Normally a glorious excursion to the Mayans Pyramids can be expensive. Or it could cost nothing if WWOOFing is involved.
WWOOF – Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms – is an international network of family farmers seeking part-time help. In exchange for a few hours of farmhand labor like plowing fields, tending goats or chopping wood, would be volunteers get free room and board, and all the locally grown healthy foods found on said farms.
Many of the organic families associated with WWOOF live a sustainable lifestyle and welcome anyone willing to share and learn. For as little as a week or as long as three months, the land is open range for anyone willing to provide a bit of free labor.
Volunteers are encouraged to sign up with WWOOF, and for just $30 per year, opportunities in more than twenty countries await, complete with contact information for each farm and their specific requirements.
But it’s not all work and no play. During free time, visitors are welcome to explore remote villages, take in the culture, become a master gardener, learn another language or just travel the world.
Oh, a passport might help too.
Originally published San Antonio Express-News blogs, September 7, 2010
