With a destination within driving distance, whether hours or days away, you can travel cheaply by carpooling and sharing the gas purchases. Using a college billboard, the classified section of your local newspaper or an online travel site can provide you with a way to find others also traveling where you want to go. Even if you can only carpool one way, you'll save a lot of money over going it alone. However, it's important to be careful when choosing a travel mate this way. Spend some time with the person, check references, and work out all the arrangements in advance.
If you plan to travel abroad, consider working as a crew member on a ship or yacht headed where you want to go. Not only will you get free passage out of the deal, but you'll make some extra spending money for your time overseas.
When it comes to accommodations, you will find several options available to you. Finding a house sitting gig is a free way to put a roof over your head, although it does come with some responsibility. If you rent your own house out while you're gone, you can offset the cost of a hotel room for the duration of the trip. Hostels and camping sites are both economical options you will find throughout the World.
Choosing to volunteer where you're visiting can pay for your entire trip, or a good portion of it. On top of getting free transportation, in some cases, and accommodations in many cases, you can expect to engage in a rich experience that you will probably never forget.
You shouldn't expect the trip to be all fun and games but you'll have plenty of down time to be able to appreciate your surroundings. Teaching English, working with families, and conservation are just a few of the opportunities you'll find waiting for you.
If you want the usual travel amenities you're used to like car rentals, airplane tickets, and a hotel room, you can put together a group trip in order to keep he costs down. This will save you money on things like cab fare and sleeping accommodations, so the plane ticket's the only thing you will have to worry about paying full price for. You can even get great group rates for tourist attractions and events.