Zero To Travel Podcast

Work Exchange: How to Travel with Purpose with Ricardo Lima from Worldpackers


Listen Later

How can volunteering abroad enhance your travels?

Today, I’m joined by Ricardo Lima, founder of Worldpackers, to talk about how you can get the most out of your work exchange experience.

Worldpackers is an online platform that connects travelers looking to exchange their skills for accommodations with incredible hosts from around the world and has facilitated more than 140,000 exchanges in 140+ countries. 

In this episode, Riq shares why he left his successful career as an investment banker to travel the world and eventually found one of the largest work exchange platforms for travelers. You’ll gain insight into how these types of programs work on both the volunteer and hosting side, common concerns and misconceptions, and why volunteering abroad is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a culture and experience deep transformations.

We also talk about the state of the hostel industry, why he moved his company from a hostel to a van, and his best business advice for someone who wants to create something bigger than themselves.

Have you volunteered abroad, or are you considering a work exchange program? I'd love to hear about your experience and hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Premium Passport:

  • Want access to the private Zero To Travel podcast feed, a monthly bonus episode (decided on by YOU), exclusive content, direct access to me to answer your questions, and more? Click here to try Premium Passport for only $1.

Tune In To Learn:

  • How the hostel industry has shifted since Covid and the pros/cons of hostel life
  • Why Riq left his successful career as an investment banker to travel the world and the lessons he learned from 3.5 years of travel
  • How you can travel for a purpose with Worldpackers and general advice for work exchange
  • How to address the #1 concern for travelers looking for work exchange programs
  • Why your mindset can make or break your experience
  • Why volunteering abroad isn’t only for budget travelers
  • How these programs create opportunities for cultural immersion and connection
  • The biggest lessons he’s learned from building his company and scaling to have a bigger impact (for both solopreneurs and partnerships)
  • Riq’s advice for investing, facing conflict head-on, and managing remote teams
  • And so much more
  • Resources:

    • Join Zero To Travel Premium Passport
    • Subscribe to our FREE newsletter
    • Today's Sponsors - LifeStraw, Loop Earplugs
    • Plan your next experience with Worldpackers (PLUS get $10 off with code ZEROTOTRAVEL)
    • Check out Riq’s podcast, Abrindo Caminhos
    • Want More?

      • Travel Legends Series: The Story of WWOOF – An Interview With Founder Sue Coppard
      • A Beginner’s Guide To Volunteering, A Free Global Volunteer Network And More
      • DIY Volunteering
      • Thanks To Our Sponsors

        • This episode is sponsored by LifeStraw Go water bottles. Use the promo code TRAVEL to get 20% off your LifeStraw Go purchase when you visit www.lifestraw.com.
        • Upgrade your sleep at home and on the road! Get 10% off your pair of Loop Earplugs by visiting www.loopearplugs.com/zerototravel.
        • ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store

          Zero To Travel PodcastBy Jason Moore

          • 4.6
          • 4.6
          • 4.6
          • 4.6
          • 4.6

          4.6

          784 ratings


          More shows like Zero To Travel Podcast

          View all
          Travel with Rick Steves by Rick Steves

          Travel with Rick Steves

          167 Listeners

          Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast by Chris Christensen

          Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast

          1,061 Listeners

          Rick Steves' Europe Video by Rick Steves

          Rick Steves' Europe Video

          229 Listeners

          Join Us in France Travel Podcast by Annie Sargent

          Join Us in France Travel Podcast

          1,045 Listeners

          The Frommer's Travel Show by Pauline Frommer

          The Frommer's Travel Show

          144 Listeners

          The Earful Tower: Paris by Oliver Gee

          The Earful Tower: Paris

          733 Listeners

          Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler by Condé Nast Traveler

          Women Who Travel | Condé Nast Traveler

          635 Listeners

          Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast by A Travel Podcast

          Out Of Office: A Travel Podcast

          333 Listeners

          Travel Squad Podcast by Travel Squad Podcast

          Travel Squad Podcast

          221 Listeners

          Untold Italy travel podcast by Katy Clarke

          Untold Italy travel podcast

          644 Listeners

          Where to Go by DK Travel

          Where to Go

          26 Listeners

          All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins by Chris Hutchins

          All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins

          1,608 Listeners

          Kimberly's Italy Travel by Kimberly Holcombe

          Kimberly's Italy Travel

          184 Listeners

          UK Travel Planning by Tracy Collins

          UK Travel Planning

          164 Listeners

          The Thrifty Traveler Podcast by Thrifty Traveler

          The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

          88 Listeners