How Volunteering Transformed My Unexpected Visa Delay into a Meaningful Experience
After lapping Australia as digital nomads myself and my partner in life and business decided our biggest opportunity to grow our new Startup was move to Europe where the biggest tourism in the world happens. France alone has a staggering 89 million visitors a year. After my partner, our dog, and I left Australia to pursue our dreams in France, we anticipated a smooth transition. With our French Tech Visa applications accepted, we were excited to bring our startup, Nomad Stays, to life in a new country. The visa process was supposed to take just a couple of weeks, so we expected to settle in within a month. But, as any seasoned traveler knows, life doesn’t always stick to the plan.
The Unexpected Challenge of Waiting
What we thought would be a quick waiting period turned into a prolonged ordeal. My partner, who was the founder, received his visa after nine months, while mine, as the co-founder, took over a year. This unexpected delay left us in a state of flux, without a stable home base or a clear timeline. We found ourselves navigating different European countries to legally stay in the region while waiting for our visas. Needless to say, this was not part of our original plan.
While my partner and our dog settled temporarily in Spain, I chose to take advantage of the situation and see another few countries I have never been to and is part of my heritage. I jumped on a train in the middle of a storm at silly o’clock and then a plane and spent three months in Scotland and Ireland, determined to make the most of this unplanned downtime. Rather than succumbing to frustration, I immersed myself in the travel and tourism industry by volunteering at hostels and BnBs. This hands-on experience kept me busy and allowed me to conduct market research, gain insight into industry pain points, and forge relationships with potential suppliers for our startup.
Picture care of unsplash
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
Volunteering became an unexpected blessing. I had the chance to explore new countries, some of which were connected to my family heritage, while gaining practical experience that would benefit our business. Whether assisting at a hostel or engaging with local hoteliers, each day offered a new learning opportunity. These experiences deepened my understanding of the travel industry and enriched my network, which would later prove invaluable for Nomad Stays.
Moreover, volunteering helped us manage our finances during this period of uncertainty. By trading my skills for accommodation, I avoided the need for double housing expenses and gained knowledge that far exceeded what any travel guide could offer. One of the highlights was working at a castle in France, where I assisted with their marketing efforts—a far more productive and fulfilling way to spend my time than simply waiting for paperwork to clear.
Here are few great ways Volunteering websites I recommend and used:
Help Stay – Give a little help, Stay for free,1500+ volunteer stays in 100+ countries
Help X – is an online listing of host organic farms, farmstays, hobby farms, lifestyle blocks, homestays, ranches, lodges, backpackers hostels and even sailing boats who invite volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation.
Workaway –Travel differently, connect globally. The largest and safest community for cultural exchange, working holidays, volunteering and house sitting in 170 countries.
Travel, collaborate, make an impact. Safely travel as a volunteer, have life-changing experiences, and make a positive impact on the world.
126.000+ confirmed travelers around the world!
Anna Rier – Nomad Ambassador to Nomad Stays, Remote worker, digital Nomad currently in Albania, this photo is her Volunteering in Namiba at a School
Reflecting on the Journey
Now, four years later, I can look back on that challenging time with gratitude. We’ve recently renewed our visas, marking our fifth year abroad. The lessons learned and connections made during that waiting period have been instrumental in our journey. Today, I continue to give back by volunteering as a mentor for the Inspired Rare Birds Foundation, all while steering our startup forward.
Volunteering turned out to be much more than a way to fill time; it became a path to personal growth, professional development, and cultural exploration. It allowed me to transform a frustrating situation into a rich learning experience.
Other similar blogs on traveling on a Budget.
Why Volunteering is a Game-Changer for Digital Nomads
If you find yourself in a similar situation—whether you’re waiting for a visa, transitioning between remote gigs, or simply facing the unexpected—consider volunteering. It’s an incredible way to make the most of your time, offering opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Volunteering can open doors to new experiences, help you uncover hidden passions, and deepen your understanding of the world around you. For me, what started as a frustrating visa delay turned into one of the most rewarding chapters of my digital nomad journey. Who knows? It might just do the same for you.
WHERE TO NEXT?
Traveling is adventure because it’s full of the unknowns and that is the best part. So where will you go next for a month or two? Or perhaps you are just begining your journey.
Looking for community? join us over on the Digital Nomad Explorers Community
See you there!
By Linda McCall – Digital Nomad coming on 10 years, cofounder Nomad Stays, mentor, loves riding motorbikes across continents (America, Europe, and Australia)
