It’s not hard to see why our modern obsession with extravagant holidays is tied to the frantic, high-pressure lives many of us lead in urban centers around the world. Our days are relentless, high-energy sprints where we routinely ignore our bodies’ demands for rest, proper food, exercise, and clean air.
After long hours at a screen and battling gridlock on congested streets, what we truly yearn for is space to breathe, direct contact with the natural world, and either someone to handle our fundamental needs or the time to look after them ourselves.
Of course, the urge to travel may also be wired into us. Countless adventurous souls have set off on epic journeys simply to see what lies beyond a distant ocean or mountain range. Discovery gives us a fleeting sense of ownership. And yes, wandering through Roman ruins or stepping softly through ancient Buddhist temples satisfies our curiosity and leaves enduring memories.
But as travel becomes more accessible and the planet feels smaller, what we may need most is something far closer to our origins—a genuine bond with the environment around us: a holiday on a farm.
When did you last plunge your hands into soil? Or pluck a fuzzy peach straight off a branch? Or watch a herd of calm cattle patiently chewing their feed?
These activities not only spark our childlike wonder but also provide a real remedy for the modern epidemics of anxiety and depression. In fact, during my travels across the US, I met a farm worker who shared her battle with anxiety and noted that the days she spent on the farm were the only ones free from near panic attacks.
I’ve observed similar effects in my own life.
In July of this year, my husband and I stored our belongings and set off on the road, planning to work on farms and recover from the pressures of living in Los Angeles. As appealing as it sounds, being constantly on the move without a fixed home brings distinct difficulties—especially figuring out where to sleep—and is definitely stress-inducing. Amid all that uncertainty, the farms we visit become my refuge. It’s hard to fret about the future when your entire focus is on the present task: weeding carrot beds, bottle-feeding hungry calves, or picking apples to keep my hands and mind busy.
We travel through an international organization called WWOOF, which connects willing workers with organic farms. The arrangement is a mutual exchange. Farms agree to host travelers of all kinds, offering free accommodation and plenty of fresh farm food (farmers tend to be excellent cooks). In return, volunteers contribute roughly 25 hours each week to various farm chores, such as animal care, cooking, and harvesting.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all holiday—each farm has its own unique offerings and expectations, and some lodging is better than others, so it’s wise to research potential hosts thoroughly. But if you’re seeking a budget-friendly trip and your spirit craves pastoral tranquility, volunteering through WWOOF can provide an affordable, satisfying escape anywhere on the globe.
Staying on farms also gives you insider knowledge about the places you’re visiting, rather than wandering streets while staring at a guide on your phone. When you become part of a farm community, you’re no longer a tourist. You’re a family member and a keeper of local secrets—like the best swimming holes or the freshest ice cream along America’s back roads.
If you prefer a bit more distance from the livestock, there are other ways to immerse yourself in lovely rural scenery and get closer to where your food comes from. The concept of agritourism, first popularized in Europe—a continent famous for its passion for great food—is now gaining momentum in the United States. The philosophy is that tourism should involve more than mindless consumption; it should include learning, building relationships, and engaging with a community. And, above all, eating incredible, hyper-local cuisine.
A wide variety of farm stays exist across the US. Some are quite basic—just a room in a farmhouse with fresh produce available—while others are all-inclusive spa retreats featuring cheese-making classes and gourmet meals. What they all share is the chance to learn intimately where your dinner originates, and most allow you to participate in harvesting or food preparation. Since these accommodations involve a standard monetary exchange, no work is required, but it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to forage for wild herbs or collect fresh eggs. After all, that immersion in nature is what helps you shed workplace anxiety and release the computer tension stored in your shoulders.
Whether you opt for a farm stay or embark on a WWOOF adventure, the benefits of this unconventional travel style are numerous. By supporting a farmer—either financially or with your time—you’re helping improve our food system and narrowing the gap between producers and consumers. You’ll witness firsthand the hard work involved in bringing food from field to table and taste the difference of fresh, carefully raised ingredients. You’ll gain immediate rewards of better health and a restful vacation, while investing in a more sustainable future for your community and the planet.
In short, it’s a wonderful way to give to yourself while also giving back.
Below is a list of my favorite farm stays in the US, or visit farmstayus.com to discover your own happy place:
Serenbe Inn | Chatt Hills, GA Stunningly scenic, Serenbe provides farm tours, trail rides, a full range of spa services, and is home to the highly praised Farmhouse Restaurant.
Smithfield Farm Bed and Breakfast | Shenandoah Valley, VA Farmer and New York Times bestselling author Forrest Pritchard is committed to raising top-quality grassfed meats, while his family focuses on hosting and feeding guests at their bed and breakfast.
Humble Hill Farm | Finger Lakes, NY Humble Hill welcomes guests at their lodge and offers pizza dinners that you cook yourself in their wood-fired oven. The farm is conveniently located near the Finger Lakes Wine Trails.
The Greer Farm | Daingerfield, TX Greer Farm is devoted to sustainable agriculture; expect cooking classes and you-pick berries during your stay in one of their lakefront cabins.
Nettles Farm | Lummi Island, WA The team at Nettles Farm is redefining sustainable fishing and hosts cooking and foraging workshops at their farmhouse amid the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands.
To sign up as a WWOOF volunteer, visit: wwoofusa.org. Make the most of an Italian getaway by spending time at one of the many agriturismos: agriturismo.it.
Images via Sherman Thomas
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