WHILE the white sandy beaches and clear blue waters make the Maldives a bucket list destination for many, its price tag leaves a lot to be desired.
But one woman on TikTok revealed how she secured free accommodation, food, and other activities in the Maldives without spending a penny.
TikTok/monicaroamsTikTok user Monica has revealed how she bagged a free stay in the Maldives[/caption]
While Monica, who is known as monicaroams on the social media platform, was originally invited to the Maldives on a free trip through work, she extended her stay for an additional month at no extra cost.
In a video on TikTok, she said: “So you know what I did, I applied to a work exchange, and within like two hours, they replied to me.
“And now I have free housing, free scuba diving, and free food for a month in exchange for me working in a juice bar on an island in the Maldives.
“Take this as your sign to go and do a work exchange and live somewhere you want to live for basically free.”
Towards the end of the video, which Monica filmed on a beach in the Maldives, she revealed how she uses a scheme called Worldpackers to source all of her work exchange opportunities.
The Worldpackers app is free to download, although membership costs around £40 per year.
Once they’re members, users can then apply for as many experiences as they want.
Sun Online Travel scoured the Worldpackers website to see what else was on offer, and there were plenty of exotic destinations to choose from.
For example, users can stay in a small eco-hostel in Las Galeras in the Dominican Republic for free in exchange for some housekeeping, cleaning, and bartending work.
As well as being able to stay in the hostel for free, other perks include a free laundry service, free tours as well as free drinks, and access to hostel parties.
Meanwhile, another hotel in Polizzi Generosa in Sicily asks volunteers to work as bartenders and waiters in exchange for free accommodation.
Monica’s video has had more than 50,000 views, with hundreds of users flooding the comments to share their opinions.
Many people described Monica’s free stay as “amazing” and wanted to give Worldpackers a try too.
Last year, TikToker and travel expert Elie Stalard also revealed how she used Worldpackers to secure free accommodation.
But if you don’t fancy volunteering at a hotel or hostel, then there are other ways to nab free holidays too.
Keith Barker has been using house sitting programmes to travel for the world for free.
In the last 15 years, he’s lived in Mexico, Hawaii, Panama and Portugal without spending a penny on hotels and other accommodation options.
Meanwhile, one woman has been on 84 holidays for free by using a Home Exchange service.
TikTok/monicaroamsShe bagged her free stay through a website called Worldpackers[/caption]