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Worldpackers volunteering review: Why it’s a good option
Learn how to travel affordably with a Worldpackers volunteering review. Choose your destination, select your host, and start your adventure!
You can travel abroad while saving on accommodation and meals by joining a collaborative project. If you are new to Worldpackers, this Worldpackers volunteering review will show you a safe and surprising way to do it. Choose a destination and project, such as helping at hostels, farms, schools, or with animals, and in exchange for a few hours of work, you get free lodging and meals. Sounds great, right?
You’ll find a complete review of this platform, covering its origins, how it works, the types of programs it offers, membership costs, and feedback from travelers who have already tried one of the volunteer experiences. Get ready to travel in a new way and enjoy a truly unique cultural experience.
What is Worldpackers?
If you haven’t heard of Worldpackers yet, it started in Brazil in 2024 when two friends, Ricardo Lima and Riq Freitas, traveled abroad and exchanged their skills for free hotel stays. Their experience inspired the creation of an international platform that connects travelers with hosts through collaboration. Simply put, hosts provide free lodging and meals, and in return you help out with different tasks.
It’s all about finding a more affordable way to travel the world while promoting cultural exchange and collaborative tourism. Since its launch, it has grown into one of the most recognized volunteer networks globally, operating in over 170 countries and offering thousands of projects in social and environmental initiatives, hostels, farms, NGOs, and local communities.
You can also rest easy knowing that this is a fully legal company, registered in Brazil and operating internationally according to volunteer exchange standards. Its reputation is easy to verify through real reviews from travelers on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit, where users highlight the safety and quality of the experiences.
What does volunteering with Worldpackers offer?
On their website, you’ll find a wide range of programs for volunteering with Worldpackers, so you can pick the one that best matches your interests or experience level. Beyond being a unique way to travel while saving money, you’ll also become part of a global community where you can learn new skills, both personal and professional. Take a look at all the projects available:
- Volunteering in hostels and hotels: You can help with front desk duties, cleaning, activities, or social media in exchange for accommodation.
- Ecological and sustainable projects: This work involves agricultural tasks on organic farms, permaculture, reforestation, or community gardens.
- Social and educational programs: You can get involved with an NGO, schools, or community projects, supporting education, language learning, or social inclusion.
- Volunteering in remote communities: If you want to immerse yourself in a local community, experience rural life, and enjoy a cultural experience with a meaningful social impact, this program is ideal.
- Creative or digital exchanges: There are also opportunities for photographers, designers, or content creators who want to share their skills in exchange for free accommodation.
Most volunteer programs include accommodation, either in shared or private rooms, along with some daily meals. You’ll also have days off each week, and at the end you’ll receive a participation certificate. On top of that, Worldpackers offers 24/7 support for any questions or issues that may arise.
To access all these opportunities, you need to sign up on the platform and choose one of the annual membership plans, which let you apply to any project for a full year. The most popular options are:
| Annual Plan | Description | Price |
| Trips Solo | Access to all experiences, support, and WP insurance | $59 per year |
| Pack Solo | Same as Trip Solo, but with extended WP insurance | $109 per year |
| Trip Couples/Friends | Travel and volunteer with a companion | $69 per year |
| Worldpackers Academy | Access to all online courses on volunteering and remote work | Included in the above plans |
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Advantages and disadvantages of volunteering with Worldpackers
If you’re still wondering whether Worldpackers is a good fit for you, here’s a look at the benefits it offers and a few limitations to keep in mind. Knowing all this will help you make an informed decision, since even though the platform is trustworthy and safe, it’s important to understand the terms before getting started.
Advantages of Worldpackers
- Wide variety of opportunities: With more than 10,000 hosts in over 170 countries, from hostels to social and environmental projects, you’re bound to find a program that fits your interests.
- Verified platform: All hosts go through a verification process and have reviews from previous volunteers, so you can trust that each project is reliable.
- Backup insurance: If you have a problem with your host, the company will cover alternative accommodation for a few days through Worldpackers Insurance.
- Affordable prices: For a single annual membership fee, you can apply for unlimited volunteer opportunities for 12 months.
- Global community: Thousands of travelers share their experiences, advice, and opportunities, so you can forge new international connections.
- 24/7 support: Traveler assistance in several languages, so you feel supported throughout the program.
- Free courses and certifications: The Worldpackers Academy offers free training in volunteering, remote work and sustainability, giving you skills you can include on your resume.
- Flexibility: You can choose between short or long-term programs, depending on your dates and preferences.
- Easy to use: The search system, filters, and application are very intuitive and quick to use.
Disadvantages of Worldpackers
- Not all projects include meals: Some hosts only offer accommodation, but not meals, which means you may incur additional expenses.
- Mandatory membership fee: Although it is an affordable expense, you must pay it before applying for any volunteer position.
- Limited places: Popular projects fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so you have to be quick.
- Variable quality of hosts: Some experiences might not fully meet your expectations, so it’s a good idea to read all the reviews before deciding.
- It is not paid work: Volunteering is about cultural exchange, so you won’t earn money and will need to contribute a few hours of work each week.
- Possible extra expenses: You have to take into account your own expenses for transportation, medical insurance, or visas, as these are the responsibility of the traveler.
How to volunteer with Worldpackers
Wondering how to kick off your Worldpackers adventure and apply for a volunteer program? The process is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step carefully so your application isn’t turned down. Here’s what you need to do, from planning your trip to coming home.
1. Plan your trip
Before signing up, take some time to explore the website and think about what kind of project suits you best, how many hours you want to dedicate, and which country you’d like to work in. On the online platform, you can filter opportunities by project type, duration, and required skills.
2. Register on the platform
Next, it’s time to sign up on the website and create your own profile. Go to worldpackers.com, set up a free account, and fill out your profile with a photo, your skills, languages, and motivations. The more complete and polished your profile is, the better your chances of being accepted by hosts.
3. Choose your membership
You’ll need to purchase an annual membership before applying for a Worldpackers volunteer program. There are different plans depending on whether you’re traveling alone or with someone, but all of them give you unlimited access to projects, support, and travel insurance.
4. Submit your application
Browse the filters to find a project that matches your interests, and take a close look at the tasks, schedule, perks, and feedback from previous volunteers. When you’re ready, send in your application and explain why you want to join.
5. Confirm your trip and contact the host
After being accepted, reach out to your host to clear up any questions and make sure all the details, such as tasks, schedule, meals, accommodation, and house rules, are correct. This helps prevent misunderstandings and makes your trip safer and smoother. You also need to confirm your trip on the platform to activate WP Protection.
6. Prepare for your trip
It’s time to plan your trip. Start by checking the travel requirements for the country you’ve chosen based on your nationality. Find out if you need a visa or can enter as a tourist, book your flights early to get the best price, and consider getting medical or travel insurance for extra peace of mind.
7. Enjoy the volunteering experience
During your stay, stay committed, follow the schedule, and get involved in the activities. Use your free time to explore the city, pick up the language, and dive into the local culture to make the experience truly unforgettable.
8. Leave an honest review
At the end of your Worldpackers volunteer experience, make sure to leave an honest and fair review for your host. This helps other travelers who are looking for real feedback to make their decisions. And remember, you have up to 12 months to choose another collaborative project, so make the most of your membership.
Volunteering experiences with Worldpackers
The best way to decide whether to volunteer with Worldpackers is to read about the experiences of people who have already done it. Checking out some of these stories online gives a clear sense of the positives and the overall satisfaction of past volunteers.
Overall, reviews are very positive. On Trustpilot, the company has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 470 users, with many praising the website’s ease of use and the great experiences with hosts.
“This was our first experience with Worldpackers, and it could not have been better! Even though we did not meet Jana in person, communication was excellent. She was always attentive to make sure we had a great experience and suggested places to visit.” (Sergio Alexander)
“She was a great host and everything as described, a good person with good manners, values, and principles. Julieta 🐱 is wonderful.” (Pedro)
Many travelers appreciate the skills and experiences they gain, such as improving their language abilities or learning new skills to add to their resume. The company also notes that 97% of members who apply to three or more volunteer opportunities receive a response from hosts, showing that applications are taken seriously.
Negative reviews
On the other hand, some negative reviews mention a gap between what was promised and what the host expected, such as longer hours, a less comfortable room, extra tasks, or fewer benefits than advertised. We also found a few cases where the 24/7 support team did not respond as quickly as expected.
“I applied for a position … promised three meals a day … after arriving … everything was a lie” (Reddit)
“My first 2 weeks with a ‘Worldpackers-Certified-Host’ were a nightmare. None of what was presented … turned out to be true” (Trustpilot)
Alternatives to Worldpackers
If you’re still considering whether to sign up for a Worldpackers volunteer program and want to compare it with other options, here are some popular alternatives that offer similar experiences. While Worldpackers is one of the most well-known and trusted platforms internationally, you can take a look at these other options and make your own choice.
| Platform | Projects | Membership |
| Workaway | Organic farms, hostels, teaching, or community volunteering. | Individual: $49 Double: $59 |
| HelpX | Agricultural, ecological, and domestic. | $17 for 2 years. |
| WWOOF | Organic farms and sustainable agricultural projects. | From $25 per year. |
| GoAbroad & Volunteer World | Environmental, educational, or community projects around the world. | Depending on each project. |
Internet while volunteering abroad
Before heading off on your Worldpackers experience, it’s worth sorting out a stable and secure internet connection for your destination. Having reliable access means you can message your host when you arrive, navigate with maps, handle remote work, and keep in touch with loved ones without any hassle.
To travel with peace of mind knowing you’ll always have reliable coverage, we recommend Holafly’s products. They offer unlimited data eSIMs that you can purchase for as many days as you need, which is ideal for short volunteer stays, as well as monthly plans for longer trips.
Holafly’s monthly plans give you 5G coverage even in more remote areas, with options for 25 GB or unlimited data, so you can connect multiple devices at the same time. You can also travel to more than 160 destinations using the same eSIM and plan, with no long term commitment. Activation is simple, just open the app when you arrive and turn on your eSIM in minutes. And there’s no need to worry about your regular phone number, you can keep using it as usual!
Frequently asked questions about Worldpackers volunteering
Yes, all hosts are verified through an identity check system. On top of that, reviews and WP Protection provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
There are plenty of options to choose from, whether it’s helping out at a hostel with cleaning, teaching languages, caring for animals, supporting marketing tasks, joining environmental projects, or working with NGOs.
Most hosts offer accommodation, meals, and transportation, but it is important to read each program carefully before applying.
It’s a reliable platform with ongoing support, a verified review system, and access to online training, plus the opportunity to earn certifications.
Yes, you can volunteer with friends or your partner, as long as the host allows it in their listing. In that case, each person must have an active membership.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
