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US-Based Travel Company Helps Millennials to Swap Skills for Accommodation, etc.

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A young US-based company (in Florida) is facilitating millennials to see the world while helping the communities they enter. Worldpackers makes travel more accessible to those seeking a profound cultural experience, and through its online platform, it connects travellers looking to exchange their skills for accommodation with hosts from all around the world.

Worldpackers was founded by two 30-year-old best friends, Riq Lima and Eric Faria, from Brazil. Riq is an economist who left his job as an investment banker to travel the world for four years with little money. Eric, a certified accountant, initially travelled to the USA to learn English but ended up staying for nearly four years. His first two years were spent helping out at USA Hostels in San Diego, exchanging his skills for accommodation. He then helped to found International Travellers House, a hostel chain located in California whose staff was made up entirely of volunteers.

free travel opportunities, free travel for bloggers, free accommodation

Inspired by their experiences, Riq and Eric started Worldpackers in 2014. It’s a community based on collaboration and honest relationships, and it currently offers work exchange, social impact and eco programmes through an online platform, app and community. Hosts, including the hospitality industry, farms and NGOs, are able to sign up to request work exchange based on a particular skill set, including photography and marketing, bar work, reception and cleaning. The host will stipulate the period of time, skills, hours and role they require from the traveller.

Travellers are also able to design a profile based on their skills and search throughout the site to find an opportunity that best suits their desired experience. They can contact hosts with available positions and exchange these skills for accommodation. Worldpackers offers support on the go to both the travellers and hosts.

“Our purpose is to democratize meaningful travel experiences through a collaborative mindset,” Riq and Eric tell Lonely Planet. “Out of routine and judgement, people can follow their dreams, learn about themselves and the world, and find their purpose. We believe travel is the purest form of education, and one must learn through their own eyes and experiences.”

free travel opportunities, free travel for bloggers, free accommodation

Riq and Eric say that the reaction to their service has been “sensational,” and their community has rapidly grown to 800k from 174 countries. “Worldpackers started to become known in Europe because of word of mouth from travellers and hosts,” they say. “Our hosts offer thousands of experiences from more than 100 countries, and we’ve had more than half a million exchanged nights through our platform.”


For further information, check out the Worldpackers website

free travel opportunities, free travel for bloggers, free accommodation

For more opportunities in Southeast Asia, like helping a hostel to man the business, volunteer in exchange of accommodation in Thailand, become a photographer/videographer, or if you love to party you can be a club promoter - check the Southeast Asia opportunities here.


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120 comments :

  1. This is such a great idea! :o Perfect for Millennials with dreams of travelling but without a budget to match. I really like the idea of creating a collaborative relationship - such a good initiative. :)

    Christie's Take on Life. xx

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    1. You are right Christie, and this initiative / program builds a good relationship and bond for both travelers and stakeholders.

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  2. That is pretty interesting. Making a better world, a better place for everyone!

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  3. I've heard of World Packers. There are quite a few organizations that have started similar services. Its a good idea indeed. Getting food and accomodation in exchange of a few hours of work every week is a good way to explore a new country!

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    1. I know, and it is appealing to me! I think this is a good way to experience the local life as well :)

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  4. What a great idea, and can understand how it has grown so big with word of mouth. I have not heard of this before, but am sure it wont be long until everyone has x

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    1. Thank you for visiting!

      Hope they could add some accommodation in the nearby cities :D

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  5. As a travelholic I have heard of worldpackers before but we have never try it! This is something we consider to do in the near futur because next mai we are packing our stuff for a long term travel. The problem might be our daughter. I wonder if there is any job out there for a family. Ill have to check!

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    1. Oh that will be exciting for your family, Dada. Traveling long-term is my ultimate goal! Well hope eventually there will me more offers, right? :D

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  6. Wow thats a great initiative. Would love to work on an eco project in another country. Surely will be a rewarding experience!

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    1. Hahaha if a have ample time, I would love to experience that as well. It is more rewarding to work with nature :D

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  7. No way, what a cool idea. That is a great way for young people to see the world!

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    1. Oh not only young people.. everyone who have passion on travel and engaging to community :D

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  8. I love this. My travel the world days are on pause until my kids finish school and move out but I would love for my daughter to travel when she finishes school.

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    1. That's a great idea Rose. And your kid will learn a lot as well :) When do you plan to travel first? Which place?

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  9. This is a really clever idea! I did something a bit like it when I was younger and ended up helping build a hospital in rural Romania. Im very intereted in this site and the oportunities it provides.

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    1. Wow, you did an amazing job in helping building a hospital. Your marks are encrypted in those walls :)

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  10. I would love an opportunity like this to travel and help a community and in return have my hotel accommodations waived. This is a great way to collaborate with organizations. I know this is best when doing community service, but I would also appreciate it for bloggers who would do reviews of a hotel and receive and discount or one night free for their posting.

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    1. That's an awesome idea too! It's a win-win relationship. Both bloggers and the hotels help each other's needs.

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  11. That's an interesting idea. Many companies choose to target millennials nowadays...

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    1. I agree. Because millennials are active and mostly straightforward. But also don't forget the old folks, or the baby boomers... they make things more refine in a traditional ways they know (IMHO).

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  12. I have read something about Worldpackers but it is too limited. Glad I came over your post and now I learned more about this. Sometimes I am thinking of joining this kind and be a digital nomad in order to travel the world.

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    1. I just checked some offers (like in Asia) a resort, looking for social media manager to help them out in promoting their business. The offers are interesting, how I wish I can go!

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  13. What a cool way to travel. Now to get airfare include for work.

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    1. Yeah, coz this if just for free accommodation. Would be nice if airlines will offer FREE TICKETS too, right?! :)

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  14. This is such an interesting idea and sounds like something I need to look into further! I love the idea of visiting locations and getting the real life experience, so this is the perfect way to do it!

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    1. And the best part is, sharing your knowledge and expertise, and gaining what you need in return. Its a community of helping-out each other. I bet its rewarding.

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  15. With the wanderlust bug catching the minds of every millennial out there, it is great to see an initiative like this where you visit places and do something productive with your skills :)

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    1. I agree! Especially before they reach the moment of needing to settle down.

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  16. Wow this is a great opportunity to see the world and be kind to your own pockets. I think it's a fair trade to offer professional services in exchange for accommodation - like barter trade.

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  17. What an absolutely fantastic idea for a company, I am sure there are loads of people who have skills that would be useful in certain places and would love to travel, so swapping in this way is a wonderful way to experience more of the world.

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    1. Yeah, and upon checking most of the works they offer are not those heavy work though. I mean I think everyone can do it, except those that needs technical and special skills like videography and et al.

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  18. Excellent read. I wasn't aware of this but I definitely love the concept. It's a win, win for everyone involved. I have saved Worldpackers website and will share it with others.

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    1. Thank you Lorraine! And hope you'll try it soon.
      Ohh you can also post for add and if you need help for your projects.

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  19. What a cool experience. I haven't heard of anything like this being done in the US. It's great to give back so I'm sure this would be really nice to take part in.

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    1. I am thinking of trying Worldpacker for my future trips to Europe :)

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  20. Oh cool, this sounds like a fantastic experience! I've always wanted to be able to travel more. It does teach you a lot.

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    1. You are right! Travel helps us understand things in a more broader sense, and also an opportunity to meet new friends for life.

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  21. Wow worldpackers sounds amazing! 800 thousand people is such good going! I wonder if they are based over here too?!

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    1. The company is based in Florida, USA. But accessible worldwide, I checked and there are many interesting list waiting for travelers :)

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  22. I think that this is a really neat idea and a fantastic way to get people involved in great and helpful initiatives.

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  23. Wow, this seems an interesting concept and for travellers like us, It can be a great option. I shall for sure look out more wrt their options, services. Thanks

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  24. My brother was thinking about doing this during the summer after his junior year. It is such a great idea.

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    1. That will be awesome for you both. I am happy and excited for your next siblings' adventures!

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  25. This is such a great idea I think it's excellent thanks for such an insightful post!

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    1. You're welcome Jade, and thank you for stopping-by :D

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  26. Such a great program! And I love that you're sharing!

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  27. I am defo checking this out, this looks great and perfect for saving at the same time too.

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    1. Exactly, all you have to offer is your kick-ass skills and your passion on helping others.

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  28. Like how cool is this. Love these initiatives... :) makes the world a better place!

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  29. What a great way to make things better in communities for everyone! We need more if that right now.

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  30. It's a meaningful program. Beneficial for the young generation, including me :) I want to join this program too.

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    1. That will be more exciting! Please help to share this good news to your friends :)

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  31. I think this is an amazing idea! Travel can be so expensive, and this is such a great way to give back and afford it.

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    1. Exactly! And travelers have their choices, based on the skills they want to contribute.

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  32. This is a wonderful idea! Usually international travel for us millenials is very hard due to the fact it is very expensive and this helps a lot!

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    1. That's awesome. This is perfect for those who are thinking of having a break from school, and wants to explore their horizons.

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  33. This sounds interesting :D... Its actually great for single travelers :D

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    1. You have a point. Having kids will be a bit of an issue to avail this program.

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  34. This sounds like such an awesome way to not only travel the world but experience different cultures at the same time! I am going to pass this post on to my oldest son! These are amazing opportunities.

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    1. Thanks dear! This could be a great opportunity while your son is spending his summer break.

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  35. Great initiative! Such a good heart for people who always step up.

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  36. wow, a new platform to connect all the traveler. Looking forward to explore this website.

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    1. Thanks Betty! There are also opportunities listed from Malaysia, and nearby countries!

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  37. Thanks for sharing, I know just the person to recommend this to! Backpacking is fun and I wish I will have time for it someday.

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  38. This is perfect for people with travelling dream and low budget.

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    1. Definitely! Perfect for those who wants to experience the other side of the world.

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  39. This is so in line with what we are encouraging the young ones to do now - travel, study and grow.

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    1. Absolutely! If I have time, I would definitely apply!

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  40. What an incredible company, i am impressed by this idea for sure. I will be checking them out

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  41. This is so awesome! Wish I know about organizations like this when I was on summer break in college and had lots of free time & didn't have to work yet. Now that I have to work for a living, I don't imagine I could leave my job and do this but it is a very cool opportunity for young people

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    1. I agree, unless you are ready to explore and take your chances.

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  42. I just read another post about this! I love the idea of money not being part of things, but goods, services and simple volunteer work! Its a good thing for both parties!

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    1. I agree. IT is such a good thing to collaborate with locals.

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  43. I needed this post! I was just online looking for a program like this so I can travel more often. Thank you!!!

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    1. Perfect! I am glad that my post help you. happy travelling!

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  44. This is such a cool thing! I know so many people that would love to participate in something like this.

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    1. Thanks Krystle. Please share this post to your friends :D

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  45. Love this initiative! It gives people more opportunity to travel and explore the world

    xx, Kusum | www.sveeteskapes.com

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  46. This is such an interesting concept for millennial backpackers!!

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  47. What a beautiful organization! What comes to mind are kids in their 20's who aren't quite sure what they'd like to do with their lives. They've yet to start a family, buy a house, etc. All of the things that start to tie one down. That's perfect time to go on adventure like this! x

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    1. Exactly! Young adults who are not yet ready to pursue their career can avail this opportunity, to learn and discover their true calling.

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  48. This is an amazing opportunity to travel. I had never heard of them before now.

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    1. Thank you Melissa. Maybe your friends will like this opportunity!

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  49. Wonderful idea. I know I love to travel, but it can be pretty expensive. And I think this could help us understand each other better.

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    1. I agree, travel is expensive. But there are many was to make things happen and not breaking your bank.

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  50. I love the idea of going on holiday and helping a community at the same time. It's impossible with two kids though. Hopefully it's something I'll be able to do when I'm older :)

    Louise x

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    1. Thank you for visiting Louise. Hope there will be more opportunities to come.

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  51. Wow!! What a great idea and very initiative. This is such perfect for millennials to travel in their dream destination with a friendly budget. I will check this out.

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    1. Thank you Shub! Don't forget to share this info to your friends :D

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  52. Exchanging skills to get accomodation in new country is a great way to explore world. You have given me very idea as I also love travelling a lot. Through this we can make good contacts in a new place.

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    1. You are right Yukti. This can help you to build a strong relationship first. Then eventually, decide on what you want to do. Who knows, maybe the stakeholders will be your next business partners :D

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  53. This sound like an amazing opportunity for travellers to gain insightful experience. Learning while travelling is so much fun!

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  54. wow. This is amazing. I have been planning to work abroad and this might be the perfect opportunity for me. Will check this out

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  55. I have always wanted to travel the world using my skills. But I sit down and think, I don't have any particular skill sets that would be useful to others!

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  56. I wish something like Worldpackers existed when I was younger and had time to do that, I would have loved it.

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    1. Oh you can still do it. It maybe not now, but who knows! Maybe in few years to come.

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  57. Great idea. Really hope that I will have the chance to travel like this. I think workaways also has a similar idea to this.

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  58. That is a great initiative..hopefully one day i can join this

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    1. That will be exciting. Keep tabs on this site so you can be updated with new opportunities.

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  59. Wow this is so cool. Never heard of something like this. Great for travel lovers to have something for free in exchange for work.

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  60. It sounds like an awesome travel experience to see insightful. This is perfect for others who wants to travel in friendly-budget. I will definitely check this out.

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth, you cans hare this info to your friends!

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  61. this is just amazing... I am sure my daughter would love to do this

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  62. I've heard about this before and I think this is such a great idea. You can learn a lot more things there working and exploring their culture deeper by doing that.

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    1. I agree. I do hope this expands to more opportunities even locally :)

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