In one sentence: Voluntouring is a free host list and online magazine about meaningful travel, where hosts invite helpers to exchange a few hours of support for food and accommodation when offered.
What we are not: We are not an agency, we do not place volunteers, and we cannot arrange visas or invitation letters.
How it works
- Browse the host list or use the site search.
- Read the full post carefully (hours, tasks, food, accommodation, dates).
- Contact the host using the “Contact details” section at the end of the post.
- Have a quick call before you book travel so both sides can confirm expectations.
Typical exchanges are around 4 to 5 hours a day, about 25 hours a week, but each host is different.
Is Voluntouring free?
Yes, the website and contact details are free to browse. Individual projects may be free or may ask for a contribution.
Do volunteers get paid?
Usually no. Some hosts may offer pocket money or, in rare cases, paid work.
Do you help with visas?
No. Always check official government sources and ask the host only what they can realistically provide.
Quick safety note:
We check listings, but we cannot guarantee experiences. Always do a call, ask clear questions, and walk away if anything feels off. Please read our disclaimer.
Jump to
Finding opportunities
Money and fees
Hours and expectations
Visas and invitation letters
Trust, abuse, and reporting
Insurance
Ads and donations
Contact
Finding opportunities
Where is the host list?
The whole website is a database of volunteer requests. Start from the homepage and browse by country/category, or use the search bar.
If you prefer a guided explanation, read: How it works.
How do I become a volunteer?
You do not need to subscribe or pay. Choose a listing and contact the host directly using the details at the end of the post.
How do I contact hosts?
At the end of each announcement you will find a “Contact details” section. Use that to reach the host. Comments are for public discussion, and many hosts do not monitor them.
Money and fees
Is it free, for real?
The platform is free to browse. Projects vary. Many hosts offer food and accommodation in exchange for help, some offer pocket money, and some may ask for a contribution toward food and costs.
If you only want projects that offer free food and accommodation, start here: Free volunteering opportunities.
Do I get paid for volunteering?
Usually no. Volunteering is typically unpaid, sometimes with expense reimbursement. Some hosts offer pocket money, and a small number may offer paid work contracts depending on local laws and the role.
Why do some organizations charge a fee?
In some places, especially where resources are limited, hosts cannot always cover extra food and household costs. If a fee does not feel fair or transparent, skip the project and choose another one.
Hours and expectations
How many hours of help should I expect?
A common, fair exchange is around 25 hours per week (about 4 to 5 hours a day, 5 days a week). Some hosts ask for less, some ask for more depending on season and workload.
If a listing asks for very long hours or feels like a full-time job without fair conditions, treat it as a red flag and let us know.
What about misbehaving volunteers?
We encourage hosts and volunteers to have a short video call before confirming dates. It helps both sides align on skills, lifestyle, house rules, and expectations. Clear communication prevents most problems.
Visas and invitation letters
Can hosts provide visas or invitation letters?
In most cases, no. Many hosts are private individuals, small projects, or NGOs without the legal status to sponsor visas. It is your responsibility to check visa rules and plan accordingly.
Start here: Visa for volunteering and our newer discussion: Volunteering and permanent residency abroad.
Example of why rules matter: some countries restrict “work-like” activities for visitors, and permitted volunteering can be limited and conditional. Always read official guidance for your destination.
Why do you moderate visa and invitation letter requests in groups?
Because it often looks like job-seeking or immigration planning, and it can put hosts in an uncomfortable or risky position. We cannot offer visa support, and we want our public spaces to stay focused on fair, realistic exchanges.
If someone repeatedly posts the same visa or invitation letter requests after being redirected to the resources above, moderators may remove the posts. This is about keeping the community usable for everyone, not punishing normal questions.
Trust, abuse, and reporting
How do you ethically filter abusive hosts or businesses?
We ask for documentation or online proof where possible (website, social presence, references), and we review reports seriously. That said, no online platform can guarantee safety, so we recommend a call and clear agreement before travel.
Read: Disclaimer.
Why isn’t there a “reference system” like some platforms?
Reference systems can create retaliation and conflicts, and experiences are subjective. Instead, we rely on transparency in listings, a comments area for constructive feedback, and investigations when problems are reported.
If you see a listing that feels suspicious or abusive, please contact us with specific details so we can review it.
Insurance
Is insurance included? Is it required?
Most hosts do not provide insurance. Requirements depend on the country, your visa, and the type of activity. Ask the host what they expect, and choose insurance that covers the activities you will actually do.
You can start from our guide: Travel insurance for volunteering.
Ads and donations
Why do you run ads?
Ads help cover server and operating costs so the host list can stay free to browse. If you want to support the project, you can share the site or donate here: Donation page.
Contact
Didn’t find your question? Please write to us: voluntouring.freelist AT gmail DOT com or use the contact page.
Are you a host? Please read: FAQ for hosts.







