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20 Comments

  1. Vicky Ann Deledda
    March 20, 2017 @ 10:35

    To the self taught guru: nice job posting, although I find it much easier just following you. Others can certainly learn a lot from your advice. Always remember your open air work spaces and wonderful families that you’ve met. Safe travels, forever….

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:45

      Thank you. I can’t forget these experiences.

      Reply

  2. Sharon Eash
    March 20, 2017 @ 11:46

    Excellent!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:45

      Thanks, Sharon.

      Reply

  3. Diane Gallo
    March 20, 2017 @ 12:36

    I have been looking for volunteer opportunities in India and it seems like one of the most legitimate ways to find an experience is to go directly through the NGO and not bother with a “placement organization”. I have found many of these organizations require at least a two month commitment but it makes sense that if you are going to really complete any meaningful work, ideally you need time .

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:46

      I agree that it’s usually best to spend some time in a place if you really want to help, but there are many places that will take volunteers for a week or so. Good luck with your plans!

      Reply

  4. Linda A Wight
    March 20, 2017 @ 13:08

    Good job Tim!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:47

      Thank you, Linda.

      Reply

  5. Susanne Murphy
    March 20, 2017 @ 14:53

    So enjoyable to read of your experiences and your insightful reflections upon them!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:47

      And it’s great to read your comments. Thanks!

      Reply

  6. Anthony Ogilvie
    March 20, 2017 @ 20:40

    We use workaway.info for our travels. There is a small annual fee, it has opportunities throughout the world and allows direct interaction between the person needing assistance and the traveler. As with all of these sites you need to do research to make sure the opportunity meets your needs.

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:49

      How did I forget Workaway? It’s one of the first sites you taught me about and I check it all the time. I’ll update the list above to show it. Thanks for the reminder.

      Reply

  7. Lori
    March 21, 2017 @ 06:34

    Well done, Tim!!!! You’re an inspiration!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:49

      Thanks, Lori. Good luck this weekend!

      Reply

  8. anne
    March 21, 2017 @ 07:36

    Wow Tim you should really consider writing a book about all of this!

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:50

      I’d need to take another year off to do that – maybe someday.

      Reply

  9. Connie Gardner Rosenthal
    March 22, 2017 @ 20:12

    Tim
    I’m always happy to see an email saying you have another blog post. I am enjoying sharing your adventures with you. What fun it looks like you are having! Good for you!
    Connie

    Reply

    • Tim Flanagan
      March 24, 2017 @ 00:53

      Thanks, Connie. It’s great to hear from you!

      Reply

  10. How to Take a Year Off and Live Your Dreams | The Alternate Route
    October 24, 2022 @ 18:33

    […] A great way to travel cheaply and immerse yourself in a culture is to volunteer.  See this post for more resources.  And don’t worry if you need more luxury than this.  It’s […]

    Reply

  11. Solo Travel | The Alternate Route
    May 15, 2023 @ 21:12

    […] you don’t have to be a Couchsurfer to meet people. Volunteering is another great way to meet both locals and travelers. Or, like my new young friend, you have the […]

    Reply

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