To WWOOF or not to WWOOF? It's not even a question.

Have you ever wanted to visit a foreign country, at low cost, stay in a safe place, with good food, awesome people, and real cultural immersion?

For all of you who said yes, WWOOFing is for you. But what is it? WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms- each country words it slightly different) is a volunteer program that connects volunteers with organic farms all over the world. You work on average 30 hours a week doing tasks based on what the farm needs and in return they give you room and board. Did we mention this is free. Many volunteer organizations ask you to pay then upwards of $1,000 to work for them. Um excuse us? Why would you want to pay money to work? The only cost with WWOOF is an annual membership fee which per country and is on average $25. The only thing you have left to pay during your workcation is the travel expenses to get there.

Are you getting excited yet? This was all it took for us to sign up as a WWOOFers. After 1 month on a farm in France we aren't experts but we can definitely say we would recommend it.
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your WWOOFing experience and make it as enjoyable is possible.

1. Farm selection:
A. Type: You might be happy with any type of farming and if that is the case, you're farm selection will be very simple. However, if you would really like to learn about making honey, try to select farms that offer be keeping. Talk to your host beforehand and make sure they offer topics that you really want to learn if this is something that is important to you.
B. Language: Although it is not required, it is very important to pick a host farm that speaks the same language you do. There will be a lot of discussion about how to do farm chores and it will be very confusing if you have no idea what they're telling you.
C. Diet: Some of the best times on the farm are when everyone gathers for meals and has a chance to relax and get know each other. You don't want to ruin these occasions by being a picky eater. If you can be flexible with your diet, that is awesome. However, if you have dietary restrictions, like being a vegetarian or gluten free, try to select farms that offer these diet options. Also make sure to notify your host before hand because some farms are not able to accommodate specific dietary restrictions.
2. Be flexible: Try new things, the applies to everything: food, activities, outings, sleep schedules, and daily routines. Try everything at least once, maybe twice. You will probably like it. You will be surprised at how quickly you adapt to the farm schedule and daily routine. It will also be much easier for you if you just go with the flow and enjoy new adventures on your farm.
3. Down time: WWOOFing can be physically demanding, if you get a chance to relax you should use it. Take a seista, read a book, or go sit in the shade. This will give you more energy for working later into the day or just enjoying times with your new friends. With that being said, make sure to take advantage of outings such as going to the market with your host or going to a fellow farm to look at their orchard or pick their apples. The more you do, the more you will get to know other people and the more will immerse yourself in another culture
4. Safety: There was never a single time we feel unsafe when we were working, and neither should you. Do not attempt any farm activity that you are untrained in or feel uncomfortable with. For example, don't tell your hosts you will move a heard of cattle all on your own when you have zero experience with cows. (They probably won't ask you to anyways.) Ramifications can be serious, true fact - more people are killed by cows every year than sharks, Google it, I'm not lying. Most likely you will be fine, but the farmer would be much happier teaching you and assisting you than hurding the cattle across town after you let them get out. Trust us, your host is just as worried about your safety as you are. They want you to enjoy your time on their farm. It is wise to be cautious if you have any health restrictions. WWOOFing can be very difficult and although there are jobs that could be adapted to suit anyone, you should discuss what your options are with your farmer first if you have concerns.
5. Time zone adjustments: If you are traveling to another time zone, it is a really good idea to spend two or three days adjusting to your new location before starting your WWOOF project. Use this time to enjoy a major city and do some sightseeing. This will make it a lot easier for your tired body to work on the farm.
6. Communication: Did we mention you should talk to your host about any concerns before accepting your WWOOF assignment? We bring this up again because it is critically important. Although you should be flexible for new things and bumps in the road, any major concern of yours should be asked before you decide to WWOOF on a specific farm.
9. Have fun: Although you'll be working hard, it is still supposed to be a fun workcation. Enjoy the awkwardness of learning a new task and getting filthy dirty.

Hopefully this will encourage you to look into WWOOFing. If you choose to take part in it, hopefully it will help you have a smooth transition into this new way of travel and cultural experience. The most important advice we can give to anyone is that we always felt welcomed, safe, and appreciated by our hosts Don't ever settle for any less. In turn, we were always grateful for our host's hospitality and knowledge. Remember that your farmer is taking a risk and opening up their home by having you on their property as well.

Happy WWOOFing, safe travels, and enjoy.