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15 Best Facebook Groups for Travelers You Should Be a Part Of (2024)

by Aileen Adalid Travel & Adventure 54 comments

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Most of us do our research with the help of good ol’ Google as we seek out the best travel tips and the best things to do for any destination. However, I understand that there are times when Google just won’t cut it and you rather want to gain real-time advice from a group of people online that you can actually converse with — for this, I highly suggest joining Facebook groups for travelers!

To date, there are millions of Facebook groups out there and it can be dizzying to pick out the ‘ cream of the crop ‘; but don’t fret, becaause with this list, I have gathered the best Facebook groups for travelers that will match whatever need or niche you’re looking for.

I have also made sure that these groups satisfy the following criteria:

• It is non-spammy.
• It has relevant, active, and engaged members.
• It is well-managed by moderators.

Without further ado, here are the best Facebook groups for travelers that you MUST join!

Table of Contents

Best Facebook Groups for Travelers

» General Facebook Groups for Travelers: «

The following are the best Facebook groups for travelers that do not only discuss topics about travel but also about some other lifestyle topics too (at times, about blogging tips and digital nomad jobs as well).

Ultimate Travel Group

CURRENT MEMBERS: 21,500+

The Ultimate Travel Group (UTG) is a group that I created after I saw the shortage of Facebook groups out there that generously shares opportunities for travelers as well as travel bloggers — may they be current or aspiring ones (and by opportunities, I mean it as it is: travel opportunities, travel giveaways, etc.)

Everyone is free to join and post questions at any time — I am also always available to answer and share the travel hacks and tips that I personally know of. So see you there!

– – –

CURRENT MEMBERS: 66,800+

This is a great Facebook hub where you can connect with travelers and nomads from all over the world. The best part is that most of the members (that number many!) do long-term and sustainable travel so you can get a lot of insight. It’s a very active group with engaging members so you’re sure to find what you need there!

Travel Community

CURRENT MEMBERS: 153,000+

A community built by Scott’s Cheap Flights and it is for anyone who loves to travel! You can share your trips and tips here, as well as ask for advice all at the same time. The number of active members is a huge plus too!

Photographs & Travel Nomads

CURRENT MEMBERS: 59,000+

Do you need travel inspiration through picturesque spots and hidden gems? Or do you simply want to ask for advanced photography tips whilst you share your own shots? If so, this is the perfect Facebook group for you!

» Backpacking Facebook Groups for Travelers: «

As the heading implies, the following are the best Facebook groups for travelers who are interested in backpacking tips that will help them make the most out of their travel fund as well as save more money!

Hitchhiking Club

CURRENT MEMBERS: 14,000+

I actually don’t recommend hitchhiking; but still, I recognize the fact that there are people who are interested in doing this for their travels. If you’re one of those, it’s best to be in touch with an experienced community that will help give you the best support and safety tips. (You can even acquire a travel buddy here, but like always, please exercise caution!)

Backpacking Europe

CURRENT MEMBERS: 56,500+

Centered on destinations in Europe, this is the best Facebook group for backpackers who want to make an enjoyable Eurotrip — ask for tips and recommendations to your heart’s content! (Lately, the group has evolved more into covering not only budget travel but also all types of other travel styles; still, it remains to be focused on Europe only).

Southeast Asia Backpacker Community

CURRENT MEMBERS: 19,000+

If you rather plan to explore Southeast Asia , joining this group should be high on your to-do list! With a number of members who have experience traveling in SEA (or who are simply locals themselves), you’ll get a focused amount of answers for whatever travel concern you may have.

Backpacking South America

CURRENT MEMBERS: 50,000+

Naturally, South America is one of those top destinations for backpackers and this is a massive community that could help assist your travel plans.

In fact, this group also covers topics about Central America and the Caribbean , so don’t miss out!

DIY Travel Philippines

CURRENT MEMBERS: 1,100,000+

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines , this is the best place where you can find a supportive community that will be more than happy to aid you (you might even find some fun travel buddies here!).

There are also a lot of tips that have already been posted here, so just use the search function and you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in an instant!

» Females Only «

Doing solo travel is on the rise, but one has to recognize the fact that it is often unsafe for women — to answer to this problem, these kinds of groups were made and it is definitely one of the best ‘support group’ you can ever have!

Girls LOVE Travel

Girls LOVE Travel or GLT is a BIG ‘sisterhood’ group for female travelers around the globe and its main goal is to promote safety and support for every members’ travels.

The community is humongous and super engaging that you’ll find people of ALL ages from every corner of the globe here. GLT also regularly holds events and group trips, so keep a lookout for those.

The Solo Female Traveler Network

CURRENT MEMBERS: 442,000+

This is another safe space for all female travelers to come for advice and support among many other things. The group network also holds fun regular meetups that every member is free to join!

TRAVEL MEETUPS is a sub-group created by The Solo Female Traveler Network and it focuses on connecting solo female travelers with other fellow solo female travelers!

Solo Female Travelers

CURRENT MEMBERS: 85,500+

Solo Female Travelers is another alternative group where you can find focused tips not only for travel but also for other girl-related worries as well.

» Travel Bloggers & Digital Nomads «

Did you quit your job to travel the world and work online as a digital nomad? Or are you a travel writer, freelancer, or entrepreneur who is looking to expand their network as they continue to travel the world? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the following groups are the best for you!

Digital Nomads Around the World

CURRENT MEMBERS: 142,500+

This is an amazing group of digital nomads who share all their tips and knowledge with fellow nomads, no matter if they’re aspiring or experienced ones. Sometimes, you can even find an online job opportunity here that will help you lead the digital lifestyle that you so desire!

Travel Bloggers

CURRENT MEMBERS: 4,500+

If you’re a travel blogger, this is the best way to connect with fellow influencers worldwide. It only admits travel bloggers and it doesn’t matter if you’re experienced or not.

Naturally, the discussions here are composed of feedback and advice about the business side of blogging that includes technical questions, blogging strategy , social media tips , and so much more. Even so, it’s also a great space to have discussions about travel in general!

Travel advice by Travel Bloggers

CURRENT MEMBERS: 1,100+

If you want to hear advice and tips straight from the ‘ pros ‘ or the travel bloggers, this is the group that you should absolutely be a part of!

There are absolutely a LOT of helpful Facebook groups out there that can help you reach your goals, and as per my personal experiences, the ones listed above are truly effective for every kind of traveler and travel blogger!

But remember : it’s not all about the ‘taking’, make sure that you do some ‘giving’ too! So be involved, start conversations, and help others if you can. In no time, you will see how being a part of a community does not only boost your influence, but your level of knowledge and friends too!

Have you seen my latest vlog?

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid. At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful  digital nomad  (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission?  To show you how it is absolutely possible to  create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

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How to start a successful blog, 54 comments.

Thank you for sharing this list. Having a group is really helpful. I recently joined Blogging for new bloggers and I love this group.

Thanks for the wonderful advice. I think it’s great how you are able to create some of those photos with only an iPhone. You have a wonderful eye for composition.

I’ve been following your blog for the last month. I love your honesty in the content you write about the positive and negative aspects of solo travel and blogging. I really feel I can relate to it. I have been solo travelling for the past 3 years but have only just started to document it with a blog of my own. I’m at a transition phase in the way in which I travel and the way in which I work to travel as I am working towards creating my own travel business within the kitesurfing industry. Reading your blog and being able to relate to your content has inspired me to blog to document my travels and my development as I create my dream career. Thanks for the advice and the inspiration.

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How to travel for free: the secret that no one tells you

Want to travel the world for free? I've been doing that for a long time. In this article, you'll get an in-depth view of what I do, how I do it, and how you can do it too!

Ayla Life in Lala's Land

Dec 19, 2023

Of course I have seen people all over Instagram and Facebook living these incredible lives, getting to see amazing places all over the world. I must confess I always thought this was fake or that they were all rich people. But since I came across the answers of how to travel for free (that no one told me) it completely transformed my life.

The purpose of this article is not to simply give you a list of the options you have to travel for free. You can find that on the internet anywhere.

I’m here to give you real life proof of how I already travel the world for free , since I’ve been travelling and living the nomadic life since July 2019. I'm crazily excited to share this, knowing just how much of an impact it can make to a person's life.

Some people get a little sceptical before they really get what I do , which I completely understand. If someone I didn’t know told me I could travel the world for free, I would probably think they were trying to scam me or something. But I didn’t have anyone tell me about it. I found it myself , and now I want to help others do the same.

I knew I wanted to travel and quit my job to do it . That would mean no money coming in - an exceptionally tight budget. So, I found a solution to the problem:  free food and accommodation !

In this article I’m going to walk you through how to do that. You can travel the world doing activities you love and get free accommodation - and even get paid to do it!

You might also like :  14 TOP cheapest countries to visit as a Worldpackers volunteer

Travelling for free: how it all started

One day I woke up and realised just how much I hated my daily life . I was working a ludicrous number of hours to get a great paycheck each week, but I was miserable. I decided that I had to take it into my own hands and create a life that I enjoyed living. And for me, that means new discoveries and environments.

In February of 2019 I handed in my resignation with 4 months’ notice. This was mainly for me to know I finally had a date I would be escaping the rat race. By July of that year, I was on a one-way flight to volunteer in India with a backpack and a suitcase with everything I owned in them.

When I said goodbye to all my friends and family, they knew that I had no intentions of ever returning to Australia or the life I was so eager to leave behind. 

I had no idea of what I was going to do, how I would be making money travelling or being able to survive, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that I had left behind a life that I didn’t want, in search of one that I loved.

It was then that I happened to stumble across the greatest life hack known to mankind – how to travel the world for free ! I have now been doing this and enjoying every moment of it.

I have the freedom to go anywhere I want in this world, and know that I am able to support myself. With a combination of these two life hacks that I will be speaking about here, I get almost all my food and accommodation paid for. 

I write for about two hours a day and I'm able to actually save a significant amount of money whilst I am travelling and experiencing the world.

How to travel for free: here's the secret

The number one best life hack that I have ever known is Worldpackers , hands down. 

Worldpackers is a platform that connects volunteers with certain skills or abilities to hosts who are looking for help in these areas. The method behind it is work exchange , where volunteers give their time helping out around the place in exchange for accommodation  and other benefits like meals, classes and tours.

It has provided me with numerous opportunities to travel through different countries on a tight budget, by not having to worry about accommodation and food. Not only that, but it has also given me an opportunity to build my name as an artist through both India and Sri Lanka .

As a girl who had a dream of travelling the world for free - with no idea of how to actually do it when I started - I am so lucky and grateful to have stumbled across Worldpackers!

Basically, you pay one fee of $49 USD which gives you access to all the hosts for a full year. To put that into perspective, $50 USD is likely A LOT less than you pay for one night of food and accommodation in most countries . And then you can spend 12 months with free accomodation and food wherever you want!

Seem’s crazy not to do it right? And what you give in exchange for the ability to travel for free, is often an experience you would be paying a hefty price for.  So really, it’s wins all around! You’re saving sooooo much money when you travel the world with Worldpackers.

Volunteer and travel for free

There are heaps of different options available when it comes to volunteer programs. So you’re sure to find something that calls to your heart. Some of them that I have chosen to work with are:

• Work in Schools
• Work on Eco projects
• Work with Hostel Administration 
• And primarily Art Projects

There are so many more options available , but these are the ones I have volunteered with so far. I typically look for art projects as I love painting. But other times I will apply for positions that pique my interest such as eco projects, because I am very much a save the world type of gal.

I have been very lucky to have had a range of volunteering experiences , mostly with painting. Mural painting is not something that I had ever even considered doing before.

I was so excited to do my first one and put my heart and soul into it, and surprisingly it was actually  not that bad. From there I was able to apply for more Worldpackers positions as an artist where I received free accommodation and all my meals for free.

This is a dream come true for someone who had been travelling for two months. I had no idea how to make any money and was just trying to spend as little as possible to stretch the money I did have as far as it could go. 

I’ve built great connections throughout communities doing this, and I’ve been asked to come back to a number of places, which is so heartwarming.

If you’re wondering how to travel for free, making an impact and giving more value to your contribution in this world , this is the secret. There are volunteer options that suit a range of different personality types and interests.

How to travel for free and also get paid

Although using Worldpackers covers almost all my expenses that I need to survive , there are still other things I need to pay for as I travel. Any flights, visas, sightseeing and going out with friends are costs that come out of my own pocket.

But someone I met at my first volunteer position provided me with a solution. I was only about two months into my travels at this point, when I explained to her my situation. She was blown away that I had no plan to balance working and travelling . In hindsight, it's a pretty crazy thing to do. Quit your job, pack your stuff and leave your own country without any means of income.

So, she introduced me to the world of  freelancing . This is something I had never heard about before then. She explained to me that there are many people that work remotely and get paid for it, which is what she does for a company she worked for back in Germany.

I told her that I wouldn’t be able to do it as I was absolutely terrible with technology and had no skills that would be of any value . She convinced me that I had everything I already needed: fluent English and a tablet I could write on.

She told me about some freelancing websites and I signed up to both Freelancer and Upwork . I then started applying for different positions but was not getting any luck. I had been trying for basic administration positions, which of course every other unskilled person was also applying for, so I was just getting lost in the masses.

Earlier in 2019 I had decided that I wanted to write a novel , which I am currently still working on, and this is something that I had shared with the girl who told me about freelancing. She saw me working on my novel all the time and motivated me to apply for some content writing positions . 

"The worst they could do is say no, and the best that can happen is you start getting paid to travel."

Eventually one company gave me a trial. Turns out they loved my writing style and offered me an ongoing position.

Becoming a digital nomad

The work I do could not be more perfect. It is incredibly flexible, I can ask for as much or as little work as I want, and it is something that I enjoy doing. 

I write content for businesses all over the world . Each piece might take me around 3 hours and will make me $50 USD. It’s not a lot, in fact, this job pays pretty terribly compared to the others I have now.

But depending on which part of the world I am, it pays for a LOT more than it would be back home. 

And I have such a different relationship with money than I did when working a ‘normal’ job. I am only interested in making enough money to cover my expenses from the previous month or to splurge on a vacation, such as a fancy resort somewhere.

Not only has securing a freelancing job been able to free me financially, it is such a different experience to be working on your own clock . Sometimes I might go a few days or a week without writing at all. Because I don’t have the need for money. But other times I might write for a full week and do nothing else. That is the beauty of freelancing.

Each week I decide how many projects I want, which generally is anywhere between two and 10. So that is a maximum of 30 hours a week if I really want to make some serious money, but I rarely have the need for that. So most times, I only work about 6 a week.

Combining this small amount of income with travelling the world for free with Worldpackers, I am able to save money while I’m travelling ! How crazy is that? I never would have thought that was possible.

An added benefit to freelancing is how much y ou learn about the potential of online work. I went from a non-tech savvy girl 15 months ago, to now having my own digital marketing agency . 

I do this by outsourcing all the work to the talented freelancers I’ve met along my journey . So whether you’ve got that business mind, or just want to work 5 hours a week to live as a digital nomad, it works for everyone.

Balancing freedom and motivation

When I was in Australia, I was a businesswoman. Always in a suit rushing around from meeting to meeting and under immense stress. Now I wouldn’t be recognisable to any of the people from my old position, or the clients that I worked with so closely. I am able to completely and freely express myself.

I now have blue hair and am starting to gather a collection of tattoos , and do you know what? It makes me so happy that I am able to live a life that is true to my own personality . Not to be living life restricted by the confines of society. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have responsibilities.

I have the freedom to now travel where I want, dress (country-specific of course) and later my appearance as I please. And all I need to do is work about 5 hours a day to make that happen. So on average, I would spend 1 hour a day working and another 4 volunteering.

Although it can be tempting to run out with my friends as soon as the volunteering is done, I just give myself a reality check. It’s one hour. And if I schedule my time well, it makes little difference to my day, but a big difference to my life.

For me, I found setting out schedules works best for me. Mine looks something like this: yoga, breakfast, work, volunteer, lunch, write my novel, then free time. Sometimes I find myself creating stress out of nothing , but finding my balance with a schedule and yoga always helps me to keep motivated.

What in the world are you waiting for?

Yes, there is a legitimate way to travel the world for free and get paid, if that is the kind of life you want to live. I do it myself, and I’m just your average everyday person. Sometimes I realize how lucky I am to live this life, and then remember that luck had nothing to do with it . I found this out through research and took a leap of faith.

Seeing new countries and experiencing new cultures has been eye opening for me. And this is not something I would have been able to do for so long if I hadn’t stumbled across this life hack so early into my trip.

But luckily for everyone reading this, I have found them so that you don’t have to go searching . So now that you know how to travel for free, what are you waiting for? Go see the world! 

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Ayla Carlin

Life in Lala's Land

An Australian solo traveller who set out to find herself while discovering the world. My aim is to discover the untouched, make long lasting connections, and expand my mind through the new people I meet and places I discover. I want to inspire others through my experiences, showing just how important travel is for the soul, and how it can transform your life in the most positive ways.

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Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Oct 15, 2020

You're living the life, girl! As an author myself, that's pretty much a dream come true. Traveling and writing. Thank you for your words. I wish you all the success!

Oct 22, 2020

I wanna thanks you for your loyalty, and probably encourage you gave too all committee, thanks for who you are

Ayla (Author)

Nov 02, 2020

Thank you beautiful girl!! You also do the same??

Unfortunately, I don't. Right now, I just write in my home country. But I was published by a small publisher this year and I'm working on getting better to write on the road one day

Oct 19, 2020

Wow you're ao cool

Oct 20, 2020

Thank you beautiful people! Let's keep sharing our stories and welcoming more people to the traveling the world for free community!

Amazing text 🤍🤍 thanks for that

Oct 24, 2020

Good job👍👍💐💐

Feb 26, 2023

Amazing. Great job. Good Luck

Thank you ☺️

Oct 31, 2020

Thank you so much❤️

You are so welcome girl! ❤️❤️

Wooaaaaahhh 🤩🤩🤩🤩

Nov 06, 2020

Nov 08, 2020

It's great, I am cherishing the trip like you, currently I am looking for an online job to have money for the trip but I still haven't found it. Please guide and share your online work experience and your itinerary. Look forward to your guidance. My email: [email protected]

Nov 10, 2020

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Nov 11, 2020

Welcome Morocco

Nov 12, 2020

Super inspiring! :)

Nov 25, 2020

Hi Ayla, your story is very encouraging and motivational. I’m a newly certified Health and Life Coach, my dream is to work from anywhere, I got lost and confused, meanwhile I’m working part time as a professional organizer and decluttering, my dream is to travel so I decided enough of waiting to do it so I signed up here. But I’m interested in knowing more about your Marketing Biz, would like to talk to you about my business. Please could you reach out to me, [email protected] Thank You!!!

Nov 27, 2020

Well articulated

Dec 01, 2020

wow i like it thank you so much for sharing this

Dec 03, 2020

Thanks for your inspiring words, keep it up! :)

Cool with patient and courage

Wow, I really needed to hear this. I'd love to chat with you deeper since I have so many questions! How can I contact you? Do you have Instagram?

Dec 04, 2020

Hey Linda, I'd be happy to help 😊 My insta is lifein_lalasland

Sent you a message there!

Dec 08, 2020

Hi there, I admire your courage, wish i can do the same, but i'm in a different situation. I loved your article, it's inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

Dec 09, 2020

Wow! This was such a good read.

Dec 13, 2020

World are amazing & I love Nature 🙏🏞️🌄🌎🌏🗺️🥰

Dec 17, 2020

Hi there we had a small conversation in Bangkok while Brushing the truth i am so glad to meet you cheers Appreciate it

Dec 22, 2020

And you have written a beautiful blog here 😊

Very inspiring after reading what you have wrote. Yes, the money for buying a ticket is really concerning for me to step out from my comfort zone, and was thiking a lot should I make this work with travel the world with FREE. ❤

Dec 29, 2020

Wer are you from

Jan 04, 2021

Thank you dearly, you have helped me and beyond, I have connections and so do they. Keep sprinkling more kindness, also free lol.

Jan 13, 2021

Thank you so much for all what you've shared am impressed good luck to you bye

Jan 17, 2021

I am very much inspired by your story, I have a account in freelance and upwork. But in freelance they ask me to pay security deposit first is it safe to do so .

Jan 18, 2021

Hi I want to travel world for free

Jan 19, 2021

click bait title and too long text which is a lot of filler text. could be shorter and to the point.

Feb 02, 2021

l am active now in France heading to Spain

Mar 26, 2021

Is this possible with two children?

May 16, 2021

مرحبا انا عندى سؤال هل انا بدفع مصاريف السفر صح ام لا وهل ينفع ان اعمل واخد مال ام لا

May 31, 2021

Such a priceless story that you can even describe with words🙏 I absolutely believe that hapiness can change this World. And when everyone starts to SHARE yourself for others - we will make a planet smile and blossom❤👋

P.s. Thank you for that motivation. I will try to spread around the love which I found here

Jul 23, 2021

Oct 09, 2021

great writing. I hope i can join this life soon enough

Hi Pretty I hope you are doing in good health, I am Asif fresh graduate from United Arab Emirates Dubai. i am interests travel to European countries. i am applying many volunteers position. If you are free then guide me which European countries best cheap for foreigner students. Respectfully thanks for your precious time.

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More than 50 Active Facebook Travel Groups to Join in 2024

Facebook groups are valuable forums for connecting with others in your local community or around the globe. Being in the travel niche especially I've found Facebook groups great places to ask locals questions, meet up with friends when I'm traveling solo, vent about travel mishaps, and generally have a good laugh.

I've met up with over 500 women from travel Facebook groups in countries such as Canada, the Netherlands, the UAE, the US, and more!

Here are the top active Facebook groups of every travel niche that you can check out and join:

Travel Facebook Groups anyone can joinn

• Bucket List Beasts  – “We share tips, articles, personal stories, photos, videos, and plan bucket-list meet-ups! But whatever we do, we’ll make sure you don’t end up with a life full of “coulda, woulda, shouldas!” Your new life starts NOW! The only question is – Are you ready?! YOLO, baby!”
• Conscious Travel Community – This group is for self-aware, positive travelers to come together to connect, discuss, ask for advice and inspire each other around all things travel related!
• Travel Community – This travel community is a place for like-minded people to engage with others that love to discuss travel.

Gen Z/Young Travel Facebook groups

• Young Travelers Network  – A global community of Gen Z, 20-somethings, college students, teens, and Zillennials, who love travel! Whether you've never left your home town or you've been to 40 countries, this is your tribe. Connect with other young travelers, share stories, engage in discussions, and meet up around the world!

Female Only Travel Facebooks Groups

• Global Girls United  – Global Girls United is for girls alike who eat, sleep, breathe t ravel! Share travel tips, deals, stories, etc. A very casual, off-the-cuff, fun group. We have zero tolerance for assholes.
• The Solo Female Travel Network   – A space for all female solo travelers to be able to come for not just travel advice and reliable hostel recommendations. Ask if that local was being creepy or if it was cultural, get support for homesickness, show off the amazing photos from your last trip, tell stories, and share whatever is on your mind. 
• Solo Women Travelers   – This is a fun, supportive group of diverse, wonderful women who love to travel alone whether by plane, train, RV, boat, bicycle, backpacking, motorcycle or car … or dreaming about traveling solo. I want this group for everything we women want to talk about… from leaving behind old lifestyles and embracing new ones, to travel wardrobes, music, travel plans, gadgets, tips and tricks, families, our fears, and our triumphs!
• Solo Women Travel Tribe  – We are here to LEARN, INSPIRE, SHARE & CONNECT with fellow Solo Women Travellers from all over the world.
• Girls Who Travel  –  Girls Who Travel is an education and empowerment network for travelers who identify as women, trans, and/or genderqueer. Our mission is to empower women travelers to explore beyond their boundaries and to create a more inclusive world.
• Curvy Girls Travel Guide  – This group was founded to provide a space for curvy and plus-size women to collaborate and connect on all things travel. Please feel free to dive in and introduce yourself, ask questions, share experiences and meet new friends.
• GirlsLOVETravel   – Girls LOVE Travel is a global community of active and aspiring female travelers providing resources and empowerment to one another through safety, socializing and support. 
• Conde Naste's: Women Who Travel   – a place where all self-identifying female travel lovers can join in the conversation about what it means to travel as a woman today. 
• We Are Travel Girls  – We Are Travel Girls is a global travel community created to inspire, connect, educate and empower female travelers around the world.
• Over 60 Solo Women Travel – This group is for Over 60 Women who like to travel on their own, solo, without a travel companion. The majority of members enjoy the solo experience or are novices seeking advice and encouragement to travel solo.

Male Only Travel Groups

• Guys LOVE Travel   – Guys LOVE Travel is also a place to share your adventures and gain extra exposure for your travel photography, filmmaking or blogging by sharing your social media links with your posts.

Family/Mom Travel Groups

• Families Who Love to Travel – This page is a safe space for parents to exchange travel ideas, itinerary suggestions, questions, concerns, and experiences.
• Traveling with Kids Worldwide – This group is for parents who love to travel with their kids and who want to share their experiences, tips, and tricks, to ask questions, and to be inspired to go on more adventures! I share travel deals and do giveaways!
• MOMs (Girls LOVE Travel ®) – #gLt MOMs is an official SubGroup of the Girls LOVE Travel Facebook group community. This is a space for moms to discuss all things travel and how to travel with your family!
• Wandering Moms – Women who want to literally give their children the world. We are a group that provides support and resources for women who are interested in traveling the world or living abroad with children in tow.
• Tiny Globetrotters: Travel The World With Kids – Have kids and still want to travel? This group is for you! Let's share destination ideas, tips for traveling with tiny humans and trip reports. We all have one thing in common, the love of travel which now includes kids!
• Travel The World With Your Kids – This is a group for anyone who wants to travel the world with kids. Long term, short term, full time, part-time, fast, slow… Whatever works for you. Ask your questions, meet other travel families who travel and get advice.
• Dreamers, Drifters, and Diapers: Have Kids, Will Travel – This is a group for people who LOVE to travel and are looking for helpful tips, tricks, and hacks to make for a more pleasurable experience all-around. It caters specifically to parents and soon-to-be parents looking to brave the friendly skies, roads, rails, or seas with little ones in tow.

Cheap Flight Deals Facebook groups

• Secret Flying – Finding your cheap flights around the world.
• TravelFree group – cheap flights and more – Just the hottest travel deals, error fares.
• TravelPirates Community  – Do you want to travel the world and not spend a fortune? Do you want to explore the places where tourists don’t go? Want to meet other travelers? Like rum? Our group is to be used for travel research and recommendations.
• Travel On A Budget Official – On A Budget is a social community for problem solvers and money savers. Here at On A Budget we help members to save time and money, offering a safe space to learn and share new ideas.
• The Best Travel Deals – Here you’ll find travel deals discovered and shared by Travel + Leisure editors. This is also a safe space for sharing your own travel deals and connecting with fellow travelers.
• TravelFree group – cheap flights and more – Just the hottest travel deals, error fares!!!Feel free to ask tips, suggestions 🙂

Travel Bloggers/Entrepreneurs & Digital Nomads groups

• Female Travel Bloggers   – We are a supportive online co mmunity for travel blogging women to expand their reach, learn about blogging, and make meaningful connections in the travel blogging world. If you’re looking for a tribe of badass women who want to help each other make their blogs a success, you found it! 
• Female Lifestyle & Travel Bloggers  – A fully inclusive blogging group for female lifestyle bloggers a nd female travel bloggers aimed towards open discussions, a supportive community, and sharing blogging resources. 
• Black Travel Movement Travel Blogger Community   – The Black Travel Movement Blogger Community is a dedicated space  for travel Bloggers of color to post links to their TRAVEL BLOGS and articles to share with the Black Travel Movement Community.
• Digital Nomads Around the World – This is a place for digital nomads to share advice and tips rela ted to living the digital nomad lifestyle.
• BLOGGERS AND TRAVELERS   – A worldwide group of travel lovers, blo ggers, photographers, and writers. Some of us also write and maintain blogs on a wide variety of subjects. Join our new travel forum 
• Digital Nomads – The Solo Female Traveler Network   – This grou p is a sub-group of The Solo Female Traveler Network, specifically for connecting solo female travel who work on the road to trade links, social share circles, get advice, advertise for jobs, and share experiences.
• Female Digital Nomads  – This group was started with the goal to unite, inspire and inform us digital babes that are wandering the globe. Do you have any questions about setting up an online business? How to run your travel blog? About where to travel next? This is the place to come and ask them.

Black Travel Groups

• Black Travel Movement   – Black Travel Movement is a community of friends and family who s hare an interest in cultivating new friendships and epic experiences through international worldwide travel. As a member of the BTM family you have a connection to a wide range of new and seasoned travelers who are anxious to join and share travel experiences.
• Nomad•ness Travel Tribe   – NOMADNESS is an award-winning travel lifestyle brand. They represe nt the underrepresented demographic in mainstream travel through NOMADNESS Travel Tribe.  
• Black Elite Travelers – B.E.T.'s mission is to create networking and travel opportunitie s, as well as professional, meet up, dating/non-dating vacation opportunities for like individuals looking to enhance travel knowledge, travel partners or network worldwide in the dawn of a new century celebrating African American freedom to move around the globe.
• Melanin Globe – Mela nin Globe ® is a global travel group founded upon the basis of bringing individuals from all walks of life, regardless of cultural difference, together. Here you are encouraged to immerse yourself into “all things travel!”. 
• Black Folks Travel Too! ᵀᴹ   –  A forum to share travel photos, videos, information, and recommendations. So whether you've traveled internationally, domestically or are just discovering the treasures near your home, please share.
• Black Travel Lounge – Black Travel Lounge is a space for Black travelers, black owned travel companies, and travel agents to share their experiences and knowledge.to find inspiration, share experiences and travel tips/hacks.
• Black People Travel & Network – This group was created for the love of traveling and networking. Meeting new people and learning new cultures. Supporting each other/ Black businesses. Let us share and inspire each other.
• (AA&M) African-Americans and Minority Travelers Backers and Road Trippers – Encouraging African Americans to Travel the world cheaply. With a Back Packing, Road Tripping and local travel. See the world. From international to nation.
• Black Travel Experience, Group Trips and More – This group is to help travelers find group trips, travel agents, and share experiences.

Black Women Only

• Black Women Travel – Bringing black women who travel the world together.
• Black Girls Travel Too – A unique and dynamic travel club with a fervent belief that women, specifically black women, being deserving of a seat at the table. Whether that table is at a street side café in Morocco or just off the coast of Zanzibar in the tiny fishing village of Stone Town, WE have the POWER and PRIVILEGE to choose.
• Black Girl Travel Movement   – Empowering * Inspiration * Sisterhood * Travel. Black Girls On The Go is an international organization dedicated to exposing black women to the healing power of travel. 
• Black Women Who Love To Travel – I enjoy seeing women of color celebrating life to the fullest and seeing their travels. This can also give others a chance to get ideas and share their traveling memories in a group. 

Black Men Only

• Black Travel Movement Men's group   – The BTM Men's Group is a place where the brothers and men of the Black Travel Movement can meet to discuss travel issues from a Black Man's perspective. Feel free to discuss any and all topics freely.
• The Black & Abroad® Man: A Group for Black Men Who Travel the World   – Welcome to Black & Abroad MAN, a group where black men with a common interest in international world travel can share their travel goals, experiences, recommendations, travel hacks, and more. Connect with other like-minded brothers by becoming a member.

LGBT Travel Groups

• LGBTQ Travel – Welcome to LGBTQ Travel. This group is for everyone who loves to travel any chance you get. From flying to another city for a pride celebration to traveling across the world for an adventure. A place to network and share your travel tips, advice and maybe find a couch to crash on.
• Man Expeditions ( Community Travel Group for Guys)   – The primary goal of this club is to help bring like-minded guys together through positive adventure travel initiatives and to build new meaningful friendships while giving back to wildlife & environmental conservation projects through our participation
• Lesbian Travel   – Welcome to Lesbian (& GBTQ) Travel This is a place where we can all connect. This is a safe haven if you are looking for travel tips, advice, or just want to meet some of your fellow queer travelers.
• Pride (Girls LOVE Travel ®   – #gLt Pride is an official subgroup of Girls LOVE Travel to have everyone have a place to talk and gab about experiences while traveling the globe and either being directly part of the LGBTQ community or supporting as an ally.
• Lesbian Travel Club   – This group is for discussion of Lesbian Travel.
• O&A Gay Travel   – A new gay travel web site with vacation options never before targeted to the gay and LGBT consumer; National Park Tours, California Wine Country, Pacific Coast bike tours, culinary vacations, Alaska adventure cruises, and so much more coming soon.

Did I miss any poppin' travel Facebook groups people should know about? ⇣ Drop them in the comments below. ⇣

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Is there a good group for travelers (both male and female in one group ) over 50?

I’m not an expert in that arena, my audience is recent grads and 20’s, so I don’t know! I’m sorry!

Thanks, these are so helpful! I am curious if you have ever come across any legit, alive Brown/South Asian travel groups, would love to know some. 🙂

I’m looking for a Facebook group for individuals traveling on a safari to Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar or something close. All groups that I find are companies promoting their travel tours.

I’d recommend maybe looking for expat communities in Kenya or Tanzania. What’s your goal with the Facebook group?

Great list, I would also recommend the Travel Fashion Girl group, awesome for packing tips.

Thanks for the great list. Can you recommend any working holiday face book pages? I’m thinking of starting one.

I don’t know of any! If you make it, I will add it to the list 🙂

Great list! You should include Black Travel Lounge! https://www.facebook.com/groups/BlackTL

I ran across your web site. I loved it. I’m a 68 married female. I want to travel different states in the United States. My husband does not want to travel real bad. I would like to meet women who loves to travel also. What is the best Facebook travel site for that.

I think Girls Love Travel, and Solo Female Travel Network will be great for what you’re looking for!

Excellent suggestions!

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Gabby Beckford

Gabby is a multi-awardwinning creator. She is a full-time travel influencer, Gen Z travel marketing expert, and public speaker. You'll find her featured in the likes of Good Morning America, National Geographic, CNNTravel, Forbes, Travel+Leisure, and even the TEDx stage.

More than Havana: 5 Other Must-Visit Destinations in Cuba

Are shampoo bars good for curly travelers i tried 5, here are my thoughts..

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Budget Travel Guides , Free Travel

How to travel for free: a woman’s guide to traveling the world for free.

First of all, I want to debunk the myth that travel is expensive.  Travel can cost a lot of money, but it doesn’t HAVE to.  There are lots of ways to save money while travelling, and even plenty of ways to travel without spending any money at all!   So, for those of you like me, who love to travel without the hefty price tag, there are some fabulous ways to travel for free, or at a very low cost.  Check out my epic guide to travelling for free, and you’ll learn how to travel for cheap and how to travel for longer!

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Travelling For Free Safely

Before we get into it how to travel for free, I want to talk about travelling safely while still being on a budget.

As a solo female traveller, safety is one of my main concerns.  In this list of tips for travelling for free, I have deliberately left out some suggestions that I have seen some male backpackers recommend, such as sleeping on a park bench or in a phone box because I would not personally do that, or recommend anyone to do that, least of all a woman travelling on her own.

However, I have done my best to include tips for those of you who want to try hitchhiking and Couchsurfing for example.  Your safety should be your priority, but with these budget travel tips and recommendations, I believe that it is possible to travel safely on a budget without resorting to “begpacking”, stealing or any other inappropriate ways to get money!

Now that is out of the way, let’s talk about how to travel with no money, including free travel opportunities for everyone from students to seniors and everyone in between!

Free Accommodation While Travelling

Sleep while you travel.

For cash-strapped travellers, spending the night actually travelling saves a night on accommodation, although you will probably have to sacrifice several hours of sleep.  Red-eye flights and overnight buses and trains are a great idea in theory, as you wake up in your destination and are ready to go.

However, check the arrival times into your destination, as some overnight flights arrive early in the morning so you would have to get a taxi from the airport instead of public transport, which makes that part of the trip more expensive. 

Wild Camping

Depending on where you are in the world, wild camping in a tent or campervan (or car) could be an option to save you lots of cash.  I wild camped for a few nights in my campervan , although I usually prefer the comfort and security of a campsite.

Check the rules of your destination regarding wild camping.  It isn’t usually permitted in England, although it is in some places in Scotland for example.  General guidelines include arriving late and leaving early, camping away from people’s homes so you are not disturbing them, and of course to leave your campsite in the same (or better) condition than you found it, taking all litter home with you.

For campervans and motorhomes, you can often park up for the night in a pub carpark as long as you have something to eat or drink in the pub.  Campervan apps such as Park4Night and iOverlander have hundreds of places where you can spend the night in your camper. 

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing can be a great way to get to know local people, by staying in their homes without paying any money.  Couchsurfing used to be completely free, but now you have to pay to have an account, and your stays are free of charge. 

The whole idea of Couchsurfing is that locals let you crash on their sofa, or in some cases in a spare room, in exchange for chatting, cooking a couple of meals, and essentially having a cultural exchange . 

I love this idea, although I admit have used it sparingly – mainly due to concerns over safety about staying the night in a stranger’s home.  There are frequent complaints that some male hosts use the app as a hook-up. so many female couch-surfers prefer to only stay with female hosts.

Before you stay, check reviews of the person first, exchange a few messages and see if you get along before agreeing to stay.  And be prepared to do your bit, don’t treat your host’s home as a hotel, it might be free but don’t take liberties.

Servas is an international organization created shortly after the 2 nd World War with a view to creating peace and understanding between different cultures.

There is a small membership fee, and in order to join ideally you should apply before you travel, as you will have an interview before being allowed to join, and the process usually takes three to four weeks.  It is a reciprocal arrangement, so you will be expected to host visitors in your home in order to be hosted elsewhere.

Once joined, you will be sent a list of potential host members in the country you plan to visit, at which point you can contact them to arrange a stay, a maximum of two nights per stay.  The site seems more formal than Couchsurfing, but I have heard some excellent recommendations of the site, and the interview process should keep out the creeps!

Volunteering & Cultural or Work Exchanges

Work exchanges.

Work exchange programmes provide a way for backpackers and budget travellers to share their time and skills while saving money. 

Work exchange sites like Workaway , Worldpackers and various others offer a platform for local people, businesses and organisations to advertise for help they need.  Potential volunteers sign up to the websites to search for suitable hosts and volunteer placements in countries all over the world.

The type of work placement available varies from working in hostels to teaching, cooking, cleaning, helping with eco-projects and everything in between.

In exchange for working part-time for their hosts, volunteers get free accommodation in dorms, private rooms or tents, and usually some meals too.  Volunteers may also get other benefits like free tours or language lessons, as well as a cultural exchange by spending time helping local people with their projects. 

You will usually need to commit at least a couple of weeks to each volunteer work placement, so if you are backpacking long-term this is a great option for you to save some cash and stretch your budget.

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I also have a lot of articles all about work exchanges to help you choose the best option for you, check them out for more information, or browse all of my work exchange articles .

Work Exchange Programs: Are They For You?

6 of the Best Work Exchange Sites Compared

Which is Better – Worldpackers or Workaway?

How to Travel for Free by Volunteering Abroad with Worldpackers

Free Accommodation in Exchange for Work as a Hostel Volunteer

Volunteering on a Farm

WWOOF or Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms does what it says on the tin – working in a similar way to the work exchange websites but solely for placements on organic farms.  Each country has its own WWOOF network, and you have to pay for registration for each country’s network which tends to be $20 – $30. 

The farms offer excellent opportunities to experience rural areas of your chosen countries, but by their nature tend to be more isolated from city centres and offer more basic accommodations than you expect to find in hostels or destinations where tourists are. 

I love this idea as it makes me think of the film “The Holiday”, but of course you do need your own home to exchange.  Swapping homes with someone on the other side of the world could be a great way to experience another culture while they do the same in your home, without having to pay for accommodation.

There are various websites that act as an intermediary to help you find a suitable swap, try Home Exchange to get a feel for what is available (there is a membership fee to actually do an exchange, but you can browse for free)

Housesitting or Petsitting

Everyone’s dream: staying at someone’s luxury villa for a week’s holiday with all perks included!  House-sitting is a wonderful way to get free accommodation, although it is generally for more mature travellers – would you want to let a party backpacker into your home unguarded?  It seems to be a harder network to crack into, simply for this reason.

Often people will have pets to look after, and their primary concern is having someone responsible and caring to look after their beloved animals, and of course their home.  Once you have a couple of references under your belt the game gets easier, although it is always best to have a skype call with your potential homeowners to check you will be a right fit, and vice versa. 

One of the largest house-sitting sites is TrustedHousesitters the fees are just under $10 per month for a year’s membership.  They have a large number of sits in Europe, Australia and North America, and are growing steadily in other countries.  I have just started using TrustedHousesitters and am working on a review for you!

How to Get Free Transport While Travelling

Hitchhiking.

Hitchhiking is not my favourite activity, especially as a female solo traveller, but some people swear by it.  I have tried it a few times when I’ve been with a friend, and I must admit that there is nothing quite as liberating as flagging down a pick-up truck and leaping in the back to get to the next town. 

Once I had a lift from a family in their truck, and on another occasion, my friend and I got a lift from a guy who we got on well with and offered to take us out for a drink later – although I’m pretty sure he was already drunk when he was driving which is another risk to bear in mind!

I don’t recommend doing it alone, or at night, or doing anything that may put you at unnecessary risk.  I am a budget traveller, yes, but sometimes it is worth spending the money on a bus or taxi fare. 

If you do want to try hitchhiking, do some research on the destination to make sure that hitchhiking is common, and find out where is a good place to do it.  Make a note of the number plate of the vehicle and text it to a friend – and let the driver know you have done it.    

Get Paid to Drive

What’s better than travelling for free?  Getting paid to travel, that’s what!  In the USA, you can apply to become a driver for Auto Driveaway which hires people to drive their clients’ vehicles from one place to another.  Usually, the trips are one way, so you’ll need to find your own way back – unless there is a request to take a vehicle back the same way! 

It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t expect to take lots of time on a leisurely road trip – in most cases, you will be given a deadline so may not have time to see the sights along the way. 

Toronto Driveaway run a similar service in Canada, and there may be an equivalent in Europe, but I haven’t come across it yet.

Offer Someone a Lift on Bla Bla Car

If you’re driving your own vehicle and want some help with the petrol costs, put your trip on Bla Bla Car .  You advertise your trip, how many spare seats you have, and how much you want to charge for the trip, and people travelling part or all of the same journey can book a seat in your car. 

The money is all paid via the website and you can check reviews of passengers (and drivers) before accepting them.  You get all or part of your petrol paid for, and you can meet new and interesting people.  Bla Bla Car is a great way to save money while travelling, especially with the price of petrol these days!

Self-Powered Travel

Having your own transport means you don’t need to pay someone else to take you anywhere.  Having my own campervan has given me a lot more freedom than I ever had when I relied on public transport, and I love being able to go anywhere I want, whenever I want!

If you are driving, you’ll need to pay for petrol of course, but walking or cycling are free and better for the environment too!  I love to walk around a destination to explore, but for hiking and walking trips you save a lot of money just using your own two feet.

For longer journeys, bikes offer even more freedom.  I met several people who were travelling around South America on bicycles, which is a challenge but a great way to explore on a budget.  You’ll need to plan carefully to take into account breakdowns and be able to carry everything you need on your bike, but bikepacking can be an incredible adventure if you’re fit and don’t mind a sore bum!

Free Stuff in a Destination

Free activities.

Once you have arrived in your destination, you can enjoy many activities and experiences without spending a penny.  I love walking around the streets, visiting local markets and watching the local people just go about their daily business. 

Free walking tours are a great way to get your bearings in a new city, whilst learning about the culture and getting tips for other places to see or restaurants to dine at.  Although the tours are ‘free’, remember to tip your guide for their time.

There are always parks to enjoy for free, landmarks to admire, and more often than not there are free museums to visit too.  In addition to things that are always free, check out the local newspapers and Facebook pages for free events, music performances and festivals. 

Many destinations also have certain days of the year when museums are free to visit, perhaps on bank holidays, Sundays or other special dates. 

Check out some of these blog posts for inspiration and ideas for free things to do in cities around the world:

Free Things to do in Las Vegas

Free Things to do in New York City

Free Things to do in Vancouver

Free Things to do in Toronto

Free Things to do in Venice

Free Things to do in Edinburgh

Free Things to do in Barcelona

Free Things to do in Budapest

Get Free Wi-Fi

Phone roaming costs can be extortionate, so to avoid the hefty fees try to rely on free wifi whenever you can.  I turn off data roaming and search for free wifi in hostels, accommodation, even in Starbucks or McDonalds if needs be.  Even if the wifi isn’t strong enough for a WhatsApp call, you should be able to send messages for free.

The WiFi Magic app is a useful (if cheeky) way to access as much free wifi as possible during your trip.    Users upload the access passwords for wifi networks in shops, hotels, cafes and other places where you are usually required to be a customer.  I usually prefer to find open wifi signals wherever I can, but in emergencies this app could come in very handy.

Before leaving home, make sure you have an offline (or paper) copy of everything you need for your journey – flight/transport details, the address of your accommodation and directions for how to get there. 

Maps.me is another very useful app which allows you access to maps of your destination while you’re offline, so download the app before you go and download any maps you might need. 

I love foraging for free food, but I mainly stick to blackberries which grow in abundance during late summer in the UK.  I don’t know enough about picking mushrooms or wild herbs to go all out with free food but buying a foraging book for your destination could be useful.  The food available will vary depending on the season but being able to pick your own free food is such a good feeling! 

The Falling Fruit website has some spots where you can pick your own food from public land, as well as places where you can go ‘dumpster diving’ for food which is thrown away by supermarkets, cafes and restaurants. 

I haven’t done this myself, but if you have then please let me know how you get on!  As a middle ground in supermarkets, I always trawl the reduced section to find discounted food to eat that day, which can still save a bunch of cash, although sometimes the discount is negligible so compare the original price with the discount offer.

I’ve also enjoyed plenty of free meals while doing work exchanges , as at least some meals are usually included in placements, and may also be offered for other volunteering or work abroad programs. 

In smaller, rural communities you may also find that people leave out food like fruit or vegetables that they have harvested from their garden and can’t eat themselves.  In those cases, make sure to follow the instructions and leave some money in the honesty box if requested.

Use Your Friends and Family

Heritage travel.

If you are travelling to learn more about your heritage and family history then you may be able to do it for free.    

These programs are usually geared towards young people who stay with host families and have an educational trip to better understand their cultural identity.  In some cases, a portion of the airfare may be covered too.

The programs I’m aware of are: Birthright Israel , Heritage Greece , ReConnect Hungary , Birthright Macedonia , Birthright Armenia and CubaOne , although there may well be more. 

Stay with Friends or Family

One huge benefit of travelling is meeting people from around the world.  If you keep in touch with friends from previous trips, they may well offer you a place to stay or at least show you around some of their favourite haunts. 

Don’t forget to check with relatives for contacts in the area too, a lot of people will be happy to welcome you into their homes – but don’t outstay your welcome! 

Birthday, Christmas, and Wedding Gifts

If travel really is a priority for you, then for Christmas, birthdays, and other celebrations you can ask for money towards your next trip, gear to take with you, or for activities to do while you’re there. 

The best-known ‘free’ holiday is a honeymoon of course, that’s a huge perk of inviting everyone you know to the wedding – a better chance of having a dream trip all paid for!

Want More Travel Gift Ideas?

• The Best Travel Gifts for Travellers
• The Best Backpacking Gifts to Buy This Year
• Awesome Hiking Gifts for the Hiker in Your Life
• 16 Gorgeous Personalised Travel Gifts
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Work to Travel

Grabr delivery of stuff.

How would you like to earn money every time you travel, just by delivering something?  And no, it’s not drugs, and yes, it is legal!  In countries all around the world, people want to buy things that aren’t available in their country.  Grabr allows people to request orders from people who are travelling who purchase the item for them and deliver it to them, without having to pay expensive postage and import costs. 

Upload your travel plans to Grabr to see requested orders on your route.  Choose the order(s) you want to deliver and arrange the details with the shoppers.  The shopper pays Grabr, who hold the payment.  You buy the item with your own money and deliver it in person to the shopper, then Grabr will release the funds to you.

It all sounds pretty straight forward, although I haven’t tried it myself, I know people who have.  Next time I set off on a trip I’m definitely going to check it out!

Language Exchanges

I only recently heard about this but am interested to give it a try.  Companies such as Pueblo Ingles and Angloville run language exchange holidays where volunteers get a free stay at one of their holiday centres in Europe.  You pay for your flights to the country, and any accommodation before the program officially begins, then everything is covered by the company.

The catch?  Speaking with the language exchange students for up to 12 hours a day.  You don’t need any teaching qualifications; you simply have to chat.  This type of program is not suitable if you want some relaxing alone time, but if you are a chatty person who has plenty of stories to share from your travels and day to day life this could be a great fit!

Student Working Holidays

Students and young people are often eligible for different visas to allow them to work and travel more freely than the rest of us, so if that’s you, take advantage of it while you can!  When I was studying at University I (as a British person) worked in the USA one summer using the J1 visa exchange program. 

I joined BUNAC’s Work America program which helped me to find a job and arrange the visa I needed to spend the summer working on a ranch in Wisconsin.  I didn’t earn a huge amount of cash, but it was enough to cover my costs for the trip and I had a great time.  It was my first solo trip and it was one hell of an adventure!

BUNAC has been running since the 1960s and can help you arrange working holidays in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, America, Germany and the UK, as well as arranging volunteer opportunities in various countries too.

Become a Digital Nomad

There are hundreds of jobs that you could do online, and work from anywhere in the world.  Even jobs which were traditionally office-based are becoming more flexible, and you can even become a digital nomad without any experience with some beginner-level online jobs.

Working online will of course require a good internet connection, so travelling while working can be a challenge in some countries.  Many digital nomads prefer to find a base for a month or two (or more), so they have a fixed base with reliable internet before moving on to the next destination.

I work full time on my travel blog which means I can work from anywhere, but you don’t need to start a blog to do that.  Writers, web designers, virtual assistants, English teachers, video editors, digital marketing, social media managers can also do that, and there are hundreds of other freelance and permanent jobs which can be easily done 100% online.

Work Abroad

Working in another country obviously isn’t a way to travel for free, but if travel is part of your job, or if your job is in another country, you can still get to travel! 

Working abroad may require a special visa, depending on where you are from and where you are travelling to, so make sure you check what is required and arrange any visas before you travel.  If you want to work with kids, you will also require additional background checks.

You can apply for a permanent job abroad, although some countries often have rules in place which give preference to people from that country, so do some research before applying.  Temporary or seasonal work may be easier to get.

A lot of temporary work abroad is in the tourism industry and can be great fun.  It is still a job though, so you will be expected to start on time, complete all the required tasks and be somewhat professional.  However, after hours, workers have chance to let their hair down and have a great time!

In days off you can explore the area and get to know the local people and culture much better than you would in a ‘normal’ trip.  Some jobs will provide accommodation, whereas others may require you to rent your own room nearby, so check on the costs for that before you accept the job. 

Some jobs are seasonal, others might be full time over the year.  You may choose to work a summer job in one place, then head to the mountains for a ski season over winter. 

There are lots of options for this type of job, you just need enthusiasm and some inspiration!

Here are some ideas for jobs you can get abroad to allow you to travel.

Teach English Abroad

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world.  For most teaching positions you will need a TELF (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification, which will give you the training and skills needed to get started.

Organisations like TEFL Org have online and in-person courses and access to job boards and other resources to help you find a job once you are qualified.  As well as placements in specific destinations, you can also teach English online from anywhere in the world.

If you enjoy working with children, getting a job as an au pair could be a great option for you.  Au pairs usually live with a family and look after the children, perhaps taking them to school, doing some housework and cooking some meals for them.  Au pairs are typically younger people from 18-26 years old as they are often eligible for student or exchange visas.

Applying for au pair jobs through an agency is probably best, as they offer more safety and security for you and the families looking for an au pair.  Check out the British Au Pair Agencies Association         in the UK or the Department of State Au Pair program in the US as a good place to start.

Work as a Tour Guide

Travel companies who run tours around the world need tour guides.  Some prefer to have guides who are locally based, so you could guide in your local area or your own country, while others have opportunities to guide tours abroad too.  Overland tour companies such as Intrepid Travel , G Adventures and Oasis Overland are a good place to start.     

Crew a Yacht

Not recommended if you suffer from sea-sickness, but if you are fond of water then working on a yacht can bag you a free adventure on the open sea.

Bar work means long hours and can be very busy and noisy.  But if you’re prepared to work hard and play hard this could be a great choice for you, especially if you can earn extra cash in tips.  

Work on a Campsite

There are various jobs on campsites that you could do – receptionist, cleaner, entertainer or kids club worker among others.  I worked on a campsite in France for the summer after I finished University and had a great time!

Work in a Hotel or Hostel

I’ve done this in several different countries, and I love it.  There are various roles you can apply for from wait staff to receptionist and more.  Speaking other languages is useful for customer-facing roles.  Learn more about working in a hostel by reading about my experience as a hostel volunteer here .

Theme Park Attendant

Theme parks, water parks and funfairs all take on extra staff for busy holiday periods.  Be prepared to spend a lot of time outdoors!

If you prefer the cold, then head to the mountains to work a ski season.  You don’t even need to ski as you can also find jobs as cleaning staff, a chalet cook or working in bars and restaurants too.

Diving Instructor

If you are a diver or are thinking about getting your PADI certificate, build on your training to become a divemaster or instructor so you can get a job in one of the hundreds of diving schools around the world.  Take a look at the PADI website for more information and inspiration to see what you could do.

Travel Hacking

If you’re a savvy shopper and always looking out for the best deals and travel hacks, then these are for you.  You’ll need to spend some money in order to get rewards in return, but it can be worth it if you find the right deal!  Travel hacking is not my forte, but here are some ideas to get you started!

Travel Credit Cards 

Generally, credit cards in the USA have much better points programs than in the UK, but it is worth doing some research.  If you can earn points by spending your day-to-day expenses on a credit card, then it really is a no-brainer, as long as you only spend what you can afford to pay.

Popular options for credit cards with great rewards include Chase Sapphire and other Chase cards in the USA, but I am not a financial advisor and am not responsible for your personal finance so be sure to do your own research before signing up for any credit card.  Remember,  don’t spend money on it if it would mean you end up in debt at the end of the month!  

Airline Rewards

If you are a frequent flyer, for example, due to your work, then airline rewards points can provide you with free flights!  You usually need to take a lot of flights to finally earn enough for a free flight, but if you can earn airline points on your credit card as well then you could end up earning enough much sooner!

Other rewards cards offer benefits such as airport lounge access which can bag you free food and drink at the airport or an upgrade.

Loyalty Programs

Similar to credit card rewards, some loyalty programs award free night stays and other benefits.

As I use Booking for all of my hotel stays I am a Genius member and also get access to special offers for up to 30% discount on rooms and other perks like free breakfast or room upgrades for some bookings, so if you travel regularly that comes in handy! >>>READ MORE ABOUT GENIUS DISCOUNTS

FIND CHEAP HOTELS  

Hotels.com offer the 10 th night free whereas large hotel chains have their own rewards cards which work in a similar way to airline points.  Even car rental companies have their own rewards programs! 

In theory, you may as well sign up for as many loyalty programs as possible but check the rules and benefits of your favourite brand’s program.  Remember that some credit cards may offer points on hotels, flights and car hire which could work out better than signing up for the individual programs as you can earn points quicker.

Cashback Websites

This isn’t exactly a way to travel for free, but it will give you free money to use towards your next trip, so why not?  Cashback websites such as QuidCo (UK) and Rakuten (USA) give you money back on purchases made via their website, which seems like a no-brainer to me. 

Search for cashback websites in your region to find a local equivalent. However, make sure you can’t find what you’re buying cheaper anywhere else before you purchase. 

Volunteer for Bumping

Flight companies assume that a certain percentage of people booked on a flight won’t show up, so they often sell more seats than they actually have available.  This means that popular routes are often over-booked, and when the people all show up and want to fly, the airlines ask for volunteers to be bumped to another flight.

If you are in a rush to get somewhere then this isn’t for you, but if you have time on your hands and a flexible itinerary, volunteers are usually offered vouchers as a thank you for giving up your seat, in addition to putting you on the next available flight.  Use your vouchers to buy a free flight next time, but accept that there is no guarantee.

A good time to try this is over peak times such as Christmas and other holiday periods.  At the gate, hang out close to the boarding gate desk so that you’re at the front of the queue when they ask for volunteers. 

Final Thoughts on How to Travel The World for Free

I truly believe that everyone should be able to travel if they want to, so I hope that these free travel tips will help you to follow your dreams and all you to travel abroad for free, or even explore your own country if you prefer.  I’ve got lots more articles on budget travel and how to travel cheap so browse the site or comment below if you need more help or advice about travelling for free!

You might also want to check out:

How to Save Money for Travel

How to Make Money While Travelling

Like this post?  Pin it to read later:

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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• Post author: Ashley Hubbard
• Post published: September 2, 2019

There’s nothing I love more than going on a trip and knowing something was free. And, no, I’m not talking about someone gave me something for free in exchange for me writing about it. That’s not free – that’s work, my friends. I’m talking about truly free travel. Whether I accrued enough points for that Southwest pass (still working hard for that companion pass though!) or a free stay at an Airbnb through referral credits. These are super exciting for me. I’m rewarded for spending money I would have had to spend anyway. What better way to condition people to spend money – more money.

While I love getting the little odd thing here or there for free, I want more. I want to plan an entire free vacation – like a major bucket list item. But, the whole travel hacking thing seemed so difficult for me and anytime someone uses the phrase points and miles in a sentence, I immediately feel like a toddler.

As I attempt to get past the financial spontaneity and irresponsibleness of my 20s, I am looking forward to taking advantage of some serious free travel in my future. I already have several excellent travel credit cards, but I know with the right tools, resources, planning, and financial responsibility, there’s a whole world at my feet – literally.

So, what better way to obtain free travel than through a free travel resource, amiright?

This post was sponsored by Travel Freely. All opinions are my own.

Travel Freely – A Free Travel Resource for Free

I feel like the whole points and miles conversation has been going on for a while, right? But, let’s make it super simple and tell you what this can mean for you. If done correctly and responsibly – this can literally lead to free travel. Simple as that. And, often, you can start raking in the benefits pretty quickly.

I’m talking like three months after opening a credit card, you can say “Au revoir” to family and friends and be in France. That’s exactly what Zac, the founder of Travel Freely , did. His first free travel experience was proposing to his wife in France which he was able to do by booking two round-trip free flight tickets to France with a credit card sign-up bonus.

How to Get Free Flights and Other Free Travel

Sounds pretty spectacular, right? I feel the same way. If done the right way, this makes travel accessible to people who may have never thought they’d leave that one-horse town in their lifetime.

Which of these pictures is more enticing?

A Beginner’s Guide to Free Travel

Sign-up bonuses.

Sign-up bonuses are probably the easiest way to earn a large number of points in a short amount of time. The payoff is huge and quick.

What is a sign-up bonus?

A sign-up bonus is when a bank, or credit card, offers a special bonus when you open an account and spend a certain amount of money in the first few months (usually three months) of opening the account. These bonuses range and quite a bit so if you do your homework right, you’ll maximize on the best ones. Just as the bonuses range so do the spending limits though.

If I’m having to spend a certain amount of money so quickly, how is this free travel?

Here is the most important takeaway from this: most of the minimum spending requirements can be met with your regular monthly spending. No matter how tempting it may be, do not go out and buy a brand new TV, AirPods, and a three-piece suit, or one trip to Target depending on who you are.

Nope. You don’t need to go into debt to enjoy these free travel perks. It wouldn’t really be free travel then, would it?

Put all your regular spending – and only your regular spending – on your credit card and pay it off (using the cash you would have used to pay for those things anyway) at the end of each month. In three months, you should easily hit your spending requirements.

I’m not just talking about grocery store trips and gas either. Anything that will let you pay with a major credit card, do it. Used to be you could only pay rent in a check, but I can now pay mine online with a credit card if I want. That’s already $1200 right there in one month (yikes, Nashville rent sucks). I may or may not have already hit my requirement depending on the card. Then, I take that $1200 I would have paid via my debit card and pay off the credit card.

Except now – I’m booking a free vacation to ironically get away from the place I pay $40 a night to not be at for half the month.

But, isn’t it bad to keep opening accounts for the sign-up bonuses?

No. I think there have been some misconceptions about credit cards and credit scores for a long time. There are definitely things you don’t want to do (open accounts and then close them), have a high debt to credit ratio, reckless spending, and so on. But, overall, having multiple credit cards will not harm you as long as you’re responsible.

Is a card useless after utilizing the sign-up bonus?

Definitely not. While the large and quick number of points does come with the sign-up bonus, it is still extremely useful and efficient to keep using the card for normal everyday purchases as long as you pay it off every month and keep healthy spending habits.

While not as quickly, these points accrue for more free travel. A good travel rewards credit card gives you more points for travel purchases so while you’re accruing airline miles (which don’t translate to free travel as quickly), you’re also adding up points on your credit card for more expedited free travel. And, you’re still only spending what you normally would.

Is it always 100% free?

No. Some credit cards do have annual fees but the payoff is usually worth the fee – less than $100 most of the time.

The money hacks don’t have to stop once you’re traveling though. Here are some tips on how to make money traveling !

Want to Get Started on Your Journey to Free Travel?

I seriously suggest checking out Travel Freely and, yes, it continues the theme – it is free.

How is this service free?

After you sign up and see how intricate the service is, you’re going to be wondering – how the hell is this free? What’s the catch? There’s always a catch, right?

There’s not really. The service is free and I have to admit (I’m always skeptical when I’m asked to try out things), it’s a pretty damn good resource. The team at Travel Freely are transparent in the fact that they do make their money via credit card sign-up referrals. So, if you get value from this free resource and decide to start your journey towards free travel, show your appreciation by using their sign up links for the credit cards. It comes at no extra charge (we’re on a thematic roll here) to you. Zac and the rest of the Travel Freely team always share the best offers for YOU no matter whether or not they earn a commission.

What is included with Travel Freely?

• A Step-by-Step Get Started Guide. This is customized based on your experience level with travel hacking and if you qualify for business cards. You can also customize it to show authorized users on your accounts.

• The CardGenie is fantastic because Travel Freely ranks the best offers, updates them daily, and filters out ineligible cards based on YOUR card profile. This is a fantastic way to reduce all the crazy marketing promos and ads and find cards that ACTUALLY work for you.
• A Card Dashboard to Keep Track of all Your Open Accounts

• Automated e-mail reminders for your annual fees
• Automated e-mail reminders of your sign-up bonus deadlines

What Do I Love about Travel Freely?

Often when I think about travel hacking my way to free travel, I get overwhelmed. I literally didn’t understand a lot of it and so I never did it. Travel Freely makes it so incredibly simple and let’s get real, I probably would have never signed up for something I had to pay for. So, what do I love?

• How organized they make the whole concept (my #1 struggle with this)
• How motivated it makes me want to keep my credit and finances healthy
• The drop it and forget it mentality. I can enter my card info and then get reminded about anything important.

Overview of Travel Freely – A One-Stop Shop to Free Travel

After checking out Travel Freely and using it for a little while, I’m definitely a huge fan. There’s really no harm in just trying it since it is free – no catches or gimmicks. No credit card required.

So, why don’t you give it a go? Sign up for Travel Freely now and come back later and tell me exactly where you’re first free travel experience took you!

PLANNING A TRIP?

Find accommodation , read accommodation reviews , and check flight prices. Book attractions, tickets, or guides in advance. Research using these guides or read my other posts. See my packing list .

↓↓↓ PIN FOR LATER ↓↓↓

***This post was sponsored and possible in collaboration with Travel Freely . Despite who may have footed the bill, all the opinions here are my own and I would never recommend something I didn’t fully believe in and try myself.***

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This post has 7 comments.

Wow. I love how organized the dashboard is. It sounds like Travel Freely might be just the thing for us. Their service sounds super helpful too.

Indeed this does looks like a great resource! I am in phase 2 of my corporate career and fully intend to take better advantage of travel points and deals this time around.

I recently got into the whole points and miles thing this year. Like you, I long felt really overwhelmed by it, but I finally dedicated some time to sit down and sort it all out in my brain. I ended up signing up for two credit cards this year, and was able to get all my flights to Seattle/Vancouver and back for free, and my upcoming nonstop roundtrip flight to London for free as well – purely from sign on bonuses for two cards! I want to continue ‘travel hacking’ but I don’t want to go too far and get TOO many cards. So I’m really glad I read this – going to check out Travel Freely and see if they have any advice for how to move forward on this journey I’ve started on!

Points and Miles seem so overwhelming, especially since I’m Canadian. But I’ll definitely have to look into this service. Anything for free travel right?!

The points and the miles, I think I should use a little more credit card, thanks, was a great post!

Travel Freely sounds brilliant!They seem to provide not just travel hack but money hack as well. Cashback and rewards cards are indeed great as long as you are responsible.You can even save money with it if you really good at maximizing its benefits.

Just signed up! I’m big into points and miles and am always tracking my 5/24 status. This makes it super simple.

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25 Ways To Travel For Free

People travel all the time.

Travel is lovely .

Travel is expensive .

Here are 25 ways to travel for free.

Volunteering in order to travel:

• Wwoof  – Get free room and board for working on a farm.
• Peace Corps . – 2 year travel opportunity abroad.
• Global Giving   – volunteer for a variety of programs.
• United Nations volunteer program
• Couch Surf – stay for free in homes in areas of interest to you
• Global Freeloader – you’ll also have to host travelers in return
• Servas Internation volunteer program
• Hospitality Club – cultural exchange program
• Americorps – volunteer and earn a stipend or get free room and board.

(more below)

Other cheap options for traveling:

• Become a tour guide . Organize trips for other groups and be the tour leader. You’ll get paid to travel 😉
• Become a house sitter and care for houses in areas you’d like to travel to.
• Work as crew on a cruise line.
• Relocate vehicles . Many travel cross country.
• Work for a room . Hostels often offer opportunities to work in exchange for a free place to stay.
• Swap houses.
• Work Seasonal at a ski resort . Just imagine a picturesque resort in the mountains…
• Teach English as a second language in another country
• Work as a nanny in a location you’d like to travel to
• Hitchhike , probably not the safest option.
• Go human powered . Bike/walk/run across the country.
• Work at summer camp . They’re all across the states and also in other countries too!
• Enter contests , you never know what you could win.
• Get free flights by cashing in on credit card deals
• Be a secret shopper or reviewer. You’ll get to check out travel locations in exchange for your review.

If you could travel anywhere for free where would you go? Let me know in the comments!

You might also like, why airlines are making major changes to loyalty programs.

How To Plan A Unique Vacation #TravelTipTuesday

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Paul (@luxury__travel).

26. Become a travel blogger

Charles McCool

Great stuff.

For those with racetrack experience, one can ride with the horses across country with the big horse riggs. Or even on equine air transports, not always safe, but it’s the job of the traveler to keep the horse calm..lol..

Shannon Gurnee

I’d never heard of some of these before! Sounds like creative and interesting ways to travel for free!

The Bonfire Dream

I would go to Amazon rainforest. It’s been my dream since my early teenage 😉

I like watching things about the Amazon on tv… But I know going in person, I’d probably not enjoy it as much as you 😉 I don’t handle bugs well. Lol!

I was a flight attendant for a long time and then worked at the airport, not necessarily free, but worked for free travel 🙂 I always wanted to work a cruise ship. Great tips – have to work these into my life

Great idea! I forgot about that!

Love the Peace Corps idea. I did it, lived in Ukraine. It was an amazing experience.

I’d love to go to Ukraine someday!

wow never thought anyone could travel for free thank for sharing

Thanks for stopping by, Angie!

So many great ways to travel free and I had no idea about most of them! I had no idea you could travel being a secret shopper.

Thanks, Ave. I’ve been looking into the secret shopper route. That would be a dream 🙂

Rachel Mouton

What an awesome list! Thanks so much 🙂

Thanks for stopping by, Rachel!

I have travelled a fair bit and travelling for free do have strings – ones that I am not sure I would like to pull or cut. When I was a youth, and had no other way, maybe. Not now.

Very true. If you’re young and have a lot of flexibility and independence, it’s much “easier” to pull off. Thanks for stopping in, Claudette 🙂

These are great choices, I’d love to spread this into my friends.

i want to travel to Alaska for free

I’d love to go to Alaska too! Thanks for stopping by, Michelle 🙂

If I was pre-family, I would do several of those things! There are some super ideas here.

I know what you mean! I just have a husband and a dog. No kids yet. So… we could still try some of these 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Liz!

Mardene Carr

I think I would like to travel to Italy for free

Italy would be fantastic! Thanks for stopping by, Mardene 🙂

Ana De- Jesus

I would like to be a tour guide or secret shopper in exchange for a free trip, how do I go about doing that?

Hi Ana, I’m actually still doing some research on the secret shopping. There is a site called Amusement Advantage that you can apply for secret shopping gigs. It’s mostly theme parks, but it’s the first legit one I’ve found 🙂 As for working as a tour guide, find a destination and look up wanted ads. Or create your own tour guide service and post in classifieds!

SUch a great idea. I am going to try this

Thanks for stopping by, Victoria!

Krystal Miller (@hhtfamilyblog)

I’d love to go to Australia for free! Only a few of those suggestions would work for me, though, since I’d want to take my kids. I wish I had known about all of those earlier in life!

Australia would be amazing! Thank you for stopping by, Krystal 🙂

Elizabeth O.

Those are awesome suggestions. It sure would be great to be able to travel without spending too much!

Yes definitely! Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth 🙂

Great tips! A few there I had not thought of. I am looking a relocating a camper van next year. Not free in my part of the world, but certainly at a reduced price and good incentives to do so. You can also do Relocation Cruises which are at a reduced cost if you are interested. Google it and you will see plenty to choose from. They are normally offered for countries that are just about to have their Summer. Merry Christmas!

I’d love to relocate a camper. In the US, road trips could be very epic. I’ll have to look into relocation cruises. Sounds intriguing! Thanks for stopping by, Glenda 🙂 And for your super helpful comment!

These are great ideas! Are any of these available in Bora Bora?

Robin Rue (@massholemommy)

I am going to have to try some of these! I would love to save some money on travel.

Thanks for stopping by, Robin 🙂

Great list! I’ve always wanted to join the Peace Corps – never too late.

So true! Thanks for stopping by, Faye 🙂

tara pittman

Great ways to travel for free. I need to check some out.

How to Post your Travel Update on Facebook?

Store your precious travel moment digitally via facebook.

Traveling or going on a vacation to a different city or country is therapy in itself. Yearly getaways from your everyday life can enhance mental peace and boost productivity. Therefore, everyone should travel at least once a year to grow as a human being and learn new stuff about the world. However, for some, traveling is incomplete until you share the shenanigans of your trip with your friends and family. We will guide you on how to post travel on Facebook for the world to know.

Also, read why it’s important to carry a  bread clip and crayon in your wallet !

Table of Contents

• You can post travel maps on Facebook to update your followers with your travel plans.
• You can also share photo albums from your trip to create digital footprints and look back on the memories once you are back.
• Tag people in your Facebook photos so they appear on your friends’ timelines.

What is Traveling and How to Store and Share Your Travel Memories Digitally on Facebook?

Before we get to the next part, let’s clarify what traveling means. Traveling refers to moving from one place to another over a considerable distance.

For example, you can travel between cities, countries, or even towns. Visiting your hometown from your current residence will also count as traveling since you are going to a different place.

The primary purpose why people usually travel is to refresh their minds and souls from hectic life. Countries that are home to the spectacular wonders of nature make the top travel destinations. Some of these are Europe , the United States , UAE , and more.

Moreover, traveling memories are the most cherished, and you will look back on your trip from time to time. You can create social albums and click many photos with your portable cameras or mobile phones to capture the treasurable moments from your travel. Besides, traveling trips become even more fun when you are with your friends.

On the other hand, you can also learn how to post travel statuses on Facebook and other social media platforms to create virtual footprints of your trips. Posting such statuses will not take much time, and you can get done with it within a few minutes with a good internet connection.

Also, if you are planning to stay in Dubai for a week, Here is a complete plan for maximum recreation, and if you’re confused about what airline to choose for flying to Dubai,  check out our comparison of the 3 major gulf carriers.

How to Post Travel Journey Maps on Facebook

Facebook allows you to create posts where you can inform your mutuals about your travel plans. It is super-easy to navigate, and the whole posting process requires just a few taps on your phone screen.

However, before posting about your travel plans, ensure your account privacy is not Public. Otherwise, anybody on and off Facebook can track your plans, including potential thieves .

If you are confused about how to post a travel map on Facebook, follow the steps below. We have explained everything concisely and efficiently.

(For mobile phone and website users with the latest version of the Facebook App)

1. Log in to Your Facebook Account

Make sure you are signed into the account you wish to post from. It can be your account, your family’s, or any other work profile.

2. Tap on the “What’s on your mind?” Status Box

Once you are logged in, the app will take you to your Facebook newsfeed. Notice the “What’s on your mind?” box on the upper center of your phone screen. Tap on the box.

3. Select the “Feeling/Activity” Option

A drop-up menu will appear, showing many options, such as Photo/Video, Tag People, Camera, GIF, etc. Find the “Feeling/Activity” option. It is the third pick from the top. Click on it.

4. Switch to the “Activities” Column

It will take you to the next screen. You will see two columns on the top, reading “Feelings” and “Activities.” Move to the “Activities” column.

5. Select “Traveling to…” Box

You will now see another set of activities, for instance, “Watching,” “Looking for,” “Eating,” “Playing,” and more. Tap on the “Travelling to…” box that is third-right from the top. Tap on it.

6. Pick Your Travel Destination from the Search Box

A list of potential travel destinations will appear on your screen. Type the name of the city and country you are traveling to. Once the word appears, tap on it.

7. From the Create Post Screen, Select the “Check-in” Option

Facebook will add the travel destination to your status. You should be back at the Post bar. For the next step, tap on the “Check-in” button to create a travel map.

8. Choose your Current Location

• You will see a search bar. Type the name of the city you are currently in and tap on it from the search results. It will take you back to the Post Bar.
• Or you can just click on the ‘current location’ button near the search bar.

9. Hit the “Post” Button

A travel map will now appear leading from your current location toward your destination. Hit the “Post” button on the top-right corner of your screen. The travel map will be visible on the newsfeeds of your friends and family.

Using these simple steps, you can learn how to post travel destinations on Facebook, so if you have friends in the same country, you can all meet up and have a fun time together.

How to Share Travel Photos on Facebook

Posting pictures from your trips can be an excellent way to let your loved ones know you are doing fine. In addition, photos act as a great reminder of the good times you spent with your favorite people or visiting the place your love.

Thus, in this guide, we will also touch on sharing trip photos. However, make sure your privacy is set to “Friends” only. Here’s how you share travel pictures on your Facebook account.

Interesting Read: The 6 Best Women-Led Restaurants in New York

1. Login to your Facebook Account

Check that you are logged in to the correct account through which you want to share the photos. The app will take you to the newsfeed.

Locate the “What’s on your mind?” box in the upper center of your phone screen. It should be the first thing you see in your newsfeed before the posts. Click on it.

3. Click on “Photos/Videos”

A menu will appear from the bottom when you are taken to the enlarged version of the status box. It has options, like “Tag People”, “Check-in”, “Photos/Videos”, and more. Choose the “Photos/Videos” tab that is the first choice on the menu.

4. Select the Pictures

You will see your gallery on the next screen. Choose as many photos or videos as you want to post in the Facebook status.

5. Tag People

Facebook also lets you Tag people within your photos. Click on the picture and tap on their face. A box will appear where you can search for the person’s name and tag them. However, by doing so, the photo will also be visible to your friend’s Facebook friends.

6. Post the Pictures

Click “Done,” and you will return to the main Post Bar. Tap the Post button, and Facebook will upload the pictures within a few minutes for everyone to see.

Final Words

We hope you have learned enough about how to post travel on Facebook  from our guide. Navigating through the Facebook app is easy if you are a regular platform user. Even if you are new to it, you can quickly learn your way around the social media app within one to two weeks of daily use.

So, have a fun traveling trip and share lots of pictures!

• Editor in Chief |

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Almost Free Travel: 8 Steps

Published: May 15, 2013 · Modified: Jun 25, 2021 by Food, Fun & Faraway Places. This post may contain affiliate links 40 Comments

You really can get almost free travel. We've done it, so I wanted to share tips that you can take advantage of to save big!

Our family loves to travel, and we do it a lot! Friends are always asking me how we manage to go so often, so I'm sharing my top tips so you can take advantage of them, too.

In the past few years, our family has been to Mexico, Costa Rica, California, Belize, Utah, and all over Florida, where we now live.

Most of the hotels and almost all of the airfare was paid for with points.

In fact, I was at a conference, and because my husband was a Gold member at the hotel family I was staying at, I got an upgrade to the presidential suite!

Many properties will upgrade you when you get to a certain level. If they don't have a regular upgrade (like from an inside view to a pool view) they will upgrade you to what they do have.

In my case, they only had the presidential suite! This is why it's important to try to stay with one brand of hotels as much as you can. 

My hope is that your family will travel more with these 8 Steps to Almost Free Travel.

How do we do it? There are a 8 simple steps that you can take that will start you on your way to traveling (almost) for free. 

Join Rewards Programs

Join the rewards program for the airline you fly most. Southwest Rapid Rewards program is my favorite. Between my husband and I both traveling a lot, I fly free with him now with the companion pass.

Apply for the Credit Card for your Preferred Airline

Apply for a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards credit card, or the card for your preferred airline.

Google it and see if you can find a promotion. Most offer sign up promotions, and sometimes do double points.

Why do I love Southwest Airlines? 

• They are always wonderful to fly with.
• You get 2 free checked bags.
• They're make funny announcements.
• You can earn free drink coupons. (The announcements are even funnier after you use the drink coupons. Just sayin'.)

We plan our vacations based on where Southwest flies. I will add here that we flew to Costa Rica with Jet Blue last year and loved them, too.

Once you get the card, use it for everything. *Please see the note below.

Apply for Hotel Rewards Credit Cards

Apply for a hotel rewards credit card. My favorites right now are Marriott & Hilton.

You can use the Southwest points for air and the Marriott or Hilton for the hotel.

Many people rule out Marriott & Hilton thinking they are too expensive, but there are many lower priced hotels in the Marriott & Hilton family.

Always Sign Up for the Hotel Rewards Program

Always sign up for the hotel rewards program anytime you book a reservation. It's free, and they add up! Always use it when you register at the hotel.

Though they can look you up, it's best to keep your rewards numbers in your notes.

Use your Rewards Credit Cards for Everything

Use your rewards credit cards for everything you can. This means groceries, gas, utilities, even doctors!

*Here's the key; pay it off each month! If you cannot discipline yourself to do this, stop right here. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Seriously.

You can get your family in a lot of trouble by running up credit cards and not paying them off each month.

Eat at the Hotel Restaurant

Provided it's not awful, when staying at a hotel, eat at the hotel restaurant at least once. Many let you acquire points for that, too! Be sure to ask!

Don't Pay for Anything with Cash at the Hotel

Don't pay for anything with cash at the hotel. If they have a gift shop and you buy something, put it on your room. Get coffee and a bagel in the morning? Put it on your room. Those points add up!

Subscribe to Hotel Newsletters

Subscribe to the newsletter for the hotels you like best.

They frequently have specials where you get double points if you can stay with them during certain times.

I hope this guide to almost free travel was helpful to you. We are able to travel so much because we do all of the above.

You might also want to grab this FREE Printable packing list set with a list for every season of the year!

I'd love to hear about how it's helped you! Please come back and share in the comments.

More Travel Tips

• Cruise Packing List Printable & Tips to Help You Pack
• How to Save Money on Cruising
• How to Book Luxury Air Travel
• Doctor Suggested International Travel List
• 6 Ways to Save on Food when Traveling

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Reader Interactions

February 17, 2015 at 2:56 pm

I haven't started doing this yet but I am planning to in the near future.

The "Credit Card Fly" is a good place to subscribe to, if this is exactly what you want to do. It give you the latest offers from different credit cards and it tells you exactly how to gain points.

I hope my post was helpful

February 17, 2015 at 3:01 pm

Thank you, Reanne. That is great information! I so appreciate you taking the time to share. Thanks for visiting!

Judy Mitchell

February 07, 2014 at 11:48 pm

thanks for the tips i am hoping to get away a few times this year and use some of your ideas

February 07, 2014 at 10:52 pm

thanks for this post!!

Susan Johnson

February 07, 2014 at 8:00 pm

One of the things I do is sign up on the actual airline and hotel websites, not things like Travelzoo or whatever. The actual airlines and hotels tend to give a better discount than those sites do. Also, depending on the city you will be visiting, contact the local visitor's center, or Chamber of Commerce, and ask if you can have guides or if they have coupons or deals you should know about. I did that when going to California, and got major discounts on park admissions and other things.

Trameka Wilson

February 07, 2014 at 3:52 pm

These are great tips. Never really thought about the points system but I will have to start looking into these things.

February 07, 2014 at 3:09 pm

Great tips! I'm sure going to sign up for hotel rewards!

Laura Castellanos Rivera Rocha

February 07, 2014 at 3:01 pm

great tips love travel

Faye Rucker

February 07, 2014 at 2:46 pm

We are retired and got into a mess with credit cards over our head they are almost all paid off now less than &5,000 so No Credit Cards we still have 1 but we don't use it All this sounds great but most people can't do it

cathy frith

February 07, 2014 at 2:00 pm

great tips but dont have the money for a vacation

February 07, 2014 at 1:15 pm

These are some great tips to help save money when traveling!

alena svetelska

February 07, 2014 at 7:03 am

we are planing big trip to california to universal studio,we dont travel much.But this info will be very helpfull to us,thanks!

February 06, 2014 at 10:42 pm

I just signed up for Hilton Honors Points and they email specials to me all the time! Unfortunetly we dont fly much, but we are going to Cozumel next December! Thank you for sharing all your great tips!

Matthew Tully

February 06, 2014 at 2:26 pm

Any way I can get points if it's free I subscribe as my money is hard earned as well. I might as well get the most out of it that I can.

RICHARD HICKS

February 06, 2014 at 1:22 pm

Great tips for saving on those vacations. Everyone needs a vacation and you might as well take advantage of the reward programs

February 06, 2014 at 8:27 am

Wow, you guys are really well-traveled! Thanks for the tips!

February 05, 2014 at 4:11 pm

love this post=I've been trying to score free travel since I've been trying to go on one big trip every year.

Brenna Fetters

February 05, 2014 at 3:35 pm

I would so use this if we took vacations but of right now we are focusing on remodeling our home boo

sandy weinstein

February 05, 2014 at 3:18 pm

if i could afford a vac, i would use these ideas. when i have to fly i am also checking the many diff websites

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Matador Original Series

How to Travel the World for Free (Seriously)

W ORLD TRAVEL is cheap and easy. In fact, with a little practice and effort, you can travel for free.

The idea that travel is expensive and difficult is bullshit peddled by tour companies, hotel chains, and corporate media. The tourism industry wants you to buy cruise packages and stay at all-inclusive resorts. They want you to choose a world travel experience the same way you would choose a new jacket at the mall. They want your credit card number.

The tourism industry doesn’t want me to reveal the simple secrets of free travel, but I’m going to share them with you anyway. It can be scary to travel the world with nothing more than optimism and good-will, but personal freedom begins with a leap of faith.

1. Embrace the simple joy of travel.

Travel frees you from the grind of daily routine. You will explore new places, meet new people, try new foods, and learn things about the world — and yourself — that you never imagined were possible.

The joy of new experience is the most wonderful thing about world travel — and new experiences are free. Walk the streets of a city. Stop and chat with a local. People watch in a public park. Climb to the top of a hill and watch the sun set over the ocean.

The simple joy of being in a new place is just a matter of…wait for it…going someplace new. No tour package required.

2. Keep your needs to a minimum.

The modern American economy is built on the false premise that people need to buy new goods and services all the time. Again, I call bullshit.

People need fresh air, healthy food, clean water, exercise, creative stimulation, companionship, self-esteem, and a safe place to sleep. All of these things are simple to obtain. Most of them are free.

For fresh air, go outside. For exercise, take a walk. For creative stimulation, go somewhere new. For companionship, make a friend. For self-esteem, turn off your TV, breathe deep, and open your spirit to the basic goodness of the world.

Things like food and shelter are much cheaper once you get outside the United States. See #5 below for ways to obtain food and shelter for free.

3. Go slow.

If you live in New York and want to take a 2-week vacation to Africa, it will be very difficult (though not impossible, see #8) to travel for free. Indeed, as long as you believe that time is money, you will spend money all the time.

Time is not money. Time is free. You have all the time in the world.

Instead of buying a plane ticket, catch a ride out West, or remodel an old sailboat, or just hop on your bike and ride away from town. The slower you travel, the less money you will spend.

4. Leave your possessions and obsessions behind.

When you travel, you don’t need to pay rent. You don’t need a car. You don’t need an oven, a washer-dryer, electricity, cable TV, a gym membership, a sofa and loveseat, or a closet full of clothes.

You don’t need a suit and tie to wear to your job because you don’t need a job. You don’t need to worry about paying the bills, because there are no bills to pay.

You are free.

5. Trust people and you will receive free food and lodging.

Many people are willing to open their homes to travelers. Chip in with a few chores, and they will give you a free meal, too.

CouchSurfing and WWOOF are two phenomenal online networks that help travelers connect with local hosts. CouchSurfing members are willing to give travelers a place to sleep for a night or two. WWOOF connects travelers with organic farmers who want to trade room and board for an extra hand.

Many members of both CouchSurfing and WWOOF are seeking an alternative to high-impact consumer culture.

6. Learn a useful craft or skill.

If you have a skill, such as cooking, animal husbandry, massage, musical ability, or basic carpentry, you can barter for free food and accommodation as you travel the world.

Universally appreciated skills like cooking are best, though niche skills that are in high demand, like website design, are also useful. Native English speakers can often travel for free by teaching language classes in each destination they visit.

The slower you travel, the easier it will be to work out a mutually beneficial arrangement with a local community or host.

7. Get out of the city.

Although it’s possible to travel for free in a big city, it’s damn difficult. Cities are built on money, and necessities like fresh air, clean water, and a safe place to sleep are difficult to come by in cities.

Go to the country, where people are more relaxed, food is plentiful, and there’s ample room for one traveler to lay out her sleeping bag under the stars.

8. Find a job you love that entails world travel.

If you need an income in order to pay off loans or support a child, find a job that calls for extensive travel. There are millions of jobs available in the global economy that demand world travel.

Of course, some jobs are easier to love than others, and much work that involves travel also involves the destruction of local ecosystems and traditional ways of life. Avoid unethical work if at all possible — it’s bad for your health and worse for your soul.

For job ideas, check out 20+ awesome travel jobs and how to get them .

9. Embrace serendipity.

To travel for free requires a blend of advance planning and the willingness to seize opportunities and go with the flow. Does your new CouchSurfing friend want company for a drive across the country? Grab your pack and ride along! Does an organic farm in Thailand need a farm sitter for the rainy season? Dig in!

As Kurt Vonnegut wrote, “Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.”

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Trending now, at $89 a day, this 3.5-year cruise is cheaper than living in most us cities, this free hack helps solo travelers better navigate almost every city worldwide, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

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One Big Reason Gen Z Is Still on Facebook: To Save Money

For a generation that loves thrift-shopping, Facebook isn’t a place to socialize online — it’s the best place to score some deals.

By Melissa Rohman

In December, Ellicia Chiu and Cher Su had just a few boxes in tow when they moved into a walk-up apartment in New York’s Lower East Side neighborhood. Before their move, from Los Angeles, the two friends knew that they would need to furnish their new apartment with small kitchen appliances, décor and furniture. But instead of purchasing new items, they knew it would be more affordable to find secondhand items on Facebook Marketplace, the social network’s buy-and-sell service.

“I only use Facebook for Marketplace,” said Ms. Chiu, 24, who added that she spent most of her social time on TikTok and Instagram, which is owned by Meta, Facebook’s parent company.

For many 20-somethings who don’t have a lot of disposable income, Marketplace is a place to get deals on items they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.

“As someone who’s in their young 20s, I want to have nicer things but I don’t have the financial means to get there yet,” said Ms. Chiu, who added that she preferred Marketplace over other sites because its interface was easy to use, making it easier to find deals on furniture.

Over the past decade, Facebook has declined in popularity with Gen Z as a social site, a 2022 Pew Research Center survey found. Instead, younger people are spending more of their social time on Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

“Facebook Marketplace is often referred to as ‘the internet’s garage sale’ and is a modern-day counterpart to eBay and Craigslist,” said Yoo-Kyoung Seock , a professor of textiles, merchandising and interiors at the University of Georgia, who studies consumer behavior among Gen Z and millennials and environmental sustainability in the textile industry. “The platform’s remarkable success is largely due to the trust users place in it, which is a result of its unique connection to Facebook’s social network.”

For a generation that is environmentally conscious and prefers to shop secondhand , Marketplace has become popular.

“Young people, including students and young professionals, are increasingly drawn to used goods,” Dr. Seock said. Faster inflation has also made secondhand purchases a practical choice, she added.

Launched in 2016, Marketplace has over a billion monthly active users and is the second most popular online site for secondhand goods, behind eBay, according to a 2022 survey by Statista, a company that provides market data. Meta doesn’t say much about Marketplace as a business, how its demographics may differ from Facebook overall and whether it has a vision to grow the platform in its annual reports. Meta did not respond to questions about whether it has long-term business goals for Marketplace or if it was aware of the platform’s popularity among Gen Z. Some buyers say they prefer Marketplace over Craigslist, which was popular among older generations searching for used goods, because unlike Craigslist users, Marketplace buyers and sellers have profiles with ratings that make them more trustworthy and messaging is built-in on Facebook, making communication easy.

Marketplace is free for buyers to use. Although sellers can encounter transaction fees , many of them avoid it by selling locally and asking buyers to bring cash when picking up their purchase. Ms. Chiu said she usually paid using Venmo, though she would bring cash if a seller insisted.

Ms. Chiu and Ms. Su said their favorite Marketplace purchase was a couch from West Elm, which the seller had for less than a year. The couch cost $1,200 at retail, and they purchased it for $145. Ms. Chiu said the seller had warned her that the couch had cat scratch marks, but when she and Ms. Su showed up to look at it, they didn’t see many scuffs.

Some of their other favorite Marketplace finds include a Zojirushi rice cooker (retail price: $150; purchased on Marketplace for $50), a Dyson vacuum (retail price: $470; purchased on Marketplace for $135) and an IKEA NORDEN extendable table (retail price: $350; purchased on Marketplace for $150).

In total, Ms. Chiu and Ms. Su said they spent approximately $1,400 on more than 30 items purchased from Marketplace and estimated that they saved more than $3,000.

Not all of Ms. Chiu’s and Ms. Su’s purchases have been successes: Ms. Chiu once bought a plant from a seller that she discovered had root rot when she tried to repot it. Buyers have to work out returns with sellers on Marketplace, and Ms. Chiu’s plant seller later offered her a refund of 50 percent of the price she had paid, which she accepted. Ms. Su said she once bought a bookshelf that fell apart once she was home. She was not able to get a refund.

Ms. Su said that she was aware of Marketplace scams and tried to avoid them. “There are many scammers that try to ask for personal information when messaging about items — so beware of that too!” she warned. (Meta provides users with guides on recognizing and avoiding scams.)

Sebastian Ramos, a junior at DePaul University in Chicago, also uses Marketplace to buy and sell items, and he even once got a free couch (estimated retail price: $1,300). He has also purchased acrylic vinyl record shelves (estimated retail price: $45; purchased on Marketplace for $10) and sold his used Nintendo 3DS (retail price: $200; sold on Marketplace for $150).

Mr. Ramos, 21, said he did not use Facebook for social media, but he enjoyed purchasing secondhand items on Marketplace to save money and also because he liked shopping at thrift stores.

“You don’t have to pay more for a new thing when you can find something that has been used, or even slightly used, for a lot cheaper,” he said.

Sarah Williams, who lives in Kenosha, Wis., is an executive assistant and a new mom. Shortly after she and her husband found out that they were expecting a baby last year, Ms. Williams said Marketplace was the first place she started looking to buy baby items.

The first item on her list was a light-toned wooden crib. But the cribs that she found online were listed for $1,200 and were out of her budget.

“The prices were just absolutely ridiculous,” Ms. Williams, 24, said.

After a rigorous two-week search online, she found a crib she liked that a woman who lived near her had listed on Marketplace. After messaging back and forth through Facebook Messenger with the seller, Ms. Williams and her husband drove to the woman’s house to inspect the crib. They bought it for $300 — 75 percent less than the original price — after they saw that it was in good shape.

“It was a very nice exchange, and it felt very personable,” Ms. Williams said.

Ms. Williams said she hoped to find other mothers on Marketplace who had items they no longer needed because their children had outgrown them.

Like Ms. Williams, Ms. Chiu and Ms. Su said that being able to network and meet new people when picking up their Marketplace purchases had been an enjoyable part of their moving experience and settling into their new home.

“That’s what Facebook started as, and it’s cool that Marketplace is also fostering that,” Ms. Su said.

Inside the World of Gen Z

The generation of people born between 1997 and 2012 is changing fashion, culture, politics, the workplace and more..

For many Gen-Zers without much disposable income, Facebook isn’t a place to socialize online — it’s where they can get deals on items  they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.

Dating apps are struggling to live up to investors’ expectations . Blame the members of Generation Z, who are often not willing to shell out for paid subscriptions.

Young people tend to lean more liberal on issues pertaining to relationship norms. But when it comes to dating, the idea that men should pay in heterosexual courtships  still prevails among Gen Z-ers .

We asked Gen Z-ers to tell us about their living situations and the challenges of keeping a roof over their heads. Here’s what they said .

What is it like to be part of the group that has been called the most diverse generation in U.S. history? Here is what 900 Gen Z-ers had to say .

Young people coming of age around the world are finding community in all sorts of places. Our “Where We Are” series takes you to some of them .

• BUILT FOR Adventure Travel Affinity Group Travel Custom & Luxury Travel Event & Fan Travel Faith-based Travel Leisure Travel Student, Sports & Performance Travel Travel Agencies & Advisors University & MBA Travel Wellness & Retreat Travel
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I used the Apple Vision Pro on a flight to Costa Rica — and it was chaotic

"The Apple Vision Pro is out-friggin’-standing, but what the hell am I going to use it for?"

This is what many tech journalists and reviewers with early access to the $3,499 swanky headset said. They gushed about the accurate eye tracking, the nuanced hand tracking, and slick visionOS interface, but scratched their head over how it’d fit into their daily lives.

I thought I knew the answer to their conundrum: travel. As a frequent jetsetter, I often see the AirPods Max or AirPods Pro as one of the most popular travel accessories, allowing people to drown out the annoying drone of a plane. And I was certain that, in a few years, the Vision Pro could be the next big thing for travelers.

I put my hypothesis to the test, taking the Apple Vision Pro along with me on a JetBlue flight from JFK airport in New York to Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica. As it turns out, I may have spoken a little too soon about the Apple Vision Pro being the next breakout travel accessory.

Apple Vision Pro price

The Apple Vision Pro is often touted as being a spatial computing headset with a $3,499 price tag, but with taxes included, it set me back $3,800 via Apple's website.

Fortunately, shipping is free. (Hey, it’s the least Apple can do, right?)

The configuration I got comes with the following specs:

• 256GB of storage
• Two 3,660 x 3,200-pixel micro-OLED displays with up to a 120Hz refresh rate
• 16GB of RAM
• M2 chip with 10-core GPU and the R1 co-processor
• 12 cameras and five sensors

You can increase storage to 512GB and 1TB, but that’ll cost you $3,700 and $3,900, respectively — and that’s before the taxes kick in.

If I had the wherewithal, I’d grab the 512GB or 1TB configuration because I plan to store countless videos, including spatial content, over the course of my time with it.

What I like about Apple Vision Pro

So why did I bring my Vision Pro with me on my flight to Costa Rica? Apple boasted that the headset can bring a private cinematic experience to users, allowing them to expand the virtual display to a gigantic, floating screen.

Tired of the tiny, seatback screens, I thought the Vision Pro would rectify this issue, finally bringing a massive display bright before my eyes without disturbing other passengers.

Download shows for a theater-like experience

I subscribed to Apple TV and Max (formerly HBO Max) to download shows before my flight so that I could access them on the plane. Even without WiFi, I watched several episodes of Euphoria . I also watched the first half of Dune and a few minutes of Ex Machina , one of my favorite sci-fi movies of all time.

All of them played without a hitch, and unlike at the theater or on a laptop, I can make the virtual display as massive or as tiny as I want. Plus, I can toggle on captions, too. To top it all off, the quality, from the rich colors to the sharp imagery, is as crisp as seltzer water.

Easy to carry around

I’m sorry, but there’s no way in hell that I’m going to spend an additional $200 on a travel case . Instead, I had another pouch lying around my house that I used to store my Apple Vision Pro.

However, I barely used the makeshift travel case. Most of the time, the Vision Pro was hanging around my neck, giving myself easy access to the headset.

The Vision Pro has an awkward ski mask-like design. The “mask-esque” portion consists of a laminated-glass front plate. It also features a stretchy, knitted rear headband. Once you put it on your head, you can tighten it with a circular dial on the right side of the device.

As you'll find out in a later section, I'm not the biggest fan of the design — "comfortable" and "Vision Pro" do not belong in the same sentence.

Seamless TSA experience

Similar to your tablet and laptop , you’ll have to take the Apple Vision Pro out of your carry-on or personal bag before placing it on the conveyor belt for security scanning.

I placed my M2 MacBook Air and the Vision Pro in one tray and the headset came out the other end without being flagged as a threat. Nice!

‘Travel mode’ is a must

Before heading to the airport, I’d advise turning “travel mode” on.

If not, while you’re walking — and even while you’re zooming through the air at 500 miles per hour — your apps will fly past you erratically. With travel mode off, windows would disappear from view, hiding in a far corner or under my chair. When my significant other spotted me frantically looking for something — and I looked extra silly with the Vision Pro strapped on — he said, “What are you looking for?” I said, “I can’t find the home apps! I think they flew under my seat.”

Realizing how ridiculous I sounded, we both laughed. That’s why you need travel mode. With it on, it pins your windows right in front of you so they don’t move, holding them in place.

Picks up subtle hand tracking

As the only person on the whole entire plane with an Apple Vision Pro, I’m not gonna lie, I was super self conscious about using it. I could just feel people staring daggers at me — and sniggering behind my back.

Fortunately, the Vision Pro’s hand tracking is elite . For example, in order to make selections inside the headset, you need to use a pinching gesture. Even the most subtle pinches — one where I keep my hands low and close to my body so no one can see any conspicuous movements — the Vision Pro picked up on them with ease. It was super impressive!

And that’s on top of the incredible eye tracking. Being able to simply “tell” the headset what you want to click on by simply looking at it is so Black Mirror — and I’m here for it.

‘Mindfulness’ app for turbulence

On my way back from Costa Rica to New York, my JetBlue flight suffered from some turbulence while flying over Florida.

Sitting inside a rattling winged, metal thingamajig isn’t my idea of fun, so I pulled up the Mindfulness app and launched a meditation session. While being shaken and stirred inside the plane, I found my own slice of peace for five minutes while following breathing exercises with an expanding and contracting spherical virtual artifact.

What’s ‘eh’ about the Apple Vision Pro

Although I have plenty of positive things to say about the Apple Vision Pro, it still needs a lot of work. Let’s start with some things that make me go “eh” – features that aren’t necessarily dealbreakers, but they’re irksome enough to be noteworthy.

Battery pack requires you to wear the right clothing

If you’re going to drag the Vision Pro with you on a plane, you must wear something with pockets. Fortunately, I wore an athleisure two-piece set with pockets, allowing me to place the Vision Pro’s cumbersome battery pack inside my right pocket.

You must make sure the pocket is snug, too, or else it will fall out frequently. Of course, the battery pack is a bit of a nuisance, but it fit nicely into my pocket, so I forgot it was even there.

Streaming with airplane WiFi is OK

Fortunately for me, JetBlue offered free WiFi. As such, I connected to the “FlyFi” network before takeoff. I streamed Apple TV movies including Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon, allowing me to watch films that I didn’t get to download beforehand.

This is no fault of Apple, but as you can imagine, airplane WiFi is iffy. Consequently, the quality dropped significantly. I’d say visual content was streaming somewhere between 480p and 720p. On the plus side, I didn’t experience any signal dropping while watching movies — playback was seamless and consistent. However, your mileage may vary. Flying over the ocean, for example, can impact the plane’s WiFi.

‘Sharing’ is a pain

Sometimes, I’d stumble upon a funny or wild scene while watching a movie inside the Vision Pro and I wanted my significant other to have a laugh, too. 

I wished I could “freeze” the content where it stands and have my partner continue where I paused so that he, too, can chuckle along with me. However, passing on my headset to my partner was a pain. He had to ask me for my password and re-navigate to Apple TV app himself before resuming the episode I was streaming.

There is a “guest mode” you can turn on, but it’s still such a hassle. Perhaps in a future update, Apple will allow us to add “trusted users” to the headset so that they don’t need to go through so many steps before seeing the content I want them to see.

Some audio bleed, but Vision Pro works with AirPods

If you turn down the Vision Pro volume, it can be low enough that it won’t bother your neighbors nor alarm flight attendants, but just loud enough for your content to be audible. The sound, by the way, is crisp, sharp and full — à la the divine audio that comes out of my M2 MacBook Air.

If that doesn’t sit right with you, you can pair your AirPods to the Vision Pro — similar to how you’d pair one to your MacBook — allowing you to listen to Vision Pro content at any volume setting.

It’s embarrassing to wear

Coined by The Verge, I became a “glasshole” — someone who ignores social decorum and walks around with a silly headset all day. Some people approached me with curiosity, asking me what’s hanging around my neck — even a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer inquired about the headset.

Others, however, stared aggressively. Some even sniggered behind my back, which is fair — I’d probably do the same if a Vision Pro-wearing passenger was grasping at the air to make in-headset selections.

Because wearing a headset is so uncommon and the Vision Pro is still in its “early adopter” phase, I felt like an alien wearing this around the airport. As someone who is already self-conscious as it is simply wearing plain clothes, strapping a headset to my face heightened my insecurity.

It will take some time before wearing an AR/VR headset becomes normalized.

The Vision Pro isn’t heavy, but it’s not comfy either

Apple touted the Vision Pro as a travel companion, but it still needs some tweaking before it becomes the next big thing for frequent fliers.

Early users of the Vision Pro, including tech journalists and influencers, said that the Vision Pro felt “heavy,” but I don’t think that’s the right word. The Vision Pro weighs about 1.3 pounds. When I pick it up with my hands, it feels quite lightweight.

The problem is, however, that the weight distribution of the Vision Pro is off. All of the components are frontloaded, which means I felt a lot of tugging and tightness around my eyes. I constantly needed to readjust the headset to reduce that “pulling down” feeling I was sensing on my face.

‘Tracking failed’ error messages

While flying to and from Costa Rica, I took nighttime flights, which meant that the cabin was quite dim. Yes, the Vision Pro was still usable, even in low-light situations. It’s also quite helpful that I left the seatback monitor on, so the glare of the screen helped to add more illumination.

However, if I were to look down at my feet — away from the monitor’s glare — I’d get a “tracking failed” error message, and the virtual windows disappeared. When I popped my head back up, the content resumed without any issue.

Missing popular dedicated apps

I have Netflix , Hulu , and YouTube subscriptions. Unfortunately, none of these apps have a dedicated presence on the Vision Pro (although you can access them through Safari).

As such, to properly test the Vision Pro, I purchased two additional subscriptions: Apple TV and Max. After all, these two have apps tailor-made for the Vision Pro and I wanted to see how well they performed. As aforementioned, Apple TV and Max work well on the Vision Pro, but make sure to download your favorite shows and films before your flight.

Material gets dirty easily

Yes, the knit material, particularly the stretch headband, is breathable.

But it’s definitely prone to getting dirty. You’ll definitely have to wash it often.

One thing I never quite understood about companies like Meta and Apple making a push for spatial computing is the fact that they haven't addressed eye strain.

Airports can be tiring, from queuing at the TSA checkpoint to waiting for delayed planes.

By the time you get on the plane, you're exhausted. The moment I put the Vision Pro on my eyes, which have two high-tech displays sitting right before my peepers, I thought to myself, “I can’t have this on my face for more than 20 minutes!"

Apple Vision Pro battery life

I watched Wonka from start to finish and half of Priscilla on the Apple Vision Pro. With some Apple Arcade gaming sprinkled in (e.g., Jetpack Joyride ), the Apple Vision Pro lasted three hours and 34 minutes on a single charge. (This battery life test was not conducted on the plane.)

This is much better than I expected. For reference, the Meta Quest 3 lasted one hour and 19 minutes.

Is the Apple Vision Pro worth it?

For Apple’s first foray into the AR / VR space, the Vision Pro is a best-in-class headset. Early reviewers were spot on when they gushed about the eye and hand tracking — it’s smooth, seamless, and sensational.

And I can understand why the Vision Pro costs an arm and a leg. At its core, the Vision Pro is a computer you can strap onto your face. If people are spending over $2,000 for laptops , it’s not too hard to grasp why you’re shelling out $3,500 for a nascent, wearable spatial computing device (which, of course, includes the “Apple tax”).

However, this review focuses on the Apple Vision Pro as a travel companion. And as it stands now, it’s not quite ready for primetime. While the Vision Pro can, indeed, deliver a cinematic experience for travelers as Apple promised, the Vision Pro simply isn't comfortable enough.

It’s also worth considering the Meta Quest 3, which is $3,000 cheaper.

Meta Quest 3

How to get free trips as a travel blogger

One of the perks of being a travel blogger is that we occasionally get to travel for free.

Many people start a blog for this very reason. Who wouldn’t want to get free travel in exchange for writing reviews? It sounds like an absolute dream.

But getting free trips from blogging isn’t as simple as buying a domain, posting a few of your travel snaps, and then watching the offers for free stays roll in. If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it.

It actually takes a lot of work, much more than most people expect when they first begin blogging. Here’s how it happened for me:

I received my first offer of free stuff once I had been blogging for exactly one year. I put in a lot of work in that first year including 3 blog posts a week. By the end, I had managed to build up a decent blog that was getting around 10,000 pageviews per month and had about the same number of social media followers.

I was travelling to Portland in July 2015, and I contacted the local tourism board about my visit. They supplied me with a welcome pack including a local attractions pass, which I then redeemed for $29 USD worth of sightseeing.

It doesn’t sound like much, but I was excited that my year of blogging had resulted in some free activities! In the next 12 months, I received another 4 nights of hostel accommodation in Boston and Montreal , and a 3-day press trip to Providence . The ball had definitely started rolling.

My third year of blogging proved even more fruitful. I managed to secure a place on a 5-day press trip in  Finland , 2 nights hostel accommodation in Chicago , an 8-day press trip to London and Hull , and a 4-day press trip to The Bahamas .

I’m only 6 months into my fourth year of blogging, but I’ve already received 4 nights of combined accommodation in Los Angeles and Canberra , and a sightseeing cruise on the Tasman Peninsula . Pretty good start, I think!

Getting free trips and travel perks through blogging is one of the reasons that I can travel so often. Here’s my comprehensive guide on how to get free trips as a travel blogger, including a pitch template for you to use when approaching brands!

Work on your content

Having a website with high quality content (ie. blog posts, photos, and other text) is essential to scoring free trips through travel blogging. Every time you pitch a brand, someone from that company is going to visit your website and make a judgement on whether you will do a good job of promoting them.

Your blog needs to shine with long-form content, with lots of photos (good ones!) and enticing titles. There should be minimal spelling mistakes, and your writing style should be the best it can be. Impress everyone with your amazing content and sponsorships will follow!

Presentation of your content is also important. If your site has too many pop ups, is slow to load, or has messy links and images all over your front page, it will turn brands off working with you. I purchased a clean, minimalistic, theme for my blog which cost $79 USD, and I think it was absolutely worth the investment as my design stands out above other bloggers using the same old free themes.

Build up a social media following

Social media is super important for travel bloggers. Brands will want to know that their product will reach a wide audience, and a social media following is the number one way for them to gauge just how many eyes will see their product.

I spent a long time trying to grow my following on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin’, and YouTube, but in the end I realised that my efforts were being spread too thinly over the numerous platforms.

Since I began focusing on growing only my Instagram account , it’s become much easier to make a difference to my influence on that particular platform. I now have an impressive number of followers and a high level of engagement on Instagram, and brands are starting to take notice.

Create a kickass media kit

A media kit is a document that you send to brands which shows them just how many people might hear about their product by giving you free stuff. It makes you appear professional at the same time as quoting your stats. A media kit might sound intimidating to put together, but it’s really not so hard!

There are many different versions of a media kit, but generally it should include the following:

• A quick intro about you/your blog and a profile photo
• Your audience demographics such as location and age group
• Blog stats such as monthly pageviews and unique visitors
• Social media stats, including number of combined followers and which platform is your strongest
• Brands you have worked with before and positive testimonials
• Web address and your contact details

Craft your perfect pitch

There have been a few occasions where free trips have been offered to me out of the blue, but generally, I’m the one pitching companies for free travel.

Your pitch should be short and to the point, but still convey all the information that the company might want to know. I’m going to share my travel blogger pitch template with you – use it as a general guide to craft your own perfect pitch.

“Hi [person’s name], I’m Ashlea – a Travel Blogger based in Sydney, Australia. I’m planning on visiting [place] on [date], and am interested in publishing a local guide on my blog. [Company/brand] looks like a great option for a feature, so would you be interested in an exchange of services? For all comped activities that I participate in, I actively promote the business to travellers through my blog and to my 35,000+ social media followers. My blog, A Globe Well Travelled, is aimed at young people looking to live an adventurous life of work and travel. Each month, the site receives around [number of pageviews] from [number of unique visitors]. I’ve previously worked with travel brands such as [list brands]. I’d love to add [Company/brand] to my list! You can find further stats and testimonials in my attached media kit. I hope to hear back from you soon.”

I find it much easier to pitch for free trips as a travel blogger now than in my earlier years of blogging. Companies tend to see me as more trustworthy now that I’ve had experience working with a bunch of other travel brands.

If you haven’t worked with brands before, you should fake it ’til you make it. Have you visited a hotel or taken a day tour that you then posted a review about on your blog and/or social media? Try listing those brands in your pitch (and in your media kit) to make it look as though you’ve worked with companies before.

Pitch hotels/travel brands

If you’ll be visiting a certain destination, you can pitch hotels or travel brands directly. When I recently visited the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, I emailed a company about the possibility of getting 2 seats on their wilderness cruise in exchange for promotion on my blog and social media. They happily agreed!

Be prepared to receive some rejection emails when you’re pitching hotels and travel brands. Some companies just aren’t comfortable with influencer marketing yet, or they might be selective about who they choose to work with. Don’t take it personally if they say no – just keep pitching more brands until you have some success!

One little secret for this step is to pay attention to the brands that other travel bloggers are working with. If the brand has worked with travel bloggers before, then it’s likely that they would be willing to do it again.

This is how I knew to email Hollywood Hotel about my recent trip to Los Angeles. I’d seen another blogger write about them, so I knew they might be open to working with me. They agreed to host me for 2 nights in exchange for a review on my blog!

Stake out tourism board websites

If you head to any tourism board website (you can find these by searching terms like “Visit Melbourne” or “Tourism Australia” in Google) there will often be a menu either at the very top of the page or in the footer with a section for Press or Media . These areas of the tourism websites can be extremely useful for travel bloggers who are looking to get free stuff.

Sometimes there will be information about press trips or influencer programs (take a look at the  Queensland tourism website as an example) and if not, then there will probably be a media contact or online form where you can email them. Ask about any upcoming influencer opportunities that they might have, or if they provide any support to visiting influencers.

This is the method I used to get my free attractions pass in Portland, my accommodation in Canberra, and my UK press trip!

Follow Facebook groups

Even though I’m not particularly fond of using Facebook as a business tool, I have always been a fan of using Facebook groups. It can be hard to find ones that are actually useful, but once you do, you may just be notified of some great opportunities through them.

In the past month, I have seen 3 different press trip opportunities, some for international destinations, just by following Facebook groups. Try searching for blogger groups in your area (like the Australian Travel Bloggers group for my fellow Aussies) and join ones that seem like they would be relevant to you.

Attend networking events

Networking in person can be scary, but it can also be a useful way of getting yourself in front of the right people for future sponsorships.

One time that this has worked for me is when I attended the New York Travel Show in 2017. I spent some time talking with reps from tourism boards and travel brands to see if they were interested in working with influencers. When I stopped by the stand for Visit The Bahamas, I was given a business card for their media contact. This later resulted in my press trip to Nassau!

Some options for networking with people in the travel industry are conferences like TBEX, travel expos, or events like Travel Massive . Just be careful not to go to these events with the agenda of pushing yourself on people to get free trips – the best business relationships are made by being friendly and personable!

Last tips – be professional

It’s important to understand how it works when you get free stuff as a travel blogger. Companies aren’t just giving you their product or service for free and expecting nothing in return. In reality, they will want you to actively promote their brand on your blog and social media channels.

It’s extremely important that you act like a professional when asking for or receiving free stuff as a travel blogger. Be clear about what benefits the company will get from working with you and what they can expect to receive after your trip.

It’s also important to put a disclaimer in any posts where you have received a sponsorship. Not only is it legally required, it also helps your readers trust you as a professional blogger.

One last thing – be careful not to ask for too much. If you’re just starting out as a blogger, then by all means, ask for something simple like some free attraction passes or a spot on a walking tour, but don’t bother asking for a 5 night stay in a luxury hotel – this will only be a waste of your time. Keep it real, friends!

Related posts

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Working from home or hotels: A guide to staying sane and being productive

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44 comments

Thanks so much for sharing, Ashlea. I’ve been blogging for a year now and I’m hoping to start making some steps in this direction. Your post is fantastically helpful, and encourages me get cracking!

That is great news, Alice! I’m sure your first year of blogging will be a great base for you to start getting free trips. Good luck, and let me know if you have some success! 🙂

Thank you for the great tips! I still have yet to get popular enough to ever score a free trip, but it seems like a nice goal to have in mind for the new year! 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog http://charmainenyw.com

You’re welcome, Charmaine! It’s definitely a goal to work towards over a long period of time, but with enough persistence and determination, you’ll eventually get there 🙂

Thank you so much for the tips Ashlea!!! After about a year of blogging seriously, I’m also starting to think about pitching some companies this year, but up until now I wasn’t sure where to start. Your email template was just the example I needed to get an idea of how I should go about introducing myself. Thanks for sharing!!! I’m excited to get started!

That’s great, Cara! One year of serious blogging shows that you’re dedicated and professional, which brands are going to love. Your content is also really eye-catching and blog design looks clean and nice – I think you’ve done a great job! Good luck with pitching brands 🙂

Reading this is extremely helpful. I recently reached out to the tourism board of Malaysia, since I’m currently here for a month, and now reading your advice, I feel ready to send out another e-mail. This time more properly. I just need to get a media kit together!

I’m curious, what do you consider a large enough following for companies to consider you? In terms of your following on social media combined or your monthly page views.

I’m glad you found the post useful, Dianna! A media kit is definitely important when you’re dealing with tourism boards. There is no magic number of how many followers you need to work with brands – and yes a bigger following is more likely to result in a positive outcome but you should just shoot with whatever you’ve got!

Wow! This post is incredible. Thanks for sharing this, you got a new follower here. 🙂

Thanks Claudia! It’s great that you found some useful information in there 😀

I found your blog via Bloglovin and this article catches my eye because I am new in travel blogging area. I want to thank you for your amazing details and especially how to write an offer to a hotel or any other tourism company. I can’t wait to fill my blog with more articles and start to do what you do.

Thanks again and have a blessed day! http://www.travelia-mare.com

That’s wonderful, Dana! It’s great that you’ve started a new travel blogging adventure. Let me know whether you have some success getting free trips 🙂

Thank you so much for your helpful tips. I just started out with my blog about life and traveling with my 4 adult disabled daughters. We have been so many places and so many cruises I now I want to start blogging about our adventures and life in general with us. I don’t even know how to get a picture on my comments yet so I have a lot to figure out. Thank you again for all the information.

That’s amazing, Bonnie! I’m sure you will figure it all out in time 🙂 Best of luck with your blogging adventure!

I love this! I have traveled a lot this last decade and, lately, I’ve been thinking if it would be worth it to start writing about my past travels. Maybe if I get organized I could get the ball rolling and post a couple of stories. Who knows?

Absolutely – the reason I started a blog is because I had so much travel knowledge that I wanted to share! You could definitely do it, too 🙂

I started a cruise travel blog in August 2017 and I think it’s going pretty well. I have managed to get free internet from one cruise line in exchange for daily blogs, and also managed to get to interview the cruise director. On our next cruise I’m also getting free internet, but now I want to start thinking of the future. I’m just figuring out how to make a media kit, and I’m going to try and get my numbers up. Any advice?

That’s great that you’ve started getting freebies from blogging, Kathy! I’m sure you’ll be able to get more from companies as your blog gets momentum. My advice is to build up your pageviews and social media followings first, as the free trips will follow 🙂

Thank you Ashlea for all of the detailed information about blogging. I would love a dream job of getting paid to travel, but one step at a time. I would like to travel to the Caribbean and if you have any other suggestions that would help me get free trips, I would greatly appreciate your time.

Great article and thanks for this. It is such a pleasure to get great information for free?. Do you have any tips for getting Instagram followers. I have tried everything I can find on tips but Instagram takes away most of my followers. Example… yesterday 16 people followed me and Instagram took away 11 of my established followers. I have been stuck at around 500 for months. Also thanks for the good ideas on blogging. I need to change from blogger to Word Press and have been putting it off. I am not a writer so blogging takes work for me. Thank you again. Glad I am on your email list

Thanks for reading my post, Bonnie! It’s great that you’re trying to grow your influence on Instagram. Many bloggers use automated growth tools which help with growing followers and increasing engagement on Instagram, though it’s not free – if you’re interested in this option, let me know and I can pass on some details to you 🙂

Hi Ashlea, thanks for the thorough tips and tricks of the trade. I appreciate how realistic you are about expectations and what you get in return and how much of it is pitching, pitching and pitching until you hit one. I am also realizing that I’m spreading myself thin on social media and need to optimize. I have recently removed my Pinterest and FB to optimize via IG and Twitter. Much of this game is trial and error… more of the latter than the former, but anyway, appreciate your lessons to learn! ✌️ from sunny LA – Jess || https://www.learningfromstrangers.com

Trial and error is how I learnt it all too, so you’re going about it the same way that everyone else did! Good luck with all the pitching, Jess – I hope you have some success 🙂

Great article! I’ve had a travel-adventure blog for years but I’m nowhere near getting any free trips out of my work. I mostly do it for fun and to preserve family memories. Right now I’m still trying to get traffic and an occasional comment or two. I will definitely revisit this page for more of your tips. You do good work and your results show for them.

Thanks Big John! There’s definitely a big difference between blogging for fun and blogging for business, and I believe that bloggers who do it for fun are much less likely to get free trips. If you’re serious about making it as a blogger, I’d suggest updating your site to look as professional as possible, and joining some Facebook groups with other bloggers who are also building up their online presence 🙂

Thank you for your advice on travel writing. I’m currently at a cross roads in my life and have always loved writing. I would love to become a travel writer, and the advice you offer is great. So once again thank you.

Hi Natasha, it’s great that you are considering a career in travel writing! All the best with your journey!

I have had my first interest in someone sponsoring me. The question they replied in an email was asking me to elaborate on the opportunities or support I would be giving. Since I am a newbie to this – I was wondering how you would word the email or any tips to asking for “free” things. Even though this time I’m not really concerned for free items I would be happy just to work with them and be able to freely use their website and brand in my blog post!

It’s great that you have someone interested in working with you, Kaitlin! Any sponsorship opportunity is a trade – free product for you, free marketing for them – so you have every right to be getting something out of it. I would write that you can offer them a review in a blog post that gets posted on your site, and maybe some social media coverage, too. Hopefully they’ll be interested and you can get started on your first blog sponsorship 🙂

This guide is great, more so when you have little cash to provide for you while traveling.

Thanks a lot for the interesting post – helps me a lot to get in touch with companies! Greetings from germany! Daniel

No problem! Good luck with your pitches, Daniel!

Great information! Definitely some of our goals for our blog!

That’s great! Best of luck with achieving those goals!

Hi Ashlea, You will nicely described as a travel blogger how to get free trips. Your tips is very helpful. Thanks for your effort.

Thank-you for the tips!!! Definitely a goal I want to work towards one day!

One little secret for this step is to pay attention to the brands that other travel bloggers are working with. http://www.mosantravel.com

It will be a great help to pitch in for the travel brands. Your template is a good guide. Happy to e-connect you through Pinterest.

I’ll connect again with you if I’m successful with travel pitching. Wish me luck ? Happy traveling.

Rgds, Sajjad.

Hi Ashlea, I am in love with this wonderful article. All of the photos are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing this useful information.

i love travelling as well as blogging. u actually discussed all about free trips and all but if you could guide me about the earning potential, as I want to take it as my profession.

please guide if you have some time.

Wow thank you such an amazing information. I also want to travel the world as you do and after reading few travel blog , I also want to be a travel blogger as you. I am very new to this but is there any chance of working with you in person and learning more and growing together

I’m a little late in discovering your post but I’m so glad I did! My travel blog is still young (less than a year) but I’ve been trying to focus on networking and locating resources to help make my goals a reality. Thank you for clarifying some ways to start small when working toward larger goals.

Thank you for all the helpful information. I will definitely be checking out the various tourism sites for the places I plan to visit.

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Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of the greatest space movies, even as we approach the 55th birthday of its theatrical debut. It’s awe-inspiring, full of clever practical effects. It’s also terrifying, both for its disturbing vision of the great unknown and for showcasing the perils of naughty AI that knows too much, decades before it was something anyone truly had to think about. Maybe you’ve seen this film countless times already, or you’re intrigued after seeing the cheeky, yet heavy-handed references to the film in the opening sequence of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - The Texas A&M track & field team splits travel this weekend between the Battle on the Bayou in Baton Rouge, and Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto.

The Aggies are coming off their second week of outdoor competition after hosting the Texas A&M Invitational. The Maroon & White had another impressive outing, winning 16 events which propelled the teams in the national ranks, as the men and women land at the No. 1 and No. 8 spots, respectively.

In its first outdoor home meet since the 2022 season, Texas A&M claimed eight wins on the track and eight in the field. Sam Hankins got the day started for the men, as he secured his second win of the season in the javelin. Following suit, Ethan Sanders swept the Discus and Shotput, Jack Mann III stole the pole vault title, Pierre Goree (100m), Jevon O’Bryant (400m) and Ja’Qualon Scott (110m hurdles) won individual events on the track and the 4x100m quartet of Devante Mount, Goree, Omarion Ferguson and Connor Schulman rounded out the men’s wins.

Freshman Abigail Martin opened the strong results on the women’s side claiming the discus title. Carlie Weiser (shot put), Heather Abadie (pole vault) and Nissi Kabongo (high jump) made up the remaining field event wins. Similar to the men, Camryn Dickson, Jermaisha Arnold and Jaiya Covington swept the 100m, 400m and short hurdle (100m hurdles) events, respectively. The final victory of the day came from the 4x400m group consisting of Kabongo, Arnold, Dickson and Joniar Thomas.

Battle on the Bayou

The Maroon & White travelled 43 athletes to home of the Tigers to compete across 27 events. The group consists of a trio of national leaders in their respective events. Lianna Davidson continues to pace the nation in the women’s javelin with a throw of 57.28m/187-11. On the men’s side Carter Bajoit leads the men’s high jump with his personal best clearance of 2.25m/7-4.5, while Kimar Farquharson remains at the top of the men’s 800m performers with a time of 1:46.20.

A&M will face a strong field in Baton Rouge consisting of 15 other teams including the hosts LSU, Alabama, Baylor, Clemson, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi St., Ole Miss, St. Norbert, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Fans can follow the meet results live both Friday and Saturday through MileSplit .

Stanford Invitational

The Aggies travel a group of seven to the home of the Cardinal, consisting of five men and two women. The group will compete in the distance events at the Cobb Track and Angell Field and are led by a pair of SEC Indoor Championship scorers in Cooper Cawthra who placed fourth in the men’s mile and Eric Casarez who finish sixth in the 5K and eighth in the 3K.

A&M will square off against a field of over 25 teams across the two-day meet.

Results for the meet can be found through Stanford’s website .

Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.

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Cargo ship had engine maintenance in port before it collided with Baltimore bridge, officials say

BALTIMORE (AP) — The cargo ship that lost power and crashed into a bridge in Baltimore underwent “routine engine maintenance” in port beforehand, the U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday, as divers recovered the bodies of two of six workers who plunged into the water when it collapsed. The others were presumed dead, and officials said search efforts had been exhausted.

Investigators began collecting evidence from the vessel a day after it struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bodies of the two men were located in the morning inside a red pickup submerged in about 25 feet (7.6 meters) of water near the bridge’s middle span, Col. Roland L. Butler Jr., superintendent of Maryland State Police, announced at an evening news conference.

He identified the men as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, who was from Mexico and living in Baltimore, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, who was from Guatemala and living in Dundalk, Maryland.

The victims, who were part of a construction crew fixing potholes on the bridge, were from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, Butler said.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore addressed their families in Spanish during the news conference, saying, “Estamos contigo, ahora y siempre,” which means, “we are with you, now and always.”

All search efforts have been exhausted, and based on sonar scans, authorities “firmly” believe the other vehicles with victims are encased in material from the collapsed bridge, Butler said. Divers are to resume searching once the debris is cleared.

Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath said at the news conference that authorities were informed that the ship was going to undergo the maintenance.

“As far as the engine goes, we were not informed of any problems with the vessel,” he said.

The Baltimore region has reeled from the sudden loss of a major transportation link that’s part of the highway loop around the city. The disaster also closed the port, which is vital to the city’s shipping industry.

National Transportation Safety Board officials boarded the ship to recover information from its electronics and paperwork and to interview the captain and other crew members, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said during a separate news conference. Twenty-three people, including two pilots, were on the ship when it crashed, she said.

The vessel was also carrying 56 containers of hazardous materials including corrosives, flammables and lithium ion batteries, Homendy said. She added that some containers were breached, and that a sheen on the water from those materials would be handled by authorities.

Marcel Muise, NTSB investigator in charge, laid out a preliminary timeline assembled from the voyage data recorder comprising audio from the bridge and VHF radio ahead of the crash, which federal and state officials have said appeared to be an accident.

The vessel, the Dali, left port at 12:39 a.m. Tuesday and, after it entered the channel, signs of trouble came at about 1:25 a.m. when numerous alarms sounded, according to the NTSB. About a minute later, steering commands and rudder orders were issued, and at 1:26 a.m. and 39 seconds, a pilot made a general radio call for nearby tug boats.

Maryland Transportation Authority data from about the same time shows the pilot association dispatcher called the transportation authority’s officer on duty about the blackout, the NTSB said.

Just after 1:27 a.m., the pilot commanded the ship to drop an anchor on the left side of the ship and issued added steering commands. About 20 seconds later, the pilot issued a radio call reporting that the Dali had lost all power approaching the bridge.

At about that time, the state transportation officer on duty radioed two of its units already stationed at each end of the bridge saying to close the bridge to vehicle traffic. They were already there because of the construction.

Around 1:29 a.m., when the ship was traveling at about 8 mph (13 kph), recordings for about 30 seconds picked up sounds consistent with it colliding with the bridge, the NTSB said. A Transportation Authority dash camera also shows lights on the bridge going out.

At 1:29 a.m. and 39 seconds, the pilot reported to the Coast Guard that the bridge was down.

Muise said experts will review the entire voyage data recording and develop a detailed transcript.

At least eight people initially went into the water when the ship struck the bridge column, and two of them were rescued Tuesday, officials said.

Traffic was still crossing the span as the ship approached, and some vehicles appeared to escape with only seconds to spare. The crash caused the bridge to break and fall into the water within seconds.

Authorities had just enough time to stop vehicle traffic. One officer parked sideways across the lanes and planned to drive onto the bridge to alert the construction crew once another officer arrived, but he did not get a chance.

The debris complicated the search for the workers, according to a Homeland Security memo described to The Associated Press by a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss details of the document or the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Gov. Moore said the divers faced dangerous conditions, among the mangled metal and low visibility.

“They are down there in darkness where they can literally see about a foot in front of them,” Moore said.

The Dali, which is managed by Synergy Marine Group, was headed from Baltimore to Sri Lanka. It is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and Danish shipping giant Maersk said it had chartered it.

The vessel passed foreign port state inspections in June and September 2023. In the June inspection, a faulty monitor gauge for fuel pressure was rectified before departure, Singapore’s port authority said.

The ship was traveling under a Singapore flag, and officials there said they will conduct their own investigation in addition to supporting U.S. authorities.

The sudden loss of a highway that carries 30,000 vehicles a day and the port disruption will affect not only thousands of dockworkers and commuters but also U.S. consumers who are likely to feel the impact of shipping delays.

“A lot of people don’t realize how important the port is just to everything,” said Cat Watson, who used the bridge to get to work every day and lives close enough that she was awakened by the collision. “We’re going to be feeling it for a very long time.”

Baltimore is a busy entry point for vehicles made in Germany, Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom, along with coal and farm equipment.

Ship traffic has been suspended indefinitely. Windward Maritime, a maritime risk-management company, said its data shows a large increase in ships that are waiting for a port to go to, with some anchored outside Baltimore or nearby Annapolis.

At the White House, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the Biden administration was focused on reopening the port and rebuilding the bridge, which was completed in 1977. He did not put a timeline on those efforts, while noting that the original bridge took five years to construct.

Buttigieg also planned to meet Thursday with supply chain officials.

Barges, including some with cranes, were on their way to help remove the wreckage, Gilreath said.

Homendy said the NTSB investigation could take 12 to 24 months but the agency may issue urgent safety recommendations sooner. A preliminary report should come in two to four weeks.

“It’s a massive undertaking for an investigation,” Homendy said.

From 1960 to 2015, there were 35 major bridge collapses worldwide due to ship or barge collisions, according to the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure.

Witte reported from Dundalk, Maryland. Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report, including Nathan Ellgren, Colleen Long, Sarah Brumfield, Rebecca Santana, Jake Offenhartz, Joshua Goodman, Ben Finley, Claudia Lauer, Juliet Linderman, Josh Boak, David McHugh, John Seewer, Michael Kunzelman, Mike Catalini, Sarah Rankin and Lisa Baumann.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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• International

Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison

Sbf's parents: "we are heartbroken".

From CNN's Kara Scannell

Bankman-Fried's parents, Joe Bankman and Barbara Fried, issued a statement after leaving the Manhattan courtroom Thursday, saying: “We are heartbroken and will continue to fight for our son.”

Some in crypto community contrast SBF's sentence with that of shuttered dark market site's founder

From CNN's Elisabeth Buchwald

Several prominent voices in the crypto community took issue with Sam Bankman Fried's 25-year sentence, given Ross Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison in 2015.

Ulbricht created Silk Road — a website that let users anonymously buy and sell anything, including drugs and hacking tutorials. Transactions on the site took place using bitcoin, making it much harder to trace.

Bitcoin Magazine, a crypto publication with more than 3 million followers, posted on X shortly after SBF was sentenced on Thursday:

Roger Ver, an early bitcoin investor often referred to as "bitcoin Jesus," posted on X Thursday morning ahead of Bankman-Fried's sentencing trial that Ulbricht's "'crime' was building a website where people could trade freely without government permission." Since Bankman-Fried's sentence was announced, his post has been shared by many popular crypto-linked accounts.

US Attorney Williams: SBF's sentence is a warning to others

Damian Williams, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement that Bankman-Fried's 25-year sentence "will prevent the defendant from ever again committing fraud and is an important message to others who might be tempted to engage in financial crimes that justice will be swift, and the consequences will be severe."

How long will SBF actually serve?

From CNN's Allison Morrow

There is no possibility of parole in federal criminal cases, but Bankman-Fried can still shave time off his 25-year sentence with good behavior.

"SBF may serve as little as 12.5 years, if he gets all of the jailhouse credit available to him," Mitchell Epner, a former federal prosecutor, told CNN.

Federal prisoners generally can earn up to 54 days of time credit a year for good behavior, which could result in an approximately 15% reduction.

Since 2018, however, nonviolent federal inmates can reduce their sentence by as much as 50% under prison reform legislation known as the First Step Act.

Epner says the First Step Act was billed as a civil rights measure, to help minority offenders who committed non-violent drug-trafficking offenses. 

"It has turned out to be an enormous boon for white-collar criminal defendants, who are already given much lower sentences ... than drug-traffickers," Epner added. 

There is also a provision that allows a court to reduce a person’s sentence for extraordinary and compelling reasons, which are often medical, according to Jordan Estes, a former federal prosecutor who is now a partner at Kramer Levin.

"Since the pandemic, courts have been more willing to grant early release under this provision if the defendant has served a substantial portion of his or her sentence,” Estes said.

Kaplan recommends medium-security federal prison

From CNN's Lauren del Valle and Allison Morrow

Judge Lewis Kaplan said he would recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Bankman-Fried be placed in a medium-security facility or any lower-security facility the bureau finds appropriate.

Medium-security federal prisons have strengthened perimeters — often double fences with electronic detection systems — and mostly cell housing, according to the Bureau of Prisons. They also have a "wide variety of work and treatment programs."

Kaplan orders $11.02 billion forfeiture

From CNN's Lauren del Valle

Judge Kaplan also ordered a forfeiture of $11.02 billion.

He ruled Bankman-Fried's forfeited assets can be used to help fund the repayment of victims of the FTX collapse.

Correction: A previous version of this post misstated the forfeiture amount. It is $11.02 billion.

Judge Kaplan: "Not a trivial risk" that SBF could commit crimes again

Judge Lewis Kaplan, just before announcing Bankman-Fried's 25-year sentence, said there was a risk "that this man will be in a position to do something very bad in the future, and it's not a trivial risk."

Bankman-Fried acknowledged his mistakes and said he was sorry for what happened to customers but "never a word of remorse for the commission of terrible crimes," Judge Kaplan said.

"He knew it was wrong," he added.

Bankman-Fried is sentenced to 25 years in prison

Sam Bankman-Fried has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for defrauding customers and investors in crypto exchange FTX.

Judge Kaplan: SBF wanted to be a 'hugely, hugely politically influential person'

Kaplan says many facts are not disputed, including that SBF had "an exceptionally privileged background."

"He is extremely smart. And he suffers from autism," Kaplan said, noting his understanding of the condition. Kaplan said SBF "is capable of huge accomplishments" while noting he has "a way of interacting with people that’s unusual and sometimes off-putting."

Kaplan agreed with prosecutors' claim that Bankman-Fried "wanted to be a hugely, hugely politically influential person in this country," and that that propelled his financial crimes.

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Missing workers in Key Bridge collapse presumed dead, search called off: Live updates

Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse for Tuesday, March 26. For the latest news on the collapse, view our live updates file for Wednesday, March 27 .

BALTIMORE − The U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday evening it was calling off the search-and-rescue mission for the six construction workers that went missing when a cargo ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early in the morning, sending it collapsing into the frigid Patapsco River and shutting down a critical artery for East Coast shipping .

Officials said water temperatures around 46 to 48 degrees, poor visibility and changing currents played a role in the decision after a dogged attempt to find the workers.

“Based on the length of time that we’ve gone on this search, the extensive search efforts that we’ve put into it, the water temperature, at this point we do not believe that we’re going to find any of these individuals still alive,'' Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon N. Gilreath said in a news conference. "So this evening at about 7:30 we are going to suspend the active search-and-rescue efforts.’’

The focus of the operation would switch to recovery and restart at 6 a.m. Wednesday, officials said.

Around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday a Singapore-flagged vessel named Dali struck the Key Bridge as it was leaving the Port of Baltimore, causing the span to collapse in seconds. Officials said the crew warned of a power issue and sent out a "mayday" before the collision. Footage of the incident shows the cargo ship smash into one of the columns before the bridge snapped, hit the water and partially fell on the ship, where a burst of flames and smoke could be seen rising into the night sky.

Several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of impact and plunged into the river, which was cold enough to cause hypothermia. There were multiple contractors on the bridge who were repairing potholes, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said. So far two people have been rescued. One was unharmed and the other remains in "very serious condition," he said.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said at an afternoon news conference the agency will lead the investigation, but she would not provide information on fatalities or injuries from the incident, leaving that to local authorities.

A senior U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY the ship apparently lost power a few minutes before striking the bridge. A federal report has confirmed that version of events , saying the crew lost its ability to control the vessel.

Developments:

∎  Brawner Builders, the employer of the six missing workers, told media outlets including the Baltimore Sun that they're presumed dead.

∎ The University of Maryland Medical Center's trauma center treated one patient from the collapse who has been discharged, Michael Schwartzberg, the medical center's spokesperson, said in an email. Schwartzberg declined to say more about the person's injuries, citing patient privacy concerns.

∎ Dr. David Efron, the center’s chief of trauma, said falling from the bridge − with clearance of more 185 feet − into 48-degree water would present life-threatening risks. Being submerged for more than an hour in water at that temperature is “almost invariably going to not be survivable.”

∎  The National Transportation Safety Board is scheduled to hold a news conference about its investigation into the incident Tuesday afternoon.

∎ Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott issued a state of emergency to better mobilize resources and work quickly to "address this crisis," he said in a post on X . The governor of Maryland issued a state of emergency earlier Tuesday.

Crew lost control as propulsion deserted ship, report says

The Dali lost propulsion leaving port and its crew lost control of the ship, prompting the crew to alert Maryland officials of a possible collision, an unclassified Department of Homeland Security report revealed Tuesday.

An official who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to USA TODAY that the DHS cybersecurity agency is working with federal, state and local officials "to understand the potential impacts of this morning’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge."

This was not the Dali's first harsh encounter with a pier, and that time its leadership was determined to be at fault. It's too early to know what caused Tuesday's accident.

The cargo ship that  struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge  collided with a shipping dock in Belgium in 2016. That incident occurred as the Dali was leaving port in Antwerp and hit a loading pier made of stone, causing damage to the ship’s stern, according to the VesselFinder.com website, which tracks ships across the world. An investigation determined a mistake made by the ship’s master and pilot was to blame.

No one was injured in that crash, although the ship required repair and a full inspection before being returned to service. The pier – or berth – was also seriously damaged and had to be closed.

− Josh Meyer, Emily Le Coz and Claire Thornton

Two Guatemalan workers among six missing

Two Guatemalan nationals are among the six workers who were on the bridge when it was struck early Tuesday, the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry said. Their ages are 26 and 35, respectively, and their families have been notified, the ministry said in a statement, which also noted the other missing workers are from Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador. 

"We will continue requesting information from the authorities and information about search and rescue efforts to find the missing Guatemalans," the statement said.

− Eduardo Cuevas

What did the most recent inspection report say about the bridge?

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge was listed in overall fair condition in 2021, the most recent inspection report in the Federal Highway Administration’s  National Bridge Inventory  at the time of its  collapse early Tuesday morning . 

However, the database noted that, “Bank protection is in need of minor repairs. River control devices and embankment protection have a little minor damage. Banks and/or channel have minor amounts of drift.” 

Other structural elements showed  “some minor deterioration”  but were otherwise listed in satisfactory condition.

− Cecilia Garzella and Yoonserk Pyun

'We're with you': Biden says federal government will rebuild bridge

President Joe Biden said he intends for the federal government to cover the entire cost to rebuild the Key Bridge, and he committed not to leave “until this job gets done.”

“We're with you. We're going to stay with you as long as it takes,” Biden said Tuesday afternoon from the White House Roosevelt Room.

Biden said he spoke with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and other local and state officials about the bridge’s collapse, and said he would visit the site in the future. “I told them we're going to send all the federal resources they need as we respond to this emergency − I mean all the federal resources. And we're going to rebuild that port together.”

Biden said eight people remain unaccounted for, but the figure might change. Two people were rescued. "Everything so far indicates that his was a terrible accident,” Biden said, adding there’s no reason to believe it was intentional.

“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families, especially those waiting for news of their loved ones right now,” Biden said. “I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime.”

Biden said the ongoing rescue operation remains the top priority but relayed that he told Moore he has directed his team to “move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible."

− Joey Garrison

Crewman reports all on board Dali are safe

This past weekend, Andrew Middleton took the ship's captain and a crewman shopping at a nearby Walmart. Since 9/11, international crews have to be escorted by a vetted person through most port areas, and Middleton said it's fairly common for crews like the Dali's to request assistance from the Apostleship of the Sea Baltimore Stella Maris International Seafarers' Center, where he is the director. The group is part of the Catholic Church's Archdiocese of Baltimore.

"They were by all appearances in good spirits," Middleton said, and they chatted in his van about the ship's planned 28-day voyage around the Horn of Africa to Sri Lanka. Middleton said crews usually buy personal toiletries and snacks before long trips.

Middleton woke up Tuesday morning to the shocking news the ship hit the bridge, and he immediately messaged one of the crewmen via WhatsApp. "My question to him was, 'Is everyone OK?' And the answer was, 'Yes sir, everyone is safe,'" Middleton told USA TODAY.

The crew is still aboard the ship while authorities assess the situation. Middleton said he's prepared to send them any supplies they need if they're stuck aboard for an extended period. And he said he's making plans to help them once they're freed and returned to shore. He said he expects the Dali will be towed back into the harbor and docked for a damage assessment. Middleton added that he worries both about the missing workers from the bridge and also the port workers who may be temporarily unemployed if the harbor gets shut down.

"Obviously, this incident has a large impact on the port community,'' he said. "If this extends a long period of time, we're going to have longshoreman and stevedores who are not working, tugboat crews who are not working. It has the potential, if it becomes a drawn-out event, to affect many lives."

− Trevor Hughes

Commuter finds sight of damaged bridge 'devastating to watch'

Charlotte Robinson's commute from her home in Delaware to her accounting job in Washington, D.C., took a detour Tuesday morning, when driving over the Francis Scott Key Bridge wasn't an option. In the past she figured that route was safe, but the bridge's collapse sparked difficult discussions with her colleagues who commute.

"It was devastating to watch,'' Robinson said of the crumpled bridge after it was hit by a 985-foot-long cargo ship. "And you have to ask yourself, if that was me, what would my plan be? How would I try to survive this, if I was trapped, if my car went into the water?”

Robinson said she often sees ships passing under the bridge during her morning commute; in the evenings, when she’s on her way home, there are usually fewer boats. Tuesday, she said, “You could see all these boats, just lined up because they had no place to go.”

Another common sight during her commute was construction workers both on the bridge and below it, sometimes hanging over the water in harnesses. Her thoughts turned to those workers as she watched the news Tuesday in her office. "I almost couldn't breathe watching the news," she said.

− Phaedra Trethan

'It's devastating to the city'

Greg Trenchard, 43, awoke Tuesday to a flurry of text messages and missed calls from his out of state relatives checking in on him after hearing about the Key Bridge collapse.

“I’ve driven over it 100 times and now to see that it’s gone is pretty crazy,” he said Tuesday.

Trenchard, an auditor, said he then tried to make his way to Fort Armistead Park, where he’d come many times before to take photos of the bridge at sunrise and sunset. But the normally quick drive took nearly 40 minutes due to the traffic detours, and a police roadblock next to Royal Farms, a convenience store, about a mile and half from the park stopped him from getting any closer to the scene.

“It’s a blow,” he said of the collapse. “It’s devastating to the city, it’s devastating to port traffic and everything they’re trying to do to revitalize the shipping industry in Maryland and keep that going.”

– N'dea Yancey-Bragg

Air, land and water search underway

Multiple local, state and federal agencies are coordinating the massive search, which spans a vast section of the river – both above and below the surface of the water – and the ship itself, Wallace said. Divers, helicopters and sonar technology were being used and had located several vehicles submerged in the river, which is about 50-feet-deep where the bridge collapsed.

"This water is current influenced, so right now we think the tide is coming back in," he said.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said he is working with an interagency team to "quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration."

"This is an unthinkable tragedy," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said at a news conference.

Expert says river current makes search more difficult

Jim Bellingham, the executive director for the Johns Hopkins Institute for Assured Autonomy and expert in marine robotics lives in nearby Fells Point, and talked to USA TODAY about some of the challenges faced by rescuers.

“Nothing is staying put in the ocean,” he said. “Everything is moving” in the Patapsco River, a tidal estuary, which presents just one difficulty for rescue efforts. Rescuers would have to determine the speed and direction of the current to figure out where to search – toward Baltimore Harbor, or out toward the Chesapeake Bay.

Bellingham said it’s likely any workers who may have been on the bridge would have been wearing reflective vests and even flotation devices that would improve visibility in the dark river. They might also have flares, and are more easily spotted by rescue helicopters.

Rescuers are using sonar, lights, cameras and robotic machinery as well as human divers, but Bellingham said divers would face their own risks, as the wreckage might not be stable.

The longer the search goes on, the less likely rescuers are to find survivors, given the temperature of the water, and the likelihood of people being trapped with little to no air. But Baltimore, with many Navy and Coast Guard facilities and military contractors nearby, might be as well prepared to deal with the disaster as any place.

“Their job is to rescue people,” Bellingham said. “They want to believe they can do that, and there’s a tendency not to want to give up.”

– Phaedra Trethan

Cargo ship was headed for Sri Lanka

The container vessel was chartered by the major shipping company Maersk and was carrying its cargo, according to a statement from the company. When it crashed into the bridge, no Maersk crew and personnel were onboard the vessel, which is operated by charter vessel company Synergy Group and owned by Singapore-based Grace Ocean Pte.

The Dali was slated to arrive April 22 in Sri Lanka, according to MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service.

"We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected," Maersk said in a statement. "We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed."

Synergy Marine Corp said the Dali collided with one of the pillars of the bridge and that all its crew members, including two pilots, have been accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries.

U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Erin Palmer said at a news conference Tuesday that the agencies remain focused on search-and-rescue. She did not comment on the crew of the ship or provide additional details about the collision.

All vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore was suspended until further notice, but the port is still open for truck transports, Wiedefeld said. Traffic, meanwhile, is being diverted from the area around the Key Bridge.

Baltimore port closed to ships 'until further notice'

Shortly after the bridge collapse, the Port of Baltimore suspended vessel traffic “until further notice,” according to its website.

“This does not mean the Port of Baltimore is shut down. We are still processing trucks inside of our terminals,” the statement said.

But Bloomberg reported that the port “looks to be out of commission indefinitely.”

At least 40 ships are now more or less trapped inside the port, according to Reuters. At least 30 other ships planned to arrive there.

“They will likely have to reroute shipping to other ports on the East Coast,” said Kevin Linderman, a professor and supply chain expert at Pennsylvania State University. “However, this will put additional demand on these ports, and shippers may not be able to access US markets” as efficiently, he said.

“One critical question is, can the other ports handle the products that were destined to Baltimore?”

– Daniel de Visé

'A lot of tears' for families

Baltimore residents turned out to support those affected by the tragedy. Dozens of people gathered at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Turner Station during an emotional prayer vigil Tuesday evening.Faith leaders and city officials including Mayor Brandon Scott prayed for the families of those missing after the bridge collapse and the first responders working at the scene.“We can only imagine what is going through their minds and through their hearts and through their bodies. None of us want to experience that,” Scott said Tuesday. “We have to lift them up, support them not just today, not just tomorrow but for the foreseeable future.”Father Ako Walker, priest at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, said a prayer in Spanish to show solidarity with the six people who are still missing after the collapse. Following the vigil, Walker told reporters he has been providing support to family members whose loved ones are missing.“It’s difficult for them,” he said. “You know, you can see the pain etched on their faces. There’s a lot of tears.”

Will the Baltimore bridge collapse impact cruises?

Baltimore is a destination for several major cruise lines. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival have April sailings that could be impacted by the bridge collapse, according to their websites. 

Carnival told USA TODAY it was premature to comment on impacts to future sailings.

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website. The cruise line told USA TODAY their schedules remain unaffected but will make adjustments if needed to future cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September.

– Eve Chen and Nathan Diller

Will the port shutdown affect consumer goods, prices?

Several big firms have distribution warehouses near the port, including Amazon and FedEx, one analyst noted in a tweet on X.  

Even so, some analysts predict only a minimal impact on the movement of goods up and down the East Coast from the bridge collapse.

Baltimore’s port holds just 4% of all East Coast trade volume, according to S&P Global. New York’s port, by contrast, does 38% of that business.

Yet, the port offers the deepest harbor in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, is closer to the Midwest than any other East Coast port, and is within an overnight drive of one-third of the US population, according to the port website .

The port boasts five public and 12 private terminals. In 2023, it ranked first in the nation in handling automobiles and light trucks. 

“For the American consumer, the biggest impact will be felt in terms of imported motor vehicles,” said Jason Miller, a business professor at Michigan State University. If sales remain strong, he said, “we could see inventories drop on the lots of dealers that sell imported vehicles until alternative arrangements can be made. This could increase motor vehicle prices for some makes and models.”

Alternate routes around collapsed Baltimore bridge

The Maryland Transportation Authority was suggesting drivers take Interstate 95 or Interstate 895 as alternatives to the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge along Interstate 695.

“I-695 Outer Loop closed at MD 10 (exit 2) and Inner Loop closed at MD 157/Peninsula Exp (exit 43),” MDTA said in a post on X.

Drivers could take several other, longer routes around Baltimore, but I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) and I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) are the most direct alternatives across the water.

There are few exceptions.

MDTA notes, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel.

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

How cold is the Patapsco River?

The Patapsco River is about 50 feet deep where the ship hit the bridge, officials said during a press conference Tuesday morning. Part of the 39-mile river helps form the Baltimore Harbor, just northwest of the bridge collapse, and it flows out to the Chesapeake Bay.

A buoy in the Patapsco River indicated the water temperature Tuesday morning was currently about 47 degrees, while the air is around 41 degrees, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Whereas hypothermia is thought to occur at very cold temperatures, it can occur in waters below 70 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Key Bridge collapse draws comparisons to Florida's Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse

In 1980, a Florida bridge also collapsed after a ship collided with it, leading to the deaths of 35 motorists and bus passengers.

A 1,200-foot chunk of the Sunshine Skyway bridge – which connects St. Petersburg and Bradenton – collapsed after the massive Summit Venture freighter slammed into one of its central support piers.

When the section of the bridge fell into Tampa Bay, it took a truck, seven cars and a Greyhound bus with it.

The Herald-Tribune, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported the crash happened during an intense thunderstorm , with winds reaching 80 mph and heavy rain. At the time, visibility was near-zero, according to local historians who made a documentary film about the collapse.

After the collapse, the freighter remained stuck beneath the bridge, with part of the roadway on top of its bow. Photos from the time also show how one motorist was able to skip his car to a stop just inches away from where the bridge fell into the water.

-Claire Thornton

How vital is the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named for the author of the "Star Spangled Banner," is a 1.6-mile, 4-lane bridge that crosses over the Patapsco River, according to the MDTA. It opened in 1977.

The port’s private and public terminals handled 847,158 autos and light trucks in 2023, the most of any U.S. port. The port also handles farm and construction machinery, sugar, gypsum and coal, according to a Maryland government website.

The span is the outermost of three major Patapsco River crossings at Baltimore Harbor, according to the American Civil Engineering Society. The steel-arched bridge, with a total length of 8,636 feet, was the second-longest continuous-truss bridge span in the world when it was built and remains the second longest in the United States and third in the world, according to the society .

Contributing: Reuters; Tom Vanden Brook, Eduardo Cuevas , USA TODAY

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