Workaway offers the chance to connect with people, cultures, and places in ways traditional travel cannot. All Workaway experiences are unique, shaped by the hosts, the tasks, and the surroundings.
When Hannah and I left the UK in 2022, Workaway formed a significant part of our travel plans. The volunteer exchange platform helps in a big way with budgeting for long-term travel as accommodation and meals are often included. It also often leads to opportunities that “regular travel” simply doesn’t.
Here is a collection of our most memorable exchanges.
Living Big in Waco, Texas
Spending a month in Waco, Texas, was an unforgettable Workaway experience. Our host, Grant, a true Texan, welcomed us into his life with open arms. Tasks ranged from gardening to assisting with his properties. I learned how to fix a badly damaged and leaking roof and loads about general house construction.
Food is a big deal in Texas and we ate like kings, Grant packing a hearty lunch for every work day and Polly, his wife, cooking an epic meal back at their glorious country home every evening. I wrote a previous Short Tails about our Workaway experiences with Grant, click here to read Welcome to Texas
We had our own space and lived in their luxurious 44-foot RV, complete with 2 bathrooms and all the amenities we could need. By 3 PM every day, we were either in the pool or grilling for dinner. Grant and Polly recently invited us back as guests for Thanksgiving, we had an unforgettable experience.
Gardening and Exploring in Montenegro
Two months in Druisici, Montenegro mixed rewarding work and outdoor adventures. Our Workaway hosts, Alex and Scott, were seasoned adventurers who taught us skills like dry stone walling, gardening, and making irrigation systems. They had turned their epic rural property from ruins to a magnificent home.
Our stay lasted from March to May, so Montenegro’s changing seasons certainly created some challenging environments. But the real highlight was Scott’s private bar, complete with beer pumps and a stage. Whatever the weather, our evenings often turned into jam sessions with music, stories, and lots of beer.
This was one of the best Workaway experiences for blending hard work with exploration, as Alex and Scott showed us hidden caves, lakes, and hiking trails. We recently enjoyed catching up with them both in Bangkok, Thailand, as they too were enjoying a spell traveling the world.
Creative Writing in Costa Rica
A month on a breathtaking coffee ranch in San Jose, Costa Rica, proved that Workaway isn’t just about manual labor. We assisted a US expat called Phil with his self-help book, which uniquely blended Kung Fu and San Tsu philosophy.
As I know oh too well, Hannah is not afraid to heavily edit my written work, as such Phil quickly labeled her the ‘Hatchet Woman’ for chopping away at his extensive and beloved prose!
The ranch’s serene beauty and endless coffee made this Workaway experience one for the books. With views of stunning plantations and peaceful mornings, it was an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and dive into creative work. The coffee on tap did have a medical downside though, just read Deaf by Coffee
Language Exchanges in Brescia, Italy
One of our first Workaway experiences set the tone for many exchanges to come. In Brescia, Italy, we stayed with Laura and Angelo on their beautiful farm in the hills. This language exchange involved helping them with conversational English while I learned Italian – naturally, it led to deep friendships.
We’ve revisited this Workaway experience multiple times and even hosted Laura and Angelo when they visited us in the UK. Game nights, incredible local wine, and fantastic food have made every visit to Brescia unforgettable. We keep in touch via messages and video calls wherever we are in the world.
Language exchanges like this are among the best Workaways for building lasting connections. We have also completed 2 similar rewarding exchanges in Costa Rica and keep in regular contact with those families too.
Lending a Hand in Durham, North Carolina
While house sitting in Durham, North Carolina, my workload was pretty quiet and I had some extra time so I decided to reach out to local Workaway hosts. Holly-Anne quickly responded, needing help with daily tasks, some pet care, and clearing out storage spaces.
Of our many Workaway experiences this one stood out because I didn’t need accommodation – it was more about forming a local connection. It felt great to help out someone in need, and she gave me lots of insights into Durham and the history of the region.
Holly-Anne showed immense generosity, treating me to fantastic lunches and sending me home with care packages after each shift. We worked together a few times a week for two months, and we formed a nice friendship. Click here to read Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
Final Thoughts
Using Workaway to travel creates opportunities for cultural immersion, skill development, and unforgettable experiences. Whether building walls in Montenegro, assisting with a book in Costa Rica or enjoying language exchanges in Italy, each Workaway placement offers something unique.
These experiences are more than just tasks – they’re gateways to friendships, learning, and exploring the world in a meaningful way. For those seeking the best Workaway experiences, start browsing today and making contact with hosts around the world.
For further reading about Workaway, check out my previous article – Using Workaway to Travel: See the World on a Budget and Gain New Skills.
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