Travel and Volunteer: Unforgettable Experiences Around the World
Kilometers of us
Text and photos by Chiara Maggiore
VOLUNTEERING AND TRAVEL: YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORLD
Many people believe that traveling just means going on vacation and putting everything on hold.
Of course, traveling can also be this. Just as the world has infinite facets, so there are infinite ways to explore it.
If you are looking for aalternative travel experience where you don't put everything "on hold", but in action, then volunteering is for you!
Most of the volunteers around the world offers accommodation and, often, even food in exchange for your skills and hours of work.
During a trip you receive a lot: experiences, emotions, personal and cultural enrichment. Volunteering is a form of giving back everything that the trip has given you. It is a small contribution to the world.

TYPES OF VOLUNTEERING ABROAD: FIND THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU
Volunteering should be a pleasure, not an obligation. You decide how to spend your time, where and with whom. We at Libere recommend choosing a volunteer activity that can go hand in hand with your passions, disposition and character.
The best choice is yours!
- Social volunteering with NGOs and non-profits
Ideal if you want to help in educational, social or creative fields.
Required skills: language lessons, educational support, communication, marketing, design, video. - Volunteering in tourism
Opportunities in hostels, hotels and accommodation facilities.
Required skills: reception, cleaning, bar, social media, languages and translations, graphic design, video, art and music.
Tip: search Facebook groups like “Volunteering Exchanges – Nomads” or “Voluntariados para viajeros (tribu mochilera) Latam”, or write to the facilities directly by email or on social media.

- Volunteering in agriculture and with animals
If you love being in nature and with animals then this is for you.
Activity: collection, construction, assistance to animals in nature reserves. - Home sitting and pet sitting
Perfect if you want to live like a real local!
Activity: taking care of the house or pets while the owners are away. - Volunteering in language schools
This is the experience for you if you like languages.
Activity: teach English (or other languages) to children or adults, individually or in groups.
Sometimes a small fee is charged.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR TRAVEL VOLUNTEERING?
Luckily, the World Wide Web comes to the rescue of us travelers.
There are in fact dozens of platforms, both free and paid, to find the volunteering that best suits you. Even social networks, such as Facebook groups and Instagram pages, are a precious help. You just have to start rummaging around!
The most used pages by those looking for volunteering while traveling are Workaway And Worldpackers, where you can sign up for about $50 a year and create a detailed profile of your skills. Think of it as a small investment, with which you will be able to access hundreds of experiences that you would not otherwise find.
Here is a list of other pages you can consult:
Help x – volunteering and cultural exchanges (20€/2 years).
Trusted Housesitters – house and pet sitting
Nomad – house sitting
WWOOF – volunteering in agriculture and farms
Volunteerhq
Global Work and Travel
Volunteerworld
Tip: usually paid platforms are those that have greater guarantees in terms of quality and safety. This does not exclude the possibility of finding volunteers by word of mouth and on social media.
Always remember, stay safe!
Have a good trip from us at Libere.
