Traveling like a local is about more than just seeing the sites and eating the food. It's about meeting new people and experiencing a bit of their lives. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially when you are on a tight budget. One fun way to make it happen is to volunteer.

Get to Know People

Other than your roommate, the best way to get to know someone is to work alongside them. For better and for worse, when you move for a new job, your coworkers will be the easiest people to get to know. You can use this to your advantage when traveling. Doing something meaningful with others is a great way to break through cultural boundaries and get beyond the superficial and make friends.

It's also one of the cheapest. If you do your homework, you might be able to get a great deal, like Mike Dermott did on his trip to Europe.

"I had a lot of time but not a lot of money, and I wanted to really get to know the places I was traveling through. My friend told me about a program to volunteer on farms, and I loved it!," said Mike.

The program was World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). WWOOF connects organic farmers with people who want to volunteer in exchange for food and accommodations. Mike spent a week on a farm in Austria where he fed goats, bottled farm-made liquor and even helped to birth a calf.

"I stayed with a really great family and learned so much about Austria from them," said Mike. "Having a free place to stay and free food in exchange for the work I did during the day was crucial to making the trip work too."

Even if you do not get the advantage of free food or lodging, you will be spending your time making the world better while having fun and not spending any money. Instead of paying for entertainment, you will create a wonderful memory for free.

How Can This Work For You?

First, figure out where you want to go. Then, think about what type of volunteering you would like to do. Maybe you want to work with kids, or maybe you would like to do something with your hands. Figuring out what you are passionate about and focusing on that will make the whole experience much more enjoyable.

You can start doing research on non-profits and NGOs in the area you are traveling once you have honed in on the type of work you want to do. You will want to “vet” your options before you go, but it will be worth it. Especially when you arrive at your destination and are making new friends while having a blast and helping others, all while on a tight budget.

Check out these links for inspiration:

• Global Volunteers
• Projects Abroad
• True Travellers Society

Have fun, help others and stay in your budget: volunteer travel is the answer to it all!

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