WWOOFING might just be your next adventure!

Adventure awaits. And so does the opportunity to spend time learning about sustainability, organic farming, and experiencing new cultures with WWOOFING.

In this article I am going to answer the question, what is WWOOFING, and get into the details to help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

What is WWOOFING?

WWOOFING stands for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and it allows people to stay and work on organic farms around the world. It can be a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and see new places, all while helping out with important work on sustainable farms.

There are opportunities available in many different countries, so it’s a great way to travel the world for free (or very cheaply). WWOOFING can also be a great way to learn about sustainability and organic farming, as well as to get to know other travelers and some amazing hosts who are passionate about the environment and sustainability.

Is there a cost for WWOOFING?

WWOOFING is usually free, or very cheap. In exchange for your help on the farm, WWOOF hosts will provide you with food and accommodation. Some WWOOF hosts may also be able to provide you with a small stipend to help cover your travel costs.

My first WWOOFING experience is traveling to Norway. I signed up for an account using the Norway platform. During the account creation it asked for a “suggested donation” of thirty euro if I was traveling with more people than just myself. I believe for a single traveler the suggested donation is fifteen euro. 

How can I get involved in WWOOFING?

If you’re interested in WWOOFING, the best place to start is by checking out the WWOOF website. WWOOF.net has a list of member countries, and each country has its own WWOOF organization. You can join WWOOF in your home country, or in any country where you’d like to WWOOF.

Do I have to become a member of each organization for the country I want to travel to?

Yes. Each country has its own membership. When I signed up for Norway, I paid a “suggested donation” of thirty euro since I was traveling with my friend. It was less for a solo traveler. I’m not sure if the cost is the same in each country, but you should only become a member of a country once you are sure you want to travel there.

You can still see the listings without becoming a member. Once you become a member, more of the details like availability, reviews, and all of the listing photos become available. 

What are WWOOF farms like?

Each WWOOF farm is different, but most WWOOF hosts are looking for helpers who are willing to work hard and learn new skills. WWOOF farms typically provide food and accommodation in exchange for help with farm work, which can include anything from planting and harvesting to caring for animals.

What are the accommodations like?

Again, each WWOOF host is different, but most WWOOF farms will provide basic accommodation for WWOOFERS. This could be a room in the farmhouse, or a campsite on the property. Some WWOOF hosts may also be able to provide meals, but this is not always the case. Each listing will be a bit different, so be sure to read all of the details and ask the host good questions before making a commitment.

Is WWOOFING safe?

WWOOFING is generally safe, but as with anything, there are always risks involved. Be sure to do your research before visiting any farm, and always trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

What kind of skills will I learn?

The skills you can learn while WWOOFING depend on the farm you’re visiting, but some common skills include organic farming, permaculture, animal husbandry, and construction. WWOOFING is also a great way to learn about sustainable living, as most WWOOF farms are committed to sustainable practices.

Will I have internet connection?

This depends on the farm you’re visiting. Some farms may have internet available, but many don’t. If you need to be connected while WWOOFING, be sure to ask the host before you commit to anything.

Is WWOOFING okay for a family?

Yes, WWOOFING can be a great way for families to travel and learn together. However, not all WWOOF farms are set up to accommodate families. Be sure to ask the WWOOF host about their policies before you commit to anything.

Is WWOOFING okay for couples or friends?

Yes, WWOOFING is often done by couples or friends. However, not all WWOOF farms are set up to accommodate more than one WWOOFER at a time. Be sure to ask the WWOOF host about their policies before you commit to anything.

Is WWOOFING okay for singles?

Yes, WWOOFING is often done by singles. However, not all WWOOF farms are set up to accommodate WWOOFERS who are traveling alone. Be sure to ask the WWOOF host about their policies before you commit to anything.

Can I WWOOF for longer than a few weeks?

Yes, some WWOOF farms are looking for long-term WWOOFERS. If you’re interested in staying for an extended period of time, be sure to ask the WWOOF host about their policies before you commit to anything.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits to WWOOFING, but some of the most common benefits include:

– Learning new skills

– Connecting with nature

– Eating healthy, organic food

– Living a more sustainable lifestyle

– Meeting new people from all over the world

WWOOFING is a great way to learn about sustainability and organic farming, while also getting to travel and experience different cultures.

Are there any cons?

There are a few cons to WWOOFING, but they are typically outweighed by the pros. Some of the most common cons include:

– Hard work

– Long hours

– Limited internet access

– Isolation

WWOOFING can be hard work, and you often have to work long hours. However, each experience depends on the particular location, host, and also your own personality and what kind of environment you enjoy.

How long has WWOOFING been around?

WWOOFING started in the early 1970s in England, and has since spread to over 100 countries around the world.

What should I include in my profile?

When creating a WWOOFING profile, be sure to include:

– A recent photo of yourself

– A brief description of yourself

– The type of experience you’re looking for

– Your skills and interests

– When you’re available to WWOOF

Creating a WWOOFING profile is fairly straightforward. As with any profile, be honest, genuine, and find creative ways to engage the reader. I always recommend putting a link to a video of yourself (as long as you are comfortable on video) or even having a link to video references.

What countries have the most opportunities?

While WWOOFING opportunities exist in over 100 countries, some of the most popular WWOOFING destinations include:

– Australia

– New Zealand

– Canada

– The United States

– Italy

– Spain

Each country has its own WWOOF organization, so be sure to check the WWOOF website to see available listings.

My thoughts about WWOOFING

For me, the ability to work on organic farms and live for free is a game changer. Yes, there is work involved, but what you receive in exchange is phenominal. 

As a digital nomad who is working to build a YouTube channel and blog, this provides so many amazing opportunities: 

– learning new skills

– learning about sustainability and organic farming

– free accommodation

– free food

– an easier path to living remotely 

– meeting travelers who care about the environment

– opportunities to work a shorter day, leaving time to work on my business

If you wanted to travel full time, this is an easy way to get started without needing a full-time income. You only need to be able to afford transportation (flights, trains, etc) when going to a new location, your personal health insurance, and covering the cost of your phone/data. You could easily live on less than $10,000 per year.

Not only is WWOOFING financially beneficial for the digital nomad, it is also a really incredible experience. Connecting with nature and living simply has a lot of benefits that we should all hope to take advantage of. 

Have you been WWOOFER before? I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me at info@traveltomoney.com. Do you have other questions that you would like to see answered in this blog? Just let me know and I will do my best to answer them. 

Thanks for reading! I can’t wait to see where your dreams will take you!