There’s just something about competitive eating. Although it’s quite 
disgusting to watch, it’s hard not to enjoy campy festivals of gluttony. Make a visit to one of these competitive eating contests, and you’ll get to watch gurgitators take on the likes of legendary hot dogs, tongue testing jalapenos, and even pig’s feet. We dare you to count the calories.  

So you’ve decided to do it. You have a friend or family member who can store your belongings for an undetermined period of time, you’ve tied up loose ends, and your bags are packed. It’s time to start traveling long term!

But now what? You have a few family members and distant friends who have offered up a couch if you’re in their neck of the woods, but surely they won’t appreciate your arrival on their doorstep with no planned departure date in sight.

How then, do you travel long term and not run out of money? Hotels are expensive over time, and finding rental accommodation in every city you visit is impractical. Heck – you don’t even want to pay rent at all! Hostels are a great option as they are much cheaper and it’s a great place to meet others on the road.

"To travel cheap, you need to be looking for opportunities and be willing to take them. You have to be somewhat proactive and not be afraid to ask for advice, help, guidance. Ask for what you want—it's amazing what people are willing to give. I discovered that most people are very willing and are looking to give to the right person. You miss 100 percent of the opportunities you don't take..." 
We’ve all heard the old adage that the best things in life are always free. But most people assume this rule only applies to life’s little pleasures like smelling flowers or laughing with friends. And sure, those are nice, but what about those bigger pleasures, like jetting off across the world? Can you do that for free too?

Whether you’re a country bumpkin or a city slicker, it’s hard not to love a 
rodeo. With great food, exciting events, and plenty of entertainment, you’re sure to enjoy yourself wherever you go. Check out one of these rodeos during your travels for an old fashioned good time. 

The San Antonio Rodeo often plays second fiddle to Houston’s, but it’s not to be discounted. This event has grown to award $64 million to students. Most recently, the rodeo was expanded to include more retail access and accommodate its growing attendance, which reached 1.1 million in 2005.  

Who cares if London’s hotels and restaurants tend to be on the expensive side? No city in the world has more free stuff to do. In addition to world-class museums without a ticket admission, you get the parks, canal walks, super markets (Portobello Road Market at Notting Hill Gate, Camden Market at Chalk Farm Rd, wonderful Columbia Road Flower Market at Gosset St in East London etc) and maybe some royal-spotting, and you can fill a life. London, thank you!

Here’s the mere start of the free list: