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Twelve ways to holiday for free
  • Honest, you're not barking up the wrong tree. If you love the outdoors, then Wwoofing (World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) may be for you. In return for helping out with daily chores on a farm or smallholding, you can bag yourself free accommodation, food, and the opportunity to learn about organic lifestyles and meet new people. Farms are located worldwide and there's a membership fee of £20 for single membership and £30 for joint. For more info, see wwoof.org.uk.

  • Fancy swapping your semi in Putney for a penthouse pad in Penang? Sign up to a home exchange service and you could spend your next holiday in a converted loft apartment, thatched cottage or even waterfront mansions with its own speed boat. Many people become firm friends and even use each others' cars and feed their pets. Most organisations charge a nominal fee to sign up. For more info, see homeexchange.com.

  • There is no better way to get close up to nature than pitching your tent on a mountain or by a lake. There is no legal right to wild camp in England and Wales (Scotland is different) so you could be asked to move on. Seek permission if possible, don't stay long, protect wildlife, clear up your rubbish and keep your group size small. Wild camping is allowed in much of Europe. For more info, see walkingandhiking.co.uk.

  • Meet new friends and learn about local cultures, albeit while sleeping on their sofa. Hosts will show you the sights, take you to parties and provide experiences that tourists will never have. You don't even need to offer a sofa in return. Register for free and check out the coachsurfing community in 250 countries. For more info, see couchsurfing.com.
  • Fancy flitting off to Fiji, or how about pampering someone's pooch in France while they are away? Serial house sitters can jet off all over the world and stay in some amazing properties for free in exchange for pet-sitting duties, housekeeping, plant watering, and burglar watch. Registration is free for those with houses to offer but there's a charge to sign up as a sitter. For more info, see mindmyhouse.com.

  • If you're the adventurous or active type with outdoors activity qualifications in mountaineering, climbing or first aid then Explorers Connect could hook you up with some incredible opportunities to lead treks and expeditions all over the world. Current jobs on the site include trekking managers for the Himalayas, zoological field assistants in Antarctica and mechanics and drivers in India. Visit explorersconnect.com for more details.

  • Step off the tread mill and recharge your batteries with a one-day or weekend retreat in some of the most tranquil and beautiful parts of the UK. Retreats usually encompass meditation and/or yoga sessions, workshops and talks on general wellbeing as well as the opportunity soak up some solitude and eat delicious vegetarian meals. Monasteries, Buddhist centres and retreat centres offer 'free' retreats although voluntary contributions are welcome. For more info, see globalretreatcentre.org.uk.

  • If you're looking for excitement and adventure, why not take to the seas on a Superyacht. Owners are always looking for crew - and even if you're not a qualified sailor, you may be able to work as a host, chef or waitress. It can be hard work but you may get to meet a few celebs and, when not lazing on deck, earn excellent tips! For more info, see globalcrewnetwork.com/.

  • There are hundreds of free events, exhibitions and festivals happening every month across the UK, including the Free Fringe in Edinburgh in August, The Big Cheese festival in Caerphilly, Wales on 26-28th July and many more carnivals, concerts, film screenings and family workshops. For more info, see free-events.co.uk

  • Gather a group of your mates together and sell them the idea of taking a ski, golf or tennis break - with you as the organiser, which means you travel for free. Tour operators offer generous group deals – up to one free place for four people - particularly for early bookers and during low season when they still have lots of holidays to sell...

  • Are you penniless artist suffering for your work? Then you could take a break and head to the beautiful Languedoc region in France and swap your art for a free stay at La Muse Inn. The inn is made of local stone and wood and parts of it date back to the 12th Century. Writers, musicians and artists can barter their works for free accommodation and a few days of work per week.

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