Author(s): Brian Thacker

Literature

Freeload: /friloud/, v.i.to contrive to take food, benefits, etc, without paying or contributing; cadge. Freeloader, n. Slang.Brian Thacker is globe-trotting again, but this time, he's got himself a goal. Well, three actually:1. Get free accommodation 2. See the world from a local's perspective 3. Save money. It's well known that Brian can find a friend, a party and a free drink almost anywhere in the world - and that he loves to make a rupee go as far as it can. But can he really make it through a dozen countries without spending a cent on accommodation (and no Brian, you can't crash at a mate's)? After all, Global Freeloading may be the hottest way to travel right now but there's no such thing as a free lunch, of a free bed, right? Grab your passport, strap yourself in and join Brian as he travels through South America, The United States, Africa, India, Iceland and many places in between, sleeping on floors and couches, under drum kits and in backyards, hanging out with some of the strangest, most charming, entertaining or just plain out-of-hand people you could hope - or hope not - to meet.There's the charming and extremely hygienic Daniel Ortega of Santiago; the lovely Mariana Violante of Rio de Janeiro, who is, in her own words, the coolest Carioca in Rio and the happiest girl you'll ever meet', and of course Bob and his pals in Chicago.