Using Workaway

  • about 7 min
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9 Workaway myths that stop you from travelling long term on a budget

The travellers’ circuit changes almost daily..through all your travelling stories and photos, we’re inspired to debunk some myths we’ve heard about Workaway to help you all understand exactly what we are all about.

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  • about 11 min
  • 5 comments
How to Prepare For Your First Workaway Experience: Essential Steps and Tips

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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  • about 6 min
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10 Hacks to get the most from your first Workaway adventure

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.

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  • about 4 min
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Workaway Gift Guide: 4 people in your life who need this Christmas present!

If you’re struggling for holiday gift ideas this year for the travel lovers in your life, how about giving them an entire year's worth of adventures, that they get to choose and experience just the way they want to?

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  • about 8 min
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An Introvert's Guide to Workaway: How to Explore the World and Embrace Your Inner Adventurer

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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  • about 8 min
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Travel Buddies Turned Soul Sisters

If you’re feeling any doubts or hesitations to begin your next adventure, or make a new travel companion... workawayers Carmen and Victoria’s inspirational story of connection, growth, and shared adventures is bound to ignite your courage to embark on your own travel escapade and find a travel BFF to gallivant with!

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  • about 10 min
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Why You Should Choose A Homestay For Your First Workaway

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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  • about 4 min
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Earn Badges to Show Off Your Workaway Achievements

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!

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  • about 13 min
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How to Find Your Zen With Yoga and Volunteering

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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  • about 10 min
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Volunteering for a Cause: Workaway Projects with a Social Impact

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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  • about 11 min
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Staying Versus Volunteering in Youth Hostels: The Perks & Pitfalls

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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  • about 9 min
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The Most Important Questions To Ask Your Workaway Host Before You Arrive

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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  • about 8 min
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12 great yoga experiences for travellers around the world

Imagine just unwinding your body and resting your mind, while being surrounded by good energy in a spiritual environment… now that’s paradise for us. And lucky for us, we can enjoy the relaxation of doing yoga, while at the same time travelling and discovering the world!

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  • about 12 min
  • 2 comments
Why Volunteering In Costa Rica Should Be Top Of Your Bucket List

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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  • about 5 min
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7 Workaway adventures (+BONUS) for an unforgettable summer

Summertime is officially here, calling us to give in to our inner free spirit and let the wild side of ourselves shine! And we can't think of a better way to do this than by exploring the world and getting involved with these special Workaway adventures to make it extra unforgettable...

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  • about 8 min
  • 6 comments
8 Incredible Workaways for Digital Nomads to Make a Difference

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!

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  • about 8 min
  • 7 comments
12 Benefits of House Sitting Abroad with Workaway

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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  • about 9 min
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14 Irresistible Workaway experiences to give back to the world

You all know by now how Workaway works and the benefits of volunteering compared to aimless travel, so we won’t go on about that again, but sometimes it’s just nice to highlight some of the 50,000+ opportunities in over 170 countries we now have online – especially the ones that are really making a difference to our planet and are giving back to the local communities!

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  • about 15 min
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Types Of Volunteering Explained Plus How To Find The Perfect Project

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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  • about 10 min
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How to Workaway safely as a solo traveller

"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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  • about 8 min
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8 Ways Workaway Can Save You Money

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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  • about 3 min
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5 Reasons to do a Workaway when you are retired

Travel and volunteering have no expiry date, so here are 5 little reasons why you should consider using Workaway when you are living in the ‘golden years’ after you’ve retired.

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  • about 7 min
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House Sitting Vs Volunteering - A Complete Comparison For Budget Travellers

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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  • about 12 min
  • 6 comments
20 Amazing bucket list travel experiences to have around the world

We only live once, so lets choose to do the most meaningful things in the most phenomenal places in the world! We’ve highlighted a few items on our loooong bucket list of the most wonderful experiences around the world. Are any of these on your list too?

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  • about 4 min
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This side of Thailand: Bubble house paradise where dreams come true

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers and we can absolutely see why! But away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots, is an eco-retreat hidden at the top of the Northern Thailand mountains, where people around the world gather to exchange their ideas and realise their visions together...

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  • about 7 min
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Workaway for newbies: your top questions answered

You've just stumbled on Workaway.info, a website that lets you connect with hosts and travellers around the world, give back to local communities, and get free accommodation and food in exchange for a few hours of your help! That sounds like a dream, but how does it actually work??

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  • about 3 min
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Teaching in Morocco: an immersive experience in a bucket-list destination

When we think of Morocco, we think of its rich history and culture, vibrant views and glittering trinkets... so it's certainly easy to understand why the country is on so many travellers’ bucket list! But what if we say there’s something even more incredible waiting beyond our itinerary?

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  • about 4 min
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Travel differently, discover more: Authentic farm stay experience in Catalonia

What if we say travelling is not just about visiting tourist attractions and staying in hotels, but a unique opportunity where we can learn about a different way of life, and even spend a week or month (or longer) in a local’s shoes, to create meaningful experiences and connections that can last for a long, long time?

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  • about 5 min
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Volunteering & Working Opportunities: Crew / sail around the world for free

Mention sailing and the chances are most of us will conjure up romantic images of wind in the hair freedom on the waves. If you are eager to discover the sailing / boating way of life– we think a grand adventure is about to begin!

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  • about 6 min
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How you'll never travel the same way again after Workaway

When you’re constantly on the road without a real purpose, even the most passionate travellers can get burnt out...not unless we change the way we explore the world! Our travel experience as a workawayer has transformed and inspired us for the better. It also made us realise that once you do a Workaway, you'll never travel the same way again!

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  • about 3 min
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How Workaway Can Save the Day When Loneliness Strikes

With COVID restrictions still in force in many countries we spend so much more time alone or in a closed bubble. Over time this isolation can become a great strain... but having someone to bounce ideas off and share experiences with gives meaning to what we do and makes us happy and we mustn't forget that! They make you realise that it is not full of doom and gloom, and that there are still wonderful people out there wanting to be part of a caring, sharing and tolerant world community.

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  • about 9 min
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The Beginner’s Guide to Workawaying with Animals

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…

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  • about 10 min
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Volunteering & Van life: How to Make the Most of This Travel Trend

Following the pandemic, the soaring popularity of van life shows no signs of slowing down and there are many reasons why we've hopped onboard this travel trend too! Whether you're a van life veteran or clueless about camper vans, this guide covers why volunteering and van life is the perfect combination...

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  • about 4 min
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Find your community: Start connecting with like-minded travellers

Embarking on an adventure, however exciting it might be, can get daunting sometimes too -- so it makes a huge difference to know that there are lots of fellow travellers out there who are happy to hang out or help if we need it! We’ve launched a live TRAVEL FEED where we can catch up with our tribe in real time and stay up to date with all things Workaway...

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  • about 7 min
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My 8 Best "Aha!" Moments & Insights From a Decade of Travels

"During my ten years as a Workawayer I’ve fed goats, built earthen houses, helped tourists in the desert and served drinks in the Caribbean… and I’ve grown and changed so much from these experiences!"

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The Whole World in Two Tiny Hands: Homeschooling with Workaway

Kids are the best teachers of life and to teach kids is both a challenge and an adventure. We have homeschooled our children for six years. During that time we travelled a lot, exposing them to varied cultures and lifestyles, yet it was only when we started hosting Workawayers that the dynamics of our homeschooling experience has changed so much for the better.

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  • about 10 min
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The Best Workaway Experiences for Eco-Warriors

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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  • about 6 min
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The best skills to learn before you go onto your next Workaway adventure

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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  • about 4 min
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How to use Workaway to find your travel BFF

While most of us have been anxiously waiting to get back on the road, why not look for alternative ways to satisfy our wanderlust, and make the most of our time by preparing for our next adventure? Find out how you could use some of our new site features to connect with fellow travellers and find your future bffs -- right here on the Workaway site!

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  • about 10 min
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Digital Nomad Life: Honest secrets + Top tips from a full time traveller

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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  • about 11 min
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A Beginner’s Guide to Becoming A Digital Nomad: How to Travel the World AND Make Money

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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  • about 10 min
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5 Reasons Why You Should Give Off-Grid Living A Chance & Why Workaway Is The Perfect Place To Start

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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  • about 7 min
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Why Workaway Is The Perfect Stepping Stone To Your Dream Job

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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6 Magical Workaway places to experience the festive season abroad

“There’s no place like home for the Holidays” but… have you ever wondered what Christmas is like in Prague? Or heard of the Sankta Lucia festival in Sweden? If you’re itching to celebrate the holidays in a different corner of the world this year, we’ve got the perfect recommendations! From sunny beaches to winter wonderlands, here are our top places to spend the holidays abroad with Workaway.

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  • about 5 min
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Five questions to ask yourself before your first Workaway experience!

Looking to see the northern lights in Finland or Machu Picchu in Peru? Deciding on the country we want to go to might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s also very important to keep in mind what you’re looking for long-term! Let us help with the main questions you might have before heading out to your first Workaway experience…

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  • about 12 min
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10 Best Destinations For Solo Female Travellers

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!

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  • about 5 min
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8 reasons why house sitting is the way to see the world

Want to stay in an idyllic house for free at your dream destination? Grab all these wins with one of the many house sitting projects on Workaway. Explore the special spots of your travel destination and enjoy your home away from home.

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  • about 11 min
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Dix avantages inatendus d’avoir des workawayers à la maison

Près plus de 15 ans comme hôte Workaway, je dois dire qu’il y a eu de nombreux avantages inattendus – des avantages auxquels je n’aurais jamais pensé. Voici comment les workawayers nous ont touché et, dans certains cas, ont eu un impact durable dans notre vie, de 10 des plus belles manières.

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  • about 9 min
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Diez Ventajas Inesperadas de Ser un Anfitrión en Workaway

Todos sabemos que es genial tener otro par de manos cerca, y como anfitriones a veces pensamos que tenemos una idea clara de en qué nos gustaría que nos ayudaran nuestros workawayers. Pero, tras 15 años como anfitriona en Workaway, ¡ha habido muchas ventajas inesperadas que nunca hubiera previsto!

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  • about 9 min
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10 unexpected perks of being a Workaway host

We all know how great it is to have an extra pair of hands around, and as hosts we often think we have a clear idea of what we’d like our volunteers to help us with. BUT, having been a Workaway host for over 15 years, there have been many unexpected benefits which I could never have envisaged!

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  • about 4 min
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5 ways to make your Workaway profile stand out

Let’s face it, these days it seems like we’re filling out online profiles for everything. From dating apps to career networks, it can be a bit overwhelming to find one more way to describe yourself. However, your Workaway profile can be different and we’re here to help! Follow our best tips for how to create a unique profile that will unlock countless opportunities. Adventure awaits!

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  • about 5 min
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Top tips on workawaying and travelling with pets

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.

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Going green on your Workaway: Permaculture living – Part Two

Whether the hosts are seeking input from artists, healers and educators, or extra hands to help with general work, one thing is sure, the focus will be local and ethical, and will involve communicating with people who are eager to share their ideas about alternative ways of guaranteeing a great future for the next seven generations.

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  • about 9 min
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The ultimate guide to visiting & protecting the world’s most amazing marine conservation sites

We’ve handpicked a list of Workaway hosts on exclusive locations across the globe, with amazing projects perfect for those keen to witness the beauty of the blue and play a part in marine conservation!

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  • about 7 min
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8 inspirational Workaway locations which nurture the artist in us!

From circus and theatre, to decorative painting, sculpture, music and dance – check out our hosts which offer creative opportunities across the world and nurture your inner artist!

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  • about 6 min
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Going green on your Workaway: Permaculture living – Part One

Workaway is a great place to find and connect to permaculture practitioners. Whether you are a permaculture practitioner seeking more experience or a curious traveller wanting to find out more, there is an incredibly diverse list of hosts waiting for your help.

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  • about 3 min
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Voluntourism: selfless or selfish?

Is it better to stay home rather than participate in voluntourism? Was I making a positive impact by volunteering abroad? Or was I simply hurting the very people I was trying to help? Was my presence an act of neo-colonialism?

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  • about 6 min
  • 12 comments
Should I sign up as a host on workaway?

Am I too old to host on workaway? Or too young? Who would want to come to my area? What if I don’t speak English that well? Too much of this, not enough of that? Here’s a short list of potential self-doubts or preconceptions a new host might have with solutions to overcome them.

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  • about 4 min
  • 15 comments
8 Awesome types of accommodation that you could be staying in on your next Workaway

While living and travelling around the world we’ve been fortunate enough to see some amazing places, amazing people and amazing food. But when it comes to accommodation we are shocked daily by the sheer amount of damn right awesome places there are to stay in the world. And some of them are even right here on Workaway ready and waiting for people like YOU to stay in. Here are 8 that have caught our eye recently..

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  • about 7 min
  • 29 comments
10 steps to being a great Workaway host

Before even embarking on the experience, a host needs to be prepared mentally and practically for a visitor – it’s not always easy sharing your space or adapting to someone else’s. Here we’ve got a 10 point step-by-step guide to help you get the most of out of your experience as a host…

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  • about 5 min
  • 30 comments
How I got ‘rich’ from travelling around the world

We’ve heard it all before – ‘I quit my job to travel the world’, but what is it really like when you are actually doing it? When you stop earning a guaranteed salary and start travelling without a wage? We decided to ask someone that knows all too well on how to really live off pennies, and the rewards that come with doing Workaway exchange.

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  • about 4 min
  • 35 comments
How To Be A Good Workaway Guest and Always Get Invited Back

Be a good guest by following some of the advice here to make your Workaway stay an enjoyable and productive one where both hosts and volunteers benefit.

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  • about 5 min
  • 24 comments
Family Travel with Workaway

“The magic happens once you step outside the comfort zone” ! Here’s why it’s worth the effort to take your family off on an adventure of a life-time…

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  • about 6 min
  • 7 comments
Is Workaway right for you?

“The organisation Workaway connects potential volunteers with host families across the world for a meaningful travel, work and cultural exchange. However, before embarking on a Workaway exchange, it is important to consider whether this type of travel is right for you.”

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  • about 3 min
  • 32 comments
If a Volunteer Placement Does Not Go Well, What Do You Do?

A Workaway host describes a recent problem with a volunteer who showed up ill and unable to provide any help. What advice would you give?

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  • about 15 min
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Workaway experiences: The pros & cons of volunteer exchanges

Ilaria is the ‘Girl with a suitcase’ and has kindly allowed us to repost her blogpost all about volunteer exchanges. “Not only a travel blog: there you can find travel advice, ideas, itineraries, budget holidays, original trips and a lot of wonderful pictures!”

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  • about 8 min
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10 good reasons to use Workaway to travel for longer for less

Here’s a great article written by Mandie all about how Workaway has enabled her to extend her travelling and talking about some of the added benefits of travelling this way. Her blog is called RamblingMandie.com and is well worth a visit for some interesting observations and stories about travelling on a budget.

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