7 startups that help you see the world on the cheap (or pay you to travel)
Despite ever-growing airline fees and added expenses, travel doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, thanks to numerous innovative startups it's now possible to see the world for cheaper than ever, and in some cases, companies will even help you get paid to travel. Here are a few companies to look at if you want to see the world for cheap or free, or work on the road:
1. Remote Year: For those looking to make money while they travel, Remote Year helps unite remote workers to travel together. Instead of going on a gap year, 100 workers (you'll procure your own location-independent profession) are chosen to work and travel together throughout Europe, Asia and South America. Pay is $1,000 a month plus a $3,000 deposit, travel costs, accommodation, co-working space, group bonding activities, emergency insurance and some meals.
The first group of participants set off June 1, 2015, but stay tuned for the next round, or check out Hacker Paradise, a similar concept without the year-long commitment.
2. Jobbatical: Looking to find a job abroad? Jobbatical offers a job board of professional career breaks. With listings from all over the world, it's a great way to change your life with a break from you career while not completely giving up financial security.
3. GoFundMe: You can always have someone else fund your trip, which is the premise behind GoFundMe. A startup making use of the growing crowd-sourcing economy that's so popular now, the platform allows you to create a campaign or trip — scrolling through you'll see everything from "My Summer Voyage to Morocco" to "Building Masjid in Haiti" — and share it with your social and email contacts, who then hopefully share it further.
4. Booking Guru: Booking Guru, a brand new concierge service launched in May 2015, helps travelers maximize their points and travel further for free on airline miles and credit card points, a confusing process for those who aren't travel hackers. If they can't help you find an award ticket or upgrade, you don't pay a cent.
5. Clashot: If you're good with a smartphone, Clashot (iOS & Android, free) is an app that lets you earn cash on the road by photographing your experiences and selling the images on Depositphotos. While it's not guaranteed you'll sell anything it doesn't hurt to try, as you're likely taking pictures anyway.
6. TrustedHousesitters: Exchange pet and house sitting skills for free accommodation. Peruse homeowner profiles (you can also sign up for listing alerts to your email), see what's expected of you and apply if it's a fit. Note that you will need to pay a membership fee — annual plans are $95.88 — although that's less than you'd likely pay for a single night in a hotel.
7. Love Home Swap: If the idea of watching pets doesn't appeal to you, Love Home Swap lets you trade homes with other travelers, free of charge. They currently have 65,000 properties across 160 countries for a lot of choice, and if you travel regularly the $20/month membership can save you in the long run.
What are your favorite startups that help you travel for free/cheap?
Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She's constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.