Is Worldpackers Worth It? What You Should Know Before Signing Up

Worldpackers is a popular platform that connects travelers with host communities around the world.

The platform allows travelers to exchange their skills for accommodation and other benefits, creating a unique and affordable way to explore new destinations.

However, like any platform that involves financial transactions and personal information, it’s important to ask: is Worldpackers worth it?

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the platform and what you need to know before signing up.

Want to get started right away? Get $10 off Worldpackers!

What Is Worldpackers?

Worldpackers is an online platform that connects travelers with host communities in over 170 countries.

The platform allows travelers to exchange their skills for accommodation and other benefits, such as meals, language lessons, and cultural activities.

The platform was founded in 2014 and has since grown to become one of the largest online communities for budget travelers.

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How Does Worldpackers Work?

Worldpackers works on a subscription-based model. Travelers pay a fee to access the platform and browse through various hosts and destinations.

Once a traveler finds a host they’re interested in, they can apply for a volunteer position by submitting an application outlining their skills and interests.

If the host approves their application, the traveler can then arrange the details of their stay directly with the host.

Is Worldpackers Legit?

Yes, Worldpackers is a legit platform. The company has been featured in various media outlets, such as Forbes, The Huffington Post, and Lonely Planet, and has received positive reviews from thousands of travelers.

However, like any platform that involves financial transactions and personal information, it’s important to exercise caution and do your research before signing up. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Check The Host’s Reviews

Before applying for a volunteer position, make sure to check the host’s reviews on the platform. This will give you an idea of what other travelers have experienced while volunteering with that host.

Read The Terms And Conditions

Make sure to read the platform’s terms and conditions carefully before signing up. This will give you a better understanding of the platform’s policies and what you can expect as a traveler.

Personal Information

As with any online platform, it’s important to exercise caution when sharing personal information. Make sure to only share information that is necessary for the volunteering experience and to keep your personal information secure.

Research The Destination

Before applying for a volunteer position, make sure to research the destination and any potential safety concerns. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to apply for the position.

Worldpackers is a legit platform that offers a unique and affordable way to explore new destinations.

However, as with any platform that involves financial transactions and personal information, it’s important to exercise caution and do your research before signing up.

Worldpackers Review – Pros & Cons

Is Worldpackers worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the platform and help you determine whether or not it’s worth paying for. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Worldpackers work exchange platform.

The Pros Of Worldpackers

If you’re looking to grow and develop while traveling but also follow a budget, then Worldpackers might be worth it for you. Here are a few of the pros of Worldpackers.

Affordable Travel

One of the biggest advantages of Worldpackers is that it allows budget travelers to explore new destinations without breaking the bank.

By exchanging their skills for accommodation and other benefits, travelers can significantly reduce their travel expenses.

Check out these awesome work exchanges in Barcelona, London, Scotland, France, Italy & Hawaii!

Cultural Immersion

Another advantage of Worldpackers is that it allows travelers to immerse themselves in local cultures and communities.

By staying with a host family or community, travelers can experience local customs, traditions, and ways of life that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

Personal And Professional development

Worldpackers also provides opportunities for personal and professional development. By volunteering their skills, travelers can gain valuable experience and skills that can help them in their future endeavors.

The Cons Of Worldpackers

Work exchanging through Worldpackers might be not be for everyone. There is a give and take, which means you won’t just be getting a free vacation.

If you’re wanting to have lots of free time and no restrictions, Worldpackers might not be the best choice.

Time Commitment

One of the biggest disadvantages of Worldpackers is that it requires a significant time commitment.

Travelers must commit to a certain amount of time volunteering with their host community, which can limit their flexibility and ability to explore other destinations.

Limited Control Over The Experience

Another disadvantage of Worldpackers is that travelers have limited control over their experience.

They must rely on their host community to provide them with accommodations, meals, and other benefits, which can vary in quality depending on the host.

Are you covered? ➡️ I always reccommend trip protection, especially for work exchanging. My favorite is SafetyWing Insurance.

Safety Concerns

Finally, there are safety concerns associated with using Worldpackers. Travelers must exercise caution when sharing personal information and arranging their travel plans.

You should always research the destination and potential safety concerns before applying for a volunteer position.

Want to know more? Check out my guide answering “Is Worldpackers safe?”.

Is Worldpackers Worth It?

Ultimately, whether or not Worldpackers is worth it depends on your individual travel goals and preferences.

If you’re looking for an affordable and immersive travel experience that allows you to give back to local communities, then yes, Worldpackers is worth it.

However, if you value flexibility and control over your travel experience, a more traditional vacation might suit you better.

Is Worldpackers free? 

The short answer is no, Worldpackers is not completely free. You’ll need to pay an annual fee to use the platform, there are different types of plans to choose from too.

Here are some of the costs associated with using Worldpackers so you can understand what to expect.

The Costs Of Using Worldpackers

While Worldpackers does require some financial investment, the costs associated with using the platform are relatively low compared to other forms of travel.

Here are the main costs associated with using Worldpackers:

Membership Fee

To use Worldpackers, travelers must first become members of the platform.

There are several membership options available. You can get the ‘Solo Trips’ plan, which is the more basic, standard option for $49.

The premium membership ‘Solo Pack’ provides all of the same benefits of the basic with some more additions.

It includes extra Worldpackers insurance (up to $199 coverage if anything goes wrong) and other travel discounts. The Solo Pack membership is $99.

You can get $10 off Worldpackers by using my link or the code MAPTREKKING.

Program Fees

In addition to the membership fee, travelers may also be required to pay program fees to their host community.

These fees can vary depending on the destination and the nature of the volunteer work but typically cover things like meals or other benefits. These fees should be stated on the experience page.

Travel Expenses

Finally, travelers must also cover their travel expenses, including airfare, transportation, and travel insurance.

While Worldpackers does not provide financial assistance for these costs, the platform does offer resources and advice to help travelers plan their trips and save money on travel expenses.

Is Worldpackers Worth The Investment?

While Worldpackers is not completely free, many travelers find that the investment is well worth it.

Of course, access to a wide range of volunteer opportunities around the world isn’t very useful unless you set up experiences.

Once you’ve used it a few times, it makes up the fee payment and more. I enjoy using the platform itself and have gotten responses back from hosts, so it’s a yes from me.

What I learned from doing a Worldpackers in Budapest ⭐️

Does Worldpackers Pay For Your Flight?

One common question that many travelers have when considering volunteering through platforms such as Worldpackers is whether or not they will be provided with a flight or travel expenses.

While Worldpackers does not directly pay for flights or travel expenses, there are some opportunities for travelers to offset these costs through the platform.

When you volunteer through Worldpackers, you are typically provided with accommodation and other benefits such as meals, language lessons, and cultural activities in exchange for your skills and time.

However, the cost of travel to and from your volunteer destination is typically not covered. This means that you will need to arrange and pay for your flights and transportation to get to your volunteer destination.

Does Worldpackers Pay Money?

No, Worldpackers does not directly pay you. Some Worldpacker hosts may offer additional benefits such as airport pick-up, local transportation, or a stipend to help cover travel expenses.

Learn other ways you can make money through Worldpackers 🙌

Additionally, Worldpackers has a feature called ‘Wallet Credits’ that allows travelers to earn 2-4% cash back when using Booking.com.

To earn Wallet Credits, travelers must be a Worldpackers member. For those on the ‘Solo Trips’ plan, you will get 2% cash back from your stays.

For those on the ‘Solo Pack’ membership, you will get 4% cash back. This can be a useful way to offset the cost of future travel expenses.

Please note: if you want a better deal for getting cash back on Booking – get the Capital One VentureOne Travel credit card.

You get 5% cash back on Booking when you use Capital One Shopping, plus you earn miles on the actual card itself. This is what I use and it’s great – especially because you don’t need a very high credit score to be accepted.

If you’re from Europe, you can open a free account with N26 bank and get 10% cash back on Booking through them.

Is There Other Website Similar To Worldpackers?

Yes, there are several websites similar to Worldpackers that offer opportunities for travelers who are interested in volunteering abroad.

Some of the most popular alternatives to Worldpackers include Workaway, HelpStay, HelpX, and WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms).

Like Worldpackers, these websites connect travelers with hosts who are seeking volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, such as farming, teaching, or childcare.

Each of these websites has its unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your travel goals and interests.

Some travelers may prefer the larger network and community of Worldpackers, while others may prefer the more specific focus of WWOOF on organic farming.

See the 👉 6 best work exchange platforms

Worldpackers VS Workaway

When it comes to finding travel opportunities that allow you to exchange your skills for accommodation and other benefits, two popular platforms are Workaway and Worldpackers.

Both platforms provide travelers with the chance to explore new places, meet new people, and gain valuable personal and professional experience.

But which is better: Workaway or Worldpackers? Check out my full comparison – Worldpackers Vs Workaway.

Similarities

Both Workaway and Worldpackers offer travelers the chance to exchange their skills for accommodation and other benefits.

Both platforms have a rating and review system that allows travelers to read about other travelers’ experiences with hosts.

Additionally, both platforms allow travelers to communicate directly with hosts to discuss the details of the volunteer opportunity and ask any questions they may have.

Differences

While both platforms offer similar opportunities, there are some key differences to consider. Workaway has a larger number of hosts and volunteer opportunities available and only one annual membership option.

It is good for those already used to traveling and work exchanging. They don’t give a discount but they do offer 3 months extra for free when you sign up with my link.

Worldpackers places a greater emphasis on social impact and providing helpful resources to learn from.

They also offers two unique membership options (and a $10 discount), both with Worldpackers insurance to cover you if something goes wrong. This is great for new travelers and work exchangers.

Final Thoughts – Is Worldpackers Worth It?

So is Worldpackers worth it? As a budget traveler myself, I would say yes. It’s a great way meet both locals and fellow travelers, so you can make friendships.

If you’re wanting unique, immersive travel experiences, then Worldpackers is for you.

More Articles:

Worldpackers Promo Code – How To Get The Best Worldpackers Discount Code & Make Money

What’s The Best Workaway Alternative? 6 Reasons To Try Worldpackers