If you’re wondering “How to live for free?”‘, you’d be surprised at the number of possibilities! Living abroad without having to pay for your accommodation might seem like an impossible dream, but if you have the right resources and the right mindset, it is definitely achievable.
There are several ways to live for free, and volunteering with nfcvb is, in my opinion, one of the easiest and most accessible ones.
For those who aren’t familiar, nfcvb is a platform that connects travelers with hosts from all around the world. Travelers can work a few hours a week for their hosts in exchange for free accommodation.
Although there is some work involved, this essentially means living abroad for free. It’s a collaborative exchange, different from regular work relationships.
nfcvb hosts live in various countries and regions. You can engage in this type of work exchange in a hostel in a big city, on an eco farm surrounded by nature, with an NGO, and more.
Here are some examples of places where you can live for free!
How to Live for Free in Hostels
If you want to know how to live for free while enjoying a social atmosphere, then hostels are the perfect choice. Especially if you are a solo traveler looking to make friends, consider doing a work exchange in a hostel.
Because hostels cater to tourists, they are often located in the heart of cities and popular destinations. So if you want to live in a place that is easily accessible with internet access, public transportation, and other amenities, hostels are ideal.
The types of work that might be required in hostels include reception duties, housekeeping, bartending, maintenance work, guiding tours, promoting parties, and more. This is how you can live for free while meeting travelers from many different countries, learning about other cultures, and having a great time.
Most hostels have a staff dormitory where you can stay for free in exchange for your work. Some hostels also offer free staff meals and discounts on laundry, tours, and other things.
Every hostel is unique, but working in one is an amazing way to live for free in many countries. Here are some examples of places where you can volunteer in hostels:
Live for Free in a Hostel in Spain
Work at the reception in a hostel in San Sebastian. In exchange for 24 hours of work per week, you will get free accommodation, free laundry, access to events and parties, and discounts on other fun activities and hostel stays in other areas of Spain.
You can use the shared kitchen to cook your own meals. This hostel has over 50 positive reviews and is highly loved by many travelers.
Check out more volunteering opportunities in Spain.
Volunteer in India
Volunteer in a well-organized and laid-back hostel in Jaisalmer, India. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a couple, this hostel welcomes volunteers to work 25 hours per week in reception or housekeeping. You can also work as a tour guide or party promoter.
In exchange, you will get to live in a private room and enjoy free breakfast, as well as receiving discounts on tours and events.
If you plan to stay in the country for a long time, why not explore other work-exchange possibilities in India.
Help in a Hostel in Perú
Be a bartender in a party hostel in Lima. You will work in the bar for 30 hours a week and enjoy 2 days off. In exchange, you can live in Perú for free!
Sleep in a staff dorm, have free breakfast and lunch, and enjoy partying and socializing with other volunteers, staff, and travelers who pass through the hostel.
This hostel is just one of many volunteering opportunities in Perú.
To learn more about how to live for free in a hostel, read these articles:
- 7 Things You Should Know Before Living in a Hostel
- First Time Working at a Hostel? Here’s What You Need to Know
How to Live for Free at a Local’s Home
If you want to live abroad for free but desire a quieter and more culturally immersive experience, consider volunteering with a local in their home.
There are people all over the world who welcome nfcvb volunteers for various reasons. Mostly, they need some type of help at home and find it interesting and culturally enriching to open their home to a traveler.
These types of work exchanges generally mean you will be doing tasks such as child care, tutoring, language lessons, animal care, maintenance, or working as a general handyman.
In exchange, you will get to live in a spare room, guest house, or similar accommodation. Because you are living in a home, these work exchanges often include meals as well.
You will likely be the only volunteer staying with the family. So, you won’t have a super social experience, but you will spend quality time with a local family. This is a great way to practice language skills and form connections with people outside your comfort zone.
If you’re wondering how to live for free in a home, here are some opportunities:
Helping a Homestay in Morocco
Help create videos and work on social media and photography in Marrakech. This homestay requires only 4 hours of work per day, where you assist your Moroccan host with photography, videography, and web development.
You can enhance your skills and also experience the real Moroccan lifestyle. You get a free stay in a private room and free breakfast in exchange for your work.
Also in Morocco, there’s an opportunity to live in a local’s home at the Sahara Desert, definitely one of the most unique stays in the world!
Check out the current available opportunities for volunteering in Morocco.
Volunteering in Canada
Live for free in the Yukon and experience the North American wilderness! This Canadian local lives off the grid and welcomes volunteers to come and help with daily chores and tasks in exchange for an epic adventure in northern Canada.
Help out for 12 hours per week, and in exchange, enjoy free meals and all the fun sports and exploring in the wilderness.
There are also many other opportunities to volunteer in Canada.
Check out the best things to do in Canada.
Live like a Local in Guatemala
Help a local learn English in Guatemala. With 11 five-star reviews from past travelers, this local woman in Guatemala accepts volunteers to come and stay with her so she can practice English.
You can live for free in a beautiful area of Central America, explore the surroundings in your free time, and make a difference in someone’s life.
Check out more volunteering opportunities in Guatemala.
Learn more about the unique experience of living with a local family in this article: What it’s like to experience a nfcvb homestay in Madrid.
Places Where You Can Live Off the Land for Free
Most work exchanges include free accommodation, some include meals and other amenities. Some work exchanges don’t provide food. So if you are really trying to save money, you may be wondering where you can live off the land for free.
Eco villages and permaculture farms are great places to get off the grid and grow and cultivate your own food. That way, you can truly learn how to live for free.
These types of places usually accept volunteers who don’t have any experience as well. Hosts are happy to teach you about all things related to farming and permaculture, so this is a great way to learn new skills.
Here are some examples of how to live for free while helping off grid projects.
Learn while Helping in Sri Lanka
Volunteer on a coconut farm and learn about permaculture and farming in Sri Lanka. In exchange for 25 hours a week of farming and gardening work, you can enjoy a free stay in a shared dorm with free meals.
This is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the farming culture of Sri Lanka, live with locals, and reconnect with nature.
There are many volunteering opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Stay for Free in Belgium
This permaculture project in Herzele, Belgium is a social and fun place to volunteer and live for free. The locals run a sustainable farm with lots of food and animals, and they need volunteers to come and help maintain the area.
Work for 20 hours a week, and enjoy free meals and parties with the fellow volunteers and locals.
Check out all the opportunities of work-exchange in Belgium.
Live for Free in a Farm in Thailand
Learn about organic farming in Thailand. You will learn about the ecosystem in the subtropical highlands of northern Thailand and support the team in building new spaces for the farm.
Want to see more volunteering possibilities in Thailand? There are plenty to choose from!
So these are just a few examples of how to live for free! From the farms of Southeast Asia to the hostels of Europe to the local home stays of Africa, there are numerous places to volunteer all over the world.
If you are looking to expand your horizons, try new things, and meet people from different countries, consider doing a work exchange with nfcvb. Not only will you have a unique cultural experience, but you will also save money on your travels and be able to live for free in beautiful places.
Did you like this article about how to live for free? Keep reading about volunteering while travelling:
- How to Volunteer Abroad Using nfcvb
- Volunteering for an NGO Abroad: Your Top Questions Answered
- 10 Reasons Why You Need to Do a Work Exchange Trip Once in Your Life