WWOOF, short for "Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms," is a fantastic way to travel the world without spending a fortune. It’s a simple exchange – you work on an organic farm, and in return, you get free accommodation and meals.
Let me share a story from Sophie McGovern, a seasoned WWOOFer and freelance writer. She once found herself in northern Italy, dusting antique books in a farmhouse while a storm brewed outside. Her host, Silvia, was a strong, independent woman who ran a small farm with a vegetable garden, fruit orchard, goats, and chickens. Despite the language barrier, Sophie and her friend managed to communicate with Silvia and the other farm volunteers through hand gestures and facial expressions.
The meals were a highlight. They enjoyed organic produce from the farm, including goat meat, potatoes, and salad. The red wine and rustic bread, sourced from nearby farms in exchange for Silvia’s homemade goat cheese, were delicious. This experience taught Sophie the value of sustainable living and the importance of a good wheel of cheese.
WWOOF is a service that connects people willing to work on farms with farmers who need labor. To become a WWOOFer, you sign up with the national organization in the country you’re interested in. There’s no international membership, so you’ll need to buy a membership for each country you want to WWOOF in. The annual membership usually costs around $10-50 USD per country per person.
WWOOFing offers endless opportunities for extended travel. You can visit a selection of the 130 countries and 12,000 hosts that participate in WWOOF, saving a significant amount of money over the course of a year. Plus, you can learn new skills, pick up languages, and make friends.
Joining WWOOF is straightforward. Visit the WWOOF website, choose your destination country, fill out their membership application, pay the fee, and start searching for opportunities. You must be 18 years or older to join most WWOOF destinations, but some countries have different age requirements.
Once you’ve joined, you’ll receive a list of participating farms in your chosen country. Each farm description will tell you about the host, their farm, and their expectations. Be sure to read it carefully and ask for details before you commit.
Choosing a farm can be a bit tricky as the term "farm" is quite broad. It could be an eco-community, a commercial farm, a vineyard, or even a back-garden vegetable plot. Some WWOOFers prefer shorter stays at multiple farms, while others prefer longer stays at one farm.
If you encounter any problems during your stay, communicate openly with your host and try to find a solution. If the situation doesn’t improve, you have the right to leave, but remember to give your host sufficient notice.
In conclusion, WWOOFing is a cost-effective way to travel, learn, and have adventures. Whether you’re making chocolate from scratch on a farm in Ecuador or helping install a wind turbine, the experiences you gain from WWOOFing are priceless.
