If you dream of seeing the world without emptying your bank account, using Workaway to travel is an excellent solution. Workaway connects travelers with hosts around the globe, allowing you to exchange your time and skills for food, accommodation, and cultural experiences.
When Hannah and I left the UK in 2022, Workaway was a pivotal part of our travel plans. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local lifestyles, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends. The financial benefits can’t be overlooked either, it’s a fantastic platform for extending and enhancing travel.
Here’s how to get started and make the most of this unique great website.
Getting Started
What Is Workaway?
Workaway is a platform that pairs travelers with hosts in need of help. Tasks can include everything from gardening and babysitting to helping at a hostel or teaching English. In return, hosts typically provide free food and accommodation, enabling you to travel for free or at a minimal cost.
Placements set the schedules and what the exchange entails. However, most of our experiences have involved 5 hours of work, 5 days a week in exchange for accommodation and 3 meals a day (during work days). The details of the exchange should always be made clear in the listing.
How to Get Started with Workaway
Membership costs as little as $34.50/year, so the savings from even one successful placement far outweigh the cost. Once you have joined, you’ll need to create a profile on the website. This profile acts as your introduction to potential hosts, so make it stand out. Include:
1) A friendly bio detailing your skills and experience.
2) Photos showcasing your personality and work ethic.
3) A list of your interests and reasons for wanting to participate.
Remember your profile is your shop window so make it a good one. Keep it updated with any new skills picked up along the way and include as much relevant information as possible. Download the app to respond quickly to any questions or updates from potential hosts.
How to Find Placements
Searching for Opportunities
Using Workaway to travel opens doors to incredible experiences across nearly every country. The platform allows you to search for opportunities based on location, type of work, or interests. For example, if you’re looking for language exchanges or cultural immersion, you can filter your search accordingly.
Choosing the Best Workaway Assignments
There are over 50,000 exchange opportunities available on Workaway, but not all placements are created equal. It’s essential to research thoroughly and ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Before applying or agreeing to a Workaway exchange consider these factors:
Reviews: Read feedback from past volunteers to get a sense of the host’s expectations and the overall experience.
Work Hours: Most placements require 4-5 hours of work per day, leaving you time to explore. Ensure the schedule suits your needs, availability, and skills.
Accommodation: Understand the living conditions – are you sharing a room or staying in a private space? What’s the bathroom situation?
Food: For budgeting purposes, it’s handy to know what meals are involved. If this isn’t clear in the listing, be sure to ask. Also be aware that some listings may be hosted by vegetarians or vegans and won’t serve meat, or big meat eaters that won’t accommodate vegetarians.
Location: Check if the placement is close to attractions or cities you want to visit. Many Workaways can be in remote locations without easy access to major cities or towns. Be clear on where you’ll be situated and your options for getting around.
How to Approach Listings
Crafting the Perfect Application
Much like when applying for a house sit when enquiring about a Workaway position, your first message to the host is critical. Here’s how to make a great impression:
1) Personalize your message by mentioning specifics from their listing.
2) Highlight relevant skills and experiences.
3) Express enthusiasm and curiosity about their culture or project.
4) If you are new to Workaway and have yet to receive any reviews, use reviews from other sites or offer up character references on request. Consider asking professional friends, colleagues, or family members to vouch for your reliability and work ethic.
A thoughtful and genuine application will significantly increase your chances of landing the placement. So, again don’t be afraid to ask questions. It shows an interest in the listing and eagerness and allows for a transparent and smooth Workaway exchange.
What to Expect
The Workaway Experience
We’ve had a range of Workaway experiences, from teaching English to families in Costa Rica to painting houses in Texas – read about one of our early experiences in my previous Short Tails article Welcome to Texas.
Trust me, using Workaway to travel isn’t just about saving money – it’s about enriching your journey. Beyond free accommodation and meals, you’ll gain cultural experiences, such as participating in local events, learning to cook regional dishes, and enjoying celebrations together.
Opportunities for Growth
Many Workaway assignments focus on skill-building. Whether you’re teaching languages, farming, or helping with eco-projects, the knowledge you gain is invaluable. Since joining Workaway I have enhanced my ability to speak Italian and Spanish and learned dry-stone walling, roofing, gardening, and cooking.
Challenges and Tips
While most Workaway experiences are positive, occasional hiccups can occur. Here’s how to navigate potential challenges:
Adaptability: Be flexible and open to different lifestyles and routines. If you like things to be a certain way then Workaway probably isn’t the right platform for you. In this instance, house sitting is probably a better idea. Click here to learn Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
Communication: Address concerns with your host early by asking questions and clarifying any unclear details. Before committing to a posting consider having a video call to discuss things in detail and to get to know one another.
Backup Plan: Always have an alternative in case the placement doesn’t meet expectations. Have a sensible travel budget that allows for unforeseen eventualities. If you’re budgeting for long-term travel also read my article How to Save Money While Traveling the World.
The Benefits of Workaway
Cultural Immersion
Unlike traditional travel, Workaway allows you to live like a local. Hosts often invite volunteers to family gatherings, community events, or festivals, offering a unique perspective on their culture. We recently spent our first-ever Thanksgiving in the USA with a Workaway host in Texas. It was a great experience.
Language Exchanges
Many hosts seek volunteers for language exchanges, providing an opportunity to practice a new language while sharing your own. TEFL qualifications are handy for teaching English, but usually just being a native or comprehensive English speaker can make you an appealing candidate for a language exchange.
Budget-Friendly Adventures
Workaway is a great way to discover untapped attractions, restaurants only locals know about, and places that tourists never find. Whilst on a 2-month Workaway exchange in Montenegro we hiked hidden cave systems and drank wine in vineyards that are not on any search engines!
Final Thoughts
Using Workaway to travel is more than just a cost-saving strategy; it’s a gateway to deeper connections and unforgettable adventures. From building friendships to learning new skills, the rewards of this exchange program go far beyond financial savings. We’ve made lifelong friends using Workaway.
With a well-prepared profile, a thoughtful approach to placements, and an open mind, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the world in a truly unique and meaningful way.
Start exploring opportunities today, and you might just find yourself trekking through the mountains of Chile, harvesting olives in Italy, or teaching English in a bustling Vietnamese city – all while traveling on a budget and creating lasting memories.
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