How do I start my journey?

I am very interested in going to other countries ( India, Africa, China, Thailand, & so many more!) , I have been seriously looking into it. I want to experience new cultures & ways of lives. I do not have a lot of money, nor do I plan to have a lot of money to travel.. How do I go about that? I've looked at doing volunteer work for room & board... but are there other ways to travel overseas, live there & experience their way of life? I've also looked at volunteering at orphanages.. but I really do not know where to start.. or how to start my journey. I was kind of hoping that someone would be able to point me to some information on this & how to start my journey. Stories from experience or just knowing where to find the info would be great!