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This is an article I've wanted to write for a long time: sharing a travel style that isn't very well known, yet can be incredibly rewarding.

I had the opportunity to experience it for several months in 2021, during the post-Covid period. Like many travelers, the pandemic forced me to rethink my plans, and that's when I discovered WWOOFing.

So, what is WWOOFing?

WWOOFing is a way to travel at a very low cost while becoming part of local life.

You work a few hours a day (usually around 4 to 6 hours) on an organic farm, an eco-friendly guesthouse, or a sustainable project in exchange for accommodation and meals.

You don't earn money, but you gain something just as valuable: you discover a different way of life, explore a region from a local perspective, meet interesting people, and most importantly, learn a huge amount along the way.

Personally, I did my WWOOFing experience in the south of France, near Bordeaux and in the French Basque Country.

What does a typical WWOOFing day look like? 👩‍🌾

Having stayed on several farms, I found that the days followed a fairly similar rhythm.

The mornings were dedicated to whatever tasks needed to be done, which meant early starts. Until around midday, we worked on the farm: caring for vegetables, planting crops, looking after animals, and I even had the opportunity to help build a tiny house.

The tasks varied greatly depending on the farm, which means there's something for almost everyone depending on your interests.

After that, the rest of the day was free.

If you're staying deep in the countryside, having a car can be useful for exploring the area. We didn't have one, so we relied on trains, bicycles, and local buses to discover the surrounding region.

We were lucky enough to stay with a wonderful family, and even today, years later, we're still in touch.

They taught me so much about nature, plants, vegetables, flowers, and sustainable living. They also introduced us to a much more rural lifestyle than we were used to. Having grown up between the seaside and the city, it was a completely different world.

The benefits of WWOOFing

There are plenty!

First of all, it's a fantastic way to travel on a budget. Accommodation is provided, meals are included, and your day-to-day expenses are greatly reduced.

At my first farm, we ate incredibly well: fresh ingredients, home-cooked meals, and plenty of variety. On another farm, however, meals were much more basic, so it really depends on the hosts and their lifestyle.

You meet people from different backgrounds and discover different ways of living.

Even though I was traveling within my own country and speaking my native language, it still felt like a true cultural experience. You don't have to travel to the other side of the world to broaden your horizons.

You learn a huge amount, especially about nature and sustainability.

It's total immersion.

And it's environmentally friendly too. 🌍

You'll learn how to grow food without pesticides, manage natural resources responsibly, and work in harmony with nature's cycles.

You'll naturally eat local and seasonal produce.

Your carbon footprint is often reduced as well. Many WWOOFing locations are surrounded by nature, encouraging a simpler lifestyle with less consumption and fewer unnecessary journeys.

In many ways, it's the perfect example of slow travel.

What's the budget?

To access the WWOOFing network, you'll need to pay an annual membership fee, which usually costs a few dozen euros.

Beyond that, your main expenses will be transportation to and between farms.

Since you won't be receiving a salary (your compensation comes in the form of food and accommodation), it's a good idea to keep some spending money aside if you'd like to explore the area, visit attractions, or bring home a few souvenirs.

Personally, my budget was around €500 per month, and I managed very comfortably.

Overall, it's still one of the most affordable ways to travel.

WWOOFing is an excellent option for anyone looking to travel on a small budget while experiencing something completely different from a traditional holiday.

That said, it's still a commitment. You'll be expected to complete the tasks you're given, and approaching them with a positive attitude makes the experience even more rewarding.

I don't think I'll do it again, simply because my travel style has evolved over the years.

But I genuinely loved the experience, and it's one of those adventures that will stay with me forever.

Ana from New Escapade 🌻