How to Convince Friends to Join Your Workaway Adventure, No Matter the Distance
Workaway opens doors to transformative travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. It’s not just about seeing new places but about immersing yourself in local cultures, contributing to meaningful projects, and forging deep connections not only with hosts and locals but also with the travellers who you share the experience with.
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!
Selling the pitch: how to make this Workaway an irresistible offer
When I planned mine and my partner’s Workaway experience at a theater in the Skåne region of Sweden, I knew my best friend Savannah would absolutely love it there too. She wanted to travel from Colorado, USA, to see me, but was very nervous to take the leap alone. That’s when I suggested that she join our Workaway trip to volunteer with us during her Spring Break!
Step 1. Find a host project that they will love
When inviting your friend, present the opportunity in a way that is both appealing and practical. Start by providing detailed information about your favourite Workaway project, including the type of help or volunteer work, the location, and what they can expect. Use vivid descriptions to make the experience come alive. Offering detailed and reassuring information can help ease their worries and make the opportunity more attractive. Be open to their suggestions too at the same time, Workaway has something for everyone.
Related blog post: Types Of Volunteering Explained Plus How To Find The Perfect Project
Step 2. Introduce the Workaway idea to them
If they have no idea what Workaway is – Workaway offers a distinctive way to travel by blending volunteering with cultural immersion. Unlike typical tourism, Workaway allows you to live and work alongside locals, engaging in community projects that offer both personal and professional growth.
Step 3. Emphasize the personal benefits they'll gain
To convince your friend more effectively, focus on the diverse benefits of participating in a Workaway project. Being a Workawayer provides a chance to develop new skills, learn about different cultures, new languages, and make lasting friendships with other volunteers, hosts, locals, or other fellow travelers.
For instance, during our time at the Workaway theater, Savannah, who is studying clinical herbalism, had the chance to bond with a local herbalist. This connection was particularly meaningful as they shared their passion for plants and herbal medicinal remedies. Such personal interactions can be deeply fulfilling and offer unique learning opportunities you cannot gain elsewhere.
Step 4. Extend both of your adventures for free
Workaway has a referral programme where travellers can gain three extra months to their membership by inviting a friend to sign up, and the friend will also have a free membership extension. If your friend decides to join you for their first Workaway adventure, you both enjoy the added benefit of having extra time to make the most out of your journeys, whether you want to go on more trips together or travel separately in the future.
So... how did our first Workaway adventure together go?
One month of volunteering in Skillinge went by so quickly, and our experience was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling, to see our hard work come into fruition and have the opportunity to serve the local community. We took part in preparing the art exhibition rooms for two local artists, getting the event space ready to receive visitors, renovating a bedroom, assisting with stage design for the upcoming summer play, painting a mural in our host’s apartment, pressure washing the exterior of the restaurant building, and more. It felt that every small contribution we added made a difference in the improvement of the property and future projects. We greatly appreciated the cultural exchange that we experienced!
After our shared Workaway, I’m thrilled to share that Savannah is now set to embark on her own solo Workaway adventure in Scotland!
This journey will allow her to embrace her Scottish heritage and explore whether Scotland might become her forever home. She will delve into her Scottish heritage and contribute to local initiatives.
Her upcoming adventure is a testament to how Workaway can help individuals discover their passions and potential new homes, enriching their lives in profound ways.
More practical tips for arranging a Workaway exchange together
Inviting a friend from afar requires thoughtful planning, but it’s definitely achievable. After Savannah's 16-hour flight, we were reunited at the Copenhagen Airport, and ready to begin our adventure! As we took the train together to our host, our excitement built with every kilometer. The journey wasn’t just about reaching a destination but about the shared anticipation and joy of starting a new chapter together.
Related blog post: How to Prepare For Your First Workaway Experience: Essential Steps and Tips
Coordinating your schedules
Align your travel dates with both of your schedules and availability. This can involve navigating time zones and existing commitments, so early planning is crucial.
Managing costs
Discuss travel expenses and explore budget-friendly options. Consider cost-sharing strategies or finding deals on flights to make the trip more accessible.
If your friend is meeting you during your long-term travel plans, help create a plan to greet them upon their arrival and assist with booking affordable transportation.
Utilizing technology
Leverage tools like video call to maintain clear communication and ensure smooth planning. Keeping in touch frequently will help manage expectations and streamline the process. Connect your Workaway profiles and speak with your host together on a group call pre- arrival to understand expectations.
Inviting a friend to join you on a Workaway adventure can enhance the experience and create lasting memories. And if you are that friend who needs convincing, don’t be afraid to ask questions and take your time to evaluate your options. Volunteering abroad can be a tough decision, and it is not easy to take time away from home for many.
But by emphasizing the unique aspects of Workaway, addressing logistical challenges, and offering practical advice, this can be more than feasible.
Sharing this journey with a friend can transform it into an adventure that both of you will cherish forever; you’re not just creating memories, but building a shared story that will resonate for years to come.
About Lavinia
Lavinia is from Florida, USA, and grew up in a German-American household, deepening her connection to her roots through visits to family in Germany. Her exposure to different languages and cultures ig
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