With this article, I offer you a chance to follow your dream to travel by providing you with the best budget tool I know to help you save thousands of dollars, many hours, and your mental health. Today, I’m diving into the world of Worldpackers and how to use the app effectively to make your travel dreams a reality. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, this guide is packed with all the tips and tricks you need to know to embark on your next journey without having to save up for months or years.
I present to you…
Worldpackers
Worldpackers is a service that provides travelers who have a limited budget and some extra time the chance to travel the world. They do this by connecting those who want to travel to people who require some assistance of some sort. This exchange becomes a volunteer situation and is extremely customizable so you can be sure you’re getting exactly what you need. Volunteering with Worldpackers is simple but there are some things to know so you get to your dream destination as soon as possible.
With this being a paid service you may ask…
“is it worth it?”
Let’s Say you want to go to a large city but all hotels and Airbnbs are over $90 a night. With Worldpackers, your accommodation can be paid with less than 15 hours, saving you over $600 for a one-week stay.
You’ve also gotten to involve yourself in the local culture and maybe even learn a new skill. Now imagine that you want to travel for months?
Oh yeah, it’s worth it.
Before you pay
At no cost to you, FOR FREE, you can view all the wonderful experiences that are waiting for you on the website or app. It only comes time to pay once you want to set your plans in stone and speak to your future host! Don’t get stuck “window shopping” the experiences though. Daydreaming can be fun, but you are closer than ever to going out and experiencing the world like you never have before.
It takes a lot of courage to take the leap because
what if something bad happens?
Well…
What if something good happens?
The prices you see on the website are for the annual subscriptions so you can keep traveling all year if you desire! Their most popular plan (Solo Pack) offers you a tremendous amount of benefits that are given in the form of coupons and discounts for various travel-related services.
Want assistance learning a new language? They have a discount for that.
Want to get 20% off of hostels? Oh yeah. They have that.
The plans also won’t auto-renew so you won’t have any surprise responsibility the next year. They will send you a message asking if you’d like to renew your subscription.
These options above are also offered to couples who want to travel together. It’s way cheaper than getting 2 individual plans!
If you’ve taken multiple Worldpackers trips that year, your price will decrease on renewal.
You even have the chance to get the service for free!
Now lets get into what you’ll see on the site if you haven’t checked it out already.
You will be able to see what the hosts offer on their profile and you decide whether it’s an experience you want or not.
Some of the things that will be listed are
Meals provided
Meals can mean a lot of different things. It can mean pantry staples will be provided, you can think rice, pasta, beans, and and canned items. While thats true most of the time. I’ve had Worldpacker experiences where its all you can eat salmon and caviar. I’ve had experiences where any sort of sweet craving I had could only be resolved with a tortilla rolled with brown sugar. I’ve had experiences with delicious homecooked meals mixed with occasional take-out and buffet. It’s important to ask questions so you can understand what you’ll be getting.
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Hours they expect from you
Type of accommodation
Your choices are a shared room, tent, or private room.
- Hostels will often (not always) have you in a bunk room with other volunteers. This can be some peoples nightmare but people who volunteer at hostels understand that their living conditions have an effect on their roomates. I’ve never had a situation with unbearable volunteers that I had to sleep with. I’ve had quite the opposite where its actually fun to go to sleep and wake up with these people.
- Some volunteer experiences will have you placed in a tent for a portion of or your whole stay. Don’t knock a tent accommodation out of the equation immediately. Tent stays are a broad category on its own but to keep it short, on one side there are the traditional camping tents provided. The other side could be a glamping tent with a queen mattress, bedside table, and electricity! Ask questions! Always ask questions to know what you’re getting yourself into.
- Now the wonderful private room. A private room to me, means that I’ve been given a space to retreat to when im feeling overwhelmed, it means I have a space I can make my own. This is my prefered situation but please dont allow this to be the determining factor of your chosen experience.
You will miss out on so many amazing memories if you do
Utilities
- Another great time to ask questions is when you want to figure out the utilities situation. On their profile they’ll tell you but there are some unique situations. Ask what doing laundry is like, running water, is it hot water, electricity, internet, etc.
- One fun story involving this is I had an experience where I asked if the host had electricity and he said “Yes! I have solar panels here” and then it proceeded to be cloudy 90% of the time there. He had a generator as well but it was easy to see that it was excessive to run a generator to charge 1 phone.
These are all essential to learn about to get a general understanding of what life will be like once you’re with your new host. later in this post, I will show you a list of questions I ask every host once I get in contact with them.
Building your Profile
It’s time to build your profile. Don’t forget to showcase your skills, interests, and personality to stand out to potential hosts. The process is straight forward and each step will lead you into the next. One thing that I recommend people do is to create a video introducing yourself so your host can get a vibe check from you before anything. It doesn’t matter what you say or how you phrase things, just be genuinely you. Of course, you don’t need to do this step but…
everyone wants to know another before signing a contract to live with each other for a month.
Finding Opportunities
If you’ve created your account already, then you’ve completed the hardest part which is just getting started. There are thousands of experiences across the globe whether you want to volunteer on a farm in Italy that makes olive oil, a hostel staff member in Sweden with a view of the Alps, or a landscaper in Puerto Rico, there is an opportunity meant just for you!
Now that you’re finished creating an account you can use the search filters to narrow down your options based on location, duration, and skills required. You can read reviews from fellow travelers to ensure you’re choosing the perfect opportunity for you. You can also reach out to volunteers individually to ask about their experience with the host you want to apply for. Once you’ve found a match, reach out to the host and submit your application – it’s that simple!
By being able to pick and choose which experiences you want to volunteer for, you have nearly complete autonomy over how you’ll be living for the coming weeks or months. I say “nearly” complete autonomy because the nature of volunteer work comes with many unexpected benefits or challenges. They aren’t anything to be afraid of. On one side of the spectrum, I needed to hand wash clothes unexpectedly for a couple of months (was it really that bad? No.) On the other side, I got to stay in a VIP room with a king-size bed, my own private patio, and a jacuzzi. You can’t predict these things!
Preparing for Your Worldpackers Experience
Now that you’ve secured your volunteer gig, it’s time to prepare for your adventure. Communication with your host is key, so make sure you’re clear on expectations and responsibilities before you arrive.
Here are the questions I ask every host if they haven’t answered them already
- What does the day look like for completing work? What are the tasks?
- What is there to do on my days off?
- Are there any dangers in the area? Dangerous animals? A certain street?
- Are there going to be other volunteers?
- Have you had a bad experience with a volunteer? Why? What did you do about it?
- What food do you provide? What are grocery stores like there?
- What are the transportation options there?
Pack wisely
On my first Worldpackers trip, I had 2 suitcases. Over time, I realized need only a hiking bag. Over time you will learn what you need and don’t need, as well as the things you’re willing to leave behind to save some weight. Take time to consider both your volunteer work and your free time activities.
Some things to think about
Working on a farm, you’re likely to get dirty. Do you have clothes your willing to get dirty?
My golden tip for farm stays or outside work is to do research on thrift stores in the area of your stay and save $20-$30 to buy clothes that you don’t care about if they get ripped or stained.
What will the temperature be and what about the laundry situation?
Do I need to pack any snacks?
Will they supply a towel or bedding for me?
During Your Worldpackers Experience
- Your first few days are all about acclimating to your new environment and getting to know your fellow volunteers and hosts. Sometimes you can be introduced with an orientation session where you’ll learn about your responsibilities, the schedule, and any rules or guidelines you need to follow. Other times you get tossed right in! You’re always welcomed to ask questions and clarify any doubts you may have. This helps you complete tasks to the ebst of your ability too.. If you aren’t given clear instructions, remember you just need to be useful.
- Worldpackers gives you the chance to absorb a multitude of different skills and be immersed in endless unique cultures and situations. Take initiative, be proactive, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether you’re helping out in the kitchen, teaching English, processing fish, or building eco-friendly structures, give it your all and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow.
- Prioritize your volunteer commitments, as those are what’s paying for your accommodation, but also carve out time in your schedule for sightseeing, cultural experiences, and adventures off the beaten path. Your Hosts will help you achieve what you want, you just need to ask. Ensure you’re fulfilling your responsibilities and your host will be happy to help you make the most of your free time.
- One of the highlights of the Worldpackers experience is the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers from around the world. Take advantage of communal spaces, group activities, and social events to connect with your fellow volunteers and forge lifelong friendships. Don’t be shy – strike up conversations, share stories, and embrace the spirit of community that defines the world of Worldpackers.
- Remember, facing challenges and obstacles while traveling and volunteering abroad is completely normal. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosts or fellow volunteers for support. Whether it’s homesickness, cultural differences, or logistical issues, chances are someone else has been there before and can offer advice or assistance. And if the situation requires it, don’t hesitate to contact Worldpackers for guidance and support.
And of course, don’t forget to budget and manage your finances to make the most of your experience without overspending. With accommodations paid for, your wallet may seem to have gotten bigger but remember to save some money to help with travel, food, experiences, and emergencies.
What if something goes wrong during my trip?
Worldpackers has you covered! If you need to leave an experience due to a host not following through with their agreement, Worldpackers will reimburse you for travel and nights stayed in paid accommodation. until they get you another Worldpackers opportunity in the area.This safety net takes away the risk of traveling to a place you’ve never been to before.
It’s important to prioritize your safety at all times. Do your research, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Worldpackers if you encounter any issues during your travels.
As I mentioned, worldpackers offers amazing tools to get you out of any sticky situation you may find yourself in.
Also with the review system on worldpackers, you should be able to see how other people interacted with your potential host before you did. If they’re a new host, ask if they have anyone that can vouch for them. If the host has no one that can vouch for them, its better to find a different experience.
Making the Most of Worldpackers
While volunteering is the heart of the Worldpackers experience, there’s so much more to it than that. Take advantage of the opportunity to network with other travelers and volunteers, learning new skills and gaining experiences along the way. And be sure to leave reviews and feedback for your hosts – it helps fellow travelers find their perfect match.
Remember that every challenge you overcome only adds to the richness of your travel experience. Language barriers, setting boundaries, culinary adoption, and culture shock will all be tested at some point.
This is what’s fun about traveling. Being faced with eating something you’ve never eaten before or setting a boundary that’s very meaningful to you will turn you into an even more interesting and well-rounded person.
Conclusion
Worldpackers is indeed the ultimate budget travel tool, but it also gives you unforgetable experiences that are-once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. With you now having access to this tool, you shouldn’t have anything else holding you back! If there are things holding you back I would love for you to let me know so I can create content to resolve those tricky issues. Now go off into the world and have the experiences that are currated just for you
Common Questions
Most frequent questions
The short answer is…
Yes Worldpackers is Safe
- Verified Hosts: All hosts undergo thorough vetting for your security and comfort. Worldpackers has requirements to be a host so you can be sure you won’t be getting someone sketchy.
- Reviews and Ratings: Hear from fellow travelers about their firsthand experiences. This is on every host profile so its always there to help you make informed decisions.
- 24/7 Support System: Get assistance whenever you need it, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
- Community Guidelines: When you join Worldpackers you join a community built on respect and inclusivity, fostering meaningful connections wherever you go.
- Safety First: There are also plenty of tools to access for essential safety tips and resources, empowering you to explore with confidence.
Overall, Worldpackers is well-trusted and has security at the top of their mind. You should always practice caution when visiting new places of course but you can be sure that Worldpackers is providing you with everything they can to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible!
Worldpackers does not pay for travel to and from your destination
but you can organize with your host to to get necessary transportation to your destination. Chances are they will not pay for your flight but they will most likely help with an airport pickup!
Worldpackers does not pay volunteers for their volunteer experiences, however, as you continue to travel with Worldpackers, you have the opportunity to apply for certain positions on Worldpackers. These enable you to produce content and get paid for it! You can read more about those programs here.
The minimum age is 18 years old. Some hosts may have an age restriction based on the work they want to get done but it is purely the host’s decision. There is no other age restriction other than being under 18! I’ve met people in their 50’s and 60’s who are doing exactly what I am.
Yes, there are discounts for you, the person reading this post! you can use the code TREVORTHEWORLDWP at checkout to get $10 off your membership or just click this link to take you to the checkout page.
