How to Travel the World for Free by Volunteering Abroad

In 2024, I left the job I’d had for seven years—not on a whim, but with a quiet plan I’d been holding onto for a long time. I didn’t have a sponsor, side income, or anyone regularly funding my travels. What I did have were savings—money I’d been setting aside for years because deep down, I knew that one day, I’d want to see the world.

When that job no longer felt aligned with the life I wanted to live, I knew it was time. I wanted to slow down, connect with locals, and experience places in a more intentional way. But I also had to make it financially sustainable, so I could stretch my savings and travel longer. That’s when I discovered the world of volunteering abroad—and it changed everything.

If you’re someone who’s dreamed of long-term travel but felt held back by money, visas, or fear, this post is for you. I’ll walk you through exactly how I made it work—from how I found free accommodation in exchange for work, to the platforms I trust, to the lessons I learned living in yurt villages, hostels, eco-retreats, and desert camps.

You don’t need to be rich to travel the world.
You just need a different roadmap.
And this is mine.

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Can You Really Travel the World for Free?

“Free” travel is never entirely free. You still need to cover things like flights, visas, insurance, and the occasional meal. But if you do it right—like I did—you can travel long-term without draining your savings.

I was at the airport when I told my boss—for the third time—that I was resigning. A few minutes later, I spun a wheel at the airport’s “Wheel of Fortune” booth and won a free round-trip ticket to LA. It felt like the universe was saying, “I’ve got your back.”

So that’s how my full-time travel journey began—in the U.S.
And to be honest? I was terrified.
Five months in the States, jobless? Really, Gladis?

But I reminded myself: I had some savings, my flight was free, and worst case, I could always go home. Still, I was determined to make it work. That’s when I discovered volunteering and work exchange—and everything shifted.

For the entire five months I spent in the U.S., I only paid for two nights of accommodation. The rest? Covered by volunteering gigs and the occasional Couchsurfing stay.

I also hitchhiked, cooked most of my meals, and relied on walking or public transportation—things I already did before. And when it came to activities, I chose only the ones I truly wanted.

Back when I worked in insurance as a sales manager earning a very good paycheck, I could pay for bungee jumping or jet skiing without thinking twice. Now, I have to be intentional—and honestly, that makes the experiences even more special.

In total, I spent just over $6,000 for five months in the U.S., mostly due to flights between states. That amount included glacier cruises, scenic train rides, and wild adventures like chasing the Northern Lights, taking a helicopter ride over ice fields, deep sea fishing, and exploring national parks.

I could’ve spent less—but I didn’t want to miss the adventures that truly lit me up. They’re a big part of why I wanted to travel in the first place.

After the U.S., I traveled to Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, where I hardly spent anything—because I stayed with my boyfriend and his family.

Then I spent about $600 total for a month split between Turkey, Jordan, and Greece. That included:

• Flights between countries
• A sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
• Petra and Dead Sea entrance fees in Jordan
• And visiting iconic sites like the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

So no, volunteering abroad won’t bring your travel costs to zero. But it can make long-term travel shockingly affordable—and more importantly, sustainable.

My Story—and How I Traveled The World For Free

For years, I dreamed of traveling the world. I even chose my job in the insurance industry because it was semi-remote and paid really well—I thought I’d be able to travel as much as I wanted. But the reality? I always had to return to the Philippines for sales meetings and quarterly kickoffs. And over time, I started to feel like people were talking behind my back about why I was always away and traveling. That so-called freedom slowly began to feel like a cage.

Eventually, I just couldn’t push myself anymore. I had lost my passion for the work, my sales were slipping, and emotionally, I was checked out. The only thought that kept running through my head was: Why not now?

So in 2024, I finally gave myself permission to go. I wasn’t sure how long I’d last or how far I’d go—I just knew I needed something different. Something more alive, more connected, more me.

That leap led me to traveling full-time for over a year now. And while I’ve seen some truly breathtaking places and had my share of adrenaline-filled adventures, nothing compares to the freedom, connection, growth, and peace this lifestyle has given me.

I’ve now volunteered in eight different places. And my most meaningful experience was also my very first: volunteering in a remote yurt village in Alaska. I was buzzing with excitement when I arrived. Alaska is expensive, and I knew I wouldn’t have been able to afford glacier cruises, ice hiking, or helicopter rides if not for the work exchange.

Each day, I worked in the mornings—cleaning, prepping meals, and yes, sometimes scrubbing toilets. In the afternoons, I’d hike with fellow volunteers, sit around bonfires, or go fishing. It was the perfect balance of giving and receiving. It’s also where I coined the joke we kept saying every time we did something epic:

“This is why we clean toilets.”

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. Staying healthy on the road can be a challenge—especially when grocery stores are far and you rely on whatever meals your host provides. In Alaska, we had free pancakes every day. One afternoon, I called my boyfriend in tears because I missed warm, nourishing food so badly. That moment reminded me that volunteering teaches you resilience just as much as it does adventure.

Staying spiritually grounded was another adjustment. I love doing yoga and meditation in the mornings, but when you’re sharing a room with others, it’s not always easy. Still, I found little pockets of peace—through solo walks, journaling, and practicing yoga outdoors in nature.

And then there were the friendships. In Alaska, I met people who shared my values—slowing down, disconnecting from hustle culture, and reconnecting with nature. These weren’t surface-level hostel friendships. We cooked together, played board games, went on long hikes, and had deep conversations. It reminded me of the kind of bonds you form at home—only faster and deeper.

Volunteering isn’t just a travel hack—it’s a mindset shift. One that invites you to live slower, more intentionally, and more in tune with the world around you.

What Volunteering Looks Like in Real Life

Let me show you what volunteering abroad can really look like—with three of my favorite experiences.

Alaska – Yurt Village Inn

• Tasks: Housekeeping
• Schedule: 11 AM–3 PM shifts
• Perks: Free accommodation, breakfast items, and insider discounts on glacier cruises, hiking tours, and even helicopter rides
• Living: Shared room with 2 other volunteers, access to common kitchen, bonfire pits, and stunning forest surroundings
• Reality Check: The manager once shouted at me for cleaning a fish outdoors (I didn’t realize it could attract bears!). I stayed calm, she apologized, and I chose to spend more time hiking after shifts to keep my peace. Lesson learned: set boundaries, stay kind, and make space for yourself.

Cappadocia, Turkey – Cave Hotel

• Tasks: Reception work, occasional help with breakfast setup
• Schedule: Flexible shifts with plenty of free time
• Perks: Delicious Turkish breakfasts, two warm meals daily, unlimited tea, coffee, and snacks
• Living: Shared room (but with high-quality beds and extra space)
• Best Memory: Watching hot air balloons rise over the valleys few minutes walk from our house

Jordan – Bedouin Desert Camp

• Tasks: Setting up tours online
• Schedule: Very relaxed and collaborative
• Perks: Traditional Jordanian meals, cultural immersion, sleeping under the stars in a desert cave
• Living: Slept in the shared living room
• Highlight: Eating together with the family, sharing stories over mint tea, and feeling truly welcomed like one of their own.

You can find more about my year of volunteering—and what I actually did—here.

These weren’t glamorous stays—but they were rich. I learned more about local culture in a week of volunteering than I ever could from guidebooks or group tours. And every single experience helped me understand how you can travel the world for free—or close to it—by exchanging time, skills, and heart.

How to Get Started: Step-by-Step

If you’re feeling inspired but thinking, “Okay… but where do I even start?”—don’t worry, I’ve got you.

You don’t need a perfect plan to begin your volunteer travel journey. But a few intentional steps can make things a whole lot easier.

1. Choose a platform

I personally use both Workaway and Worldpackers, but for beginners, I always recommend Worldpackers. It’s easier to use, has better filters, verified hosts, and includes safety features like volunteer insurance. I also love that you can read both positive and negative reviews—it helps you go in with eyes wide open.

🤩 Use my link or code HAPPINESSONTHEWAY to get $10 off your Worldpackers membership. You’ll unlock full access to all hosts, free travel courses, and 24/7 support — all for less than the price of one hotel night.

To help you decide which platform is best for you, here are my favorite volunteering websites and who they’re they’re best for.

2. Build a thoughtful profile

Treat this like your intro to potential hosts. Share your background, what you’re good at, and what kind of exchange you’re seeking. Include photos and make it warm, honest, and personal.

When I applied to a hostel in Colorado, I got accepted within 24 hours because I included:

• My experience with social media (what they were looking for)
• A link to my portfolio
• A short content plan tailored to their hostel
• Plus, why I wanted to visit Colorado and what I was hoping to explore nearby

📌 Pro tip: Hosts love volunteers who show initiative and care. You don’t need to be perfect—just present and real.

3. Apply to your dream hosts

Use the wishlist or heart button to track the ones you like, then write thoughtful, personalized messages. Ask specific questions about tasks, schedules, meals, and logistics.

Confirm everything in writing inside the platform, even if you also chat via WhatsApp or Zoom. This is especially important with Worldpackers, since their support team can help if things go off-track. Before you go, make sure you’ve read this guide on staying safe while volunteering.

4. Prepare to go

I always check the weather and cultural context—what clothes to bring, what norms to respect, and whether I’ll need to learn any basic local phrases or transportation hacks. I also mentally prep for the work I’ll be doing, so I can brush up on skills ahead of time if needed.

5. Show up, dive in, and let it unfold

Your experience won’t be perfect—but it will be yours. Bring your full self, stay curious, and don’t forget to pack some flexibility (and maybe a backup snack, just in case).

Is Volunteer Travel Right for You?

It’s not for everyone—and that’s okay. But if you’re reading this and nodding along, it might just be perfect for this next chapter of your life.

✅ Volunteer travel might be right for you if:

• You’re adaptable when things don’t go to plan (Wi-Fi drops, compost toilets, surprise schedule changes)
• You’re curious about other cultures and genuinely enjoy connecting with locals
• You have a solid work ethic and show up with care, even if it’s “just” sweeping floors
• You’re open-minded about unfamiliar routines or foods
• You’re independent enough to figure things out without constant guidance
• You approach life with gratitude, not entitlement
• You value community, shared meals, and friendships built by firelight

🚫 It might not be for you (yet) if:

• You’re very comfort-dependent (must have hot showers, private rooms, AC)
• You’re just looking for a free stay and not an exchange
• You’re a rigid planner who hates unpredictability
• You struggle with setting or navigating boundaries
• You get easily drained by social interaction and shared spaces

If you’re somewhere in between? That’s okay. You can grow into it. Try a short-term exchange first and build from there.

Start Your Volunteer Travel Journey Today

Yes, this is real. Yes, it works. No, you don’t have to wait.

If you’ve been craving a life that feels more connected, more grounded, and more you—this is your sign.

Use the code HAPPINESSONTHEWAY to join Worldpackers (my favorite platform!) and get $10 off your membership. Want a glimpse of what it’s like? Here’s what I learned after a year of volunteering with Worldpackers.

It’s not just about traveling for free.
It’s about finding freedom, meaning, and belonging—one work exchange at a time.