Worldpackers Reviews 593

Learning new cultures and meeting new people were amazing for me!

Worldpackers is a confidence and secure platform, it works with reviews so it depends people experience, travelers and host. It is a good way to meet people around the world and support social and cultural projects.

I dont like to pay for volunteering, but so far after 2 experiences in Indonesia I dont regret the money spent.
I got a quick and efficient help when I asked for it, so far so good!

I’m a verified traveler with 4 previous Worldpackers experiences. Until now, they had all been positive—but my most recent one was profoundly traumatic. I was subjected to abuse, degrading conditions, and what may qualify as labor trafficking at a host approved by the platform.

There was no food, no drinkable water, and no safe place to sleep. The tasks were forced, excessive, and completely different from what was advertised. I ended up alone, with no resources, in a highly vulnerable situation—and no immediate response from Worldpackers.

To make things worse, the police showed up looking for the host, who then fled the property, leaving us abandoned.

The most alarming part is that Worldpackers does not properly vet hosts. Anyone can offer volunteer experiences without proving they meet even the most basic standards of respect, safety, or human dignity. When things go wrong, travelers are left unprotected.

I’m a lawyer, human rights defender, and director of an NGO dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities and at-risk individuals, including international volunteers. This experience left me exposed—and deeply concerned for others who may be in danger.

I make an urgent call to Worldpackers to take responsibility, ensure host verification, and protect its members from exploitation.
Volunteering should never become a nightmare.

If you’ve had similar experiences or want more information, feel free to contact me.

I’m writing this review not out of frustration, but out of urgent concern—especially for solo female travelers. My experience with this host happened a few months ago, but I’m speaking up now because I just saw that he now has two listings and is actively collecting even more female volunteers. And sadly, I already know how this story plays out.

The host only selects women—you’ll see that clearly on his profile. Once there, he quickly starts crossing boundaries: getting physically too close, raising his voice, making inappropriate comments, and inviting each volunteer to his boat to “snorkeling tours” while watching women in bikinis all day. He gives gifts, talks about marriage, comes to close, constantly tries to blur the line between private and professional, makes inappropriate comments, said that he wants to spend the last evening with me (and deleted the message a while later to leave no signs). Every girl falls into the same trap. I personally avoided it by always bringing other volunteers along and carefully deflecting his attention.

This isn’t just creepy—it’s systemic behavior. Another female volunteer was even kicked out without support after confronting the situation. We reported him. Multiple times. Nothing happened. No accountability. No response.

This platform had every reason and opportunity to stop this host. They did absolutely nothing. And now, with a second listing live, even more women will be exposed to this unsafe dynamic.

In my opinion, this is more than enough to take action. But apparently, something much worse has to happen before the platform finally reacts. As of now, it's clear: there is no real safety system in place for women. That’s absolutely devastating.

So I’m saying it here, because the platform won’t:
Female travelers, beware. This host is a red flag from start to finish. And the platform? Complicit in silence.

This company is terrible. I paid for the subscription to make sure I had help if I ran into any issues and it's completely useless. I am in the middle of an issue with their host right now. I submitted the issue to them almost 48 hours ago and I have not received ANY response. Even though their claim is they have fast 7 day customer service. It's a joke, you can only contact customer support through email, there is no phone number. The hosts hardly ever answer their application messages and the quality of the accommodations are terrible. I've been put in the hottest part of the hostel, with no ventilation and the room gets so hot and humid that my back pack molded over TWICE!! If I ever get a reply back I'll leave an update on this review. But as of right now, I would give a zero if I could.

Update 08/06/25: This company does not care about volunteers. They claim if you get into a situation that they will cover 7 days of a stay upto 199 dollars. That's a lie, I sent them my stay that was 117 and they only refunded me 75! Also, they claim they will "help" you find a new volunteer opportunity. But what they actually do is... tell you to apply to other volunteering opportunity, then you have to email customer service with the places you applied to. Customer service then will send a message to the host "encouraging" them to look at your application. So, in conclusion if you get into a bad situation they are literally no help and they have no support system set up for emergency placement. And mind you... they make us pay for this terrible, TERRIBLE access to their website and this supposed benefit for helping you if you have a bad experience! DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM!

Worldpackers has a wide range of great offers, providing everyone with something to fulfil their personal wishes and expectations. Good to know as well that one has a security back-up when volunteering with Worldpackers.

Worldpackers is the best app I've ever used. We've been together for almost four years, and it has never disappointed! The most incredible experiences I've had so far it was through the platform!

I am so grateful to have a platform where I can volunteer at any hostel in the world. I've been a huge fan and represent WorldPackers everywhere I go in the world while traveling. Just want to thank the owner and staff members who help run this platform! Truly grateful! 🙏🙌

The experience was so great because the world packer host and hostel owner (Heb hostel Stornoway Scotland) and manager had high standards, worked incredibly hard and didn't expect anyone to do anything that she wouldn't do. She really loved her hostel and motivated the world packers to do the same in that she shared 5* feedback with us from the guests on a regular basis. She looked after the world packers very well in that she asked how we were every single day and asked if we needed anything and genuinely cared. She was flexible in her shift allocation and accommodated everything even though it was complex to do so at times.

Worldpackers is a great platform to live unique experiences while connecting with amazing people from all over the world. My recent volunteer experience was meaningful as the place was beautiful, the food amazing, and the team welcoming. It’s an incredible way to grow, give back, and explore the world with purpose. Totally recommend!

The Worldpacker App is a really nice designed and easy to use. The features like texting people who have already been there really helped with the safety aspect. Both of my experiences were really nice and unique and I felt really safe the entire time. Overall I would highly recommend that app to everyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone and see new places they‘ve never been before!

Great, flexible platform with loads of different volunteering opportunities all over the world. The online training at the beginning is good and teaches you how to find the best opportunities for you. It is a great way to get to know somewhere, meet new people and learn new skills along the way.

They sent my confirmation vouchers and I am very satisfied with their quick response.

Clear and direct, effective and fast support. I use and recommend, prompt and attentive staff, useful functions and great help.

I found the platform very useful and relevant in connecting volunteers and guests around the world. Worldpackers are well run and maintained. They pay close attention to interactions of the stakeholders. Most importantly, Worldpackers are making a big difference in the lives of participants because of the opportunities provided. I'm glad to be an active member of Worldpackers.

Thanks to this fantastic application I discovered the pleasure of travelling more economically and I had the opportunity to meet people who will remain in my heart forever, I recommend it to everyone . A thousand thanks

Makes it super easy to find excellent volunteering opportunities

Worldpackers is incredible. Connecting people around the world through amazing experiences! I’m so glad to that exists

Huge range of varying opportunities all around the world and a really easy application. As my first time volunteering in another country, I got all the support I needed and had a truly wonderful experience. I can't wait to do more! The only surprise, was getting quite a few spam 'invitations' from so called hosts. Luckily the support team explained how to turn these off. I'd recommend WP to everyone to broaden your horizons, travel and explore the world!