So you're account balance is down to single digits and you desperately need to get to your next destination. The only problem is that those greedy transport companies wish to extract your last few valuable pennies to get you there. Well, fortunately there are alternative methods of travel that are completely free!
1. Lift Surf
Lift Surfing is the latest mode of travel for the penny pinching backpacker. Utilising the internet, users enter their travel plans into the lift surfing site and match up with other travellers. Quite often there is another traveller with a car going in the same direction as you.
Check out www.liftsurfer.com to find some fellow lift surfers or browse the rideshare section of www.craigslist.org.
2. Hitchike
The low tech granddad of lift surfing is good ol' hitchhiking. Whilst this is a less safer and more arduous mode of travel, the unfortunate reality is that access to a Wi-Fi hotspot in the middle of Route 66 might not be feasible. Here are a few tips for the novice hitchiker:
- Make sure you have enough food and drink if you're going for a long trip. There is a good chance that you will be walking all day!
- Hitchhiking may be illegal in some areas or on certain types of roads. Enforcement of laws against hitchhiking may vary. Ask locals.
- The three most important factors for getting a ride are: location, location, and location. You need to find a place where you can be seen early (to give the driver time to decide to pick you up), and where the driver can safely pull over.
- Wear bright clothing so that drivers can see you.
3. Couch Surf
An important thing to consider is accomodation in your destination. The good news is that it doesn't have to cost anything either. Couch surfe
