Shannon & Laura

Información de viaje

Ahora estamos

Descripción

Shannon Smith:

My Motivation: Connection & Service
I am driven by a genuine desire to be of service. After a long career in sales and coaching, I found that true satisfaction comes from helping people. I am currently on a "slow travel" journey with my partner, Laura, using this time to pivot from my corporate past to my future goals in the outdoors.

​My Attitude: A Lifelong Learner
I live by the philosophy: "You don't know if you love it until you try it." While I bring high-level professional skills, I am eager to step out of my comfort zone. I am not afraid of being a beginner again. I take direction well and approach every task with humility and energy.

​Skills I Want to Improve
I view every volunteer opportunity as a classroom. I am specifically looking to grow in:
​Tour Guiding: As I plan to work as a professional guide in this next chapter of my life, I want to refine my storytelling and group management skills in different cultures.
​Culinary Skills: I want to expand my "Zen" in the kitchen by learning local recipes. Food is the best way to understand a culture!
​Permaculture: I am eager to learn about sustainable living and get my hands in the soil to learn how to work with the land.

Laura Smith:

My motivation: Connection & Service
​Motivated by shared effort and connection, I travel with my husband offering a versatile set of practical skills. We've remodeled two homes and a van, giving me strong proficiency in painting, flooring, wall repairs, and using power tools (not afraid to learn). Beyond renovation, I bring proven reliability from diverse volunteer roles—ranging from hostel improvements in Macedonia and trail maintenance in Serbia to specialized safety protocols with big cats. I am a proactive self-starter who loves digging in to get the job done while building community along the way.

My Attitutde: Ninja Volunteer
I have a lifelong joy of learning and giving back to the communities I am passionate about. I am a low-maintenance, stealthy volunteer who values safety and reliability. Whether the day calls for renovation work or community organizing, I bring a flexible mindset and a calm presence. Think of me as a "ninja volunteer"—you might not see me do it, you'll just wonder when it got done.

Skills I want to improve: Creative Alchemy
I am an explorer of the "artistic application of beautifying the world around me." I find creative satisfaction in the details that make a space feel like a sanctuary—whether that is refreshing a wall with paint, arranging wildflowers, or organizing a chaotic cabinet so it functions perfectly.

​While I am a lifelong amateur artist (currently teaching myself watercolor and exploring writing), I am eager to learn more technical creative skills. I would love to assist with and learn about mural painting, pottery, sewing, or any other creative applications that will help add character and warmth to your space.

Intereses

Sostenibilidad

Política / justicia social

Películas y televisión

Eventos y sociedad

Trabajo de caridad

Cuidado de plantas

Historia

Dibujo y pintura

Cocina y alimentación

Libros

Escritura

Fotografía

Autostop

Jardinería

Blogging

Arte y diseño

Animales

Deportes de invierno

Deportes de equipo

Actividades al aire libre

Montaña

Fitness

Playa

Navegar / barcos

Yoga / bienestar

Deportes acuáticos

Naturaleza

Senderismo

Acampada

Deportes de aventura

Idiomas

Idiomas hablados
Inglés: Fluido

Más información sobre tus intereses idiomáticos
Este workawayer ha indicado que está interesado en compartir su idioma o aprender otro. Ponte en contacto con él directamente para hablar sobre ello.

Buscar un colega de idioma

Habilidades y conocimientos que queremos compartir o aprender

Nos interesa:  

Vida en una granja

Proyectos ecológicos

---

Ciertos conocimientos de:  

Jardinería básica

Proyectos creativos DIY «hazlo tú mismo»

Compañía para ancianos

Mantenimiento básico

Cocinar para toda la familia

Ayuda doméstica

Cuidado de animales

Hostelería/turismo

Trabajo de caridad

Cuidado de casas y mascotas

---

Podemos enseñar:  

Idiomas

Enseñanza

Que habilidades tienes?

Shannon Smith:

Adventure Guide, Teacher, Coach & Sales Pro (25+ Years Experience)
​
Hello!
I am an energetic, mature, and professional traveler exploring the world with my partner, Laura (we are traveling as a couple). We are a reliable team who believe in working hard to support the communities we visit.

​What I bring to your project:
I offer a unique blend of high-level physical fitness, extensive professional business experience, and teaching ability. I am not looking to just "hang out"; I am looking to be useful.

​1. Customer Service & Sales Expert (25 Years)
I have a quarter-century of experience in customer-facing roles. I am an expert at de-escalating conflicts, selling services/tours, and ensuring guests feel welcomed. If you need help with Reception, Guest Relations, or Admin, I can step in immediately and represent your business with a high level of professionalism.

​2. Adventure Guide & Tour Leader
I have professional experience as an adventure guide, leading groups on hiking and informational tours. I absolutely love this work. I thrive on keeping groups safe, entertained, and informed. I am dedicating this next chapter of my life to the outdoors, so I treat every tour with high energy and professional focus. If you need someone to lead guest activities, I am your person.

​3. Elite Athletic Coaching (15 Years)
I spent over a decade coaching rock climbing at an elite level. This means I am physically fit, safety-conscious, and comfortable leading groups. I have a strong work ethic and I am happy to do physical tasks, maintenance, or organize outdoor activities for your guests.

​4. Teaching & Adaptability (TEFL Certified)
I am a certified English teacher with real-world experience teaching in Vietnam. I am comfortable navigating new cultures, handling language barriers with patience, and helping your local staff improve their English skills.

​5. Bonus: The Kitchen is my "Zen"
While I am not a professional chef, I genuinely love to cook and find peace in the process. I am happy to help with chopping, prep work, or cooking family-style meals for the staff/volunteers. I am a very willing and capable pair of hands in the kitchen when needed.

Luara Smith

​Why host us?
As a couple, we are a "power team." We are low-maintenance, financially stable, and used to supporting each other. We combine maturity and experience with high energy. We are excited to bring our skills to your project!

Edad

56 & 55

Algo más...

​​Shanonn Smith: A Lifetime of Adaptability

​🌍 Roots: Cultural Adaptability & Outdoor Discipline
My foundation is built on two pillars: global adaptability and outdoor respect. Raised in a military family (living in Germany), I learned to adapt to new cultures early. Simultaneously, my time in the US mountains forged my core skills in hiking, rock climbing, navigation, and a strict adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles.

​🎒 The Journey: A Proven Long-Term Traveler
I am a tested veteran of independent travel, not a rookie.
​The Spark: My passion began with international climbing expeditions in Mexico and Thailand, leading to a self-planned 6-month rail journey across 18 European countries.
​The Expedition: Most recently, we executed a fully funded 3-year round-the-world expedition. This included teaching in Vietnam, hiking the El Camino in Spain, and completing challenging, self-reliant high-altitude treks in Nepal (Annapurna & Langtang).

Laura Smith:

​🚀 Why We Are Here: Commitment & Contribution
We embrace work-exchange as a deliberate, responsible lifestyle, not an escape. We spent years saving to ensure we are financially stable and fully committed. We are experienced navigators (with a special love for Eastern Europe/Balkans) ready to settle in, work hard, and contribute meaningfully to your community.

Más información

• 

  Fumador

• 

  Permiso de conducir

• 

  Alergia

• 

  Dieta especial