Traveling With A Higher Purpose: Volunteering & Work Away
Volunteering is widely overlooked as a means of travel. Not only do you give back to a greater cause, but it also connects you to a community of like minded individuals looking to travel & help.
Likewise, “work away” can be another convenient, fun way to experience a new place for cheap. Essentially they can be the same thing.
Between my 2 volunteer trips and my friends’ numerous experiences, I am here to share what, how and why.
What is Travel Volunteering And Work Away?
Travel volunteering and work away are fiscal, organized means to provide accommodation, culture, travel and sometimes meals in exchange for predetermined assistance. There’s a negative connotation with trips like this. Maybe it’s the idea of free labor, but there’s so much more to it.
I compare it a lot to my job, it just feels like living. I volunteered at a YMCA camp in California one spring break and don’t get me wrong was a lot of work, but at the same time was so much fun.
Just think either way you’re going to have to work! Why not travel, help others and feel fulfilled!?
As a group of camp councellors, we got to go for hikes in the redwoods, teach kids about composting, swim in the ocean, shop down the boardwalk and so much more as a part of our volunteer experience.
Work away is another great means to travel in exchange for working. The best part is you can choose what kind of work you’d like to do.
From gardening, to nannying or teaching and building, groups are always looking for extra hands to help out in exchange typically for housing & meals. What more could you need!
The demands of jobs are different and thus exchanges will be different, though you can find endless options online that best fit what you’re looking for. However, you will have to pay to get to and back from your destination in almost every case.
How To Get Connected
Young people have it easy. Schools, in any capacity, offer an abundance of programs. That’s how I got connected to both of my trips.
Yet, there are other ways. Such as:
- https://www.workaway.info
- https://www.worldpackers.com
- https://www.volunteerworld.com
- https://www.globalworkandtravel.com
- https://wwoof.net
As old school as Facebook is, there are also a plethora of groups and events one can connect with to travel like:
- Workaday + (insert location)
- Volunteer Abroad For Free
- Travel As A Volunteer
Ways To Ease Your Nerves
At the end of the day, there will always be a tiny part of you that wants to back out. Others will drain your confidence with concerns, doubts and worries. Or rather you’ll have enough time on your hands before to think of every possible worst case scenario.
Regardless, just know that everyone feels this way. Most importantly, don’t let the fear of going scared, challenge the fear of not going at all.
Some ways to ease those nerves include doing ample research about the area, people, job, previous experiences, encourage friends to join you, connect to others that will be doing the trip as well if applicable, or if possible do a trip out there beforehand.
JUST SEND IT!!
Still need more convincing why? Here we go:
- You are vastly more inclinced to carry out trips when you’re younger, so don’t keep putting it off
- Meet people from around the world
- Experience places like a local & for an extended time
- You don’t need a lot of money to go
- Live (around) net zero
- Make connections for future traveling
- Find gratitude from helping others & serving community
The end comes quicker than you think and you’re going to feel so fulfilled after. Not to mention have no regrets!
So have confidence in your decision. Others might call you crazy, but at that point who wants to be sane?! Be interally reassured that you’re doing what is best for you. As well as living your life to the fullest.
If you’ve ever work away-ed, vacation volunteered or know a friend who has, share your experience below!!
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