While you’re typically restricted to major chains. they can be used for thousands of hotels nationally and internationally.
But that’s not the only way to get a free place to stay. Websites such as HomeExchange.com are safe ways for you to trade living spaces with someone. If you have an apartment in New York and want to exchange it for one in Paris for a week in the spring. that’s no problem. Looking for a beachside condo in exchange for your home next to the Rockies? That’s a possibility. too.
Even better you could get free travel perks
That not even the best hotels can match. says Keghan Hurst. spokeswoman for HomeExchange.com. “A lot of our members will include access to their vehicles. bicycles and even boats.” she says. “Everything is negotiable.”
If you’re not interested in exchanging spaces. CouchSurfing.net helps people find a place to crash for free. with nothing required in return but good manners.
Most three-star hotels offer a complimentary
Breakfast with your stay. and some go even further. For example. the DoubleTree hotel chain gives free cookies to guests and many Hampton Inns provide free popcorn. Some hotels that cater to business travelers. including many Starwood Hotels. offer complimentary happy hour drinks and hors d’oeuvres on weekdays.
It’s not just the chains that offer this free vacation travel perk to their guests. says Mary White. founder of BnBFinder.com. a bed-and-breakfast information website. “Many bed-and-breakfasts offer bottomless cookie jars. snacks and beverages.” in addition to the morning meal. she says.
If you can’t survive on breakfast Frequent-flier miles
snacks and happy-hour finger foods. consider a working vacation with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. or WWOOF. You volunteer your labor and owners offer free lodging and food.
Museums are a favorite attraction for many visitors. but getting in can cost an arm and a leg. For example. New York’s Museum of Modern telegram data Art carries a hefty $20 price tag. But nearly every museum has a pay-as-you-wish or free time period each week or month. when you’re not required to pay a dime. You can find these times and dates for eight major cities here. or type in “free museum day” and the place you’re considering into a search engine.
If you’re looking for free vacation travel Frequent-flier miles
perks at a national park. you also can get a break there. While more than 100 national parks charge entrance fees. they go fee-free on 29 days each year. You can see if any of the dates coincide with your vacation on this government website.
Finally. keep in mind that sometimes you don’t need to pay to get a fantastic view of the city. Dudar says. “The Staten Island Ferry in New zillow leads: how to generate real estate success York and the Algiers Ferry in New Orleans are both free.” he says. “They’re both remarkable ways to view the skyline from the water. When it’s a warm. summer day and you’re getting a breeze on the water. it’s a great way to beat the heat.”
Free Travel Events Frequent-flier miles
If you’re looking for free live music. festivals and other events. your best bet is to look at the calendar listings in local media. whether it’s the city’s daily newspaper or an alternative weekly publication. Sometimes. historical societies can help you pinpoint the town’s most notable buildings or even help you create a walking tour.
You also can head to the city’s website. check angola lists out the bulletin board at the town’s local library or head to the student center at a local university to find postings. Look up the times and sites of local farmers’ markets. where you can soak up the local culture while often taking advantage of free samples and live music.