Working Holidays Abroad with the Help Exchange
Alot like my previous post on WWOOFing, I found another site called helpx.net (help exchange) which offers pretty much the same programs as th WWOOF sites do, but on a smaller scale. Help exchange is another way to gain free accommodation and meals while traveling abroad.
One difference between WWOOFing and going through help exchange is that HelpX does not limit its work to only organic farms.
… an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farmstays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&B, inns, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation (board and lodging)…
So if you were intersted in WWOOF, but the whole organic lifestyle would not fit, HelpX can offer you a different type of working holiday for travel.
Helpx is not much use unless you pay the fee as only
a few addresses are given. Also poor support from the guy who runs it. I have had lots of problems logging in and get no help from him.
I have just joined helpx and think it is a great website! The fee is very small if you compare it to the access of experiences you can get for it. So far no problems with logging in etc.
We've been HelpX hosts for the 18 months and it's been brilliant!
Of course, how much of a success it is - both as a host and as a helper - totally depends on your attitude and how much you put into it. We've had a few small hiccups during that time - and these were with helpers who perhaps didn't really understand their role in making it a brilliant experience - but on the whole it's been both incredibly helpful to us and very rewarding.
Not all hosts are created equal - some are amazing, some are less than great (but then helpers are like that too!) - so if you're a helper, definitely do your research before you choose where to go. But definitely recommended - it can be one of the highlights of your travels!