A holiday in paradise is never cheap, especially when it comes to a place like Hawaii. The smooth sand on the beaches and the blue waters seem to be calling, but they tend to empty one’s pockets at the same time. From flights to accommodation to food, this destination can be expensive, even for a short trip. But what if you’re not just looking for a quick trip, but a long and immersive experience into the culture and local lifestyle? It would cost a fortune, wouldn’t it? Hotels can run you out of your money very soon, and sometimes even hostels can eat up a major portion of your savings.
The easiest way is to work or volunteer with your skills and in return, earn in meals and basic accommodation.
What is Work for Accommodation?
The term revolves around the idea of helping out the locals with a particular work in exchange for a bed at their place. These tasks could be anything like teaching a language, animal keeping, baby sitting, helping in the farm, carpentry or general maintenance, etc. The duration of the contract can be from a day to many months, depending upon the job.
Why use Work for Accommodation?
A very good reason to work for the locals is that it helps you save money. It makes for a fluid transaction of skills and accommodation, making it a good win-win situation and financially manageable for both parties. Another one is that it brings you the closest to experience a different culture than any other option might offer; it is an opportunity to understand their lives, belief systems, and traditions that one cannot possibly experience through some pages of a book.
Hawaii
The state of Hawaii also provides with similar opportunities to people from all around the world; an insightful experience into the lives of the locals and helping them to benefit the humanity altogether. All you need to have is the zeal to work for a few hours a week.
A community of surfers, musicians and artists started an initiative aimed at working for the benefit of the society. They are a group of young and energetic individuals who have one thing in common; the idea of serving the society. If you think you can devote a few hours a day five times a week in any of these fields; general labor/maintenance, carpentry, electricity, plumbing, retail, barista, graphic designing, web designing, mechanics, roofing, IT, you will end up making one of the most precious memories of your life.
Requirements
- A U.S. tourist visa.
- Any of the following skills: General labour/maintenance, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, retail, graphic designing, web designing, IT professional, mechanic, barista (3 month minimum commitment).
- 40 hours per week of work, with Sundays and Mondays off
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in apartment complexes with a kitchen, living room, or dorm room. Each dorm room is shared between six people. And one key factor that makes a trip enthralling is meeting new people and making friends.
There will be plenty of time for going to beaches, surfing and visiting tourist sites once you are done with your day. Look for spaces in groups where you can fit in; it will significantly enhance your experiences.
For more details, visit hippohelp.com.
Bryan has visited 56 countries, which is exactly one more country than his wife, and she won’t let him forget it! Also an avid photographer, he enjoys entrenching himself within the local culture in order to learn more about the people of a place. He is the co-founder of Budget Your Trip and loves a good adventure, an exotic meal, or a passionate conversation about global events. And he also loves to find out how much stuff costs.
