If you’ve ever heard other’s talk about taking a fabulous cheap vacation it may have made you jealous. In fact, I wouldn’t blame you a bit if you were. But that shouldn’t prevent you from taking one of your own.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take trips more often because you’re staying for free? You could see more of the world or simply go to your favorite destinations more often.
Regardless, it is possible to take a trip without paying to stay.
1. Trade Credit Card Points
One way you can take a trip without paying to stay is by trading credit card points. Of course, you don’t have to rush right out and get another credit card just for the points.
But let’s say you just happen to be shopping around for a new credit card. You could take advantage of the opportunity and look for one that offers travel rewards points on purchases.
Next, sit back and let your points accumulate for lodging rewards when you travel. Don’t forget to pay the bill at the end of each month, though, so you don’t rack up debt. Also, make sure the card has a sign up bonus so you can build up points faster.
2. House Sit for Others
Other people’s travel needs could also allow you to take a trip without paying to stay. For instance, there are homeowners who wish to have their homes cared for while they are gone for a period of time. Hiring a house sitter is one way they do that.
House sitters provide reassurance that a house stays well maintained and secure from theft. Pets can be taken care of as well as yardwork and other small tasks.
You can cash in by signing up to do the house sitting. This is a way to get your lodging free so your vacation money can be spent on fun activities and other needs.
3. Home Swap
Another way to take a trip without paying to stay is to swap homes with other people. Home swapping has become a popular way to take a trip for much less in the last few years. There are plenty of companies to choose from, such as Airbnb.com, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Some companies allow you to swap your home directly with that of another family. However, others will let the homeowners be in residence when you stay there. While you are away from your home someone else can rent yours.
Still other companies permit you to list a second home others can rent while you do the same. But each of these scenarios help you take a trip virtually without paying a dime.
4. Buy a Second Home
Perhaps so far none of these ideas has appealed to you. That’s ok, because there’s still a way to take a trip without paying to stay. You could buy a second home to stay in for free.
Does that sound like a dream? Even if it does, you could make it work for you. Buying a second home gives you the alternative of staying there when you want and renting it to others the rest of the time.
If you’re married and your spouse doesn’t have great credit you may think buying a second home isn’t an option. But did you know you can get a mortgage without your spouse? That’s one way you may still be able to do it.
You can also buy a fixer upper and renovate it first if it’s in a popular vacation destination. Just do your homework first to make sure it will be profitable enough to pay for itself.
As you can see, you don’t have to be envious of other people’s vacations. Instead, take a trip of your own and see the world without paying to stay.
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Personal Capital lets you see all of your accounts in one convenient place. Sign up now for free.Have you ever taken a trip without paying to stay? If so, how did you do it?
You can easily do countries like India, Cambodia, Laos on $15 a day but there is no way you can do Norway, Sweeden, Denmark, Hong Kong, etc on $15 a day. When I was in Norway it cost me $5 to make a sandwich by buying ingredients at a super market.
Second of all, I don’t see the joy in traveling this way since you can’t afford yourself any fun activities. I would rather take a shorter trip but make the most of it then go for a longer time but not allow myself to enjoy the country I am in.
Yes, there is a point when saving money becomes moot because you aren’t spending enough to enjoy the stay. My point is simply to save on the accomodation costs since that is where a huge chunk of any vacation budget is spent. But I appreciate your comments.
You know what would be really cool? Getting paid to travel. That’s what a lot of the people with large Instagram followings are doing. They’re getting paid to travel and help promote touristy places. Living the dream haha
That would be an even better way to travel. That’s a good tip.
Wow what could be more exciting to have a trip without bearing the staying expenses.Now i can plan my trip anytime without bothering much about the expenses. Please share some more blog on travelling it’s really helpful
Perhaps we will have other travel tips in the future. Thanks for your comments and interest.