Have you ever thought about volunteering abroad? Or maybe you’ve looked for programs to work abroad for a year? Many people work online and travel, but did you know you can volunteer work for free accommodation? And sometimes meals or more! It’s true. We will show you how to travel the world for free. Well… Not literally, but let us explain.
Worldpackers is a collaborative platform that connects travelers willing to help with hosts who need a helping hand, all around the world. Either by work exchange or volunteering abroad in social or eco projects, you can join the community of 1.5+ Million people and start to travel for free with hosts spread over 170 countries!
- What is work exchange and how does it work?
- Why we chose Worldpackers
- Types of volunteer work and programs
- Why do a Work Exchange or Volunteer abroad?
- How to start? 3 Simple steps
Join Worldpackers community now! Sign in through this link and get an immediate 10$ discount to travel 1 year for free! What are you waiting for?
What is work exchange and how does it work?
Work exchange is a concept also called Work Travel or Voluntourism. It basically means exchanging your work, abilities, and time for accommodation and sometimes other benefits like meals or yoga classes.
There are endless types of work you can do in many different places. From basic tasks like some hostel jobs (housekeeping or welcoming guests) to more advanced tasks like marketing or social media of a starting company. Simple as: you offer your help, and they offer you a bed (at least)!
The conditions are different from place to place and should be agreed upon beforehand!
Related: Budget Travel – How we traveled Asia for 10€/day!
Why we chose Worldpackers
Worldpackers is a great platform to find work abroad programs and some of the best volunteer abroad programs all around the world. Between work exchange, social projects, and eco programs, there are hundreds of options all around the world.
Worldpackers also has a 24/7 support center and a complete blog full of useful information on how to use the platform efficiently, plan your trip, and get inspired! If you still have any questions or doubts you can get in contact with the ‘experts’ who are experienced travelers ready to help you. (Click on this link and head to the ‘’community’’ tab)
Types of volunteer work and programs
There is a huge variety of volunteer jobs you can find within Worldpackers, from very basic to more specialized. These are some of the most common:
- Photography and videography;
- Community work;
- Language teaching;
- Welcoming & Helping Guests;
- Social Media & Marketing;
- Cleaning and other housekeeping tasks;
- Renovation and maintenance;
- Bartending or Entertaining guests;
- Kitchen help;
- Gardening;
- Sports teacher;
- Eco Activities.
It only requires a yearly fee of 49$ to join the platform which will be paid after the first week of free accommodation. Click this link and get an immediate 10$ discount. By saving money you are also helping us! Thank you 🙂
Why do a Work Exchange or Volunteer abroad?
Here are some reasons why you should include work exchange or volunteering abroad in your plans:
Cheapest way to travel
Accommodation is typically around 50% of the total travel costs. Hosts offer accommodation, some food, and sometimes more to volunteers. You can spend close to nothing!
Related: 7 Types of Accommodation for different Travel Styles
Slow-Travel friendly
It’s perfect for those who like to travel slowly and get to know the area a little bit better and the local customs.
Live like a local and with the locals
When you spend enough time in a place, you start to create some connections with locals, go to the places they go, eat the food they eat, and attend the events they attend.
Experiences
Living in a new place, with a completely new routine is an amazing experience itself, but it will bring other cool experiences along for sure!
Related: Is Travel Insurance worth it? Everything you need to know
Relationships from all over the world
You will spend a lot of your time not only with local people but also with people from all over the world. Learning new perspectives, realities, and cultures!
Learning languages
Besides improving your English, you’ll probably learn a bit about the local language as well.
Develop skills
In volunteer travel your duty is helping a business new to you. You will not only develop the agreed skills but you will probably end up developing others skills too!
How to start? 3 Simple steps
1 – Sign in!
The process takes 5 minutes. Click this link which already includes a 10$ discount. By saving money you are also supporting TravelB4Settle. Thank you! 🙂
2 – Create a customized profile
Fill up your interests, what type of trip you are going for, and where. Complete your profile with some personal information, skills, and languages spoken. The better your profile looks, the easier it is to be accepted by hosts!
3 – Start applying!
Use the various filters Worldpackers have to search for a job you like, where you like! Read the host reviews and what are the terms proposed. What are your responsibilities and what do you get in return?
4 – Enjoy!
Were you accepted? Great! Now prepare for your trip and have fun!
OK now we showed you how to travel the world (almost) for free. The question is… Why are you still reading this? It doesn’t matter if is work exchange or volunteering abroad, grab your things and get out there!
We will see each other around… Somewhere!!
With love,
Matilde & Miguel
(Full disclosure: Assume every link in this post is an affiliate, which means we get a small compensation if you use them. Thanks for supporting TravelB4Settle!)
Useful links for your next trip!
Some tools and platforms we use and recommend. By using these links, you help TravelB4Settle! Thanks 🙂
- Travel safe with Heymondo. Travel insurances with the best prices on the market, specialized for travellers, flexible plans and high coverages. Get a fast quote with 5% discount.
- Revolut Card – Free transfers and cash withdrawals abroad without fees. Get your free card
- Book flights with Kiwi for good deals, advanced research and flexible trips.
- Book an apartment you like with Airbnb, a hostel with HostelWorld or any accommodation with Booking!
- Rent a car with Rentalcars, comparing vehicles and prices before travelling!
- Get cashback in more than 120.000 online and offline stores with CashbackWorld . Read our complete guide
More tools, equipment and services we use and recommend on our Resources Page.
