How to Travel Europe with No Money

It is possible to travel Europe with no money. This is not as awful as it sounds since some of the best things in Europe are free. Moving around without money forces you to interact with the locals and experience life in many of the same ways the average European does. You will have a European adventure, not a sanitized tour like most Americans get in Europe.

Instructions

1

Get to Europe. You can fly there with no money by using frequent flier miles. These can be accumulated from previous flights or through incentive programs. If a relative has extra frequent flier miles, talk them into giving them to you. Otherwise, you might be able to get passage on a ship sailing to Europe. You can exchange transportation, room and board for work on the ship.

2

Hitchhike to get around. This is a well-established tradition in Europe. Families and truck drivers often stop to give strangers a ride. While this practice is common in Europe, you still must take precautions. Never hitchhike alone, and only do it during the day in well-trafficked areas.

3

Work for your room. Europe is full of youth hostels. Many will allow you to spend the night in exchange for work. Approach them politely in the morning and ask if there are any chores they need done. A few hours work could get you a bed for the night. You might even get fed.

4

Sing for your supper. Europe is full of street performers doing all sorts of things for change from people passing by. Pick a busy area, put out a cup or hat, then start performing. You can sing, dance, mime, play music or just about anything. You don't even need to be very good to make a few bucks. That is enough to fill up on meat, cheese and fresh bread at a neighborhood market.

5

See the free sights. Forget about expensive museums and tourist attractions. The best places to see in Europe are public spaces. Just walk around and see what you find. Neighborhoods are charming and the architecture is distinct in each country. Every town has a square where locals congregate. They socialize, people watch and enjoy free entertainment from street performers (maybe you). Just hang out where the Europeans hang out. It is fun and won't cost you a thing.