Best Volunteer Work Trades for Long-Term Travel

Workaway

My first workaway I spent in the middle of northern Thailand, on a permaculture/yoga retreat building eco-houses, cooking Thai food, biking the mountain passes and learning yoga and meditation. All in exchange for a couple of hours of work each day. I met amazing travelers, locals and I learned numerous skills. All for free. Food was fresh from the trees or from other farms, and we slept under the stars in our mosquito nets.

Workaway is an incredible resource because it challenges the work economy and gives your travel life purpose. About half-way through my time in Asia, I wanted to give back somehow but I wasn’t keen on getting an apartment and spending a lot of money. A friend told me about Workaway and since then I’ve been hosted by organizations, families and people from all over Asia.

A world-wide community of global travelers, Workaway connects nomads with hosts that offer a bed to sleep on (or hammock, mattress etc.) and daily meals in exchange for a half/full day’s work. It’s 30USD for a full-year membership and you can find hosts based on your interests, or what kind of work you are interested in doing. From teaching English, to housekeeping and managing bookings at a hostel, gardening, carpentry, art projects, farm work, hiking guides, language practise, computer help...the list is endless. And depending on which country you’re looking for, you’ll find a range of hosting opportunities there.

I recommend contacting the hosts and setting up specific dates immediately as some spots fill up quickly. Most hosts require a two week - one month minimum stay as it helps with their business or project, so planning in advance helps you construct an idea of where you will need to be at certain points along your travels.

Set up your profile at: www.workaway.info and enjoy the benefits of volunteering for free, working with locals and learning about the land you are visiting.

WWOOF

As opposed to Workaway, WWOOFing is more specific in its orientation and goals. It is an international movement that links volunteers with organic farmers and growers promoting educational experiences. This is a non-monetary exchange where your live and work alongside your host and help them with their daily tasks as a farmer.

Destinations are worldwide and like Workaway, there is a small, yearly membership fee to keep your profile active. With a list of organic farmers in many countries, WWOOFing sets up a cultural partnership: people willing to work for food and accommodation while also learning about a different way of life.

A great opportunity for those interested in sustainability; likewise, if you are a farmer and need help but cannot afford to hire workers, you can set up a hosting service.

www.wwoof.net

HelpX

This site is almost identical to Workaway, but with some aesthetic changes. HelpX is also a database of people and organizations located around the world that are looking for volunteers to help with a huge range of tasks, but the registration free with HelpX is cheaper than Workaway and the browsing site is cleaner in its organization.

That said, both websites use the same model of signing up and browsing the site for a list of hosts in a multitude of countries. Accommodation ranges from farmstays to B&B’s, and even a category for boats.

Both HelpX and Workaway offer some obscure and fun experiences but really it is just about preference on which website you choose. You’ll be better off sticking to one to save time scrolling through web pages but also to save money on membership fees.

www.helpx.net

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing doesn’t offer volunteer opportunities but I’ve included it in because it’s a great way to travel for free, especially in pricier places like Europe. Once you register and set up a profile for free, you can connect with families and individuals in nearly every country on the planet; however, check ahead of time to see who can host you and on which specific dates as some may not be accepting guests, or they may be full.

Though there is no organized skill exchange, and food is often your responsibility, some hosts may provide meals, tours of their city or even spend evenings teaching you part of their language while you help cook a few meals. I’ve had numerous hosts advertise they were seeking someone who could speak English with them and in return they would take me to the best local spots in town. Like gift-culture or a gift-economy.

A great way to live the life of a local, away from tourism and consumerism, just do not overstay your welcome and remember you are a guest in someone’s home, in someone’s country.

www.couchsurfing.com