Yeah, has it been a rough year for you? Me too. The economy has taken bites out of two of my jobs this year, but that hasn’t stopped me. I’ve boarded five planes, have driven over 3,000 miles, and biked, well, a countless amount of roadways. What I have discovered this summer is that travel does not always have to be expensive.

Prior to this summer, it had been over ten years since I had visited the Windy City. Since June, I have been back three times. I mean, honestly, it’s that good. The best part is that I wasn’t stuck inside all day while I was there — I was out having a great time and experiencing the city. All of this, amazingly, was free.

Sound too good to be true? Okay, maybe a little. But aside from the act of getting to the city (gas money, plane or train ticket) and a place to stay (I am fortunate enough to have some great friends that let me annoy them by couch surfing), you really can have an amazing time without spending a dime.

Chicago Skyline by Jessie Barber

Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory – The zoo and conservatory are both free every day, 365 days per year. Check out hundred of animal and plant species while soaking in the awesome atmosphere of Lincoln Park.

Museum of Contemporary Art – Every Tuesday you can explore the four floors of this modern museum. It’s in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, but in the summer you can relax on their lawn and enjoy many exciting events that include picnics, live music, and even a Farmer’s Market.

The Art Institute of Chicago – Now for one of the big players in the Chicago museum game. Free admission is from 5-8pm on Thursdays, which is a steal considering that they recently opened the modern wing. It sits just to the south of Millennium Park, so after enjoying some sculpture outdoors, hop across the street and enjoy everything from Edward Hopper to early Egyptian sculpture. Remember that scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off where they are exploring famous art? Yeah, this is it.

Not enough free for you? Don’t forget the Chicago Cultural Center (free every day), the Buckingham Fountain, The Chicago History Museum (free on Mondays), The Museum of Contemporary Photography (free every day), or Navy Pier’s firework shows. There are beaches along Lake Michigan that can keep you entertained for hours (trust me, it’s prime people-watching). Check out some video from my trip while you’re at it.

In you’re interested in keeping your cost (and stresses) even lower, take along your bicycle. Chicago is not only a very flat city, but you’ll find bike lines on almost all streets. Be sure to brush up on your bicycle safety beforehand! If you don’t have a bike or can’t get yours to the city, you can rent one, grab the El Train, or a bus.

Alright, Magellan, now that you have the tools, run out and explore your favorite cities for free. You will be surprised how much you find when you take a look!

Jessie Barber is a free travel expert, photographer, graphic designer and all around artists. Check out her photos and portfolio.

I’m not going to lie to you – Dublin will empty your wallet if you’re not prepared. The businesses in the tourist areas like Temple Bar know how to get every last Euro off of tourists. That being said, there are a number of free things to do in Dublin that allow you to save your Euros for the pub.

The River Liffey in Dublin

The National Gallery – Ireland is a land of poets and writers you say – not painters. Not exactly. Check out the wing of Irish artists at the National Gallery to take a gander at Allegory by Seán Keating and Death by Harry Kernoff – it might just change your mind. And if you still favor the traditional giants of art, check out The Betrayal of Christ by Caravaggio. It’s an amazing piece that was discovered in a Jesuit convent in Dublin almost 20 years ago.

St. Patrick’s Park – As breathtaking as the inside of St. Patrick’s Cathedral is, the Park next to the Church offers up a formidable challenge. Lined with colorful flowers and plenty of park benches to eat your lunch and enjoy the laughter of small children, it’s an oasis in the middle of gray, dreary Dublin. In particular, try to catch the sun breaking through the clouds after one of the frequent – but short – showers Dublin is famous for to get the best views of the Church.

Museum of Modern Art – What makes this museum worth your time – and the slightly long walk from where most of the other sights are – is the collection of installations. About half of the museum focuses on an exhibit called “Between Metaphor and Object” with one of the stars being Filament II by Ann Hamilton. Filament II is a moving curtain suspended from the ceiling that allows visitors to step inside the curtain for an interesting perspective on the piece.

If you’re looking to spend a little, I recommend Kilmainham Gaol near the Museum of Modern Art. The tour is well worth the small admission price of 6 Euros.