Spixes

Travel. Volunteer.
Connect.

The community platform connecting backpackers with hostels worldwide. Volunteer a few hours a day, get free accommodation and meals — the easiest way to travel for free.

No credit card required. 100% free for backpackers and hostels.

Free accommodation

Stay in hostels for free in exchange for a few hours of help per day

Meals included

Most hostels offer 2-3 meals per day to their volunteers

50+ countries

Find volunteer positions in hostels across the globe

Already on Spixes

150+
Hostels & backpackers
30+
Positions
15+
Countries

Latest volunteer positions

New work exchange opportunities added every day

For Backpackers

Travel the world without breaking the bank

Spixes connects you with hostels that offer free accommodation and mealsin exchange for just a few hours of work per day. Whether you're on a gap year, a digital nomad looking for a base, or simply want to travel for free — Spixes is the easiest way to find volunteer positions in hostels worldwide.

Unlike other work exchange platforms, Spixes is 100% free for backpackers. No subscription required to browse listings. Plus, our mobile app lets you discover events, join groups, and meet other travelers along the way.

Create your free profile

Free stay

Private room or shared dorm included

Free meals

2-3 meals per day at most hostels

4-5h/day

Light workload, plenty of free time

Community

Meet travelers from all over the world

Verified hostels

Ratings and reviews from real volunteers

Easy apply

Send applications in minutes

Find volunteers

Access a global pool of motivated backpackers

Built-in chat

Communicate directly with candidates

Reviews system

Rate volunteers and build your reputation

Event hosting

Create events and grow your community

Multi-property

Manage multiple establishments easily

100% free

No fees, no commissions, ever

For Hostels

Find great volunteers — for free

Stop paying fees to find help. Spixes is completely free for hostels — post your volunteer listings, receive applications from backpackers worldwide, and manage everything from one dashboard. No subscriptions, no commissions.

Our platform supports multiple establishments, photo galleries, a built-in messaging system, and a review system so you can find reliable, motivated volunteers. Thousands of backpackers are looking for their next work exchange — your hostel could be it.

Register your hostel

What our community says

Real stories from backpackers and hostel owners

I volunteered at a hostel in Lisbon for 3 weeks. I made lifelong friends, learned Portuguese, and saved so much money. Spixes made it super easy to find and apply.

E

Emma

Backpacker · German

We've been using Spixes to find volunteers for our hostel in Cartagena. The quality of applicants is great, and the platform is free — no commissions like other sites.

C

Carlos

Hostel Owner · Colombian

Best decision I made during my gap year. Worked at a surf hostel in Bali — 4 hours a day, free bed and meals, met amazing people. Highly recommend!

M

Mia

Backpacker · Australian

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about volunteering with Spixes

Is Spixes free for backpackers?

Yes, creating an account and browsing volunteer positions is completely free. We offer an optional premium plan (€4.99/month) that unlocks unlimited applications and extra features.

How many hours do I need to volunteer per day?

Most hostels ask for 4 to 5 hours of help per day, 5 to 6 days a week. In return you get free accommodation and usually 2-3 meals a day. The exact conditions are listed on each job posting.

What kind of work will I do?

It depends on the hostel! Common tasks include reception, bar & restaurant service, cleaning, social media, event hosting, and kitchen help. Each listing specifies the role clearly.

Do I need a work visa?

Volunteer work exchange programs (a few hours in exchange for accommodation) are typically not considered employment in most countries. However, visa rules vary — always check the requirements for your destination.

How is Spixes different from other work exchange platforms?

Spixes is built specifically for the hostel community. It's completely free for both backpackers and hostels, has a modern mobile app, and includes social features like events, groups, and traveler matching — so you connect with other backpackers, not just find a place to stay.

Is it free for hostels too?

Yes! Hostels can post volunteer listings, manage applications, and communicate with backpackers for free. There are no commissions or hidden fees.

How it works

1

Sign up

Create your free profile in 30 seconds

2

Browse

Explore volunteer positions worldwide

3

Apply

Send a short cover letter

4

Travel

Get accepted and start your adventure

Take Spixes with you

Browse volunteer positions, chat with hostels, discover events, and connect with travelers — all from your phone. Available on iOS, Android coming soon.

Ready to explore the world?

Join thousands of backpackers and hostels already on Spixes. Your next adventure is one click away.