9 Easy Ways to Get Free Stuff While Traveling
Scoring free stuff while traveling is not something that only budget travelers can achieve–it’s for anyone who loves a good perk. The best part is that these tricks don’t require extreme couponing or awkward negotiations but just a little strategy and the right timing. Ready to travel smarter and score some free stuff? Here are some easy ways to make it happen!
Attend Free Walking Tours
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Many cities worldwide offer free walking tours led by passionate locals who share interesting facts, hidden gems, and historical stories. While the tours don’t technically cost anything, guides usually work for tips, so it’s a great deal for travelers who want an affordable way to explore.
Volunteer at Events
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Concerts, festivals, and sporting events always need extra hands, and volunteering can be a ticket to free entry. Many significant events, from music festivals to film screenings, offer free access to volunteers in exchange for a few hours of work. It’s a win-win; help out behind the scenes, meet new people, and enjoy the event for free.
Attend Free Sample Events
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Who doesn’t love free food, drinks, or even beauty products? Many host free sample events where companies hand out everything from gourmet snacks to skincare. If you time it right, you could practically eat through a city without spending a dime. Just don’t be that person who circles back three times in disguise.
Check Out Hotel Happy Hours
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A complimentary drink and some snacks after a long day of sightseeing? Yes, please! Many hotels offer guests complimentary happy hours, with everything from wine and cocktails to appetizers. Brands like Kimpton and Drury Inn are known for these perks, and some boutique hotels offer them to create a social atmosphere.
Utilize Pet-Sitting Services
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There are various pet-sitting platforms that connect homeowners with travelers if they need someone to take care of their pets while they’re away. In exchange for feeding a cat or walking a dog, travelers get free accommodation in prime locations. Some homeowners even stock their fridges with snacks!
Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
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Signing up for a hotel’s loyalty program takes just a few minutes and leads to free perks. Even smaller boutique hotels have loyalty programs that give returning guests freebies like room upgrades or complimentary breakfast. Plus, membership is almost always free, so there’s no reason not to sign up before booking a stay.
Participate in Work-Exchange Programs
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Websites like Workaway, Worldpackers, and HelpX connect travelers with hosts who need an extra hand—like hostel work, farm help, or even teaching English. In return, travelers get a free place to stay and sometimes free meals. Unlike traditional jobs, these gigs usually require just a few hours daily, thus leaving you with plenty of time to explore.
Visit Free Museums and Galleries
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Many world-class museums, like the British Museum in London and the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., are always free. Others offer free admission on certain days or during specific hours, so it pays to check ahead. Even smaller art galleries and cultural centers often showcase incredible exhibitions for free.
Use Free Apps for Services
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There’s an app for everything these days, including saving money while traveling. Free apps like Maps.me and Google Maps provide offline navigation. Google Translate helps with language barriers, while apps like Flush locate nearby public restrooms. Many cities have apps that list free events, public transport schedules, and local deals.
Join in Competitions and Giveaways
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Social media is full of brands, hotels, and airlines running giveaways for free flights, hotel stays, and travel gear. Signing up for newsletters, following travel-related accounts, and watching contests can lead to big wins. Many travel influencers and companies host regular giveaways, and smaller contests often have fewer entries, which means better odds.
Ask for Upgrades
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A simple question goes a long way. Hotels and airlines sometimes offer free upgrades if a better room or seat is available, especially if it’s a special occasion or during off-peak times. Some travelers have reported success by mentioning a birthday or anniversary, while others score upgrades by simply asking at check-in.
Utilize Free Public Transport Options
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Places like Tallinn, Estonia, and Luxembourg offer free public transport for residents and visitors alike. Other cities, like Denver and Kansas City, have free bus routes in popular areas. Some airports provide free shuttle services to city centers, and many destinations have complimentary bike rentals. Researching local transport options ahead of time can save a surprising amount of money.
Engage in Cultural Exchanges
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Language exchanges, community meetups, and international student gatherings are great ways to meet locals while enjoying free activities. Some cafes and libraries host free language practice sessions. These exchanges save money and make trips more memorable by offering a chance to experience a destination through the eyes of locals.
Use Free Wi-Fi Spots
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Finding free Wi-Fi while traveling is like hitting a jackpot, except it’s everywhere if you know where to look. Airports, libraries, coffee shops, and public parks often have free hotspots. Just be mindful of security, and if you’re in a café, maybe buy a small coffee so they don’t give you the side-eye for camping out all afternoon.
Participate in Free Classes or Workshops
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A new city is the perfect place to pick up a fresh skill without spending a dime. Beach yoga, salsa dancing in a plaza, or a hands-on art session at a museum are all activities that could add something extra to your trip. Checking local event listings or community boards can also lead to unique experiences.