Have you ever wondered what it's like to live like a local while traveling? Well, it's possible! You might’ve heard of Wwoof, Workaway, or even Worldpackers. These are platforms that connect you to volunteering opportunities all over the world.
The concept is very simple: you work a few hours a day in exchange for free food and a place to stay. Each project is unique and can have you doing all sorts of tasks!
This way of traveling helps you dive deeper into local communities because you’re living right there with them—sometimes for a few days, weeks, or even months. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore, since your basics are covered. You only need to worry about spending money during your free time.
Why volunteer while traveling?
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Learn new skills (or improve the ones you've got)
Depending on the gig, you might end up taking on tasks you’ve never done before. It’s a great chance to pick up new skills or work on the ones you already have. These are life skills that you'll bring along with you. And with the variety of tasks? You’re sure to learn a looot along the way.
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Boost your language skills
Living with locals is an awesome way to practice a new language since you’re often surrounded by it. If you're learning a language, you’ll have plenty of chances to use it. You'll definitely get an immersive experience.
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Socialize and make new friends
Staying with a host family or community means you’re going to meet a new people—whether they’re locals, neighbours, or other volunteers. It’s a cool way to expand your social circle with friends from all over the globe.
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Gain fresh perspectives
Trying out new tasks in unfamiliar places can give you ideas and experiences you wouldn’t usually have. It can open your mind to different ways of living and help you discover new activities you might want to bring into your own life. It will be with no doubt an enriching experience.
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Become more adaptable to change
These volunteer projects often push you out of your comfort zone, teaching you how to handle new situations. It’s a good way to become more flexible and comfortable with change. It's an amazing way to push yourself and your boundaries outside of familiar environments.
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Immerse yourself in the local culture
There’s no better way to really get to know a place than by living in it. Staying with locals gives you an inside look at their way of life, traditions, and day-to-day routines. You might even find yourself in a part of the country that you hadn’t planned to visit, discovering towns and villages off the beaten track.
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Free food and a place to stay
Since you’re working a few hours a day, food and accommodation are usually included. This makes it a solid option for budget-conscious travelers who want to keep costs low. Depending on your activities outside, you could go days without spending a penny!
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Live new experiences!
Volunteering gives you a chance to experience life in ways you wouldn’t normally. You’ll gain memories and skills that will stick with you forever—and those memories are priceless.
A quick breakdown of popular platforms:
Workaway has tons of projects around the world! Whether it’s gardening, pet sitting, farm work, or helping with social media—whatever you're into, they’ve got it. The platform has been around for over 20 years, so it’s had plenty of time to grow, and you’ll definitely find something that fits what you're looking for. There’s a yearly membership fee to create your profile and contact hosts, but it’s very affordable.
Bonus: Workaway lets you connect with other travelers too, so you might even find a travel buddy while you’re at it!
WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is all about organic farming. If permaculture or eco-friendly living is your thing, WWOOF is the perfect platform. It's been around for a while and has strong recognition across the globe. Just keep in mind, unlike Workaway, you’ll need to pay for a membership for each country you’re interested in because every country has its own WWOOF website.
Worldpackers offers a mix of cool projects, including community work, NGOs, hostels or living with local families. They’ve also got your back with a safety system in place and backup insurance if anything goes sideways during your volunteering stay.
HelpX is another platform where you can find all kinds of volunteer opportunities. Like Workaway, you can end up working on projects with families or in community settings or really, anything! They’ve got a solid support system too if things don’t go as planned.
Their website feels a bit old-school, so it might take you a little longer to navigate compared to Workaway or Worldpackers.
What to do before going on a project?
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Get informed and see if the project is right for you
You’re going to be living at this place for a few days or maybe even weeks, so you want to make sure you’ll be taken care of. Before diving in, check out the ratings and reviews from past volunteers. It’s a great way to get a feel for what the experience will be like! Each project usually lists what’s expected, so you’ll have a good idea of what you’re signing up for.
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Message the host
Once you’ve found something that looks good, send the host a message! It’s a chance to introduce yourself, ask any questions, and set up dates. Plus, it’ll help you get a feel for the vibe of the host.
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Align your expectations
The last thing you want is for you and the host to have different expectations. Make sure you’re clear on the type of work you’ll be doing, what’s covered during your stay (like food, accommodation and anything else), and how many hours you’ll be expected to work.
All you've got to do after that is to enjoy your adventure!
All four platforms offer amazing opportunities. It really comes down to what you’re after in terms of experience and the skills you'd like to gain or improve.
Happy travels!
