USA

Priceline is my favourite website for flights. When you can fly from LAX to New York for $1 + $35 taxes, you know you've got yourself a deal. I didn't actually book that flight, as I didn't actually need to cross the US that day, but I'm sure you can get a cheap fare like that. At priceline.com there is a box below the main booking interface called "Name your own price". This is where you choose how much you want to pay! Having trouble? Bidding for Travel can help you out.

United Kingdom

In the UK it's usually just best to go straight to the airline. You've heard it before, and I'll stress it again: RyanAir and EasyJet are the cheapest for European flights. I stumbled upon a deal today... free flights. Nothing to pay. Not even taxes (they're included). That's on RyanAir. Wow - I wonder how they can be in the top 3 most profitable airlines in the world when they "sell" tickets like that?

Australia

Australia is one of the most expensive places to fly in, distance-wise, and there aren't really that many super-cheap sales. However, Jetstar gives tickets about AU$200 less than the other airlines. It's budget - but once you factor in food and everything you're still getting a huge discount. Jetstar also has on-demand in-flight entertainment - something the other domestic airlines don't have. So if you're willing to connect in Melbourne Airport and good at lining up times, give Jetstar a go. If not, try Virgin Blue.

If you plan to take the cruise that leaves from Galveston, Texas on April 27th and departs for 13 nights to Barcelona, Spain then take this to heart. When you get to Barcelona, don't just get on the plane and head home. Please don't leave this beautiful city without visiting some of the sights such as the Sagrada Familia, the quirky buildings in Park Guell and the site of the Olympics game.

Being in Barcelona for three days last December, I can tell you that the city has a lot to offer. Don't plan to see it all in less than two days because you won't enjoy it. Staying three days was not enough but we managed to get around the city and take in most of the sights. The best way to see Barcelona is by bus. I recommend the Bus Turista, a double decker bus that circles the city, covering all points of interest including the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila (or La Pedrera), Casa Battlo, the Olympics site, Montjuic and the Gothic Quarter. Along the route, the bus passes by the University, Barcelona Cathedral and La Ramblas. You can get on and off at any Bus Turista stop with a valid ticket. Tickets may be purchased on board or in advance from tour companies such as the tour company that we are affiliated with.

The bus circles the entire (red) route in an hour but will take longer during busier traffic hours. On the first time around, we decided to stay on board and take in the audio program. When the bus circled around, we decided to get off at the Sagrada Familia for a closer look. Inside, Gaudi wanted the church to resemble a forest of trees, reaching towards the heavens. He was a genius, creating plaster models and leaving drawings behind for today's builders to finish his work. It truly looks like a forest inside, with the columns made out of different materials. A lift is available to take you high into one of the pinnacles, which has been dedicated to one of twelve apostles. The view from up top is spectacular.

The other architectural wonders of Gaudi are equally impressive. The man was certainly ahead of his time when he had designed La Pedrera, Casa Battlo and Park Guell. Be sure to give yourself ample time to visit each of his work which can be found throughout Barcelona.

This newsletter has been in operation since 1983, and with only a subscription, it hooks you up with some of the sweetest house sitting opportunities around the world.

"You can enjoy rent-free living as a property caretaker in desirable locations. Positions on estates, mansions, farms, ranches, resort homes, retreat centers, camps, hunting and fishing lodges, vacation homes, private islands, and any other kind of property imaginable are listed in The Gazette."

Learn how to be a real hardworking hippie. Receive world wide opportunities on organic farms with the help of WWOOF. While volunteering your time, you will get all of your rent and meals for free.

Like Caretaker Gazette, but for free and not as big-time. You make a profile and someone in need of a house sitter makes a profile, and then the website sends you to them. It's much like an online dating service, except for houses and people.

This is a network of people who open up their homes to travelers in need of a comfy series of pillows while on the road of adventure.

Like couch surfing.... I mean, Exactly like couch surfing. To be a part of this you have to be a host as well. If you don't offer your hospitality up within six months you get the boot.

This is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&B, inns, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation (board and lodging).

Their main locations are in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, USA, and others like Zimbabwe.

This is a smaller version of Help index but has several opportunities for pay in Australia and Europe. It is free and has a easy way to find postings.

This is the largest organization of work travel or free loading on the web. Or so they claim.

Just Do It

Alright, get off the couch and transfer your hind end to another couch across the world. Life is an adventure right?

"With every true friendship we build the basis for world peace..."

1. Hosts

   You ask, they serve. Isn't it a nice break to not have to go and fetch some apple juice yourself? And to have your meals delivered right to you, without having to move at all. Can't complain.

2. Entertainment

   Music, movies, games, radio, television shows and dramas. There's something for everyone when you're flying long-haul. You can watch a recent blockbuster, before listening to some calm, relaxing music, followed by an episode of your favourite drama.

3. Neighbours

   If the people sitting next to you are wide awake, and if you are too, perhaps a little conversation wouldn't hurt. You never know, you may find that you're sitting next to the most interesting person in the world!

4. View

   Looking out at the clouds... aren't they pretty? You can just imagine a city up there, with creatures light enough to stand on the clouds... or maybe it's just me who can imagine that. Anyhow, the view is often spectacular, and you can't miss the city and country views during takeoff and landing.

5. Food

   Although it may not always be great, there's always at least 1 item of food that's delicious, no matter how your appetite is. And best of all, it's made and served straight to you! 6. Relax: Flying long-haul is the perfect time to relax and ponder things over. All you have to do is sit down, and think. (You can also even listen to music on demand while you do this)

6. Travelling

   Last, but certainly not least, you're travelling! You have a new location to enjoy once you land. Often this is something to look forward to, after the long (and fun!) flight.