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!
Whether you're a full-time travelling nomad, a freelancer, or simply someone seeking new experiences, these unique opportunities will not only allow you to work remotely but also immerse yourself in different cultures and contribute to meaningful projects around the world.
Make the World Your Office
One of the biggest advantages of living the digital nomad life is being location independent and meeting people from all over the world, while also earning a living. The opportunities for remote work are endless (so long as you have WiFi connection of course), from freelance writing, to web development, and video/photo editing… the list goes on! With some determination and hard work, you can escape the shackles of the 9-5 rat race and embrace a travelling nomadic lifestyle, where your backpack becomes your office, and the entire world becomes an inspiring workspace.
How to Start Your Digital Nomad Life with Workaway!
Imagine being able to work from anywhere and exploring new destinations while still getting things done!
With many unique Workaway exchanges around the world, listed under the “find a host” section, digital nomads can find a whole array of work exchange and volunteering options in which they trade their skills and services in return for free accommodation and meals! Perfect for budget travellers who want to stretch their funds and gain unique experiences.
Picture yourself living and working with local hosts in different countries, immersing yourself in different lifestyles, and even picking up the language along the way. It's an incredible chance to not only explore new destinations and travel with free accommodation, but also gain a deeper understanding of the country you're visiting.
Tips for Digital Nomads using Workaway
Okay, so, you’ve been convinced to work and travel and live your best digital nomad life. You have built up your portfolio, and you’re eager to make the world your office through Workaway, but you still have a few lingering questions, such as:
How do I find hosts that are digital nomad friendly?
On the Workaway website, head to our “find a host” section and filter the “accommodation info” to “digital nomad friendly”. You’ll then be able to browse through hundreds of digital nomad opportunities around the world, including a variety of volunteer projects and paid options, that are happy welcome remote workers.
How do I ensure there is good WiFi connection at my host location?
Under the “accommodation info” tick the ‘internet access available’ option under ‘host details’ as shown in the below image. If you need to make calls for work, make sure to communicate this with your host beforehand to ensure the WiFi is quick enough for you.
How is time being managed and balanced?
When reaching out to different hosts, make sure to inform them that you will be working remotely with the estimated hours you need to put aside for personal work. You can then discuss with your host how you can work around your hours to then help out on host projects and come up with an agreement. It is important to have honest and clear communication between you and the host so that expectations are managed before your arrival.
While you’re away, make sure to make time for yourself too as it’s important to stay fit and active while working remotely and explore your surroundings! Workaway encourages volunteers to work AND play hard! ;)
How long can I stay with a host?
If you are looking for a work exchange project on Workaway, you'll have the flexibility to volunteer for a single week or extend your stay for several months! When browsing on our host list, have a look at the minimum length of stay for each host to see how long the host ideally wants a Workawayer to stay with them, and communicate your wishes also.
The main problems you will encounter when working remotely are: struggling to open your laptop when the sun is shining, when you have a never ending bucket-list and debating where should I work from next?
So, if you're ready to work and wander simultaneously, we've got you covered! Here are eight incredible Workaway projects that will pique your interest and make your digital nomad dreams come true.
8 Incredible Workaway projects for Digital Nomads
1. Pick and choose to help out with permaculture, art, recycling projects or a dog shelter in this digital-nomad friendly location in Spain!
This versatile host offers Workawayers a wide range of volunteer options, whether you're a green bean, a creative, an eco-warrior, or an animal lover - or all of the above! - this off-the-grid-host has something for everyone. Most importantly, there is a good and fast internet connection for digital nomads to work remotely from when they’re not gardening, building, making art or dipping into other cool projects.
2. Share your love for sustainability with this family in India
Discover sustainable life with this family of four in their 3-acre farm along the agricultural belt of Tamil Nadu, India. With internet access all over, it is the perfect location for digital nomads looking to move from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. When you’re not working remotely, help contribute towards the following: preparing seedlings and harvesting fresh vegetables, taking care of farm animals, natural building and landscaping.
3. Develop your content creation and videography skills while learning to surf in the Dominican Republic
Experience life as a surfer and social media specialist… in the Caribbean Sea! Meet other travellers, chase waterfalls, and expand your digital portfolio and professional skills. Perfect for beginner digital nomads, this surf school is looking for remote workers who enjoy content creating, web design, videography, and making TikToks! As you offer your marketing insights, you can spend your spare time integrating yourself into the local culture while also working and staying for free on the beach! With good internet access and an amazing view, you will have the perfect work-life balance at this host's location.
4. Stay, learn and assist with this digital nomad couple in Portugal
Not your typical Workaway hosts, this digital nomad couple allows Workawayers a lot of freedom to work remotely and flexibility to contribute by simply working to your key strengths, whether that's cooking, creating art, or just having a hand in keeping the garden and shared living space tidy and clean. The flexibility these hosts offer is perfect for full time digital nomads, or aspiring ones who are willing to learn from the couple themselves and also want flexibility to travel while working.
5. Join this small community to the Slovakian border in Hungary and help to renovate a house
Engross yourself in the breathtaking forest of Üstökös Tanya, Hungary while working remotely and learning how to renovate a house. Lend a helping hand with painting, cleaning, installing insulation, preparing wooden floor and building masonry heating, or if you're a new digital nomad, build your portfolio and help the host with social media posts! The location is also campervan friendly for nomads travelling and working remotely from the comfort of their van.
6. Volunteer and teach English to autistic children and youth in Hanoi, Vietnam
This NGO assists with special education programs for disabled and autistic students to reintegrate back into society and help them find their own path in life. When you’re not working on your laptop, you can bring joy to these youths' lives and help teach them English, while also sharing your culture and language!
7. Enjoy and teach soccer in Tanzania while working remotely!
Are you a digital nomad who also loves sports? Why not share your love and knowledge of sports to young locals in Arusha, Tanzania. Help out with education programmes and their football academy! Bring new perspectives on practices and drills, coaching, health and fitness, while lending a hand with teachers' English language training and other projects. When you’re not teaching, you can also gain essential digital skills through field maintenance via social media and assisting in grant writing, fundraising campaigns, and social media management.
8. Pet sit and enjoy the company of furry friends while staying in Australia's gold rush town
For the digital nomads who prefer pets to people as coworkers? This host is the perfect spot for remote workers who enjoy spending time with dogs, cats and chickens in a remote property. This host only asks for some pet sitting and offers private accommodation, which makes it a perfect Workaway for full time digital nomads who want to enjoy swapping a city office for calming nature, as well as explore the beauty of the country during the weekends.
Need more reasons to use Workaway as a digital nomad?
Just in case you're not convinced why you should incorporate Workaway into your remote work adventures? Here are just a few more additional perks (apart from keeping travel costs down):
- You get to really live like a local by staying and working with one of our hosts. You get to enjoy the flexibility of working away from home; why not stay longer and travel more authentically beyond the tourist track too, by exploring opportunities in 170+ countries?
- Gain new interests and skills while Workawaying! Being a Workawayer means you'll not just be sitting in front of your laptop; apart from the examples above, you can be helping with a range of tasks, from picking olives to painting art murals.
- You make your travels even more rewarding with opportunities to make a difference while on the road. If you're looking to give back as a travelling volunteer, we've got plenty of digital-nomad friendly hosts looking for your additional support!
- You'll connect with an entire community of fellow digital nomads who are living the same lifestyle as you, and get to know about collaboration opportunities all around the world - we can't think of a more unique but effective way to expand your network!
Embarking on a Workaway adventure as a digital nomad is almost like having a Hannah Montana life where you can enjoy the best of both worlds, working remotely and travelling, living your best life in new countries creating unforgettable memories.
With a Workaway membership, there is no limit on the number of trips, hosts, or projects you can get involved with. You can do both digital-nomad related roles and volunteering to maximise your skills, experience and travel funds by staying abroad with free accommodation.
Why not seize the opportunity to live like a local, and embrace the digital nomad lifestyle? From mountains to beaches, cities to jungles, the next place you'll call home remains a delightful mystery! So, pack your bags, grab your laptop, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with Workaway!
About Stephanie
Stephanie was born on an island and raised in a British/Portuguese multicultural background. From a young age, she learned how to embrace different languages, traditions and cultures. This upbringing
Share the Workaway idea
7 comments
Your next adventure begins today
Join the Workaway community today to unlock unique volunteer experiences and free accommodation with over 50,000 opportunities around the globe.
Join Now
