Help Exchange

[http://www.helpx.net Help Exchange] , abbreviated HelpX, is an online cultural exchange primarily for working holiday backpackers travelling the world to link up with hosts who invite them to stay short-term in return for help around their properties. Helpers typically help a host for a predetermined number of hours a day, varying from 2 hours in exchange for only lodging to 4-6 hours for additional provisions for food. Founded with the intent to foster cultural interaction, the organization has hosts in over 58 countries spanning 6 continents as of 2007. These hosts offer varied living experiences: organic and non-organic farms, ranches, stables, home-stays, commercial accommodations (i.e. lodges, bed and breakfasts and backpacker hostels) and occasionally, sailing boats. The HelpX website provides a searchable listing of hosts and helpers accessible to its members.

Typical host entries include information regarding general location, time of year available, area of land (when relevant), the number of helpers that could stay at a given time, basic category (e.g. farm, home-stay, accommodation, etc) and a short description submitted by the host. In their descriptions, hosts generally reveal basic property facts, what the help would entail, the living and meal arrangements, and often entertainment offerings in the surrounding area.

Helper entries disclose name, age, country of origin, current location, and a brief self-description which may include useful skills, prior work experience and relevant travel intentions.

Entries for both hosts and helpers maybe updated at any time as required, i.e. each member manages their own entry. Photographs can also be uploaded to member entries. Hosts and helpers may also leave reviews for each other. Helper reviews of hosts often rate host hospitality, experiences gained and general enjoyment of the experience. Host reviews of their helpers often describe helpers’ friendliness, willingness to help out, general goodwill and whether they can recommend them to other hosts.

HelpX has functions that allow both helpers and hosts to search, locate, learn more about, and contact each other independently in any of the current six networks, i.e. Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, USA and International. Helpers may only be listed in one network at any given time but can switch between networks when required.

HelpX shares many similarities with WWOOF (World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), an extensive organization that provides a listing of farms that accept volunteer help in exchange for food and lodging. WWOOF hosts are all organically orientated where as HelpX hosts are not required to be.

HelpX has also been written about in UK's Sunday Times [http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/destinations/italy/article1557781.ece] and the Sydney Morning Herald [http://www.smh.com.au/news/italy/sing-for-your-supper/2006/11/01/1162339923000.html] . Reference to HelpX is also made in "Rough Guide: New Zealand", "Lonely Planet: Gap Year" and "Work Your Way Around The World" by Susan Griffith.