Hi thereReader,

Happy Travel Tuesday!

Even if I'm not travelling as much as I used to I'm still here to help you to have your best possible travel adventure, no matter what your budget is.

And this month, my favourite deal of the year is happening - with Worldpackers offering 3 MONTHS EXTRA FREE on yearly memberships, so if you sign up to become a member by 31st May you will get 15 months to travel instead of the usual 12.

Even if you can't travel all year round, that's still 2 summers of fun for the price of 1!

Not only that, but I’ve teamed up with Worldpackers to offer all Tales of a Backpacker readers a $10 discount, which means prices start from just $49 USD for a full year’s verified membership.

Who Are Work Exchanges Perfect For?

If you've never considered doing a work exchange before, maybe it's time to think about it! They aren’t for everyone, and that’s ok, but if you’re not sure if work exchange programs are for you, then see if you fit into one of these descriptions:

Students

Work exchanges are perfect for students who want to get work experience over the summer, during holidays away from school or during a gap year.

Employers often look for relevant experience, and the fact that you spent your vacation volunteering instead of just sitting on a beach can really make your resume stand out!

Long-term Travelers

If you’re travelling for a long time, burnout is a real thing, so work exchanges offer the opportunity to stay in one place for a while, without burning through your budget.

You can take a break from being on the move, enjoy the destination, and enjoy all of the benefits of having a base for a few weeks or months.

Backpackers & Budget Travelers

For backpackers who want to save money, work exchanges are your secret weapon! How else could you travel the world for free? Or almost free at least.

Solo Travelers

If it is your first time travelling abroad alone, arranging a work exchange can help to give you more confidence and extra peace of mind, knowing that you have somewhere specific to go, and have someone you “know” already in the destination waiting to welcome you.

Beginner Digital Nomads

If you’re dreaming of a digital nomad lifestyle but aren’t earning quite enough to be able to afford it, work exchanges can give you the time to work on your own projects without draining your bank account as you travel.

People who want to do Something Different

Perhaps you’re just looking for a different travel experience than the usual, you want to make a difference in the world as you go and are tired of the typical tourist spots.

Work and cultural exchanges give you the chance to travel deeper and have an immersive and unique experience you can’t get any other way.

Interested? But What Does a Work Exchange Mean?

Doing a work exchange means that you work for a few hours in exchange for accommodation, food and other benefits. Usually, these work exchanges are in another country, which isn’t your own, where you would need a work visa to get a paid job.

Hosts are looking for help with all kinds of projects, from volunteers to work in hostels, building eco-projects, help with gardening and farming, childcare, language teaching or social media and website development and more. You can find all sorts of volunteer placements in a wide range of fields.

In my experience, I enjoyed volunteering in hostels abroad, but make sure you choose a work exchange which best suits your skills and personality and offers something you think you will enjoy!

As well as getting free accommodation in exchange for your work, you can also enjoy other benefits, such as:

• Benefits Related to the Specific Work Placement like meals, free surf lessons, language lessons, bike hire, city tours etc
• Learning a New Language or Practising your Existing Language skills
• Cultural Exchange as you're spending time with people from another country and culture and learning from each other.
• An Immersive Experience with the chance to spend longer in the destination and really explore
• Security for First-Time or Solo Travellers as you have a contact in your destination, and safety measures on Work Exchange sites like verified hosts and WP Safeguard by Worldpackers​
• Earning Money - the vast majority of work exchanges are unpaid, although you may find a few placements which do offer payment. However, there is another way to earn money as you travel with work exchanges. Worldpackers will pay you to produce content to help other volunteers, for video and blog content on their channels and if you refer hosts to Worldpackers. These Worldpackers Programs can be a great way to earn money while you travel.

If this has made you want to know more, have a look at the different volunteer placements available on Worldpackers to find the perfect opportunity for you.

And don't forget, if you sign up by 31st May you will get 3 months extra FREE as well as a $10 Discount!

I hope this has helped you decide if you want to try work exchanges, but if you're still not sure then head over to my website here, where you can find out even more about work exchanges, with tips and reviews of the top work exchange sites.

Happy travels!

Love, Claire x

What Else I'm Loving This Week...