WWOOFing: See The World, Save the Planet
Do you like being outside? Are you looking for a cheap way to travel? If you like meeting new people and aren't afraid of a good workout or of getting your hands dirty, WWOOFing can be a great way to see the world on a budget.
So, what does that funny word mean, anyway? WWOOF is an acronym that stands for "Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms." Organic farms from around the world offer WWOOF programs in 99 different countries. Participants agree to volunteer doing farm work in exchange for free room, board and training.
What type of work do WWOOF-ers do, exactly? Basically, as a volunteer you'll help with whatever needs to be done on the farm, including caring for plants, caring for animals, cooking, cleaning and possibly preserving food.
If you plan to WWOOF, it's important to do a thorough search of the available farms in the region you plan to visit. WWOOF hosts are basically inviting you into their homes, so it's important to make sure you can live with the house rules. For example, many WWOOF farms are vegetarian, though not all of them are. Some farms allow alcohol, others don't. Choose a place that shares your values.
WWOOF-ing is hard work, but it can to take you to some truly incredible places. Imagine spending a week at a butterfly farm in Australia, or studying meditation in the jungle in Thailand!
It's a little rude to disappoint hosts who are planning on your arrival, so make sure to apply for your passport well in advance. 6 weeks processing time is the norm unless you apply for expedited processing. Even then, expect to wait three weeks or longer. If you need your passport sooner, however, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency office or use a private company like RushMyPassport.
So, what does that funny word mean, anyway? WWOOF is an acronym that stands for "Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms." Organic farms from around the world offer WWOOF programs in 99 different countries. Participants agree to volunteer doing farm work in exchange for free room, board and training.
What type of work do WWOOF-ers do, exactly? Basically, as a volunteer you'll help with whatever needs to be done on the farm, including caring for plants, caring for animals, cooking, cleaning and possibly preserving food.
If you plan to WWOOF, it's important to do a thorough search of the available farms in the region you plan to visit. WWOOF hosts are basically inviting you into their homes, so it's important to make sure you can live with the house rules. For example, many WWOOF farms are vegetarian, though not all of them are. Some farms allow alcohol, others don't. Choose a place that shares your values.
WWOOF-ing is hard work, but it can to take you to some truly incredible places. Imagine spending a week at a butterfly farm in Australia, or studying meditation in the jungle in Thailand!
It's a little rude to disappoint hosts who are planning on your arrival, so make sure to apply for your passport well in advance. 6 weeks processing time is the norm unless you apply for expedited processing. Even then, expect to wait three weeks or longer. If you need your passport sooner, however, you can make an appointment at a regional passport agency office or use a private company like RushMyPassport.
