I’m on a remarkable and unexpected gap year. It’s really been something special and I hope I’m able to do justice in my description of what my work-exchanges have been like.
I’ve been a helper using the HelpX website. I paid 20 Euros for a 2-year membership that allows me to contact hosts around the world who have various tasks they need to get done. They provide a place to stay and food in exchange for the work that they need done. The amount of work necessary for room and board is negotiated between host and helper but the usual exchange is 20 hours of work a week.
HelpX though is a lot more than that basic trade. It’s is a way to learn about the area and the life and work of the host. I have learned so much about the areas I’ve stayed in and have met some extraordinary people. And I learned a lot of skills I had no clue about beforehand. Above all, the hosts I’ve stayed with, and fellow helpers, have become friends.
My experience so far:
The first place I went was a Moringa farm in the Sonora desert near Tucson, Arizona. My hosts, Tim and Victoria, were so kind and we had a lot of fun. I worked pulling weeds, fixed sprinklers, painted and worked in the greenhouses. I worked along with other helpers. and we all had great fun, both on the farm and exploring the area. It is incredible what they are able to grow out there in the desert, and the Moringa tree really is a super food, packed full of nutrients. I also was able to gorge myself on their pomegranates which were the best I’ve ever tasted.
The next place I stayed at was Karen’s in Winston Salem. She drove all the way to Raleigh to pick me up at the airport. And she treated me great throughout my stay. She needed dog-sitting done while she went on a few trips and also needed some home repair to prepare the upstairs rooms for renters. I worked with a few more wonderful helpers too, two from France, that I hope will become regular TravelGumbo contributors because they are prolific bloggers who’ve had some great trips.
The third place I stayed was at Lucy’s Goat farm in Interlachen, Florida. Lucy has a great heart and is a really an original thinker. I learned a lot about goats and other things. She lives in a dome house and I got to see how well designed those really are. I helped with farmers’ markets, cutting trees and a few other small projects.
I’m now on Prince Edward Island in Canada in Merrill and Martha’s beautiful home. They are wonderful people and I’m also getting a chance to work with a great couple from France too. We are doing projects around their house together and having a wonderful time on Prince Edward Island.
Most helpers and hosts are really happy with the exchange’s, but some end up disappointed if they are using it only for a free room or if a host just uses it for free labor. If you think this exchange is a fit for you, my advice is to read the reviews, ask questions, and go with your gut feeling on where to go.
I’m not sure if the future is going to allow me to do any more work-exchanges but I’m sure grateful for this year. It’s not many times a person gets a chance to do something like this as a middle-aged adult. It is a great way to travel cheaply and really live like a local. Going without an income is hard though, and I did work a little between stays The experience was priceless, though and worth any lack of income.
I enjoyed your post and admire your sense of adventure. I hope the rest of the year is as enjoyable as these first months have been. Want to hear more about it from you later!
That’s a terrific way to travel and learn…and a big leap into something that most people (maybe me!) usually think of as mainly for young people. But you are truly what they call a “lifelong learner!”
Rob, you have the heart of a true explorer.