Why Worldpackers is better than WorkAway | Volunteer travel

[@imani-faith]

This video played automatically after the last and I’m so glad it did 😭🙏🏼 I’ve been stressed trying to be logical about this journey but this has renewed my faith just a bit.

[@tiantian7725]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm sitting in my room in China and watching this, get motivated to plan my one year volunteer tirp ahead as a single lady!!!!Got so many inspirations and courage from this video:)

[@jessmundo]

Congratulations! That’s super exciting! Lots of adventures ahead for you.

[@evafuhrmann3211]

Hey @tiantian7725 your Plan Sounds greate! I wanna do something quiet simular, also as a Single woman. What are you up to? Do you have a Tour-plan yet?

[@tiantian7725]

Hey!!!I am on the road now hahh, surfing in Bali right now and connecting with digital nomads, it's been amazing!!!Wish i have done it earlier!!@@evafuhrmann3211

[@Naim-f2h]

Have you start your volunteer year yet ???

[@tiantian7725]

@@evafuhrmann3211 hey girl! Want to follow up on my message, I didn't do volunteer instead but now working and travelling at the same time, living in Bali at the moment. Surfing and everything, indeed living a life that I love:)

[@smegheadish]

Wow.. discovering your channel at just the right time. I'm getting ready to put in my notice at my job of 23 years. I want to have the more "immersive" experience, and travel with "meaning." I also want to take my Spanish to the next level.. thanks for.your video!

[@jessmundo]

How exciting! You’re already on the most rewarding path by having intention. Many blessings on preparing for your upcoming adventures!

[@smegheadish]

@@jessmundo thank you! I'm guessing you'd recommend Bolivia as a possible destination?!

[@jessmundo]

@@smegheadish let’s just say that I thought I’d spend the least amount of time in this country of all the South American countries and it’s now my home. So yes!

[@smegheadish]

@@jessmundo I see :) I have in my mind that I want to visit Peru, Argentina, and Chile.. And I've recently watched a series of videos from some travel vloggers I follow about thier adventures in Ecuador.. what a gorgeous looking country! I feel like there's no wrong choices.. just be open to what "speaks" to you..

[@brownq670]

this information is really vital to a person who wants to join World packers. Thank u so much for sharing with us🙏

[@iainunfiltered]

This is awesome you did it so cheap. I’m planning the same for next year… I stayed with a woman similar to you in Portugal last year for a few weeks.

[@jessmundo]

Nice! Yea doing a work exchange in South America has the bonus that it costs very little money to travel versus many other parts of the world so many people come here so they can travel for longer.

[@amo7523]

Appreciate you for the video. I’ve had this calling to drop everything and go help other ppl and communities for quite sometime. In most of my travels I’ve noticed how thankful and appreciative other cultures are that have nothing. I have a decent savings and looking to leave Oregon by winter. I don’t care about money anymore and am much more interested in more real experience’s. 🙏🏼

[@maryjeanpalmer205]

I truly enjoyed your video. Thank you for sharing your experience and especially how important it is to experience local.

[@davewelbylivinginhistinyti4796]

Cool advice ! Thank you. Kind regards and all the best 🙌💛🙌

[@drgaryvideo]

Wow I have you on a HUGE wide screen in stereo!!! I feel like I am there lol! Awesome info about budgets and services! Miss you and thank you for this and all of the other videos!

[@jessmundo]

I’m dying 🤣

[@paperchasewebb]

Thank you. You're amazing and super inspiring...

[@alexanderpfeiffer317]

I really enjoyed your video! Currently I am planning a trip around the world. Starting from Germany next year in August. I want to use worldpackers, workaway and helpx to get to know the local life.

[@jessmundo]

How exciting!

[@Summahtyme]

Thanks for sharing this information ❤

[@TravelingLittleFish]

Solid Video. Very Informative. A beautiful heart.

[@jessmundo]

So sweet! Glad you enjoyed it. 😃

[@gustavoaramvivanco]

Great video, I was hesitating to do volunteering but the information you provided in this video is so great, I decided to go ahead and start volunteering for the next 4 months.

[@jessmundo]

@@gustavoaramvivanco i hope you have an amazing experience!

[@crypto_prana2044]

Awesome stuff, found your channel today. great advice on this video 🙏 Thanks for putting it up here 👍

[@jessmundo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tyembu]

I’m glad I came across your video. Thanks for the tips. Great story telling skills because you managed to convince me to apply for world packers. I would love to know how you planned your visa and everything pre travel that could be helpful tips for aspiring volunteers. Thanks❤

[@msinaanc]

I was loving your suggestions and the way you express yourself, with all the underlying things on these volunteering way and then, there is a permaculture channel too. Wow! Which is the main reason I want to volunteer, to learn permaculture from the source. I think I'm going to binge watch some of your content. I hope, I experience beautiful things like you do in the near future. I love your vibe! Thanks for sharing. Also, I didn't know about worldpackers, definitely going to check that out. Better to have an alternative to workaway.

[@jessmundo]

Thank you so much for the kind reply to the video. You’re welcome to come learn permaculture with us if you’re able to come to Bolivia!

[@msinaanc]

@@jessmundo To be honest, I wasn't expecting that :)) As of now, coming to Bolivia was not in my plans but I appreciate your offer. I'm definitely going to consider the option, if I had a chance I'd like to see your garden and learn from your experience. Thanks for your kind offer. Best wishes!!!

[@jessmundo]

@@msinaanc Think about it and get back to me if it calls to you 😁 [e-mail]

[@lowellirish]

She's totally a chill girl...love it. And super pretty too!

[@jodym1106]

Lovely helpful advice thanks for the great video

[@keineahnungr]

Thank you for all the information. I appreciate your tipps very much. Im planning my first trip to Canada right now to get out of my hamster wheel. Im 28 and currently selling close to everything i own and fly overseas in January. Looking forward to watch more of your videos!

[@jessmundo]

Congratulations!

[@qinyuanzhou3538]

I’m 33 and in the same boat. Best of luck to you ❤

[@mandylavida]

COME AND STAY WITH US!!! I need yoga cos I've got injuries and cannot do my usual work...also I need video help. Seriously. Come and stay!

[@jessmundo]

Awww i would have loved to 2 years ago! I got a baby boy now and am trying to find the time to do videos and teach yoga on our own farm.

[@mynewlife9303]

I'm moving from Bermuda to the U.K in a rush I think worldpacker will help

[@KimberleyCattaneo]

Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@rachaeljackson3759]

Thanks for your video! I really want to work abroad specifically with Latin dancing and unfortunately, workaway seems to be the only one of these sites that has a program exactly what I’m looking for. World packers didn’t 😢 I still want to give workaway a try because of the specific program I want , but I don’t like how they hide some reviews

[@TaigiTWeseDiplomat--Formosan]

0.0

[@Truthseeker371]

I travelled around the world with Workawa for two years. I never wanted to volunteer at hostels, etc. As I teach regenerative agriculture , and am good at teaching English/Japanese, cooking, caring kids and old people, I focused on volunteering in those areas. It was fun and great to exchange views and learn new things. Volunteering is not a contract working. You can always leave,8f the situation doesn't match with what's described. That's the best part of travelling volunteering. Just enjoy the new places. My advice is to choose volunteering that can improve your skill and also explore new opportunities.

[@jessmundo]

Yea, it’s an incredible growing opportunity for sure. The only thing lacking in your advice is to genuinely want to be a help. If it’s all about you then it’s very obvious to hosts that you have a take take take mentality. We experience this a lot with our volunteers. There’s an entitlement from them that they want to learn and travel for as long as possible spending as little money as possible, therefore often willing to break things and not replace them, receive free services and treatments, etc and end up being a cost and burden. When coming in humbly to a place that you genuinely find interest in but also willing to do hard work and offer up a good energy exchange, the graciousness and effort from the hosts to teach and give good learning opportunities naturally flows.

[@shalenah]

omg i'm going to syi peru later this year! so exciting you had that experience

[@jessmundo]

Amazing!

[@amatistaazul]

guaaau thanks you very much! I'm traveling with worldpackers and I'm in love!!! is a really good way to travel.. I Have too Workaway but I don't use it, because is so much complicated and it's not that precise with the information...abput the place, the works hours, the references etc... the dame that you said.

[@lindseyreagh7254]

How do i sign up. You are exactly what i wanna be amd do! Very inspirational too!! I am ready and i have so much knowledge and skills and love that i want to share. I want to help as.many as i can❤

[@jessmundo]

Amazing! You can start by creating an account and profile here…www.worldpackers.com/promo/PERMACULTURE?PERMACULTURE&

[@wanderlustybanana]

I tried Workaway last year in Australia to get any beekeeping experience and only got like 1 reply out of maybe 8 people I message. I'm excited to try worldpackers

[@ChaiTogether]

Thanks for the insight 😊❤

[@sandradacherry1992]

thank you so much for this :)

[@Sylphyuno]

I’m looking between these too for too long,everytime people discuss between them and everytime is harder to choose …I enjoyed and listened to your video,but I also listened to others completely different from this.I really don’t know how to do…at this time I guess it will be the faith who will choose for me

[@nana-e-2024]

thank you for sharing your experience 🥰

[@vanessachiarahard9996]

Thanks for sharing all this. How did you do it with the health insurance? Do you have any recommendation from country to country ore something international?

[@jessmundo]

I used Cigna and paid a lot bc I wanted full coverage after having experienced a serious medical accident 8 years ago. But there’s many short term cheap travel health insurances out there. You just need to do some digging.

[@josem9408]

7:32 I'm a bit confused. Someone told me I should search for websites where the hosts do not get paid because then that means they are genuinely interested in being hosts and learning from the people they take in. I'm having trouble understanding if you agree with that statement, or if you're saying we should look for websites where the hosts DO get paid. Also I'm having trouble understanding if you're saying Worldpackers & WorkAway do/don't pay their hosts. Can you please clear that up for me?

[@jessmundo]

@@josem9408 most hosts are making money somehow off of travelers whether they admit it or not because otherwise it’s completely unsustainable unless you’re receiving funding and support. These hosts aren’t getting paid by WP or WA but they have extra services that volunteers can pay for if they want to do extra activities or deepen their learning. I’m saying to appreciate the hosts that offer extra services to volunteers for a price because they are usually authentic experiences and for a strong discount, plus you get to contribute to their projects by supporting them and spending money within their community.

[@josem9408]

@@jessmundo I see, thank you!

[@evansims2816]

how do you make money while volunteering abroad? or how much money should you have saved up before you do this for a few weeks?

[@jessmundo]

I saved money before I went and just did exchanges to make my money last longer. In the video, I say how much I spent in 6.5 months. Less than $3k. But the amount of money you need completely depends on which countries you want to travel to and through and from where. You have to do some research on flights, public transportation, hostels, tours and incorporate some meals in between traveling from one volunteer place to another.

[@brofessormex]

We're in Mexico at the fire academy

[@chrisapps-dh5yd]

I have used Workaway with mixed feelings. I don't think volunteering in a hostel or farm that is using the volunteers labor for profit is very nice. Sadly, broke backpackers stealing jobs from locals for food and a place to sleep is quite common on Workaway. I think volunteering to help a private subsistance farm to gain experience or teaching at a public schools english program is much better choice. Folks should think about how they may deprive a local family from having a job when browsing volunteering sites.

[@jessmundo]

The volunteers are getting paid by food and accommodation and to stay at locations that have been built and established through years of hard work, vision, sacrifice, and passion by the owners. I don’t see it as using “labor for profit” in an unfair way. Though some hosts can abuse and take advantage, it’s not the case of most and that’s what volunteers need to realize. You aren’t working “for free.” There is a valuable exchange. And all the work will somehow move towards making the hosts a profit in some way. Hopefully. We hope to go further from having unpaid volunteers with our program. We prefer volunteers who have paid to take our permaculture course, and then stay extra time to practice what they’ve learned and get a feel for the community. Though it’s very difficult to find dependable, local workers around here, we hope to find some that we can pay and provide jobs for during our course weeks. But, this idea sounds a lot easier than it actually is. Most campesinos are very busy with their own families, homes, projects, and farms. So it will take time to find a good worker. We like the balance between hiring locally and having tourists visit to learn and contribute spending towards our small town.

[@lowellirish]

Although I am just exploring these sites, I'm not sure that having 1 or 3 people working for someone...let's say, at a local farm in Portugal is "denying" people the right to work..The host advertises for specific skill sets, such as "farming, masonry, carpentry, etc." and wishes to save $ whilst interacting with people from other cultures... It's really a quid-pro-quo. NOW...if we want to talk about the 7,000,000 illegals streaming across the U.S. border, taking up space, setting up homeless encampment, taking jobs, and living off MY tax dollars...causing me to review moving out of MY home country? I'll be happy to agree with you there!!😉

[@diegofrancisco425]

people become these weird monsters as soon as the subject of "immigration" pops in

[@diegofrancisco425]

for example, on the other side of the coin, there's this situation now where "rich and cultured" UK citizens cannot fulfill the visa requirements to go work in Germany tech companies, not because of lack of savings or lack of qualifications, purely for post-Brexit EU ego fights bureaucracy... it is not only affecting the poor, but also the "rich"

[@diegofrancisco425]

and at the end, everyone loses with the restrictions... because they don't make the problems go away

[@ashexxxx]

I have noticed some countries in South Asia charge money, specially in Nepal and India. I find it quite exploiting as they are already making you work and on top of that are asking for money. Most of these charge 5-10$ a night for which you can easily book a hostel or even a hotel in India or Nepal.

[@jessmundo]

It might be difficult to understand if you haven’t been a host before. It gets expensive to feed and host people even in a cheaper country when you don’t have another side gig of charging people or making strong income. I mean, I’ve heard of some hosts over working and under feeding their “volunteers,” but just because they charge them definitely doesn’t mean they are exploiting them. Volunteers break items/tools weekly for us. If we didn’t offer tours and courses, we would have to go back to charging a little bit for food each week to the volunteers. Otherwise we’d be broke and starving ourselves. And if places charge $5-$10 a night and feed the volunteers well and provide a well-managed work environment where they have really invested time and money to better their homestead/hostel experience, then that’s a great deal.

[@chonntonwonton104]

@@jessmundoit just needs to be communicated and agreed upon beforehand, and not the hosts not saying anything until the volunteers arrive

[@jessmundo]

@@chonntonwonton104 💯 which is why I emphasize in this video being very clear about the exchange before committing on both ends.

[@BoldlyExplore]

The Plant Killer? 😂. Why? 😅. Thank you for the information

[@jessmundo]

I used to be a militant vegan! 😄

[@LineOra]

Hi, Thank you for this video 😊 Do the host provide volunteering or work contract and letter of accommodation please ?

[@jessmundo]

They provide an exchange-work for food and a bed. And if you need a letter for travel reasons they can give that to you as well.

[@LineOra]

Thank you so much.

[@Violchen]

Would you also recommend Worldpackers for a European looking for voluntering opportunities in Europe cause I read that Worldpackers is better if you want to travel and work in Latein America ?

[@jessmundo]

Absolutely. We are in personal contact with their “Head of Growth” and they are now at 60% of volunteers from Europe where it used to be much lower and like you said more for the South American travel. WorkAway has been around longer so they have more hosts to choose from but Worldpackers still has many and if quality, and they treat their users so much better than WorkAway.

[@Violchen]

@@jessmundo thanks for the quick answer

[@devadossaliba7434]

Thanks for your message my friend.But what type of visa is required for the one who is a member of the world packers community??? Kindly let me know my friend.

[@jessmundo]

There’s no visa requirements to join Worldpackers.

[@arsenbaic]

Tks

[@Cili21265]

Can I pay for Worldpackers or Workaway with cash? I don't trust banks. Or at least transfer money at the post office?

[@jessmundo]

No idea. You’d have to ask them.

[@InfoBitdidi]

I loved your vibe

[@Meta-Drew]

Can someone timestamp the answer to clickbait question in the thumbnail pls? thanks

[@douggieverster4898]

I will love too do that

[@leecegal]

How do you go about getting health insurance while traveling like this? That’s one of my biggest concerns

[@jessmundo]

There’s many cheap travel health insurance companies out there. I paid a lot for mine because I’ve gotten in a crazy accident before and wanted to be totally covered. Also if you have credit cards check to see if they cover your trips. I had a Chase Reserve that cover up to $10k I think but that was in belongings.

[@leecegal]

@@jessmundo great thanks so much for the info!

[@Stvn44]

Do you recommend upgrading to premium plan on worldpackers?

[@jessmundo]

Hi! Yes, definitely if you are going to do multiple experiences as the contingency coverage is excellent.

[@maximeveilleux6469]

Gracias!!

[@shalenah]

also, how long in advance do you need to start applying for work/volunteer exchanges?

[@jessmundo]

Some hosts receive last minute volunteers. So it just depends on the host. For me, I tried to at least a month in advance, but I planned ahead more than most.

[@shalenah]

@@jessmundo Okay great to hear! That would be my plan too. Just wasn't sure if there was a such a thing as /too/ far in advance lol. Also congratulations on welcoming a little one! :-)

[@okyanusya4093]

That's especially interesting. I belive i need money to do it, and 2500 dolar is too much for me. But still, i have 1 year, i try to make up. It's good information, thank you.

[@jessmundo]

You’ll need money for the transportation but after that you can stay at places in exchange for accommodation and meals.

[@wherestheparty_]

I`m not sure what destinations you were volunteering at but $2500 sounds a lot to me 🙃 I actually spent way less but I also didn`t change many locations so that's why. So for people who are interested or on a tighter budget, you can spend a lot less than if you travel slowly and change less locations or go to countries where transport is cheaper (S.America, Eeast Europe, SE Asia)

[@jessmundo]

Yep. This is very true. That’s why I specifically listed that the $2500 included 7 flights, food outside of the exchange, and touristy tours that I did. Obviously traveling by foot can save a lot more money. I’ve met people who survived off of $1k easily in 6 months in South America even with crossing borders. But that included a lot of camping too.

[@judygilleland9384]

Was the person peeping in the window? Lol

[@mandylavida]

I am a workaway host, and I find it so difficult to contact them.

[@ZONEPRESSLLC]

they suck big time

[@luthermarak2990]

Wow amazing ma.am ❤️❤️

[@umidjonumatov5286]

I have a question. Worldpacers for only volunteers. They can make money or just go for traveling

[@jessmundo]

I believe no. With Worldpackers, you use your skills and experience for an exchange.

[@maureenokello6589]

I would like to volunteer in japan

[@jessmundo]

Im sure Worldpackers has lots of hosts listed in Japan! Should def check it out.

[@LifeExperienceofShaunBrooks]

Im.feeling world packer as well they seem to have more of a safety net in case anything goes left such as insurance which is a good safety cushion 😮

[@alicemercep5389]

Is this US dollars?

[@jessmundo]

Yes

[@mapasdoacaso]

Listen the music Canibal Vegetariano devora Planta Carnívora by Engenheiros do Hawaii Brazilian band.😊

[@MatTheLesser]

I want this so bad. I’m an amateur Gospel rapper but I feel trapped like something is not wanting me to settle. I’m so ready but what about visa and passports That’s costly right? I can afford one year membership but not the visa or passport

[@jessmundo]

You can always do Worldpackers in your own country too! Depending where you’re from, the cost of receiving a passport or paying border costs in other countries varies.

[@dianawanderlust]

I have been volunteering a lot lately as well and I agree 10000% with every word you say! Also if we end up in the same place, I’d love to collaborate while going on adventures 🥰

[@jessmundo]

Nice. You must be an awesome volunteer then! I’ve been living in Bolivia for two years now and have a small permaculture farm. Let me know if you end up here!

[@dianawanderlust]

@@jessmundo aww that’s amazing ❤️

[@NjukangRoosevelt]

Hi, i have plans to travel to Latina and Central America but i have difficulties having a volunteer program. I really want to travel the world and give a helping to local communities. please is there anyway you can assist me?

[@dianawanderlust]

@@NjukangRoosevelt there are million positions i Latin America, how come you have trouble finding one

[@NancyHerrera-mn4ch]

@@NjukangRooseveltyeah Can you specify on that please

[@seantravels]

How much was your dirt bike over there?

[@jessmundo]

Hey cuz. $1800 for my 250cc

[@seantravels]

@@jessmundo dang cheap!

[@Car__ter989]

Great video. New sub

[@candy5742]

I'm wondering when it says you work 3 days a week do you have to live somewhere else the other 4 days.

[@jessmundo]

Hmm. Good question. You’d have to reach out to the hosts to ask, but I’ve seen just 2 hours a day of work 5 days a week but only 1 meal a day was included with lodging.

[@NjukangRoosevelt]

Hi, i have plans to travel to Latin and Central America like Panama, Ecuador etc but i have difficulties having a volunteer program. I really want to travel the world and give a helping to local communities. please is there anyway you can assist me?

[@jessmundo]

Worldpackers is great for this. Can you not make a profile with them?

[@NjukangRoosevelt]

@@jessmundo I can but I really having difficulties getting through. Let me try again. I think my debit card has a problem but let me try again

[@aquiconfeya]

How much does it cost?

[@PauloMaierr]

How did I know right away by the title of this video that there would be a “SUPER EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT” link on the description? 😂 I’ve traveled through Workaway for 1,5 years (12 hosts) and met several worldpacker travelers along the way and it’s very veery clear for everyone: worldpackers is business oriented (startup with hundreds of employees), therefore there are way more businesses trying to take advantage of the travelers. Workaway is focused on cultural exchanges. But of course you’ll promote the one that pays you 😅

[@jessmundo]

You didn’t watch the video. I asked for the promotional link from Worldpackers because I love them so much. And Workaway is complete crap unless you’re unempathetic to hosts and are just trying to penny pinch your way traveling for as long as possible without truly caring about giving back to a destination. I’ve hosted well over 500 travelers at this point along with doing plenty exchanges as a volunteer over the years. It’s so important to pay attention to what both travelers AND hosts are saying. Just because WP gives hosts/small businesses the opportunity to charge travelers does not mean they are taking advantage of them. It means they have something real to offer. And it’s IMPOSSIBLE for host destinations to sustainably accept volunteers without having some form of income contributed by volunteers. Think/comment all you want but you’re obviously not listening.

[@builder481]

do you know anyone looking for volunteers as of right now in Portugal? please enlighten me

[@jessmundo]

I don’t know myself but there’s definitely a lot of opportunities on volunteer exchange websites like WP.

[@itsmeraj9]

good job dear🥰

[@chimonnac2975]

umm i wanna ask... im a high school graduate, i want to volunteer at worldpackers, can i apply tho?

[@jessmundo]

Hi! What an awesome idea. There’s a link that you can click in the description of this video directly to sign up for WorldPackers. 👍🤩

[@chimonnac2975]

@@jessmundo woaa thank u so much💗 i really want to join :)

[@jessmundo]

@@chimonnac2975 Youll have so much fun! What an awesome experience to do fresh out of high school. Go for it!

[@chimonnac2975]

@@jessmundo thank u💗 im so excited!!!!!🤧 i'll join later, now i'll prepare myself first :)

[@jessmundo]

@@chimonnac2975 nice. And remember that you can get $10 off the annual membership when you use our link in the description. Best of luck on your journey ahead!

[@riotz8742]

Do they pay for the plane ticket?

[@jessmundo]

Not typically. The volunteers are usually responsible for their own transport to the host.

[@Mohaned-gx2dc]

Your experience is enjoyable Are you thinking of coming home? I really want to meet you. You're a wonderful person. Think about that. I want to meet you.

[@lishr4536]

what?!?! just the flights alone would cost me more than $3k..

[@jessmundo]

Dang! Yea I bought one way flights each time and it was during 2020 and 2021 when flights were decent prices.

[@observer164]

False. Workaway does prioritize hosts, which is why hosts are exempt from membership fees and negative reviews about them no longer show. Workaway will not penalize a hosts for abusing volunteers. Without hosts there would not be a Workaway site, which back in 2017 was reportedly bringing its owner a revenue of 40K/months. None of the "volunteer" sites would be possible without the hosts, which is why the hosts will be always prioritized by those sites' owner.

[@jessmundo]

Are you a host? I am. They didn’t respond to my emails and took down my profile when they heard we were offering a course OPTION to volunteers despite us having hundreds of 5 star reviews and being on their platform for years. They do NOT prioritize hosts which is why they will not do as well as Worldpackers who does. Workaway is shit.

[@Nightrider238]

I am in crush