How would you like to vacation in a dream location and never pay a dime for your accommodations? Or travel the United States all expenses paid? Sound impossible? It's not - here are five creative ways to travel free:

1. Take advantage of RV courier travel. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 88 who has a driver's license can take a vacation and earn money by driv­ing recreational vehicles across North America. RV driving is a no-stress, enjoyable way to see America for free—and you get paid to do it! Depending on how many trips you want to take, you could earn as much as $50,000 a year. The company pays your expenses, provides insurance coverage and you sleep right in the RV—most are very comfortable.

Your destination is on a first-come, first-served basis. But the route you take is left up to you as long as you arrive at the final destina­tion in a reasonable amount of time (usually about one week). How about a stop at the Grand Canyon as you make your way across the U.S.? And you can end up back where you started and make even more money—by picking up another vehicle and driving it home!

You don't need any special training—RVs handle just like the family car. And contrary to the myth that senior citizens are poor drivers, some companies actually seek out retirees because of maturity and experience.

Check your local Yellow Pages under "Motor Homes" or "Recreational Vehicles" for a nearby company that needs drivers. The best place to find out about the companies in your area is Craig Chilton's book, How to Get Paid $50,000 a Year to Travel: Without Selling Anything.

2. Set up shop as a part-time group tour planner/tour escort. Not only can you get a complimentary vacation for every 15 people you sell a vacation to—you also get income from travel agency commissions (usually 10%-15% of the airfare, hotels and tours you arrange). Since you're in business for your­self, your trip expenses are tax-deductible—as are any travel expenses when you "scout" new destinations.

All you need to get started is the ability to think on your feet and relate to all kinds and ages of people. To find clients, contact churches, banks (they frequently have senior citizen clubs), high school graduating classes, garden clubs, needlework guilds, investment clubs—any group of people that are used to doing things together.

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