If you dream of backpacking Europe; visiting unique and charming destinations while traveling at a relaxed pace, you’re probably wondering how to do it without spending a fortune!
In this guide, you will find plenty of resources to learn how to volunteer in Europe for free accommodation so you can make backpacking in Europe a reality.
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I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.Europe is certainly not the cheapest continent to travel long term. Still, there are some clever hacks to save money and travel for longer, such as volunteering.
On a volunteer placement, you give some of your free time to help local businesses and communities in exchange for free accommodation.
If you’ve visited Europe before, you’ll know even the hostels there are not cheap.
Therefore, if you can stay in places for free, you’ll have more money to enjoy the destination.
Volunteering in Europe provides many other benefits, too.
You’ll meet locals, help in the community, and potentially contribute to worthwhile causes. So, if you’re wondering how to volunteer in Europe for free, read on.
How To Volunteer In Europe For Free
There are various ways to volunteer in Europe for free. You don’t have to wait until you’re traveling to find opportunities, either.
The following methods allow you to secure placements ahead of your trip, so you don’t have to book any flights until you know you have an exchange confirmed.
Join Worldpackers Europe
Suppose you worry about things going wrong or placements not being as expected. In that case, I recommend using a specialized travel volunteering platform like Worldpackers.
Worldpackers was founded in 2013, so it has almost 10 years of experience arranging Europe volunteer opportunities. Moreover, they implement a vigorous verification process to ensure all listings are legit.
They have placements and exchanges in almost 40 European countries, from England to Italy, Sweden to Poland. The range of opportunities is highly diverse too.
With Worldpackers Europe, you can plan the most epic backpacking trip.
For example, you could be helping at an animal sanctuary in Wales, teaching yoga in the Canary Islands, or creating social media content in Macedonia.
Learn more by reading our Worldpackers review.
Post In Facebook Groups
You can also find ways to volunteer in Europe for free by joining Europe backpacking Facebook groups like “Backpacking Europe” and “Traveling in Europe.” Sometimes hosts will post in these groups looking for volunteers.
However, it’s well worth making your own post, too, explaining what you are looking for.
You can also join the travel volunteering Facebook community “Volunteer Abroad For Free,” which often advertises work exchanges in Europe.
PSSST. Want to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work?
If you're traveling on a budget or want to save and extend your trip, this could be exactly what you’re looking for. Worldpackers is a platform that connects travelers like you with hosts. It’s just like volunteer work –exchange your skills for free accommodation. SAVE $10 using my discount code. Learn more about how it works here.The advantage of using social media to find volunteer placements is that you speak directly with the host and do not have to pay any membership fees.
However, the negative side is that you will not be covered should you find the placement different from expected.
Research And Email Places You Are Interested In
Suppose you know which European country or city you want to volunteer in. In that case, you can research places you would be interested in helping out and contact the owner directly through email.
This works best if you know the type of work you would like to do.
For example, if you want to stay for free in Europe’s top cities, you can reach out to several hostels offering to work for accommodation. Learn more about what it’s like to work in a hostel.
However, suppose you are interested in alternative work, such as helping on a farm. In that case, this technique may not work as many small farms in Europe do not have websites or online presence.
How To Find Volunteer Opportunities In Europe
Finding volunteer opportunities through verified hosts on dedicated online platforms gives you the most security.
In addition, many volunteer websites, such as Worldpackers, provide support services should you encounter any problems once you arrive in Europe and start your placement.
For example, if, upon arrival, you find the exchange is not as described in the listing, you can contact the Worldpackers support team 7 days a week.
Moreover, Worldpackers will reimburse you for up to 3 nights’ accommodation should you have a problem and need to leave early.
Therefore, if you’re volunteering in Europe for the first time, using a trusted platform like Worldpackers is the safest option.
Thanks to their easy-to-use website and advanced search function, finding Europe volunteer opportunities is a piece of cake. Here’s how to do it:
Sign Up On Worldpackers
While you can view listings without being a member, you need to sign up and purchase a membership to be eligible to apply for placements.
Membership costs $49 per year for one person, which gives you access to unlimited trips during that period.
We have a $10 discount for our readers. Simply use the code ABROKENBACKPACK. Your membership will only cost you $39.
Although Worldpackers is not free to join, it’s well worth it as membership includes many additional extras that most other sites do not offer.
For example, all Worldpackers members have insurance covering accommodation costs if you have to leave your placement early. This gives you peace of mind that you won’t be out of pocket should something terrible happen.
There is also a membership option for friends or partners traveling together, the Couples/Friends plan costs $59 per year. Lastly, the premium “Pack” plan has even more additional extras, priced at $99 a year.
Premium members receive extended insurance and access to the WP academy, which features planning and budgeting tools.
Apply On A Volunteer Position On Worldpackers
Once you’ve signed up, you can start searching and applying to volunteer in Europe straight away.
The innovative search function makes it quick and easy to find your perfect exchange, as there are over a dozen filters to narrow down your search.
For example, you can search by country, host type, style, or required skills. You can also filter to see listings only from the highest rated or the most active hosts.
Here is an idea of what you can expect to find on Worldpackers Europe:
- Practice permaculture and gardening in the Scottish Wilderness.
- Be a vegan chef at a yoga retreat center in Spain.
- Paint murals at an eco-lodge in Estonia.
- Care for rescue dogs in the Croatian countryside.
Final Thoughts On Volunteering In Europe
Volunteering is a fantastic option if you want to travel around Europe long-term yet low-cost.
Of course, it will save you money, but you’ll have some meaningful and memorable experiences integrating into the community too.
What’s more, thanks to online platforms and social media, it doesn’t require much effort or planning to volunteer in Europe for free.
Traveling to Europe soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
