Can I Go Travelling with No Money? Yes, and Here’s How You Can Do It!

Can I go travelling with no money? Yes, you definitely can! Many travel enthusiasts wonder if it’s possible to explore the world on a shoestring budget—or even no budget at all. The answer is a big fat YES—if you’re smart, flexible, and ready for adventure.

In this guide, we’ll share:

• Places you can travel with little to no money (especially in and from the USA)
  
• What to carry when travelling on a tight (or zero) budget
  
• The best types of budget-friendly accommodations
  
• And pro travel tips to make it all possible

Let’s dive in!

Can You Actually Travel With No Money?

Yes, you definitely can. But here’s the twist — you’ll have to get creative. Traveling with no money doesn’t equate to spending no money at all. It means doing things to save money or trading your time and skill for experiences, food, or housing.

From volunteering to hitchhiking, from couchsurfing to travel hacking — there are dozens of methods to travel the world on a budget.

Where Can You Travel for Free (or Almost Free) from the USA?

Let’s look at budget travel destinations that are either close to home or known for being extremely affordable:

National Parks in the USA

• Great for: Nature lovers, hikers, campers, Great smoky Mountains National Park
  
• Cost-saving tips: Get an America the Beautiful Pass, or visit on Free Entry Days Bring your own gear and food.

Popular parks to explore:

• Yellowstone National Park
  
• Zion National Park
  
• Great Smoky Mountains (free entry year-round!)

Mexico

• Great for: Culture, beaches, food
  
• Cost-saving tips: Use bus travel, stay in hostels, and eat street food (which is delicious and cheap!).

Mexico is budget-friendly and just a short flight or even a road trip away from the USA.

Central America – Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador

• Great for: Volcano hikes, surf towns, Mayan ruins
  
• Cost-saving tips: Travel during off-seasons and use local transport

These countries offer amazing experiences at very low daily costs, sometimes under $25/day.

Work Exchange Opportunities Worldwide

Websites like:

• Workaway
  
• WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
  
• Worldpackers

…allow you to work in exchange for free food and accommodation in places like:

• Spain
  
• Italy
  
• Costa Rica
  
• South Korea
  
• New Zealand

Budget-Friendly US Cities

Yes, even within the USA, you can travel almost free. Some cities offer cheap or free attractions, walkable downtowns, and great couchsurfing options.
Try these:

• Austin, Texas
  
• Asheville, North Carolina
  
• Portland, Oregon
  
• Denver, Colorado

What to Carry When Travelling with No Money

When money is tight, packing smart is essential. Here’s a list of must-carry items when you’re travelling on a zero or low budget:

Travel Essentials

• Backpack: Lightweight but durable (40-60L)
  
• Travel towel: Quick-dry and compact
  
• Reusable water bottle: Save on buying water
  
• Small first aid kit: Include band-aids, basic meds

Tech and Safety Gear

• Portable charger/power bank
  
• Unlocked smartphone (to use local SIMs)
  
• Maps.me or Google Maps offline
  
• Copy of documents (passport, ID)

Money-saving Must-Haves

• Snacks and instant food: Oatmeal, trail mix, etc.
  
• Multi-purpose soap: For body, clothes, dishes
  
• Sleeping bag or liner: In case you sleep in public spaces or rough it out
  
• Tent or hammock (optional): If you’re heading to places with free camping

Clothing (Capsule Wardrobe)

• 2–3 quick-dry shirts
  
• 2 pants/shorts
  
• 1 warm layer (hoodie/jacket)
  
• 1 rain jacket
  
• Comfortable walking shoes
  
• Flip-flops/slides
  
• Undergarments and socks

What Kind of Accommodation Can You Book with No Money?

Let’s be real — you probably won’t be booking hotels. But don’t worry, there are plenty of FREE or ultra-budget options out there.

Couchsurfing

• Cost: FREE
  
• How it works: Stay with locals who open up their homes for free in exchange for cultural exchange, conversation, and kindness.
  
• Best for: Urban stays, meeting people

Work-for-Stay Programs

Websites like:

• Workaway and Worldpackers
  
• Offer housing and food in exchange for simple work (gardening, hostel help, art projects, farm work)

Housesitting or Pet Sitting

• Websites like TrustedHousesitters or Nomador
  
• Stay for free in homes while owners are away, often caring for pets

Hostel Volunteering

• Many hostels around the world offer free bed and meals in exchange for a few hours of work per day.

Camping or Free Campsites

• Use apps like iOverlander or FreeCampsites.net to find free places to pitch your tent or park a van.

Pro Tips to Travel with No Money

Use Travel Hacking (Credit Card Points)

• Open a travel rewards credit card (like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture).
  
• Use the sign-up bonus to score free flights or stays.

Important: Only do this if you can pay off your balance on time.

Hitchhike or Share Rides

• In safe regions, hitchhiking is a common and eco-friendly way to move.
  
• Apps like BlaBlaCar (Europe) or Poparide (Canada) are popular.

Busking or Street Performance

• If you play an instrument, sing, or do magic, you can earn tips while sharing joy.

Use Local Libraries or Wi-Fi Spots

• Libraries = free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and even job boards or local event notices.

Eat Smart

• Cook your own food if you have access to kitchens (hostels, work exchanges).
  
• Shop from local markets.
  
• Apps like Too Good To Go help you buy leftover restaurant meals for $1–5.

How to Plan a No-Money Trip (Step-by-Step)

1. Pick a cheap destination or place you can reach easily
   
2. Sign up on Workaway/Couchsurfing or search for opportunities
   
3. Gather your essentials
   
4. Use Facebook groups or Reddit for local tips
   
5. Map out free attractions and transport options
   
6. Stay flexible and open to last-minute changes

Bonus: Ways to Earn While You Travel

Even if you start with zero, you can make money on the road:

• Freelancing (writing, designing, virtual assistant)
  
• Selling photos (on Shutterstock or Adobe Stock)
  
• Teaching English online
  
• Tour guiding or leading hikes
  
• Creating travel content (TikTok, YouTube, blogs)

Final Thoughts: Is Travelling With No Money Worth It?

Absolutely! Travelling with no money forces you to connect deeper with people, cultures, and nature. It’s not about being broke — it’s about being bold.

So the next time someone asks, “Can I go travelling with no money?” — tell them YES. Pack smart, plan well, and open your heart to the adventure ahead.

FAQs: Can I Go Travelling with No Money? 

What are the best countries to travel to for free or cheap?
Mexico, Guatemala, India, and Portugal are great options. Within the USA, national parks and free-entry cities like Washington D.C. are top picks.

What’s the best way to find free accommodation?
Couchsurfing, Workaway, and house-sitting platforms are your best bets.

Can I fly for free?
Yes — use travel credit card points, sign-up bonuses, or airline miles.

Is it safe to travel with no money?
Yes, if you stay alert, research your destinations, and avoid risky areas or travel at night.

If you’re planning a trip to the northern region of India, don’t miss exploring some offbeat places in Kashmir that offer breathtaking landscapes and a serene atmosphere away from the usual tourist crowds. For nature lovers interested in the northeast, Warichora Meghalaya is a hidden gem that promises unique experiences with its lush greenery and tranquil surroundings.