You’re well-versed when it comes to travel-savings tips: Book your flight 54 days before you travel, fly mid-week, earn miles with credit card rewards. Leave those pointers to the rookies. Among us are travelers who have cracked a glorious code and figured out how to spin the globe for free. We’ve gathered the best ways to follow their lead. And even better than the money you’ll save, you’ll venture off the traditional tourist paths for a truly authentic experience (and in several cases, you’ll get paid to do so to boot).

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