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The following tips will help you in getting a pleasant WWOOFing experience:
- Companions: If you have like minded WWOOFers with you, you will spend a very good time. But don’t drag your friend into WWOOFing if he/she is not interested in organic farming.
- Unannounced arrival: Never reach a host’s farm unannounced. Plan your stay well in advance and keep the host informed about your visit. When a WWOOFers reaches a host farm unannounced or before schedule, the host really doesn’t know what to do with them.
- Communication: Communicate with the WWOOF host properly. Ask questions whenever you have doubts. However, do not bombard your host with the bookish knowledge you have on organic farming. If you want to offer suggestions, put them across in a subtle way.
- Schedule of your stay: Communicate the duration of your stay to the host well in advance.
- Kind of work: Ask the host about the kind of work you will be supposed to do, work hours, other expected WWOOFers, family members of the host, etc.
- Different farm activities: Choose a farm that has different activities to do such as farming, and dairy. You will get to learn more and will also not get bored by doing only one type of work.
- Help with daily chores: You are staying in the home of another person. The best way to socialize with your host, is to offer a helping hand with the household chores such as cooking.
- Things to carry: Money, old clothes and shoes (useful while working), sleeping bag, camera, phone cards, raincoat, first-aid, torch, hat, sunscreen, etc.
- Insurance: Purchase accident, health and travel insurance cover which is valid in the country you are visiting.
- Short WWOOFing duration: If you are WWOOFing for a short duration, 7-10 days, select farms that are close to cities as it will save you travel time.
- Uncertainty: Be ready for unexpected events. You may have to work for longer hours, spend a lot of time alone, cook for yourself, or share accommodation with a unfriendly WWOOFer. Also resources available on an organic farm differ from host to host.
- Backup: Always have a list of hosts in the neighborhood for difficult times. Sometimes a host may turn out to be unfriendly and you may want to leave early. At times, a host may want you to leave early due to other commitments.
- Tourist Spots: Keep yourself informed about nearby tourist spots. You can visit them when you have a day off.
Further Reading:
Wwoofscotland
Is WWOOFing Always a Pleasant Experience?
Myths about WWOOF
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