Everyone wants to live the dream of getting "On the Road," Kerouac style. We dream of hitting the asphalt and running hard into the sunset, not caring where we end up or where we're going. We might be a long way from the Beat Generation, but that doesn't mean we can't reproduce an authentic traveling experience in Europe.
Here are a few examples of how to travel in style and for free, as well as three hidden travel essentials that can save you money and time.
Table of Contents
Hitchhiking
The most obvious way to travel for free is to hitchhike. Hitchhiking has many significant advantages, including the potential to meet new friends, hear and share exciting stories, and cover many miles for absolutely nothing!
Of course, there are pitfalls. There's always a risk that you might meet some unsavory characters, and you're risking your safety by getting into their car and going on a journey with them.
But hitchhiking is much more common than many think, particularly in Eastern Europe. So, what are you waiting for? Get out to Europe and experience the true meaning of being on the road!
Carpooling
There is a slightly different, 21st-century option to traditional hitchhiking: carpooling, using sites such as Liftshare and BlaBlaCar. These platforms allow you to arrange a lift in advance with what should be trusted members of the wider community!
Couchsurfing
A similar concept is Couchsurfing, which works in the same way, except instead of sharing a lift, a host gives you accommodation for the night.
On Assignment
Another great but tricky way to travel for free is to get sponsorship or payment as a travel writer or blogger. This can be done by writing to various magazines or companies and pitching your idea and why you are qualified to do the job.
Travel Essentials
No matter how you travel, there are some absolute essentials that every adventure must begin with. There are the obvious ones, like your passport or pants and socks, but here are a couple of hidden essentials you may not always remember.
1. EHIC—the European Health Insurance Card covers you for medical injury anywhere in Europe, so it's vital to carry it with you at all times, just in case one of your daily adventures goes all wrong. Your EHIC card (also known as an EU health card or formerly an E111 card) may need renewal before you leave, so make sure you visit an EHIC renewal site.
2. Cash Passport—Instead of taking all your money in cash or risking huge charges on your debit card while using it abroad, get a cash passport. They're usually free, and the charge to withdraw money abroad or use it in stores is minimal.
3. Microfiber towel—an odd one, but a godsend. These beauties pack into a tiny bag and dry super-fast. They're a traveling must-have!
