Traveling The World, Helping Others, And Finding Yourself

Travelling the world is a dream for many, but it's often assumed that you need to be rich to make it a reality. However, there are plenty of ways to travel on a budget or even for free, while also helping those less fortunate. From volunteering and work exchange programmes to teaching and nursing, there are numerous opportunities to explore the world while making a positive impact.

One option is to look for volunteer programmes that align with your interests and skills. For example, Worldpackers connects volunteers with hosts who need help in areas such as eco-projects, hostel administration, and art. In exchange for your time and expertise, you receive free accommodation and sometimes even meals, classes, and tours. Similarly, Diverbo offers free vacations to English speakers willing to help foreigners in Spain and Germany practice their language skills.

If you're looking for a more long-term commitment, teaching English overseas can be a great way to fund your travels and immerse yourself in a new culture. Many countries in Asia will even pay for your flight and accommodation. Alternatively, you could try working on a farm through World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). In exchange for volunteering on organic farms, WWOOF provides free room and board, allowing you to explore new destinations while connecting with nature.

For those with a background in nursing, TravelNursing.org offers assignments around the world, often in desirable locations like Florida or Hawaii, and with food and housing covered. This is a fantastic way to travel and earn an income while helping others.

So, whether it's through volunteering, teaching, farming, or nursing, there are numerous ways to see the world and make a difference at the same time. With a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can turn your travel dreams into a reality while also giving back to the communities you visit.

Teach English as a foreign language

Teaching English as a foreign language is a great way to travel and help the world. It's a rewarding career that offers the opportunity to make a difference in communities worldwide. Here are some insights and instructions to help you get started:

Qualifications and Requirements:

To teach English as a foreign language, you will need a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification is widely recognised and can be obtained through accredited courses, either online or in-person. The industry standard is a 120-hour course that covers lesson planning, grammar, classroom management, and engaging teaching techniques. While a degree is not always necessary, some countries, like Japan and South Korea, require it for visa purposes. It's important to check the specific requirements for your desired destination.

Choosing a TEFL Course:

When selecting a TEFL course, look for accreditation from reputable organisations like Ofqual and the British Accreditation Council. This ensures the course meets high standards and will be recognised by employers. Avoid discounted courses that promise quick certification, as they often lack proper tutor support and may have hidden costs. A good course will provide you with ample time to learn, practical teaching experience, and comprehensive support from experienced tutors.

Job Opportunities and Locations:

English teachers are in demand worldwide, with opportunities in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Each region has its own unique benefits and challenges. Asia, particularly China, Japan, and South Korea, offers competitive salaries, but may require more qualifications and experience. Latin America and parts of Europe are great for newcomers, with lower requirements and a laid-back lifestyle. The Middle East boasts the highest salaries, but competition is fierce, and most positions require extensive experience. Africa has a mix of paid and voluntary positions, with strong demand in Northern African countries like Egypt and Algeria.

Salary and Benefits:

Salaries for teaching English abroad vary depending on location and your qualifications. Asia tends to offer higher salaries, while Latin America and Europe provide enough to cover living expenses and some travel. Some employers may offer additional benefits like accommodation, travel reimbursement, insurance, or access to local amenities. It's important to research the specific salary and benefits package for your desired location and employer.

Planning and Preparation:

Before embarking on your teaching journey, it's essential to plan and prepare. Ensure you have the financial resources to cover course fees, travel expenses, and initial living costs until your first paycheck arrives. Research the local culture and customs to manage your expectations and avoid cultural shocks. Connect with online communities and ex-pats to gain insights and build a support network. Finally, don't forget to pack all the essentials and take care of any necessary immunisations or vaccinations.

Volunteer on organic farms

Volunteering on organic farms is a great way to travel and help the world. Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a global network that connects volunteers with organic farmers. WWOOF was founded in 1971 by Sue Coppard, a London secretary who volunteered on a farm and thought it was such a great idea that she turned it into a business.

Organic farmers post help-wanted ads on the WWOOF website, and volunteers can apply to help with anything from sowing seeds to making cheese to harvesting fruit trees. In return, the farm provides food, accommodation, and educational opportunities for the volunteers. Volunteers typically work a few hours a day and then have time off to explore.

Where can I go?

WWOOF operates in over 90 countries around the world, including Costa Rica, Cambodia, Spain, Germany, Austria, the United States, and many more.

Volunteering on an organic farm through WWOOF is a great way to help promote sustainable farming practices and build a global community conscious of ecological farming. It's also a unique opportunity to live and learn about organic and self-sufficient lifestyles, connect with nature, and experience a new culture.

Farm work is seasonal and varies depending on the location and time of year. Volunteers can expect to help with a variety of tasks such as feeding livestock, watering gardens, harvesting crops, weeding, planting, and infrastructure projects. It's important to dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes.

To get started with WWOOF, simply visit their website, choose the country you're interested in, and sign up to connect with organic farmers and start your adventure!

Work in hostels

Working in a hostel is a great way to travel and help the world. Hostels are often locally-owned and operated and are therefore a much cheaper option for travellers. They are also a fantastic way to connect with other travellers, have fun, share a drink, explore a city together, and swap travel stories.

How to Secure a Position

Positions are hard to come by, so you'll need to stand out from the crowd. Language skills are a huge advantage, as hostels want to be able to communicate with as many guests as possible. Other skills that are useful include musical talent, event organising experience, a history qualification (for tour guiding), and kitchen experience.

If you have a rough plan of where you want to go, it's a good idea to secure a position before you leave. Some large chains advertise vacancies on their websites, and there are also websites dedicated to advertising hostel vacancies. If you do apply before you leave, make sure you write a full CV and cover letter, tailored to the position.

However, it's also possible to secure a position while you're on the road. Guests already staying in a hostel with job vacancies have a good chance of getting a position, so it's worth asking the staff politely about any vacancies. You can also help out with small tasks like cleaning or administrative work, or offer to take guests out and show them the local sights if you fancy a job as a tour guide.

Where to Find Hostel Work

The availability of hostel work depends on the time of year and the part of the world. For example, summertime in Europe is the busy season, so there will be more vacancies. Bigger cities are also more likely to have more hostels. Other popular destinations for backpackers and travellers include South America and Southeast Asia, due to the low cost of living.

In the US, you can find hostels in cities like Boston, Seattle, and San Diego, as well as in rural areas near national parks.

House/pet-sit

House and pet-sitting is a great way to travel the world, stay in wonderful places, and care for cute pets. It is a unique and affordable way to see the world, one cat, dog, or goat at a time. You can save a lot of money by pet-sitting, and it is a perfect option for single travellers, who are often financially punished for travelling alone.

There are several websites and apps that connect homeowners and pet owners with house and pet sitters. TrustedHousesitters, for example, offers an annual membership for sitters and homeowners and includes insurance that covers property damage and other issues. The website also provides a 24/7 advice line from veterinarians. HouseCarers and Rover are other companies that connect travellers with those looking for house and pet sitters.

To get started, create a profile on one of these platforms and set up notifications for your desired locations. When applying for a position, consider the type of pet and the level of commitment required. Be honest about your experience and strengths—if you've never cared for a pet before, it's best to start with a low-maintenance animal like a cat. During the application process, be sure to ask the homeowner about their expectations and previous experiences with sitters.

Once you've secured a position, take the responsibility seriously. Ask the homeowner about their expectations regarding pet care, home care, and emergency procedures. Go above and beyond during your stay by cleaning more than necessary and leaving the home in better condition than you found it. Remember to take lots of pictures of the pets and send them to the owner—they will surely appreciate the update!

Work on yachts

Working on a yacht is a great way to travel the world and help where needed. Here are some tips on how to get started and make the most of this unique opportunity:

Getting Started as a Yacht Worker

To get started as a yacht worker, there are a few key steps you should follow:

• Get certified: Most yacht jobs require a basic certification such as the STCW (or SCTW) certificate. This can be obtained by taking a safety training course, which usually costs around $900 for a five-day class.
• Network and build connections: Visit yachting "hub locations" such as Fort Lauderdale, Antibes, Palma, and Newport. These places offer cheap accommodation for crew members and are great for networking with potential employers and crew agencies.
• Create a profile with crew agencies: Build relationships with crew agents by creating a profile on their websites, attaching your resume, and uploading photos. Some popular crew agencies include Luxury Yacht Group, Crew Unlimited, and Crew4Crew.
• Highlight relevant skills and experience: Even if you don't have direct yachting experience, highlight any skills and experiences that could be valuable on a yacht. This could include hospitality, service, cooking, spa/beauty, diving, water sports, or fishing skills.

Understanding the Role of a Yacht Steward/ess

As a yacht steward or stewardess, your role is similar to that of a server, bartender, and cleaner. Here are some key things to know about the role:

• Demanding hours but rewarding experience: The work can be intense and the hours can be demanding, especially when guests are on board. However, the benefits often outweigh the negatives, as you get to travel the world and have most of your expenses covered.
• Full-time vs. freelance: Most stewardesses work full-time on a single vessel, but you also have the option to work as a freelancer, contracting for short-term trips and temporary jobs on various boats.
• Competitive salary and tips: Entry-level stewardesses can earn around $2500-$3500 per month, while experienced stewardesses can make up to $6000 per month. Additionally, if you work on a charter boat, you can expect generous tips from guests.

Exploring the World as a Yacht Worker

Working on a yacht allows you to travel to various destinations around the world. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Following the sun: Yachts tend to migrate with the warm weather and sunshine, so the locations and seasons will vary accordingly. For example, during the summer months, you may find work in the Mediterranean or the Northeast coast of the US.
• Taking advantage of days off: You will typically work five days a week, with two days off to explore the cities and ports where your boat is docked. Make the most of these days to immerse yourself in the local culture and attractions.
• Vacation days and time off: As a low-level crew member, you may earn around two days of vacation per month. Taking these days off can be irregular and challenging due to the nature of yacht work, but longer breaks are possible with more experience.

Additional Tips for a Successful Yachting Career

To make the most of your yachting career and help others while travelling the world, consider the following:

• Walk the docks: Sometimes, the best way to get a job as a crew member is to walk the docks in sailing cities or yachting hubs and look for work. This allows you to connect directly with yacht owners and captains who may be looking for additional crew.
• Online resources: If you're not located near a yachting hub, there are several websites dedicated to finding crew positions, such as Crewseekers.net, Findacrew.net, and Workaway.info.
• Join "cruising rallies": If you're interested in ocean crossings, consider joining "cruising rallies," which are organized by experienced sailors for inexperienced sailors looking to cross oceans safely in a group. This can be a great way to gain experience and build connections.

Frequently asked questions