More than ever the need to travel has become prevalent, but usually, money is the biggest barrier. Long work days turn to long nights, most are working the same schedule, getting out of summer school or getting ready for the fall semester. With school, a job and the possible hour or two of free time life starts to become mundane. It is important that every individual gets at least one chance to travel: to unwind and rewire your mind from the humdrum life. Although to travel is in high demand for almost everyone, many contributing factors can determine if it can be a true reality.

The presumption that you are mentally ready for travel, leads to one of the biggest questions of all, “How am I going to pay for this?" Money is the universal answer but it is not the only one. Help X is a work in states and abroad program that helps connect host families with helpers without having to pay for food and accommodation which are two of the biggest contributing factors to cost.

“HelpX is an online listing of host organic farms, non-organic farms, farm stays, homestays, ranches, lodges, B&Bs, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.”

The website is a lot like the infamous Work Away program and W.O.O.F, where it allows for individuals to travel to different places in parallel to creating a connection with host families. Although it may not be the dream vacation you imagined, it is simulacrum to the experience that is gained. My first experience using HelpX pushed me outside of my comfort zone as well as brought me to new friendships and a better understanding of different people and lifestyles.

After gaining the courage to actually start traveling, I decided to make my first HelpX account, of course, being low on funds I only made the free option. The free option does limit you from reaching out to host families but allows for them to see you and based on your profile can lock you into your next travel destination. After only a week, I was contacted by the Seguras, located in Moxee, WA on an Organic Farm. We talked for about four months, asking question and gaining a better insight into each of our expectations when coming out. I bought my flight for only 150 dollars round trip including baggage fees and soon was off to work on an organic farm.

Photography by Jasmine Moreno

I planned on staying two days in the city of Seattle, WA before taking a Greyhound to Yakima, WA to meet Tsemi the Segura's son. In Seattle, I learned how to use the monorail to get from the space needle to the popular Pikes Place Market. I searched for the gum wall that led me to meet three new friends that were busking, which is a term used for street performers. I ended my night having them show me around the town and finishing at a restaurant they worked at, telling me about the secret hole in the wall places to come to next time. Sooner than expected I was on the Greyhound meeting people of many different walks of life and even meeting another new friend on the bus.

Photography by Jasmine Moreno

I was dropped off by the Greyhound at an informal bus stop that had me standing in the middle of a truck stop. I was greeted by Tsemi who took me on a 20-minute drive to Moxee. As soon as I stepped out of the car I was greeted by five dogs that I had the pleasure of taking care of and getting to know. When I walked in I was greeted by Soledad, who later would become a really great friend. She was a fellow worker who was from Morelia, Michoacán Mexico. It took ten minutes for us to connect and we were inseparable since.

When coming to the farm I had honestly had no idea what to expect, I had never been on a farm, traveled alone, or used HelpX. From day one, the family was completely themselves and so you felt like you already knew them. Tanya is the very spunky, kind, mother and teacher. I loved not only experiencing the farm life but they make you a part of their everyday life. Tanya taught elementary students in Yakima and also taught Folklorico dancing that I was able to attend and even join in! Avel is the ambitious, courageous, intelligent father who I had the pleasure of spending most of my time with and learned so much from as well. He spoke over ten different languages so I always had a fun time asking him to help me speak better Spanish and French throughout the day and work day. One of my favorite experiences on the farm was attending the French club that they had once a week where you could indulge yourself in great conversation and delicious food with fluent French speakers.

Then there are the great daughter and son Yoshi, and Tsemi. Tsemi lived at the house and was nice enough to bring me and the other helper into town to see what was around! Yoshi is a roller derby ref that was kind enough to take me to not only see a roller derby game a little drive away but had me even keep track of records. We made pit stops to see many overlooks along the way and talked about geology almost the whole time.

Photography by Jasmine Moreno

Throughout my trip I learned to make fresh bread, both French, and Spanish and heard different types of music. I was taught different types of organic farming, how to assemble a chainsaw and use one - carpentry, and how to drive a manual and giant tractors. I also taught my new friend Sol how to longboard using the families hand made boards. In just two weeks, I learned how to cook from over five different cultures, moved to Foklorico dancing techniques, and cared for chicks on the farm.

Honestly, I believe almost any person with an easy going mindset will leave feeling like family. I will always cherish everything I learned by being on their farm and allowing me to see a different way of life. I will be returning soon so I can get the full experience during the summer but if you ask me this is the best first Helpx experience I could have had! Thank you to the Seguras and the many new friends and acquaintances I met along the way. I have learned to love change, to explore my limits, and to love life knowing that the is an adventure around every corner, it just starts with the initiation and the help of HelpX.net.

Photography by Jasmine Moreno