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I found out about this cool service from the Journeywoman newsletter, which is also worth subscribing to for their cool tips and occasional nuggets of usefulness for the permanent traveler (although it’s geared more towards vacation travelers).
HelpX describes themselves as “an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.” Basically, it’s sort of like Servas for volunteers — you sign up on the website as a volunteer or a host. If you’re a host, you list where you are, and what you need done — say you need help in your garden, or getting your crops in. The volunteers post profiles as well (or, with an upgrade of 20 Euros for 2 years to the Premier account, can contact hosts directly), and the hosts may choose from the lists of available volunteers who they’d like to come stay with them. Volunteers are expected to put in a certain number of hours per week, and there is not necessarily any time limit for stays.
HelpX can be found in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Europe, including England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Finland, Bulgaria and many other European countries.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:57 am
HelpX is a fabulous work-trade website, as are the following:
Organic Volunteers (www.organicvolunteers.com) – contrary to its name, it’s not all farming/gardening work;
The Caretaker Gazette (www.caretaker.org) – trade work for rent-free living! The caretaking opportunities are as varied as their locales…all around the world;
WWOOFing (www.wwoof.org) – the pioneer in work-trade gigs, specializing in – but not limiting to – work on organic farms.
Here is an article I wrote on the topic, with more resources yet:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/shortterm/articles/caretaking_jobs_abroad.shtml
June 30th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Hi, Nora:
Thanks for your notes! I’ve actually written an article on Vagablogging about Caretaker Gazette (a while ago), and although I’ve never written about WWOOFing, I do know loads of people who’ve done it. But Organic Volunteers is a new one to me! Cool!
Claire
July 1st, 2009 at 11:17 am
Thanks for the information. There are many people looking for places to stay for reasonable rates. What’s more reasonable than volunteering and in exchange receive food/accommodations? Great information for travelers that like to get off of the beat path from time to time!
July 1st, 2009 at 7:48 pm
As someone who works with those retired who want to travel, but are concerned for the cost, this provides a great resource.
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
[...] Rolf Potts writtes about HelpX – Volunteer to help out. HelpX describes themselves as “an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation. [...]
December 7th, 2009 at 8:42 am
You should also try http://www.workaway.info I´ve used there site various times in the last year to great success. It works on the same principle ..but and in my opinion is much less complcated to use than wwoof.
January 18th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for writing about The Caretaker Gazette. They have the best website I have found for rent-free living. I used to pay $865/month in rent – and now I’m living rent-free as a result of housesitting opportunities from their site.
Carol