It can be intimidating if you’re new to volunteering abroad (or need to reassure your parents). Here are a few tips for your first Workaway that I’m sure will give you the confidence to go for it and have one of the best adventures of your life.
Living with a family through Workaway offers an intimate and rewarding cultural exchange, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. So here are some practical tips to guide you through how to not just adapt, but thrive when staying with a host family -- you’ll soon find that home is not just a place but rather, it’s the people you share it with, no matter where in the world you are.
Ironic as it may sound, to travel solo rarely means to travel alone. We’ve all been there, but we also understand those nerves and ‘what if’s’ you are feeling. So let us help you get that first step in the door with our favourite tips and resources on how to connect with friends as a solo traveller!
Does no one appreciate that there are over 474 million native Spanish speakers, much more than the 400 native English speakers?! Where are all the Spanish volunteer opportunities abroad? Don’t worry! Here are Workaway projects in Spanish and non-Spanish-speaking countries that welcome your native Spanish language skills!
Coliving is a relatively new accommodation style that appeals to long-term travellers and digital nomads. They’re a great alternative to hostels and can be a good way to meet like-minded people, but they aren’t for everyone! This guide will break down the coliving meaning, the pros and cons, and how to find a coliving community that suits your travel style.
Many families are searching for ways to connect with each other on a deeper level – spending quality time in a way that allows them to experience, learn, and do something impactful together. That’s where Workaway comes in! Through volunteering, you get endless opportunities to learn new skills, explore new cultures and make lasting memories with your little ones or retired parents!
Once you learn how to travel light as a long-term traveller, you will never return to consistently carrying large suitcases. Packing light is not only good for your wallet (and your back), it’s also freeing for your mind. You realise just how little you need to survive and thrive!
As a solo traveller and workawayer in her 20s, Mariah has always dreamed of sharing that with her kids. But when she started traveling with her baby at five months old, she quickly realised how different it was from her past experiences, and challenging it could be. Read on for how she embraced these changes by shifting her perspective and setting realistic expectations to turn the stress into immense joy!
It’s super easy to travel long-term with Workaway on a minuscule budget, but there’s no getting around the fact that you do need some extra cash for your travels. Learning how to start an online side hustle could help you achieve your sustainable travel dreams! I volunteered through Workaway for around five months while building my freelance writing portfolio and blog, and here's my tips on how to start an online side hustle while volunteering with Workaway so you can earn extra money too!
Let’s turn those post-travel blues into a source of inspiration and reflection. By savouring the memories and lessons from your trip, you can fuel your everyday life with the same energy and enthusiasm that made your adventure so special!
Earning money and traveling to new places are two appealing ideas, but where do you even begin and where should you go first? No worries— this working holiday guide is here to answer all your questions and provide you with inspiration to take the first steps toward your next adventure!
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!
Being able to travel long-term is something that many people dream of. But with so many unknowns it can be easy to get lost worrying about what lies ahead. Instead, I always try to focus on the present and appreciate where I am because, having done this for nearly 5 years now, I’ve learned that it always works out in the end, and I am truly proud of how far I’ve come!
Step into a world of furry adventures with pet sitting! It's more than just staying in someone else's home; it's about bonding with their beloved four-legged family members. Experience the joy of caring for adorable fur babies while enjoying a complimentary stay in a cosy home. Discover why pet sitting is the perfect way for animal lovers to travel in this paw-some blog!
“Learn by doing” is best when improving language skills and Workaway is a fantastic resource to help you improve, maintain, and practice. As we’ve covered before, volunteering abroad requires daily practice, exposure to various accents, and often full immersion. All of which is immensely helpful in learning a language.
If you are like us and every day is your own individual Valentine’s day with the world, you’ll already be spreading your love as we speak. But what’s a solo, single traveller to do on Valentine’s day? We’ve got some fun things to do that aren’t going out for dinner or crying alone in your pj’s.
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?
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!
Swapping your boss for your backpack and living life on the road full time seems daunting, expensive, and simply too good to be true. But what if I told you that travelling full-time can actually be fun, affordable and accessible? Achieving a full-time travel lifestyle isn't as distant a dream as it seems! This guide will help you embark on your journey towards a full-time travel lifestyle, providing steps on how to become a full-time traveller on a budget and debunking myths that stop you from travelling long-term.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Workaway Badges are digital symbols of your accomplishments and experiences on the Workaway platform. If you're a seasoned globetrotter, or a first-time explorer, Workaway Badges provide a fun and engaging way to track your progress and share your story!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
Avoiding the white saviour complex is an ongoing process that requires self-reflection, active learning, and humility. By taking these 8 steps and being mindful of our privilege while volunteering abroad, we can all work towards being a better ally and contributing to positive social change!
Tired of the same old work-from-home routine and looking for a change of scenery while still staying productive? Want to blend work and adventure seamlessly but not sure where to start? You’re in luck! We have rounded up eight incredible Workaway projects that are perfect for digital nomads!
"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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
Riding waves is the ultimate thrill for any surfer. But what if you could combine that rush with an adventure in a new place? Workaway is your ticket to the ultimate adventure!
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!
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!
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!
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!
The ultimate dream for most travellers: to be able to travel all around the world, one country at a time, without a worry in the world. But how will we be able to afford it?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Travelling on a budget? Here are our top 10 countries in Asia where you will find unbeatable food, rich culture and unforgettable scenery for an incredible price tag. Whether you’re a student or simply trying to travel slower and cheaper, you are guaranteed a priceless experience with this travel guide.
Being a traveling teacher is definitely a rewarding experience that you simply cannot get as a tourist! By teaching abroad, you get to connect and exchange stories with students, as well as fully immerse into the culture of any destination you’re visiting. Excited about your volunteer teaching journey? Check out our top tips on how to start...
The more we travel, the more we realise we play an important role in supporting local communities as well as the environment! As global citizens who want to protect the world just as much as we want to experience it, we've got some tips on how to not only minimise our impact, but also give back when travelling...
Being a language teacher is perfect for someone who enjoys travelling, exchanging cultures, and doing something rewarding. You get the freedom of travelling anywhere in the world, and can even earn money while you're at it! So how do we start? Check out our beginner's guide for all the answers and extra tips on how to start your journey...
Are you a conscious traveller who’s passionate about looking after Mother Earth, just as much as you love to discover new destinations? With the help of long-time traveller and workawayer Neri, we’ve compiled 5 easy ways we can travel more sustainably...
So you want to volunteer abroad? Good on you! We love that you are looking to give back. But you’ve gone online and you’ve seen some organisations CHARGE ridiculous agency fees for your kindness. How crazy is that? In fact what we are here to do is show you how you can volunteer around the world without paying a cent…
Looking after animals while travelling is definitely on many workawayers' bucket list. But there's a lot more to those fuzzy cuddly moments with cute puppies! Over to Workaway Ambassador Ellie, who’s volunteered with all sorts of animals during the past two years, and has some top tips on how to begin your animal volunteering adventure…
As Nelson Mandela reminds us, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” But how does one go about learning a new language while travelling, exactly?
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.
Ah, there’s no feeling quite as freeing and exhilarating than discovering a new place on your trusty old bicycle. Cycle touring has long been a primary form of exploration for some travellers, but with COVID19 sweeping away our existing travel plans, some of us have been turning back to our bikes as an alternative way of exploring new destinations!
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!
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...
One of the best and perhaps worst parts of travelling is falling in love, but we all know that “it is not goodbye, but see you soon”. Here are some tips to help you with your long distance relationship & friendships!
Just you and the ‘open road’ and there’s nothing quite like it! Being in a new country all by yourself may seem daunting at first- but it’ll be worthwhile when you get to meet new people and make life-long memories. Here are some of our favourite safe countries for solo-female travel so you can start planning your trip!
Travelling the world is an exciting experience that brings us life in a more vibrant way, but getting to your destination isn’t always that affordable! We know there are many age-old tips and tricks to finding cheap flight deals, but for you, we’ve gathered some of the smartest ways to find the BEST flight.
Travelling gets us out of our routine (which is usually the point) but it can also make some of our healthier habits more challenging. So here are some practical tips for how to stay fit and active and still have an amazing time during your adventures abroad!
Have you re-packed and re-packed your backpack, trying to squeeze one last item inside? Have you ever found yourself dazed staring at the travel aisle with all of the gear wondering what you’ll actually NEED? Well, we’re sort of experts on this and have a guide of things to pack on your Workaway trip to make it easier (Your shoulders will thank us)!
Travelling with dogs or other pets can be easier than you think- especially for us Workawayers! Here are a few lessons we’ve learnt from Workawaying with Tarzan, our three year old Siberian Husky.
Travelling is all about reinventing and change of routine and lifestyle, so yes, travelling is going to be a bit more challenging when you have certain dietary restrictions, food allergies OR when you are simply a picky eater, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t visit countries where people have eating habits vastly different from yours. In fact what you may lose in choice you could gain in quality of experience.
Throughout my travel adventures, I learned a lot. But I always credit my first solo trip for giving me the courage to follow my dreams. I want to pass some of that courage on to you, too. Here’s what I’ve learned and advice I wish somebody told me before my first solo trip.
Let’s face it- there’s something romantic and almost nostalgic about being poor. Think about all of the crazy adventures that begin by trying to save a little cash. Penny pinching may not sound glamorous, but the memories made while travelling on a shoestring budget will definitely be worth retelling. If you’re not convinced, here are 8 ways travelling on a budget can improve your trip and definitely earn you some backpacker badges of honour.
“If travel was free, you’d never see us again.” Yeah, ok, we see this quote every other day. But it’s not free, so let’s move on. Let’s move on to making it a lot cheaper. These 6 brilliant websites will make it a lot easier for you to cut down your travel costs.
There’s no doubt that travelling can be good for the mind, body, and soul. We don’t have to convince you of its many personal benefits, but is it as good for the environment? Not always. The good news is that there are many ways to practice sustainable travel. With intention and a little preparation, following even a few of these steps can go a long way in helping preserve the treasures we seek around the world.
The prospect of international travel with kids may seem a bit daunting — especially when they’re still very young — but let us reassure you that you don’t have to give up your nomadic lifestyle as a parent. Travelling with kids in tow just means that you’ve got to plan your trips a little differently! Read these useful advice and hacks on how to make your kids’ travel experience as satisfying and memorable as your own.
When we decided to embark on a 15-month-long Workaway adventure in Southeast Asia, the first concrete decision we made was to travel with nothing but our hand luggage. the swift transit from the gate to your destination and vice versa, the freedom that comes with the ability to pack up your entire life within minutes, wandering around in sweltering temperatures without too much hassle… Not to mention the money we would save on flights!
Travelling with kids or “en famille” is the perfect opportunity for you to leave behind the routine and responsibilities of work and school and spend some “quality time” together. A great idea in principal, but it is sometimes difficult to meet the expectations of all family members and really make the most of your time together.
It’s the twenty first century, travel is the new movement, everyone is doing it, but we know that some of you are still out there constantly daydreaming about travelling the world one day, yet seem to find every excuse going. So we’re here to squash 5 of those excuses for you!
There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in a tourist trap. Sometimes fighting off crowds or forking out half your spending money to see a sight just isn’t worth the hype, but with these tips, you may be able to still see the sights just minus the tourists, or get some better ideas on alternatives.
We’ve all done it; booked the cheapest plane ticket with the longest layover possible in an airport you can’t even pronounce, just to save a few pennies. Here’s some tips on how to get through unscathed!
Travelling as a couple is wonderful, inspiring and romantic fun but it can also be stressful and overwhelming when you’re on a long term trip with your partner! Why can’t we all learn to be a little selfish and take the chance to spend some time apart?
While travelling alone, I began wondering, what was the difference between rational and irrational fear? How do you overcome fear and step outside of your comfort zone?
Solo travel has countless benefits, BUT let’s not beat around the bush – it can be lonely. So rather than ignore it we’ve come up with some ideas to tackle it.
Being a volunteer says so much! Utilise your experiences while volunteering to embellish your CV & increase your appeal to potential employers and for extra pull when applying for courses.
