, helping with childcare and sometimes light housework.
- Compensation: Free accommodation, meals, and a weekly stipend (usually enough to cover personal expenses).
- Cultural Immersion: You’ll have the chance to celebrate local holidays, practice the language, and experience life as part of a family.
- Free Time: Most au pair positions offer weekends and evenings off, giving you time to travel, study, or explore your surroundings.
Popular Au Pair Destinations
- France & Germany: Some of the most popular choices, with established programs and lots of cultural exchange.
- Australia & New Zealand: Great options if you want to be in English-speaking countries with gorgeous outdoor scenes.
- South Korea: For anyone interested in immersing in a unique, structured culture with high standards for au pair placements.
- Italy & Spain: Perfect if you’re looking to explore Mediterranean culture, food, and language.
Recommended Sites for Au Pair Jobs
- AuPairWorld
aupairworld.com
One of the most popular sites for au pairs worldwide. You can set up a profile, browse families by country, and connect directly. They have a clear FAQ and resources to guide you through the process. - Cultural Care Au Pair
culturalcare.com
Cultural Care offers a full-service program, handling visa processing, training, and placements. This one’s great if you want a more structured experience with support. - GreatAuPair
greataupair.com
With placements in over 100 countries, GreatAuPair connects families with au pairs directly. They offer job-matching services for both short-term and long-term stays. - Au Pair in America
aupairinamerica.com
Specifically for au pairs looking to work in the U.S., this program is highly regulated and provides training and support throughout the placement. - Au Pair International
aupairint.com
A U.S.-based agency with placements primarily in the United States, offering cultural immersion and a structured experience for au pairs worldwide.
Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly job updates that allow you to travel!
