Volunteering in hostels around the world: Insiders Guide

As a solo backpacker, you’re always looking for ways to stretch your budget and travel for longer. One of the best ways to do this is by volunteering in hostels. Not only do you get a free place to stay, but you also get to meet other travellers and experience a new culture from the inside. In this article, I’ll share my experiences volunteering in hostels around the world and give you some tips on how to make the most of this unique travel opportunity.

First, let’s talk about why you should consider volunteering in hostels.

It’s simple: it’s a great way to save money on accommodation. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, the cost of a hostel bed can add up quickly. By volunteering, you can trade a few hours of work each day for a free place to sleep. This can free up your budget for other things, like activities, food, and transportation.

Another great reason to volunteer in hostels is the opportunity to meet other travellers. Hostels are already a great place to meet people, but when you’re volunteering, you get to work and live with a group of travellers from all over the world. This gives you a unique chance to form connections and make new friends, which can be especially valuable if you’re travelling solo.

Finally, volunteering in hostels gives you an inside look at the local culture. You’ll have the chance to interact with locals and learn about their customs and way of life. You’ll also get to see the hostel from the perspective of the staff, which can be a totally different experience from being a guest.

So, now that you know why you should consider volunteering in hostels, let’s talk about what it’s actually like. I’ve volunteered in hostels in several different countries, and I’ve had both good and bad experiences. Here are some of the highlights:

The Good

1. Building meaningful relationships: Hostels often foster a tight-knit community, where you can form close bonds with fellow travellers and staff. These relationships can last a lifetime and provide support and companionship during your travels.

2. Feeling at home: A hostel is more than just a place to sleep. It can become a home away from home, where you can cook your own meals, lounge in common areas, and make yourself comfortable.

3. Finding direction and purpose: You might’ve felt guilty about travelling. Maybe you think you should be working toward your career goals or making money. Waking up knowing that you can help out and work will give you purpose whilst you travel long term. It will remove that feeling of feeling like a “bum”.

The Bad

1. Hard work: Volunteering in hostels can be hard work. Depending on the hostel, you may be asked to do things like cleaning, cooking, and even reception work. If you’re not prepared for this, it can be a bit overwhelming.

2. Limited time to explore: If you’re volunteering in a hostel, you’ll need to spend some time each day working. This can limit the amount of time you have to explore your destination.

3. Inconsistent workload: Depending on the hostel, you may have different workloads from day to day. Some days, you may have a lot of work to do, while other days you may not have much to do at all. This can be a bit unpredictable and can make it difficult to plan your time.

4. Lack of privacy: Hostels can be noisy and crowded, and when you’re volunteering, you may not have your own room. This can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep or have any privacy.

Volunteering in hostels around the world can be a great way to save money, meet other travellers, and experience a new culture. Just keep in mind that it can also be hard work, limit your time to explore, and lack privacy. Make sure you do your research and find a hostel that’s a good fit for you. And, most importantly, be prepared for a unique and authentic travel experience that you’ll never forget.