About Lauren Hay

• Travelling Tips

• about 22 min
• 17 comments

Amazing Wildlife? Diverse cultures? An abundance of adventure? Whether you dream of trekking the Amazon or the Inca Trail, sipping on coffee in Colombia or wine, South America ticks all boxes without breaking the bank!

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• Travelling Tips
• Using Workaway

• about 12 min
• 38 comments

Travelling the world is the ultimate dream for many people, but what if I told you that it is possible to travel the world AND make money as you do so? As a digital nomad, you can work from the beaches of Bali to cafes in Canada. Heck, you can even work from your bed if you want! For those ready to swap their boss for a backpack, here’s how you too, can live your dream life as a digital nomad...

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• Travelling Tips

• about 15 min
• 4 comments

Ah, Europe – the land of cobblestone streets, romantic sunsets, and price tags that sometimes make you question your life choices. These top tips are perfect for those travelling on a budget, or those who have simply shoved Europe to the bottom of their bucket list as they’ve deemed it too expensive.

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• Inspiration
• Using Workaway

• about 9 min
• 11 comments

Embarking on a house-sitting adventure abroad is like unlocking a treasure chest full of unforgettable experiences. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, make lifelong friendships with adorable pets (and people, duh) all while creating cherished memories!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 19 min
• 88 comments

If you’ve ever wondered how to travel for free, consider this guide as your magic wand that will make all your travelling dreams come true! From flights to food, these tips will prove that your budget shouldn’t hold you back and that travelling for free is possible.

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• Using Workaway
• Travelling Tips

• about 10 min
• 5 comments

It’s easy to open your laptop and decide you want to travel the world but it’s hard keeping it open when the sun is shining and you have a never ending bucket list. So this is where this guide comes in! It will ensure your digital nomad dream is not a holiday romance but a long lasting love affair as with these tips in place you will not only fall in love with this lifestyle but be successful at it too.

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• Using Workaway
• Travelling Tips

• about 8 min
• 12 comments

Both volunteering and housesitting offer authentic experiences, free accommodation and the opportunity to live like a local. However, depending on your personality and travel goals, you may be better suited to one over the other. Thankfully, with a Workaway membership you'll be able to try both out!

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• Using Workaway
• Inspiration

• about 10 min
• 25 comments

Living off-grid is an empowering lifestyle that means you live independently from “the system”: you get to reconnect with nature and minimise your negative impact on the planet while providing you with freedom like no other. Here are 5 reasons why you should give off-grid living a chance with Workaway and once you do – you’ll never look back!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 14 min
• 12 comments

Here at Workaway, we want travellers to stop counting countries and instead, embrace culture, connection and curiosity! Nothing is more rewarding than the road less travelled, and discovering amazing hidden gems away from tourists, queues and crowds.

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• Using Workaway
• Travelling Tips

• about 11 min
• 8 comments

"Is Workaway safe?" I have lost count how many times I’ve heard this question. Now, I’m not here to sugarcoat solo travel and tell you it’s the safest thing in the world, but I am here to tell you that, with the right advice and support, you’ll realise travelling solo with Workaway is one of the best ways to see the world!

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• Using Workaway
• Travelling Tips
• Inspiration

• about 16 min
• 3 comments

Are you a passionate yogi looking to explore the world while sharing your love for yoga? Volunteering with Workaway can be a fulfilling way to combine your passion for wellness with your wanderlust, and make your adventures extra enriching for both yourself and local communities!

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• Travelling Tips
• Using Workaway

• about 9 min
• 17 comments

Dream Workaway host? Check. Dates line up? Check. Bags packed? Stop! Before you hop on a plane, it’s time to figure out the details. This guide covers the most important questions to ask your Workaway host before you arrive. This will ensure you’re both on the same page, your goals align, and you’ll make the most of the experience.

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• Travelling Tips

• about 16 min
• 11 comments

The whole point of the digital nomad lifestyle is to earn money to fuel your adventures, so it’s vital you choose locations that won’t drain your finances but are bucket list worthy. That’s where we come in to help you with lots of remote work tips and a list of top countries that welcome digital nomads with open arms and an affordable budget!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 10 min
• 17 comments

While travelling solo can be an enlightening experience, it can get lonely at times, and you might want to find a travel buddy you can rely on. Your travel companion can make or break your trip, so it’s vital you get it right! Before we dive into how to find a travel buddy, let’s cover my three top tips to ensure you find the perfect candidate for the role.

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• Travelling Tips

• about 15 min
• 11 comments

Whether you’re a sun worshipper craving the coast, a foodie fan travelling through your taste buds or an adrenaline junkie after adventure, Europe boasts something for everyone! So we’ve covered the cheapest countries in Europe where you’ll find the most enriching experiences on a shoestring budget.

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• Travelling Tips

• about 15 min
• 16 comments

Are you ready for the most vibrant LGBTIQ+ friendly destinations in the world? From Canada to Colombia, visit these welcoming and incredible places that embrace everyone on the rainbow spectrum!

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• Inspiration

• about 7 min
• 13 comments

How is it that we've travelled to so many countries and seen so many world-class sights, but neglected the equally incredible places just in our backyard? Here are endless reasons why we should explore more of our own country!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 10 min
• 8 comments

If you would like to travel a bit differently in Thailand, this volunteer guide's got you covered with our top spots to visit and ways to give back in each destination... from staying with a local family in the bustling city of Bangkok, to taking care of elephants in rural Chiang Mai and enjoying the paradise beaches in between your island-hopping adventures!

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• Inspiration
• Using Workaway

• about 12 min
• 10 comments

From sea turtle conservation to sustainable agriculture, community development to environmental education -- Costa Rica offers an incredible volunteering experience like no other... and here's 12 reasons why you should definitely put this vibrant country on the top of your Workaway travel bucket list!

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• Inspiration

• about 9 min
• 6 comments

Forget the usual “ride a gondola in Venice” or “walk the Great Wall of China”, this list will help you feel empowered and inspired as you make your way around the globe. Better yet, it will leave those you meet feeling inspired and empowered too all thanks to your Workaway fairy godmother who can help make each of these goals come true!

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• Travelling Tips
• Inspiration

• about 10 min
• 6 comments

If you've ever dreamed of disconnecting from the chaos and rediscovering the simple joys of life, then off-grid living is your ticket to a world of serenity and sustainability. Are you ready to swap the hum of traffic for the gentle rustle of leaves, the flicker of screens for the glow of a campfire, and the confines of hotel rooms for the freedom of yurts, cabins, and eco-villages?

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• Using Workaway
• Travelling Tips

• about 11 min
• 8 comments

If you have decided Workaway is right for you and now you’re looking for the best way to prepare for your first Workaway experience, consider this guide your handy little checklist. From creating a profile to packing, visas to vaccinations this is the ultimate guide for helping you feel confident, prepared and excited for your very first volunteering adventure!

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• Travelling Tips
• Inspiration

• about 9 min
• 7 comments

Travel is about fun and relaxation... but it also comes with leaving your comfort zone, which can be challenging! That's why it’s essential to take care of our mental health when we're on the road, the same way we would at home.

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• Inspiration

• about 9 min
• 3 comments

I never imagined that one day I’d volunteer with children, never mind become a mother myself. And I have Workaway to thank for opening my eyes to this whole new realm of adventure. Volunteering with children transforms lives - both yours and theirs. Here’s how…

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• Travelling Tips
• Inspiration

• about 15 min
• 1 Comment

What makes Mexico a stand out destination to volunteer and not just visit? We explain why you should drag yourself away from the beautiful beach resorts and dive into the local communities instead. From the sandy beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula to the ancient Maya ruins that'll transport you back in time, if the scenery doesn’t win your heart, the food and local people most certainly will.

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• Using Workaway
• Travelling Tips

• about 8 min
• 4 comments

Introvert and adventure - two words that you rarely see together. Until now. Whether you’re a bookworm at heart, a contemplative thinker or simply cherish your alone time, being an introvert shouldn’t put your adventure plans on hold. Thanks to this guide, you’ll learn how to embrace your introverted ways whilst travelling solo as well as how to choose the right destinations and Workaway projects.

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• Using Workaway
• Travelling Tips

• about 10 min
• 4 comments

Choosing your first Workaway is unquestionably exciting, especially when you have 170 countries and 50,000 projects to choose from! So you're feeling inspired to join Workaway and find your home away from home but unsure where's the best place to start? Here are a few top tips to make the most of your experience- by choosing a homestay for your first Workaway. As someone who did exactly that, I’ll explain why choose a homestay for your first Workaway…

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• Travelling Tips
• Inspiration

• about 13 min
• 6 comments

While the world is generally a welcoming place, it's essential to do your research and choose destinations that align with your comfort level. That’s why we’ve created this post. In an ideal world these sorts of guides wouldn’t need to exist, but the reality is we still need recommendations on the safest and most inspiring countries with solo female travellers in mind.

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• Travelling Tips
• Inspiration

• about 9 min
• 4 comments

Whether you want to celebrate pride at these LGBTIQ friendly destinations with your significant other, or you’re curious if you and your companion can travel long term without killing each other, consider Workaway, your wingman. We’re with you every step of the journey as you explore love and wanderlust while learning the pros and cons of travelling as a couple along the way.

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• Travelling Tips
• Workaway Foodie

• about 16 min
• 4 comments

Are you ready to embark on a gastronomic journey to discover some of the world’s most famous foods? With this guide you won’t just get to taste them, but learn how to grow them, cook them and share them just like a local. Let’s go food fans…

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• Travelling Tips
• Using Workaway

• about 10 min
• 6 comments

Whether you’re a teacher, a builder, footballer, musician, artist, chef or anything in between, your expertise and enthusiasm can become a beacon of hope for communities in over 170 countries around the world thanks to Workaway. With social impact projects you become both a learner and a teacher, which will leave a lasting impact on the lives of others and help contribute to a brighter and more inclusive world.

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• Travelling Tips
• Using Workaway

• about 11 min
• 2 comments

Volunteering in a hostel bridges the gap between staying and experiencing. It's a guaranteed gateway to deeper connections, cultural insight, and authentic memories that linger long after checkout. Whether you choose to be a guest or to lend a hand, you'll find that hostels are not just a place to rest your head; but, (bunk bed battles aside) they'll fill your heart too.

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• Travelling Tips

• about 11 min
• 9 comments

Travelling is one of our favourite investments, but finding those initial funds can be tough with bills to pay and rent due. As someone who has been there, I’ll share the tried and tested methods I’ve used myself as well as some bonus creative ways to fund your globetrotting dreams!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 10 min
• 4 comments

Travel should not be about counting countries, it should be about connection, culture and curiosity. Rather than rushing through multiple destinations to tick them off a list, we can savour every moment, experience a place's daily rhythm and gain a profound understanding of its history and traditions. Are you ready to embrace quality over quantity with our guide on slow travel?

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• Travelling Tips

• about 8 min
• 4 comments

If you really want to know the best way to learn Spanish, join Workaway and begin living, laughing, and learning with your host family. Remember, volunteering in a Spanish-speaking country isn't just about improving your language skills. It's a transformative experience that allows you to make a positive impact, connect with local communities, and broaden your worldview.

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• Using Workaway

• about 15 min
• 3 comments

Volunteering abroad is the perfect way to make a positive impact while immersing yourself in local cultures and communities. But with 50,000 opportunities in over 170 countries on Workaway, how do you know which type of volunteer work is the right fit for you? This guide is here to help you with just that -- whether you're a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, a social champion, or a tourism aficionado, there's a volunteer role perfectly tailored to your unique personality.

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• Travelling Tips

• about 10 min
• 1 Comment

Don't let a tight budget keep you from enjoying the sun, sand, and surf of some of the world's most beautiful beach destinations! From Indonesia to Albania (yes, Albania!), there are plenty of affordable options that can help you catch some rays AND get unique cultural experiences you won't find at a beach resort.

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• Travelling Tips
• Using Workaway

• about 8 min
• 12 comments

No matter your travel style, we all want our money to last as long as possible when we’re on the road! So here are 8 ways you can use Workaway to save money - not just for the free digs! While free accommodation is always a bonus, Workaway can help you learn a new language, find the best hidden gems and even find a new job…all for free.

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• Travelling Tips

• about 11 min
• 13 comments

You’ve finally done it. Booked the flight, packed the backpack and then you are reminded of the words “solo traveller” and you’re flooded with fear. You’ve got this. This guide is going to cover all the best tips for staying safe when travelling solo so you can push fear aside and hop on that plane!

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• Inspiration

• about 7 min
• 17 comments

Once you join the wonderful world of Workaway, life quite simply won’t be the same again. However, there are a few distinct ways to determine whether you’ve made it officially as a Workawayer. Not a tourist or a backpacker, but a full-time professional Workaway volunteer. Think you are deserving of the title? If you can tick more than 5 of these tell tale signs from the list, congratulations – you’re one of us now!

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• Inspiration
• Travelling Tips

• about 9 min
• 1 Comment

Solo adventures offer an unrivalled sense of freedom as well as a massive confidence boost. Paired with these safety tips for us adventurous solo-travelling gals, the world really is your oyster. The only danger is you’ll never want to return home!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 13 min
• 6 comments

Travelling Central America on a budget? Wondering where you can comfortably get by with just around $35 a day (or less), while creating rewarding experiences and helping the local economy?? Check out our top tips for your adventure funds to last a little longer, as well as some of the cheapest countries to visit!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 14 min
• 1 Comment

One of the toughest challenges with life on the road is making sure your money lasts the duration of your trip! But don't worry, these tips on how to save money while travelling are the reason so many people like me and you can afford to make their dreams a reality. In fact, a small budget can even improve your trip, not hold you back!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 13 min
• 9 comments

Before you put off your next trip deeming travel too expensive or keep waiting for that “one day” where you hope you’ll be able to afford it, consider the sharing economy. Not only could it help you save money, it also allows you to connect with locals and provide experiences that money cannot buy!

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• Travelling Tips

• about 15 min
• 10 comments

Travelling on a budget does not mean you need to miss out on enriching experiences! These top tips for travelling on a shoestring will help you not only plan a trip, but have fun regardless of your budget, find your dream job, meet incredible friends for life and provide precious memories that money can’t buy!

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• Inspiration

• about 6 min
• 6 comments

Instead of counting countries, absorb each city fully. Instead of hostel hopping, dive deep into conversations with locals. Travel in your own country, before escaping to the next. You’ll soon realise, not only is travelling sustainably better for the planet’s health – it’s better for your health too. Here’s how…

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• Workawayer of the Month

• about 10 min
• 5 comments

Viviane decided years ago that 2020 would be the year she’d quit her job as an exec at a Silicon Valley startup and adventure around the world. While with the pandemic things didn't go according to plan, she managed to adapt her dream and safely embarked on her simple but epic gap year as a workawayer!

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• Workawayer of the Month

• about 12 min
• 13 comments

Have you wondered what it's like to go on a gap year with your entire family? This month, we're excited to introduce the Su family, who did just that and not only once, but THREE times. In total they backpacked through 72 countries including Workaways at a yurt camp in Mongolia, an NGO in Kazakhstan, a hostel in Egypt and a pomegranate farm in Israel – to name just a few!

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• Workawayer of the Month

• about 9 min
• 4 comments

For many of us, volunteering abroad is already a huge step outside our comfort zone, so imagine going all out to choose a place and way of life that is the total opposite of where you grew up, on your very first Workaway... and then staying for four years? A true explorer at heart, Bahia travelled from his home country, Morocco, all the way to Sweden as a workawayer, to seek an adventure of a lifetime!

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• Using Workaway

• about 10 min
• 3 comments

We each have a part to play in protecting our planet and here at Workaway, we have literally THOUSANDS of projects that can support your Eco-warrior ways. From animal welfare and sustainable education projects, to local marine conservation communities, here are our top Workaway picks for host projects that you can get involved in and help support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals!

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• Using Workaway
• Inspiration

• about 6 min
• 5 comments

From DIY to dog walking, there is so much to learn -- and for once, we have some time on our hands to learn it! With this guide and the months ahead while travel plans are still on hold, why not learn something new, impress those hosts and finally get travel planning?

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• Workawayer of the Month

• about 8 min
• 20 comments

There's no better classroom than nature, and this applies to both children and grown-ups! With a dream of starting her own permaculture farm, Fenia didn’t let the role of being a single mother stop her, and together with her son Adam, they embark on a series of farming adventures through Workaway.

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• Inspiration

• about 8 min
• 4 comments

While we all have a little time on our hands and flights firmly on the ground, there’s no reason we cannot still fuel our Wanderlust! Podcasts are the perfect pastime jam-packed with helpful hacks, hilarious mishaps and relatable stories, and we’ve rounded up a top 12 that we hope the Workaway community will enjoy.

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• Inspiration

• about 7 min
• 20 comments

Life is too precious to be wishing it away for retirement when we’ll have the “time” to travel. Now more than ever, we have the time to plan, time to find your perfect host and to research our dream destinations... so why not use this time to plan your grown up gap year?

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• Workawayer of the Month

• about 9 min
• 9 comments

Kenneth has been part of Workaway since 2010 -- yes, so he's been travelling and volunteering with us for a DECADE! From hostels on the beach in Puerto Rico to meditation centres in Taiwan, not only has he explored all over the world, but he’s encouraged his sons to follow in his footsteps with them also joining the Workaway community!

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• Workawayer of the Month

• about 10 min
• 13 comments

This month we chat with Gisela -- a vibrant, long-term workawayer and raw food chef who has lots of wisdom to share with solo female travellers, aspiring chefs, and those considering their first Workaway adventure! From making and tasting fresh chocolate in the Caribbean, to slowly exploring Colombia while taking care of dogs, let's get a glimpse into her adventures now...

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• Travelling Tips

• about 8 min
• 2 comments

These couple of months have not been easy on anyone, and it’s no secret the travel industry has been hit hard by Coronavirus. However, there are still ways you can support the industry and these small gestures can help rebuild tourism!

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• Using Workaway

• about 7 min
• 35 comments

Whether it’s a chef, a surf instructor, a carpenter, yoga teacher, or running a glamping site and being our own boss - here's how we can "test drive" our dream role before figuring out what our true passion is!

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• Workaway Foodie

• about 4 min
• 5 comments

Even though we are stuck at home, we can still explore new places in different ways… such as FOOD! Get a vibrant taste of Lithuania in the form of a bright pink summer soup, before it’s safe to travel there again.

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