In a perfect world backpackers would travel with free housing wherever they go. Unfortunately, the world is not perfect. The good thing is that the world gives us compromises. One of the better avenues that travelers can pursue in order to save money is through volunteering in exchange for free accommodation.
The most used platforms for finding hosts are Workaway, Worldpackers, and WWOOF. A couple other methods for finding and contacting potential hosts are through travel groups and direct messaging on social media platforms.
Below are 11 tips to improve your volunteering experience from start to finish.
1. Volunteer No More than 25 Hours per Week
Hosts will list certain requirements for a position, one of them being work hours. In my opinion, 25 hours is a solid limit. If you work more than that the gig takes away from your free time. Something like 6 hour shifts for 4 days per week is a good barometer.
2. Prioritize Hosts with Recent Reviews
Hosts that have received recent reviews, let’s say within the previous 2 months, show that they have a consistently functioning operation. It’s easier to assume that they know what they’re doing.
3. Identify the Exact Shifts/Times You Will be Working
Some of the information on hosts’ profiles can be ambiguous or up for interpretation. Make sure you get all the details. Some of us don’t want to work overnight, wake up early, work every single weekend, etc.
4. Filter out Hosts that Don’t Have Specific Descriptions of Work Tasks
Save yourself some time. It can be exhausting contacting hosts just to ask a bunch of questions about them or their operation, especially if they don’t respond in a timely fashion. You’re better off skipping over them.
5. Create a Complete Profile for Yourself
When creating a user profile on volunteering platforms, put as much information and photos as you can according to what each platform allows. Answer any potential questions in your bio and be transparent.
6. Prioritize Host Response Times Based on Your Time Horizons
Hosts have average response times listed on websites such as Worldpackers or Workaway. Obviously, the quicker the better. If you are starting your search with enough time in advance, maybe you could afford to wait a little while longer for them to respond to your inquiry if they provide something that greatly interests you more than other things. Contrarily, you might want to only contact people that respond within 1 day. It all depends on your level of urgency. Doing this keeps your search efficient.
7. Don’t Waste Anyone’s Time
Don’t message anyone with inquiries if you don’t have true intentions of potentially working for them. You’d be wasting your time as much as you’re wasting their time.
8. Identify a Specific Country and/or Region Before Contacting Hosts
It’s cool to search different parts of the world for volunteering opportunities. Sometimes it can lead you nowhere. Whether you’re planning a trip or in the middle of one, instead of directing your travels based on what gigs you find, just identify a destination first and then search what’s available in the area. It makes decisions less difficult.
9. Stick to What You’re Good at
For your first gig, consider roles that you believe would be easy for you. If you prefer to learn something new, go for it. I understand. My personal belief is that if something comes easily to you, it feels like less of a “job”. Do something you would enjoy. It’s that simple.
10. Reviews and Sources of Recommendations are Important
Pay attention to volunteer reviews. Never seek out hosts based off something someone has told you that has had no direct experience working for them.
11. Free Food Goes a Long Way
I always look for hosts that provide a free healthy breakfast or something of the sort. It’s usually a sign that your work is appreciated. Plus, saving money on food every day can really pay off in the long run.
