Understand extra fees charged by hosts on Worldpackers

Why some hosts charge additional fees and how this contributes to authentic and sustainable experiences.

Why do some hosts charge extra fees to volunteers?

Worldpackers' mission is to foster meaningful connections between travelers and hosts around the world, providing authentic and transformative experiences.

With over 9,000 active hosts in 140+ countries, we offer a variety of opportunities in hospitality, ecological, and social projects.

Over 80% of Worldpackers hosts do not charge any additional fees.

Ecological projects

Social projects

Projects such as NGOs, ecovillages, and permaculture projects are allowed to charge volunteer fees because they need these extra contributions to cover essential expenses and ensure a good experience for travelers, as they are usually non-profits.

These fees are used exclusively to:

  • Provide an enriching and safe experience for the volunteer, with meals and accommodation included;
  • Maintain the operation of the project.

Hospitality projects

Hostels, hotels and guesthouses that are hosted by Worldpackers cannot charge an extra fee, since they are for-profit businesses. However, some charge a deposit to guarantee volunteers’ presence, which must be refunded at the end of the exchange and serves as a way to protect hosts against unforeseen events and absences.

Contributing to the sustainability of the WP community

For hosts

  • Projects that directly contribute to the positive impact on society and the environment have additional expenses, such as infrastructure maintenance, food, materials for activities, and other costs.
  • By allowing hosts to charge an additional amount on Worldpackers, we offer a way to cover costs that go beyond the basics, avoiding them compromising their project budget and allowing them to focus their efforts on providing a quality experience to volunteers.

For travelers

  • Some Worldpackers projects are located in more remote areas, where it is difficult for volunteers to access markets and stores. To make things easier, these hosts prefer to include an extra fee and provide meals, saving you from having to worry about buying food and ensuring more convenience during the experience.
  • If you prefer an opportunity without this fee, don't worry! We have thousands of other incredible options, at no additional cost.

Transparency in extra fees

Extra fees are specific to each project and paid directly to the host.
Worldpackers values ​​transparency in our community, so all details of fees charged by hosts are available in listings:

1

Fee amount

Specify the currency of the amount to be charged and whether it is daily or weekly

2

Destination of the amount

Find out if it will be for your benefit as a volunteer, for project maintenance, or other needs of the host

3

More details

Each host has a field to detail how the extra fees will be used specifically

How Worldpackers helps projects with social and environmental impacts

Worldpackers Ecological and Social Sustainability Award

Every year, in our Ecological and Social Sustainability Award, we donate US$20,000 to 10 projects recognized by travelers in the community. That's more than 1,200,000 days of collaboration in social impact projects by Worldpackers!

Preparing volunteers for an enriching exchange

Through free certificates from the WP Academy, we prepare travelers to carry out activities in projects before they even start their trip.

Have life-changing experiences. Develop new skills. Make a positive impact.

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