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.
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?
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..
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!
The cool thing about being a Workawayer is you're already far more likely to develop meaningful friendships, simply by being part of our massive community of friendly hosts and travellers from around the world! Here are a few pointers on how you can make the most of your Workaway membership to connect with fellow travellers and find your future bffs -- all just a few taps away!
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!
If you're considering inviting a friend to join you on a Workaway adventure, this blog post is exactly what you need to convince them. Or, maybe you are the one feeling hesitant yourself after your friend introduced you to this platform: in this case, welcome aboard, you’re in the right place, and you’re in for the travel experience of a lifetime!
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!
We have been hosting Workaway volunteers now for over two years and have had in excess of 60 travellers come through our doors. It has been an overwhelmingly positive experience, however we had a situation recently that really left us scratching our heads and wondering what to do and what the right course of action should have been...
**drumroll** Workaway Events is officially out! As part of our community, you can now host, join and discover events happening in your area or any destination you're planning to visit. If you're looking to make new friends with people who share common interests and explore new hobbies… this is THE ultimate travel tool for you!
We all know somebody who's constantly travelling and looking like they're having the best time of their lives... you just can't help but wonder, how in the world do they do it? Over to workawayer Mandie, who shares all about how Workaway has enabled her to extend her travels, and the added benefits of being a workawayer!
Forget about those cramped home offices or noisy coffee shops. Instead, envision yourself logging into Zoom calls from a cosy beach house, a cute cabin in the mountains, or even a chic city loft…all in exchange for just a few hours of your day, watering plants or looking after an energetic pup during your breaks through house and pet sitting!
Ready to invite travellers into your home or project and begin your journey as a Workaway host? We know how important it is that you choose workawayers who are a good fit! So here we are going to show you how you can connect with just the kind of travellers and volunteers you’re looking for..
Doing a volunteer exchange gives you an amazing opportunity to combine budget traveling with getting to know new, international people and meanwhile living like a local does. But at the same time, it is not the classic, relaxing vacation: you have to be adaptable, positive, and self-motivated. So here are the pros and cons of travelling this way!
“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.”
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.
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!
Planning for a Workaway trip with your children can be challenging, but it's absolutely worth the effort to take your family out of your comfort zone and on a worldwide adventure of a lifetime…
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.
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!
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?
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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...
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!
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!
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!
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.
"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!
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.
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!
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...
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??
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?
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?
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!
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!
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.
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…
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...
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...
"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!"
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.
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!
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?
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.
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...
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!
“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.
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…
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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?
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.
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…
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.
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.
