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11-Step Guide to Workaway for Beginners

I’ve done three Workaway projects in my time. I wanted to put together a Workaway guide to help you plan your trips, and know a bit more about what to expect.

The three Workaway projects I’ve worked on have all been awesome experience on every one. Workaway is a great way to travel and meet new people and I’d love to encourage more people to join the site. I’ve written this guide to Workaway to help answer any worries you have, and to put your mind at rest. 

I just want to say now that I have no affiliation with Workaway and I wasn’t paid to write this (sadly). I honestly just love the whole concept of Workaway and I think you should too.

Here are the answers to the Workaway questions I get most regularly from my excellent readers.

Workaway guide for beginners

Need an example of what to ask your Workaway host?

Watch the official Workaway video on YouTube

1. What is Workaway?

I’ve gone into more depth on what exactly Workaway is in another post. But very basically, you work for someone for five hours a day and in return you’ll get your bed and board. Each contract is different depending on the stipulations set out on the site and in your emails beforehand, but that’s the general agreement.

In their own words:

“ Workaway  is a site set up to promote fair exchange between travellers (workawayers) and hosts who are families, individuals or organisations looking for help with a range of activities. Our philosophy is simple: A few hours honest help a day in exchange for food and accommodation and an opportunity to learn about local lifestyles.”

2. Why do Workawa y

• Work abroad
• Integrate into local cultures
• Learn a language
• Acquire new skills
• Make new friends

Workaway is a great opportunity to work abroad without all the hassle of visas and to really get to know a culture rather than just visit the tourist hotspots. Working on a project with them is your chance to see what it’s really like to live in a destination and often to meet the local community.

If you’re travelling somewhere as expensive as Europe for example, like I did, it’s also a great way to save money and keep you travelling for longer. Accommodation there would be around £20 a night – in total I spent around 40 nights on Workaway projects, saving £800, wow.

I also learnt how to lay paths, use a chainsaw , use a sit on mower, clean gutters, work out the Spanish bus timetables, speak a little Italian, even less Czech, plaster, make curry, bake bread and paint in a straight line, among other skills.

– me painting windows in Spain on Workaway

3. How much money do I need for Workaway?

I get emails asking me how much to save for Workaway all the time, but it really depends on where you’re going, how long for, who you’re working with, your spending habits and the bed and board agreement you have set up.

All I can say is that I barely spent anything on any of my projects.

Signing up to the site currently costs €36 for a single person for a year and €48 if you’re signing up as a couple – a brilliant investment if you plan on travelling for a while.

Reviews of Workaway

4. What was my experience doing Workaway?

I had an absolutely awesome time doing my Workaway projects and would recommend it to anyone.

This is what I did…

• Conil, Southern Spain: Painting villas, gardening and cleaning.
• Ceglie Messapica, Southern Italy: Laying paths, pruning trees, building, gardening and chopping wood.
• Bechyne, Czech Republic: Gardening, cleaning, handyman duties.

All the hosts on my projects were brilliant – some more than others – but inviting people into your home to share your space takes balls, and they all had them.

One of the best things about Workaway was the fact that the hosts totally integrated us into their lives. We met their families and friends, and every time we were pushed out of our comfort zones, we learned something new. 

We also got luxury accommodation, compared to what we were used to after staying in hostels.

– In Spain we were just out of season and so we had a luxury villa between us for two weeks.

– In Italy we stayed in a lovely room in her house with a private bathroom, and she had a hot tub.

– And then in the Czech Republic we had a room to ourselves in a hostel building they were renovating. In fact, we had the whole place to ourselves. My Workaway review is that, I’m sure you can tell now, it’s a great idea.  

Your Workaway accommodation will totally vary depending on the host, but I can assure you, you can find some really nice places! 

5. Do I need a visa for Workaway?

I worked in Europe and didn’t need a visa for Workaway. 

Obviously, check with your local embassy to double, triple make sure, but I’ve never known anyone to need a visa for Workaway. It’s providing a service for bed and board, and most of the time no money changes hands. 

If, however, you are getting paid, or manage to get some paid work on Workaway then you really do need to double check your Workaway visa requirements. You don’t want to get in trouble or have problems leaving the country you’re in. 

6. Is Workaway safe?

Workaway safety was a big concern for me.

I went with my boyfriend at the time and so felt safer with the two of us, but if this is something you’re nervous about make sure to choose a project with plenty of glowing Workaway reviews in the comments section.

Bear in mind that a few of the projects are right out in the sticks and can be difficult to get to and from. If you’re nervous it might be better to choose one in a city location. Once I’d met all my hosts I felt totally safe, but there was always that initial ‘ What the hell are we doing? ‘ in the run up.

Always check out the Workaway reviews before you even email – that’s what they’re there for. 

You’ll have 24-hour support from Workaway while you’re on a project, that’s what you pay your fees for. With this you can always phone in or email any safety questions about Workaway and they’ll do their best to reply. Now, you can also add videos to your profile, so both Workawayers and hosts can feel safer in the fact they’ve seen the other on screen.

7. What kind of Workaway jobs are there?

You can literally do any job on Workaway, ever. There are a lot of community projects, gardening and general maintenance duties to be done, but if you want something in particular search around.

I can get lost for hours in the wealth of Workaway projects on there.

8. How do I choose a project?

If I was going onto Workaway seriously debating doing a project I would take the links of all the ones I found interesting and save them to ‘My host list’. I’d then print this list out.

Then, I’d go through one by one with a fine tooth comb and eliminate some, but I’d write on the print out next to each one why I’d eliminated them – ‘not enough reviews’, ‘have to sleep in a tent’ etc. This will save time if you come back to look at them and you can’t remember why you didn’t pursue ones that look good.

Once you have a few favourites get in touch and tell them a bit about yourself and why you want to work with them. Then sit and wait. When they start coming back to you find out a bit more about them and the project and take it from there.

Check out my advice on w hat you should ask your Workaway host before you arrive. 

9. Why aren’t people replying to me?

Take a look at the email you’ve sent. Would you let you come into your home and into your life?

If not, think again and rephrase.

Alternatively, it could also be that they’re genuinely just busy. Don’t take it personally and move onto the next one.

10. How long do I have to do the Workaway project for?

Again this depends on the terms and stipulations set out on the project page on site and in your emails. Some projects like you to stay for a few months so you can give a real contribution, while others are happy for you to stay just a week or two.

Try and stay at each one for as long as you can to get as much as possible out of it.

And remember that you don’t have to stay – you’re not paid and there’s no legal contract so if you’re not happy just thank them and politely leave.

11. Is Workaway legit?

Read the comments below. There’ve been a few instances where things haven’t worked out but as long as you have enough money, and an exit strategy, you’ll be fine. I didn’t feel at risk at any of my Workaway projects and I’d totally do it again.

In fact, writing this now I really don’t know why I didn’t do more Workaway jobs while I was travelling full time. Workaway is a fantastic way to travel cheaply. 

I’ve been asked a few times if Workaway is real, and after spending six weeks on various projects, I can say that it most definitely is. 

Check out the Workaway website for more details, and make sure to download the Workaway app too . 

More sites like Workaway

I haven’t actually used any of these sites a bit like Workaway but they’re the same premise and could be worth checking out. 

HelpX 

Housecarers

PIN THIS GUIDE TO WORKAWAY FOR LATER

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

79 Comments

Hi Vicky, Great reading this post as I only recently discovered the Workaway site. I was wondering whether you were with other people during your projects, as in other than your BF. 🙂 And what was their age? I am a good few years older than the standard gap year student, so was just wondering about the demo of the volunteers.

Many thanks.

Hi Jaklien,

There was just the two of us on two of them and then on the third there was a girl from Australia there too. She was younger than us though and we were about 25 at the time. I think if you pick the right project and do the research you’ll be fine. Some people would rather have older people I’m sure – more reliable!

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Whether money changes hands or not for WORK is totally irrelevant.

In every country that I know – and I’ve been to 60+ – under a normal Tourist Visa (or Entry Stamp) – one is NOTpermitted to WORK

With a Tourist Visa (or Entry Stamp) – you can be a Tourist – pure and simple – no Business, no Study, no Work. And WORK is any work and that definition is “paid or unpaid”

If one doesn’t have the right to work (invariably only though nationality or residence – like europeans going to other european countries) – then you need a Work Permit to work. What is called a Tourist Visa is just that for a Tourist.

If you want to do any type of work, even if you’re just doing research for your business, or gone to write a travel story from a tourists perspective, volunteer etc – then you technically MUST have a VISA and that could be Business, Study or Work depending on what you are going to do.

The fact that many countries ignore small infractions is just that they ignore it – it remains illegal.

I don’t think this is right, but it’s an interesting opinion…

Hi there! I’m planning my trip to the USA for 2016 (I will stay there for 5 months, approximately) and I was wondering if I need a special work permit or something to be a workawayer. I am from Argentina and have the tourist visa (B2) which is valid for 10 years (and up to 6 months for a single stay), but I cannot find anywhere if that visa is enough to volunteer in exchange of room and board. I tried to check with the embassy but no answer so maybe if you could help me with some info? Thanks!

Ooo that sounds exciting – where are you going? As far as I know you don’t need a working visa to join Workaway, but that could change depending on where you’re from. I’ve only ever done Workaways in Europe and I’m from England so I haven’t even had to consider it. I’m pretty sure it’s fine, as no money is changing hands, but you should check with the Workaway customer services just to make sure. I’d hate to give you the wrong advice.

@Sol, I know this is an old thread but for others who are in the same situation, you would have needed a work visa. You can’t enter the US on tourist visa and work as a volunteer. Volunteer is considered work. Hence in the US, Workawayers are considered illegal. You can be deported even if you can enter as a tourist and people constantly report illegals in the US without work authorization. Imagine you enter the US and you don’t get along with the host. They can call on you. I have heard it before. Be careful.

My first visit to your blog and I’ve enjoyed the content. Thank you for posting so much good information. I’d like to add my “two cents” on the numerous questions about visa requirement. Some countries do require a work visa even if it is for volunteer work. The reason for this (with the workaway and similar arrangements) is that you are being compensated for your labor with room and board. Some countries view that as a foreigner competing with local citizens for a job…. even if it isn’t for wages. My opinion is that if your time in country is relatively brief, simply enter on a tourist visa and discretely earn your room and board… at your own risk, of course. 🙂

Agreed! Which countries are they Larry?

Hi Vicky… I just found your website… Great information! Thanks for sharing it. I have done some traveling by myself in the past and I love It…!! I just came back from a trip around Italy. 4 AMAZING weeks! staying in B&B and hotels with my boyfriend and now I am seriously thinking on going back to Italy by myself and use workaway.com . I would love to volunteer for the grapes and olives harvesting this coming fall. (still doing some research) I saw you have worked for HavanaClub (Cuban Co) Julian Medina Havana Club Colombian winner 2014 is my cousin (if sounds familiar) I would love to have your advise… about the Workaway site in Italy.

Thank you very much!!! Best of all !!

Looking forward to hearing from you !

Ah what a coincidence! Yes, I know Julian 🙂 I hope he enjoyed his trip around the world. Yes, I worked for a lady down in the south of Italy. I’d definitely recommend the Workaway programme and actually talk about it quite a lot. If you could let me know your specific questions I’d be happy to help.

Hi. I just left a message about workaway and it was deleted so I’ll try again. I believe you need to be very careful and get full information from the hosts. I don’t believe workaway’s feedback system is honest. It’s easy to coerce workawayers into doing more because they’re concerned about their feedback. I’ve been unable to leave feedback about my host and believe the site has blocked me. Thanks. I’m glad you had such great experiences but I think there should be some balance here. I also agree with Peter that you should check about visas. Workaway doesn’t say that isn’t an issue, just that that’s all up to you, it’s not something they can help you with.

Hi Jane, I’m sorry to hear you had a problem and thanks for letting me know. I was fine in all my placements but it’s interesting to know it doesn’t always go to plan.

Hey, thanks for the information. I just found out about work away a week ago. I know you have said this before, but this is my question. is the host only covering your food and a bed? Let’s just say that I will go to Europe for 3 months. How much money do you think I have to take with me? Can you work on side to gain some money in case you run out of before your 3 months? Thanks, Nayely

Hi Nayely, if you’re from the EU then yes, you can. How much money totally depends on your spending habits, such as how much you drink and eat, and the types of accommodation you want to stay in. It’s way too hard for me to put a number on it, sorry.

hi, i want to sing up….but will my host help me with getting visa??

Hello Katerina, one of the best things about Workaway is that you don’t have to worry about getting a visa. You’re only volunteering so you wouldn’t need a working visa, just the usual visa you’d need for the country you’re going to.

@Vicky, Hello Vicky, even normal visa sometimes is difficult to be obtained. Jordanian passport like mine for example, Visa to Europe will need a lot of fund proofs to be issued and mostly will be rejected. so the question here, will host send an invitation or something can be used with the embassy?

Hi, I think it will depend on the host and how much they need you. Sorry, I can’t really help with visas.

@Vicky, you do need visa in most countries. You are a British citizen who worked in EU while UK was still under EU? Of course you didn’t need visa then. But you do now after Brexit. Volunteering in most countries are considered work. So you do need a work visa as a foreigner in most cases. And you shouldn’t say to people you don’t need visa. You as a British citizen need a visitor visa just to enter my country as a tourist even now. No visa waver. You want to volunteer? You need work visa as you are working as a volunteer.

A lot of information that has helped me to formulate a little more of a plan! I have just signed up to Workaway this morning, so thank you!

I do have one small question. How much do you think is a good amount to put in to your Profile information? I don’t want to write an essay as it might scare a few people off but I currently think mine is a bit short. Do you have any guidelines on what is a good length?

Thanks very much!

You never need a visa anywhere to volunteer. Nobody can stop you from giving your time to a cause. you may need a different visa for the time you decide to spend in a country… and thats that! happy travels kids!

Spot on Matto – thanks!

@Matto, Actually I found out volunteering in the US without work visa is illegal. So your statement is false. You will be denied an entry to Canada when you say you’re volunteering on exchange for room and board. So your statement is false for Canada. For other countries most will consider volunteering as work so you do need work visa and they won’t let you get one with Workaway arrangement. So this has illegal in many countries including mine. I mean think about it. You as a foreigner is taking away a job opportunity of a local citizen when you do this illegally. This is why work visa exists and to control incoming volume into a country especially with Covid restrictions. This is illegal in most countries and when you break immigration rules, you would be black listed, you would not be able to enter the country again when you illegally enter or reside without proper authorization.

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I loved reading this article! I am considering using workaway for a trip to Europe and Southeast Asia that I am taking from September-February. How far in advance should I start contacting hosts?

Hi Kelly, it depends on the host really. Some of them say to contact them nearer the time while others are booked up for months. I’d say to contact them as soon as you know you’re ready. You don’t want to miss out on the good ones, do you?

Wow this is amazing information! I just found out about Work Away and it seems like a great idea to keep my honeymoon going! We’re going to Southeast Asia and Africa for 4-6 months (4 if we can’t save enough money). Now it looks like it will be closer to 6!! Thank you so much!!

Wow, sounds like an amazing honeymoon! I want one like that!

I am travelling to north america you need a visa for anything over three months but its really quite confusing what visa etc I am struggling with this can anyone help me out???

Hey Luciano, the US is notoriously difficult for Europeans. I”d suggest you get onto the visa office and get the latest and up to date information from them, just so you know that it’s definitely right.

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Hi, I’m from England but I’m interested in working in Asia, North America and Africa, would I need a working visa?

No, no money changes hands so you don’t need a visa.

If you use workaway in India on a tourist visa you can be put in jail it is illegal. You cannot do any work free or paid in India on a tourist visa. workaway is misleading their users. !!

Thanks for your comment Raku. I’d suggest that anyone look at the visa restrictions of where they’re looking to do a Workaway, just to make sure.

Sadly, the UK considers workaways etc., to be WORK, even no money changes hands. Thus, it is technically illegal. It is so unfortunate, but I’ve been round and round with this and they do consider the exchange to have a work visa requirement …which is impossible to obtain. If you are from the EU you still have a little longer to take advantage, otherwise, it will be impossible to do legally.

Oh ok, interesting POV. When I did it it was absolutely fine, but yes, you should always check with your local embassies etc to check you’re not doing anything wrong outside of your visa.

I love that you did this with your boyfriend and that’s what I would like to do as well. I have a question, I know there is a sign up fee on workaway, but do we have to pay for the travel to the place as well?

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You need a Visa of course. Depending on the county, you even need a work permit, although the work is not paid in cash. Everything else is illegal immigration.

I like workaway, but they are on purpose vague on the Visa question which I find quite unfair.

The differences between workaway, illegal immigration and moonlighting/tax evasion are small.

Hello Peter, thanks for your comment. Coming from London to Europe we were fine with visas but other nationalities may have to look into this.

You’re right Peter and workaway doesn’t want you to know that, just pay your money. Hosts sign up for free so obviously there are many more potential workers than hosts. They protect the hosts and you can’t trust the feedback. If you’re a first time workawayer you’re going to do everything you can to get good feedback to help you get more placements. I’ve just come from one where there were mice running around over my head in a small rv every night and the last night a trap went off. The host left me negative feedback for leaving and it appears workaway has locked my account so I can’t leave feedback for my host outlining the things that are unsafe about the place. Rattlesnakes are a real danger there and they don’t give you one word of advice about what to do if someone gets bitten. They were gone a lot of the time and there was no vehicle so if you had an emergency you’d be in trouble. The area was so remote cell phones didn’t work well and you were 2 hours from a hospital. Those are things you can ask about before setting up an adventure, get the exact number of hours from them too. This place said 3-5 hours after morning chores and then the host told me people always do more than that but I didn’t have to. Ha! I’m sure there are good hosts out there but workaway makes it too easy for hosts to exploit you, especially when you’re so far from home. Think twice and don’t give them any money until you’ve done your research. I wish I hadn’t.

Helpx is the best. I’ve tried both workaway and helpx and helpx is much better, better quality of hosts, the website is better, workaway is tough to navigate, the people (admin) team of workaway are also difficult to talk to, as my friend was charged twice on her credit card, also helpx since is less expensive, more hosts and overall a better quality experience.

Hi Micheal, thanks for sharing your experience. I’ve only ever had a great time on Workaway so it’s good to hear a different point of view. Have to give that one a try next time :).

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• Prof. Development

A Guide to Workaway for Travelers

By Volunteer Forever

Updated for 2023-2024

Are you looking for a volunteer abroad experience, but feel overwhelmed by the cost? If so, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are programs that enable you to afford an otherwise expensive international volunteer experience . One of those programs is called Workaway.

What Is Workaway?

Workaway  is an international program that allows travelers to pay for their room and food by helping their host with household work needs, projects, or odd jobs. The program emphasizes cultural exchange between traveler and host. You can find opportunities and hosts by searching on the Workaway website.

Workaway differs from our best volunteer programs such as International Volunteer HQ , GoEco , Maximo Nivel, or African Impact in that you search for individual hosts on their platform. The projects that they list usually are not structured volunteer programs and you may not have an opportunity to interact with other volunteers or travelers. You also have a much larger set of choices – over 40,000 hosts – which may be overwhelming to choose from. On the other hand, the volunteer programs we mentioned do all of the vetting of projects and accommodations and provide full support starting from pre-departure. For example, with IVHQ, you are assigned your very own Volunteer Travel Expert , who guides you every step of the way. IVHQ also provide robust pre-departure training to help you stay safe and have the right expectations for your trip. Lastly, with a structured volunteer program, you may be able to change projects or accommodations part-way through your trip to give you even more peace of mind.

What Are The Benefits Of Workaway?

Price is the most obvious benefit of using Workaway to travel or volunteer; you can avoid paying for food and board when you travel with Workaway.  However, given some volunteer providers such as IVHQ costs only $20 per day (inclusive of room & board), the Workaway model may not be the best approach for you. And besides the cost benefit, Workaway invites you to experience the daily life of diverse countries and cultures.

While you can experience the tourist’s version of different countries by visiting the famous cities and staying in hotels, Workaway gives you the opportunity to spend quality time in the home of locals. For example, everyone knows that the food you eat at a fancy restaurant doesn’t accurately represent homemade meals. By staying with a host you’ll be eating–and even living–in a way that lets you absorb new cultural views.

How Do You Get Paid With Workaway?

Whether you get paid on Workaway is a common question – and generally, you can expect the arrangement to be a work exchange, meaning you receive a room and meals for the work you do. Most hosts expect you to work about five hours a day, and some do offer additional pay, which you can find in their bio on the Workaway website.

How Do Meals Work With Workaway?

This differs between hosts, and you can ask them for details if their bio doesn’t thoroughly explain the food plan. The usual options are:

• The host makes you meals and you eat with them
• The host makes you meals that you don’t eat with them
• The host provides ingredients for you to make your own food
• A combination of those three

The visit duration can also affect how meals work – for example, you’ll probably cook some meals yourself if you stay for a few months. And who doesn’t want to learn local recipes?

What Locations And Work Are Offered On Workaway?

Right now, there are more than 40,000 hosts, and each project is very different from the next. There are opportunities for farm work in Canada, restoring a home in the South of France, teaching in Kenya, and even beekeeping in Poland. This article  talks about an amateur artist’s experience being hired to paint murals through Workaway. You’ll be surprised at the new skills you can learn and the old ones you will use!

Europe has many popular opportunities in particular, and Antarctica is the only continent where you won’t find projects. Travelers of all ages are welcome to join – so don’t worry if you’re not a student taking a gap year.  Workaway Europe  can be a fantastic experience if you’re a mid-career professional or even if you’re retired.

When perusing Workaway’s host bios, it’s common to find people looking for someone to “be a part of the family” during their visit. These hosts are welcoming, and typically expect you to help out with their usual household chores–in addition to the standard five hours of daily work.

How Long Can You Stay Through Workaway?

The duration of your stay could be a few days or an entire year; you and the host decide this before you arrive. Since this isn’t a legal contract between you and the host, you are welcome to leave early if you encounter issues. Workaway encourages you to have a backup plan in case the arrangement goes poorly, though this should be an option only in extreme situations. On the flip side, you may find that you love the arrangement and can even stay longer than you expected!

How Do You Get Started With Workaway?

To get started,  go to Workaway’s website  and start researching the projects that interest you. Workaway offers a lot of information about each host, so you can avoid arriving to their home feeling nervous or frustrated. Spending the time finding the host that best matches your needs and expectations will give you the greatest chance at a fantastic experience. Workawayers are encouraged to leave reviews of their hosts, and vice versa – this helps you learn from others about what to expect. As well, every host has a bio outlining the following:

• Rating from previous visitors
• Availability
• Description of the hosting individual, couple, family, or organization
• The kind of work they’re looking for
• What kind of cultural experiences you can expect
• Which language(s) the host speaks–or which languages you can learn
• Which language you should know as a worker
• Info about the room they offer
• How many Workawayers they need
• How many hours they expect someone to work each day

How Safe Is Workaway?

Even with all the information you can find about a host, including user reviews, it’s reasonable to be concerned about safety – especially if you’re a first-time traveler , solo female traveler , teen / high school volunteer , or if you’re new to Workaway. Certainly, for under-18 aged volunteers , we would recommend a more structured program such as African Impact – t heir minimum age requirement for their projects is 16, making African Impact a great option for teen and high school volunteers. Alternatively, teenage travelers may consider Projects Abroad , which has in-country staff available 24/7 to provide a safe environment. First-time travelers who are volunteering internationally should definitely consider more structured volunteer programs, such as IVHQ , to ensure they are making the best decisions for themselves.

A few tips:

• If you’d like to travel with a buddy, find a host that’s looking for at least two Workawayers, and apply together
• If you’d rather be in a larger town or city instead of a remote location, narrow your search to a community where you’ll feel most comfortable
• Research the local area to learn about the culture and day-to-day life, and decide if it’s a place you are confident traveling to – consider aspects like politics, social norms, health and fitness, weather, and other factors

Many hosts are equally concerned about finding the right Workawayer to stay with them – be sure to reach out and talk with the host so you can get to know one another better and to allay any concerns you both may have.

For more advice,  read Workaway’s article on safety .

How Much Does Workaway Cost?

If you’re excited to travel, but aren’t ready to jump in just yet, you’re welcome to look at hosts and experiences without a subscription. Once you’re ready to apply for a position with a host, create an account, which costs $42 per year – if you’d like to travel as a couple, you can create a joint account for $54 per year. From there, you can introduce yourself to potential hosts by filling out your profile.

The Workaway program is an extremely cost effective way to travel, but it isn’t a way to completely volunteer abroad for free. Some of the expenses you’ll need to take on include airfare, in-country transportation, side trips, and extra spending money for souvenirs, restaurants, or personal items. Make sure you budget appropriately for the duration of your project.

A Few More Things To Know About Workaway

Don’t forget the details. Make sure you have all the information you need from your host before you leave on your adventure! Here are a few questions to ask your host:

• Their exact address
• What they recommend for transportation in-country
• How many hours and days you’ll work in a week
• What the sleeping arrangements are
• If there will be other Workawayers staying there at the same time
• Whether they can accommodate special requests – for example, if you’re vegetarian or if you have allergies

Workaway might be a good experience if you’re an experienced and independent traveler. It can open doors for a cultural exchange that you won’t find on a standard vacation. You can travel affordably whether you’re looking for a  Workaway program  for retirees , a way to spend your gap year abroad , or the opportunity to learn a second language . Check  Workaway’s FAQ page  if you’re looking for more information, or  sign up  if you’re ready to go!

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Workaway Travel App 4+

Travellers' community, ven tech services limited.

• 4.8 • 2.1K Ratings

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Description.

FIND HOSTS AROUND THE WORLD 50,000+ opportunities. 170 countries. 1 community. Use the Workaway travel app to stay with thousands of local host families in over 170 different countries around the world. Use your time during your travels to give back and support local communities by sharing your knowledge. Over 50,000+ available opportunities. App for verified travellers only (host app is coming soon!) Meet like minded travellers along the way, and find a travel buddy to plan your new adventures with. Join our unique travel community and share amazing stories and ideas! TRAVEL GLOBALLY, CONNECT LOCALLY Looking for a way to give meaning to your travels and give back? Workaway is the leading community for language learning, cultural exchange, working holidays and volunteering in over 170 countries. From volunteering with beach clean ups on a deserted island in the Pacific to helping teach at a local school in Mozambique... there are thousands of communities around the world looking for help in exchange for an immersive cultural experience. Learn about local food, customs and traditions, while living abroad like a local. KEY FEATURES: * Search from over 50,000+ opportunities and connect with local hosts from around the world to swap your skills for food and accommodation or even earn a wage while exploring local life. * Find local active hosts around your current location on a map, or near your future destinations * Quick access to your personalised favourite host list * Message the hosts you are planning on visiting and keep in touch with them while on the move * Contact last minute hosts for immediate volunteering opportunities * Login from your phone whenever and wherever to easily manage and update your profile or apply on the move * Read reviews from other members and contact them for travel advice, tips, or ask them about their stay with hosts * See other travellers near your current location or in the area you are planning on travelling to * Chat and connect with like minded people and meet new friends along the way * Find a travel buddy and connect your accounts to plan your next Workaway adventure, visit hosts and apply together AVAILABLE HOSTS TO CHOOSE FROM: NGOs, social enterprises, local farms, permaculture projects, families, schools, friendly individual locals and lots more… Incredible variety of hosts from over 170 countries. There’s a whole world of new experiences beyond the tourist trail waiting for you to discover. Join the world’s leading community for sustainable travel and cultural exchange! Your feedback matters to us. Email us at [email protected] for any questions or suggestions.

Version 2.1.2

While you are deciding on which country and host to visit next, we’ve been busy improving the app and fixing bugs to make your Workaway life on the road as easy as possible. This update includes bug fixes.

Ratings and Reviews

2.1K Ratings

Highly recommend!!

I have found amazing volunteer opportunities with free accommodation, which have been great learning experiences. Very grateful for Workaway and would recommend it to any budget traveler or a person looking to gain more hands-on experience in a field they’re interested in!

They Don't Take Reports of Racism Seriously...

I had an experience where the host turned out to be blatantly racist, and when I reported her profile, an investigation was never launched and I actually never even received a response from Workaway. She ended up leaving me a lower review (even though I would do extra work on top of a full day's work and go out of my way to be respectful as I was consistently being disrespected) and the only response I received from the Help Desk was that "reviews can't be changed once they're left". So, while unjust, my account will remain with that lower rating forever, and I've already had hosts decline me because of it. My case is also not the only one - I've head stories like this from others as well. Don't take it from me though - I would recommend doing your own research... At this point, my best option is to delete my account, and the membership fee is not refundable.

Good, but.....

I have this app downloaded on my iPhone as well as my iPad Pro. My only critical feedback is that the App does not rotate from Portrait to Landscape with the rotation of the device. I am a vision impaired person and the ability to better see, type on my iPad is compromised by the lack of this particular feature. Is this capability something that can be added? I would rate this at 5 stars if it was. Thanks!

App Privacy

The developer, Ven Tech Services Limited , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• User Content
• Identifiers

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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My Workaway Experience In 2024 (Workaway Review)  

This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.

Last year, I had my first volunteering experience through Workaway, which was truly amazing.

In this article, you will find a comprehensive Workaway review, where I share the following:

• What is Workaway & how does it work
• My Workaway experience
• The pros and cons of the platform
• FAQ covering volunteering abroad with Workaway

Let’s jump right into it!

What is Workaway? 

Workaway.info  is a volunteering platform for fair exchange between hosts and budget travelers, language learners, and culture seekers. 

It allows you to find a host and help a pre-agreed amount of time per day in exchange for lodging, often food, and sometimes other perks.

It is one of the most extensive work trade platforms, with over 50,000 opportunities in more than 170 countries!

Some of the opportunities you will find include: 

• Families  – Babysitting, helping around the house, cooking, house sitting, etc.
• Schools, Communities & NGOs  – Teaching languages, beach cleanups, etc.
• Sustainable projects  – Building compost toilets, greenhouses, solar panels, weeding, planting, harvesting, etc
• Farm stays  – Animal care, sustainable projects, gardening, general maintenance, etc.
• Hostels & lodges  – Doing check-in and check-outs, housekeeping, art projects, etc.
• Animal sanctuaries  – cleaning, feeding, etc.
• Others  – Teach yoga, help with computers, language, photography, social media, art projects, etc.

It is a unique way to travel the world, even on a budget, meet new people, try new things, and explore new cultures.

How does Workaway work?

It is simple – once you join the platform and pay for the membership, you can create your profile. Then, you can share details about yourself, your experience, and your interests. Once your profile is verified (which happens within 24 hours), you can search for hosts and connect with them.

Is Workaway free?

You need to pay a yearly membership – for a single person is $49, and $59 for a couples account. If you  register through this link , you will get one extra month (and I will earn three extra).

Once you pay the membership, you can contact hosts and other volunteers, plus search for travel buddies.

Is Workaway safe?

Yes – Workaway is safe. They review every profile manually to ensure all Workawayers and hosts are verified. They also provide extra verification of the identity of all members via ID to ensure that the platform is safe to use.

I have known and used the platform for more than a year and have never had a negative experience. I only heard of one uncomfortable situation of a fellow traveler, which ended up with the girl leaving the host’s place. 

This is a rare situation, but it can happen. Suppose you encounter hosts or Workawayers that are not very transparent.

In that case, if you don’t feel safe, or the conditions are different than what you agreed upon, the team at Workaway promise to assist in finding a new host and to compensate you for up to 3 nights of accommodation in a nearby hostel. 

Workaway review & my experience

My first Workaway experience was more than I could’ve asked for. Below, you can see my process of finding my first host and tips on how you can find one.

Step 1: Finding the place & connecting to the host

Within a few weeks of searching for a volunteer place, I found a few I liked and sent a message to each host.

Finding a place can take a while, so make sure you have enough time to search for a host – at least a month. For example, I started sending messages to the hosts in mid-December, and I was planning to arrive at the destination at the beginning of February.

It is essential to send a personalized message and not copy-paste the same one over and over because the hosts will be able to notice it immediately.

Usually, I always read well the whole profile of the host I’m primarily interested in. Then, I work with the information they provide. For example, if the host’s name is written somewhere, I’ll use it. I will also write down all of the skills they need that I can provide.

Sometimes, the host includes a few questions on their profile, so I will always answer them.

Check the calendar on each host’s profile to see when they have free spots for volunteers. Also, if they wrote the minimum and maximum period you can stay, make sure you are available for that amount. 

Once, I tried finding a place for just a week, and I couldn’t because the hosts I contacted were looking for a long-term commitment of at least a month.

Step 2: Waiting for their reply & conformation

After contacting 6-7 hosts, I got a reply from half of them. Unfortunately, the hosts with many reviews that offer great work exchanges often get lots of requests, and sometimes, they don’t reply to all the messages they get.

This can be a bummer if you’ve spent lots of time crafting a nice message and you like the place. It nearly happened that I didn’t get a reply from my host. 

However, I liked the place, and I made sure they knew that. So, I send a follow-up message a few days after my first message. Then, I waited around two weeks for a reply after my second message.   

Two weeks? Yes, that’s quite a long time. However, there were a few crucial factors to consider – it was in December, close to the Christmas holidays, when people are less online. I also found out that the host was preparing for a one-month event (yoga teacher training), and she was swamped with work. 

Step 3: Talking with the host

After I got the reply that she was interested in having me as a volunteer, we exchanged Whatsapp numbers, and in the next few days, we had a call.

In that call, I got a lot of additional information about the place, the work, and the schedule. I asked various questions, like if there was a supermarket nearby or a clinic in case of an emergency. 

I got a sense of the person I was speaking to and immediately felt more relaxed and excited about my trip.

Step 4: Preparing for the trip

After we talked and agreed about the volunteering, I had around a month to prepare for my trip. 

I started reading about what I needed to enter the country (Costa Rica), and I made a list of the things I needed to bring. 

If I had any additional questions, such as how to reach the place from San Jose, I always got great tips and information.

The host also created a WhatsApp group with two other volunteers so we could talk and arrange things. 

Step 5: Arriving at the destination

When I arrived, another volunteer was waiting for me. Later that day, I also met the host, and we had a small chat; we agreed to meet the next day with the other volunteers to distribute tasks and make a schedule.

The other volunteer showed me the cabin we were staying in. I had no idea how it would look since most hosts don’t show that on their profile. 

I was super impressed by the place we got – a beautiful rustic cabin on two floors with an outdoor kitchen and two bathrooms. There were two rooms on the second floor, with two beds in one of the rooms and five beds in the other.

Since we were just three girls at the time, two of us were in the big room, and one girl stayed in the other room.

I had great luck, and the girls were super friendly. I ended up hanging out with one of them most of the time (and we even went on a trip together to another town).

Step 6: The work & perks

The work and the extra things you might get depend on each host. For example, since I was at a yoga center, I was getting free yoga classes, and since they had a restaurant on site, I was getting 40% off the menu.

The job mainly was social media, writing blog posts, and helping with their website. There wasn’t a strict schedule; we all had weekly tasks and had to do them at our own pace. All that mattered was that each of us finished the tasks by the end of the week.

Step 7: Last tips & things to consider

Respect the other volunteers.  You will be closely living with people you’ve just met, so make sure you respect others, but at the same time, if something bothers you – say it. Just don’t be mean; if the person is reasonable, you will come up with a solution. I was super lucky; all of us were getting along (we also had two other more that came later).

Respect the rules of the host.  For example, we were at a holistic place where it was not allowed to smoke on-site, so one of the volunteers was a smoker and was doing it outside the property. Another rule was not to have friends or other people sleeping over. 

Do your job & offer help.  This is, after all, a work exchange and not a vacation. So make sure to do your job well, and if someone needs assistance with something you can do, offer your help.

Worldpackers vs. Workaway

Worldpackers is a very similar platform to Workaway. It offers work exchange programs and hosts in more than 140 countries. The Worldpackers membership price is currently the same as Workaway ($49 for a single account and $59 for a couples account).

I purchased both memberships last year, and I noticed a few similarities, but also, a few things are different between those platforms.

Worldpackers offer, in general, volunteering opportunities in fewer countries. They have a helpful filter that allows you to find places with a “higher chance of approval.”

When you write to hosts, you have a pre-determined set of questions that the hosts add, so you have to give more personalized answers, which is helpful.

However, similarly to Workaway, the response rate isn’t super high. In addition, Worldpackers doesn’t have the option to find a travel buddy or Workawayers nearby.

A cool feature that Worldpackers has and Workaway doesn’t is their  programs , which allow you to earn money as a content creator, and blogger, but only after you have gotten positive reviews and references on the platform.

Worldpackers also offers insurance which means that if things go wrong, they will pay for your stay at e nearby hostel and help you to find a new host.

All in all, both have great options for free work exchanges, but if I have to choose one – it will be Workaway. It has many reviews when selecting a place, more options, and better filters. It is user-friendly and great for finding travel buddies. 

Pros and cons of Workaway

Since using the platform for over a year now, I noticed the benefits (compared to other volunteering websites) and the downsides of Workaway – 

Pros of Workaway:

• Offers a lot of different types of volunteer work
• It has over 50,000 opportunities to choose from
• You can find paid work trades
• It is very affordable
• You can create a profile together with your partner or friend
• There is a limit of 25 working hours a week – You often work 3-5h a day, and you have the weekends off!
• It allows you to find a travel buddy and also find Workawayers nearby
• Their filter menu is handy and allows you to narrow your search in the types of work & programs you are most interested in participating 
• Workaway has a user-friendly app where you can browse opportunities, contact hosts, and learn more about work exchanges

Cons of Workaway:

• Sometimes the hosts answer very slowly (or sometimes they don’t even answer – You must be persistent and write the hosts a few times if you see no response)
• It can be challenging to find a volunteer opportunity for two people if you are traveling with someone
• Lots of competition from other volunteers 
• If the review is 1*, they hide it, which doesn’t allow you to see what went wrong and make up a conclusion

Workaway alternatives

There are a bunch of Workaway alternatives:

• Worldpackers
• WWOOF  
• Trusted Housesitters
• & more!

I have an article with the  top 12 free volunteering websites , which you can check in more detail.

Workaway paid jobs

Workaway is primarily for cultural exchange, meeting new people, learning new skills, etc. However, hosts are also looking for help with a business and are offering payment for your service, which meets the country’s minimum wage requirements. 

If a host offers payment, you can see it immediately on their profile. Some people avoid the Workaway paid jobs since it is often more serious than volunteering (hosts expect more) or don’t want to take away work from local people.

However, it can come in handy and be a practical option in case you are low on cash. Additionally, you might be there for a month or two, so the host can always hire someone long-term if needed.

Workaway support

The paid members have access to 24/7 support through their website. The only time I contacted them was to ask how long I should wait to get a reply for a host. 

The Workaway support replied in a couple of hours; they told me that they encourage all hosts to answer all inquiries, and sometimes, the hosts take a bit longer to answer. 

They advised I send a follow-up message to the host after 7 days.

Is it worth it to join Workaway? 

For me – 100% yes! You can get free accommodation for months by doing cultural and work exchanges for an affordable yearly membership of less than $50.

How do I know Workaway is legit? 

Workaway is 20+ years old and is the leading platform for free volunteering, cultural exchange, and working holidays.

It is continuously featured on huge news sites such as The Guardian, Forbes, Lonely Planet, The New York Times, etc., and you can read countless blogs and reviews by travelers and hosts.

You can follow their social media and get constant first-hand experiences from travelers. 

What is better than Workaway?

I prefer Workaway, but the answer depends on a couple of things, mainly on the destination you plan to visit. 

For example, Workaway has  500+ volunteering opportunities in Portugal , while  Worldpackers has 166 places  to choose from.

You can use the search bar of  the most popular volunteering websites  before purchasing their membership and see if they are comprehensive options for volunteering places at your destination.  

Do Workaway hosts pay for travel? 

Workaway hosts don’t pay for your travel or transportation. They may pick you up from a nearby destination if it is convenient for them, but that’s about it.

They cover your accommodation, often the meals, and there might be other possible perks, depending on the type of their business and the type of job you will do.  

Can I do Workaway without a visa?

Generally, you won’t have to for a visa to volunteer; however, this mainly depends on the country you are visiting. Moreover, some countries won’t allow “volunteers” on a tourist visa.

While very rare, it is possible to get turned away at immigration if you say you will volunteer. To be safe, always read the country’s requirements thoroughly. Of course, you can always say you are just a visitor, and your goal is to explore the country.

Is Workaway or WWOOFING better?

WWOOF is one of the world’s first work exchange platforms. Currently, it has over 12K hosts in 130+ countries. 

It may be a better option if you are most interested in learning about permaculture and sustainable farming practices since they focus primarily on those types of work exchanges. 

The membership is also a tiny bit cheaper than Workaway. You can  find more about WWOOF here .

There you have it – my in-depth Workaway review, including my personal experience with the platform.

If you are interested in volunteering abroad, I hope this was helpful, and I encourage you to do it!

For me, it was a beautiful experience, and while it wasn’t always easy to be in a completely new country, far and alone from everybody and the thing you know, it is a positive challenge, and in general, it will help you to grow.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns; I would love to help. 🙂

I'm Meri, and I'm here to share everything I know on how to live more sustainably. You can find tips, guides, and ideas covering a range of topics, from mastering recycling to making easy DIY goodies, and exploring eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products. Excited to have you on board! For more info, check the about page. :)

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Home » Work and Travel » Volunteering » Workaway Review

Is Workaway a traveler’s best kept secret?

Workaway is one of the most well-known work exchange platforms active today. It can even be argued that the idea of voluntourism is synonymous with Workaway or, at the very least, the former is partly successful because of the latter. So what is Workaway? Why is it so imperative to voluntourism? For that matter, what the hell is voluntourism exactly anyways? All of these are fair questions; we’re going to answer them here.

This is my gift to you: a FULL Workaway review. Throughout this article, we’ll talk about the many different aspects of Workaway from signing up to perks to using it responsibly. By the end, you should not only be able to create your profile with Workaway but should hopefully be inspired to dig deeper into the program.

As someone who has used Workaway extensively, I can say that there are many good things about this platform. To me, Workaway is more than a way to travel cheaply; it is a means to becoming a better traveler. I think that everyone should do a work exchange at least once in their lives and I’m going to tell why and how right now…

Already Know What Workaway Is? Looking for an extra 3-months FREE?

Click the button below when you sign up to get an extra 3 monthes FREE on top of your 1-year membership! If you’re new to Workaway read on but be sure to claim this free extension before you sign up 🙂

What is Workaway?

How does workaway work, why you should use workaway, the final word on workaway.

Workaway is one of the OG online work exchange programs. Since 2003, the people at Workaway have been connecting travelers with international hosts looking for a little help around the house.

The reason? Workaway believes that nurturing this relationship between travelers and hosts – one that promotes collaboration, respect, and expansion – can benefit the world as a whole. As Workaway states in their mission statement:

“We are (b)building a sharing community of global travellers who genuinely want to see the world whilst contributing and giving back to the places they visit.

Nowadays, Workaway is the largest voluntourism platform on the web. With over 40,000 hosts registered (that’s 40,000 opportunities) and over 350,000 reviews on the site, it’s obvious by now the Workaway is a huge success . Those looking to see the world in a different light and to break away from the usual should consider doing a work exchange program using Workaway.

There’s a lot to Workaway and the work exchange community. We’re going to talk about the individual parts that constitute Workaway as well as how people can use it. In the process, I hope that readers will be inspired to use Workaway and to travel responsibly.

What is voluntourism?

Voluntourism is when people volunteer on vacation, holiday, backpacking trip, etc. There are several reasons why one would do this:

• It’s more sustainable than other forms of travel.
• The experiences are much more authentic than traditional tourism i.e. resorts, all-inclusives, packages, etc.
• Education and cultural immersion are regular aspects.
• It can be a very cheap form of traveling since room and board are usually provided.

For those who don’t mind helping a bit or are interested in the idea of being closer to local culture, voluntourism seems pretty damn appealing. In the grand scheme, having the chance to meet locals, see the ‘real side of a country, and save some cash in exchange for a few hours of labor each day is also very reasonable!

There are some dark sides to voluntourism though. Some organizations and groups have caught on to the growing trend and have monetized it, in ways that are not ethical or fun. Elephant tourism, one of the greatest tragedies of the modern era, is one example of how voluntourism can be abused. Programs like this want nothing more to profit from travelers and often neglect morals, for both humans and animals, in the process.

Voluntourism, when done right, can be a force for good. With the proper set-up and knowledgeable participants, voluntourism is a more responsible way to travel not to mention more enriching. Both natives and tourists can benefit in healthy ways from this sort of setup.

A Sample Workaway Experience

I’ve been a part of several work exchange programs throughout my travels. Hostel work, teaching English; been there, done that. One of my most memorable experiences was working at a lodge deep in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa . To give you an idea of how a Workaway placement looks, I’m going to briefly share with you this work exchange looked.

Picture this: you’re deep in the mountains, far away from any sort of city (like God-awful Joburg); you’re surrounded by wild, imposing mountains, the likes of which have become legendary following the Zulu Wars; every night, you’re reminded of their power as epic thunderstorms roll through; you’re to spend the next six weeks in these mountains at a tourist lodge, helping your host with guests and other farmwork.

I chose this Workaway specifically because I wanted to spend as much time as possible in the Drakensberg. I had heard great things about them and was anxious to explore them as thoroughly as possible. When I did have the chance, I was never disappointed.

I knew that I would also get an unfiltered view of rural life in South Africa. (This was the Kwazulu-Natal, mind you, which isn’t an easy place to immerse oneself!) I was ready for this but, I must admit, I wasn’t ready for the sheer amount that I was about to receive.

Over the course of my work exchange, I received more than a free bed and food. I received unfathomable hospitality, particularly from my roommate Donny, and several opportunities to get to know the natives. I learned about what it’s like to be a Zulu and what it means to live in South Africa.

The degree of my immersion was unforeseeable and it would’ve been impossible to receive a similar dosage if I had simply been a regular traveler. Workaway had given me something that few others could.

Using Workaway is fairly straightforward and can be broken down into a few simple steps:

• Visit the website.
• Create a new account.
• Personalize your account.
• Look for new hosts and work exchanges.
• Apply to a posting.
• Get approved.
• Start helping!

Seems easy, right? Well, it is! One could conceivably sign up for Workaway and confirm a work exchange in a single day if all went right.

Let’s take a quick look at how to sign up for Workaway and find yourself the perfect opportunity.

First thing’s first: you gotta get that account set up and activated before you can start the exchange. To do so, simply visit the homepage and click the “JOIN NOW” button in the top right-hand corner. People looking for work will want to select the “Workawayer” option in the dropdown. On the next page, you’ll see several options.

Right off the bat, Workaway gives you choices. You can either sign-up as an individual or as a couple; the latter option is cheaper than the former so we recommend budget backpackers find a friend to sign up with. Note that you do not actually have to be a romantic couple to apply for this. Platonic relationships and bromances are welcome here 🙂

Another cool feature is the fact that you can buy a membership for someone as a gift! For travelers, this is one of the coolest gifts you can get them , and it certainly beats the usual run-of-the-mill Target or Best Buy gift cards.

When it comes to signing up, Workaway will ask for the usual info i.e. name, birthdate, address, etc. It’s all standard information and it shouldn’t take you longer than 5-10 minutes to complete. After finishing this section, your Workaway account should be ready!

Don’t forget you get an extra 3-monthes free with Workaway when you use our special link! Click the button below to claim these free months!

Workaway Costs and Prices

Once you’ve gained access to your personal Workaway dashboard, you’ll be prompted to finish signing up by paying your yearly fee. NOTE that you don’t have to pay initially to see postings and hosts – you can still search for these but you will need to pay the fee before contacting them.

If you want to learn about searching for Workaway hosts right now, you can come back to this section later. For the sake of continuity, we’re going to talk about the Workaway fees before though.

So how much does Workaway cost? Well, if you signed up as an individual, you’ll pay $42 for a yearly membership , which comes out to $2.50 per month. If you signed up as a couple, it’s $54 for both of you together or $1.25 each per month.

Naturally, at this point, some people might ask: why do I need to pay a fee for Workaway? This is a fair question.

Workaway is a pretty big endeavor; after all, there are over 40,000 hosts currently active on the site! Such coverage and size cannot be easily managed or coordinated and an automated system is probably not going to be super effective.

The Workaway fee goes towards paying the administration. By paying a yearly fee, Workaway can hire experts to help maintain the site so participants can have the best experience possible. There are unforeseen complications when it comes to work exchanges and without a team behind, things could end up messy. Support is also available 24 hours a day!

Ultimately, $42/year is nothing; most people pay more per month for their cell phone bill. In the end, it’s a small price to pay for what could be in store for you.

Your Workaway Profile

It’s important to remember that one does not sign-up for a work exchange and automatically get it – people must apply for Workaway opportunities. Only after the host approves someone will they be able to participate in the exchange.

There are some ways to increase your chances of a host approving you. For example, you’ll need to know how to pitch someone .

One of the best ways to catch a host’s attention is with a stellar profile. A Workaway profile should tell the host who you are and what it is you can offer them. When editing your profile, you’ll be prompted by the site to provide useful information like experience, skills, as well as your travel dates. All of these help the host to understand what kind of helper you will be and if you are the right fit.

To be frank, there is only so much information that you can include on your profile, but what is there is vital. To help create the best Workaway profile possible, here are some tips:

• Include photos – Hosts would like to see who you are. Also, visual elements are always more alluring than walls of text.
• Be clear and concise – Tell hosts what you are good at and how your skills can benefit them.
• Have a solid travel schedule – Don’t yank anyone’s chain by saying you may or may not be somewhere. Hosts want committals.
• Learn more – Check out Workaways profiles suggestions as well!

Finding a host

Now comes the fun part: choosing a Workaway experience ! With such a huge library of hosts, you should have no problem finding the best work exchange for yourself.

To start searching, just click on the HOST LIST button in the search bar on top. You will be taken to a general search area where you can filter between countries as well as keywords. At this point, it’s just a matter of narrowing down the results based upon where you want to go and what it is you what to do.

Here’s an example:

I’m traveling to New Zealand and want to find a work exchange. After finding the appropriate country choice in the drop-down menu, I’m presented with over 500 listings! That’s way too many to sort through individually, so I decide to narrow the search a bit and to look for a placement that is closer to my skill set:  marketing  . I now have 15 options that should include marketing as some sort of required skill.

NOTE:  Workaway sometimes provides additional information about visa regulations in countries but it is not their responsibility to organize the visa for you. Travelers should always look into visa regulations themselves before applying.

Once you’ve found a potential Workaway experience, it’s just a matter of reading the posting and seeing if it’s right for you. If it looks good – the availability, hours required, and description of work are all appropriate – you just need to send the host a message about yourself. They should get back to you within a reasonable amount of time with their answer (their profile should also include reply rates and their frequency of activity on Workaway).

Types of Experiences Available on Workaway

I’ve only really scratched the surface of how one can use Workaway . In reality, there is a myriad of possibilities! Some people may end up helping out on a farm, others may assist in hostel admin duties, a few may literally help around the house, doing chores and whatnot. It all depends on the host and what they need from you.

Here are a couple of different roles that you might fill while using Workaway:

• Hostels – This could mean working at the front desk, cleaning rooms, or hosting pub crawls, but, most likely, it’ll be a combination of all these things. Most hostel volunteers will have a separate dorm room. A good example of a hostel that does this Abraham in Israel.
• Farming and permaculture – Gettin’ down and dirty on the farm is one of the classic backpacker experiences. Make sure you’re transparent with the host about expectations; some backpackers end up working on the farm, which is a different situation altogether.
• Language teacher – Like farming, this is one of the go-to ways that people travel longer. English teachers are particularly desirable because the language is very useful internationally.
• Building schools – Some villages don’t even have a space for people to learn or study. Building/renovating a school in an under-privileged area could be immensely beneficial to the local community.
• Humanitarian work – You don’t see these very often but there are opportunities to work with NGOs on more demanding projects such as refugee assistance. Here’s one in Lebanon .
• General labor – Sometimes a host needs a shed built; others may need some plumbing done. Whatever the case, if you know your way around a tool box, you can be useful.
• Animal voluntourism – This one is tricky because working with animals can become a slippery slope of ethics. One host may genuinely work with animals in a respectful way; others, like many elephant sanctuaries, may be abusive. Do research beforehand and make sure the host is a good sort.

Volunteering can be an enriching experience, one that could potentially change your life and leave you with extremely fond memories. Speaking for myself, my time spent during these has so far been well-spent, especially the one I was a part of in the Drakensberg.

But let’s call a spade a spade: Workaway can be very useful for travelers from a practical point of view . Not only are you potentially developing life skills, as a traveler and a human being, but you’re also saving money as well! If you are thinking about quitting your job to travel , this can be a secure place to start.

Let’s take a closer look at some perks of voluntourism in general:

• Traveling cheaply – Your cost of living and traveling will be lower when you’re actively involved in a work exchange because, most of the time, your room and board will be covered. In some instances a host may ask for an additional fee, which is within their rights; this fee is (and should be) fairly low.
• Meeting fellow travelers – Workaway attracts all sorts of travelers. Some work exchange programs could have dozens of volunteers! This is a good chance to socialize and make new friends.
• Developing skills – Whilst volunteering, you may find out more about yourself than you previously thought; you might even discover a new talent or two. Build those skills and expand your skill-set!
• Resume building – Why not take those new skills and invest in them for your future? The skills you learn on work exchange are still relevant in the real world and volunteering experience can be appealing to some employers as well. Workaway will even help – good volunteers can receive a CV that can be used for their resumes.

Note  : It’s easy to think of Workaway as a job provider but this is not true. There are paid placements on the site but Workaway is not involved in any arrangement between you and your hosts. It’s important to remember that Workaway strives to provide users with cultural immersion and volunteering experiences. People looking for  working holidays , which require visas, need to research these differently.

A Quick Note About Volunteering Responsibly

Some travelers think that work exchanges are a means to milk the system, i.e. a way for them to score free shit while traveling. While it is true that volunteering is a good means of saving money on travel, this should not be the central reason to volunteer in the first place. Doing so leads to an unhealthy attitude towards voluntourism.

Some people end up abusing work exchanges. They leech off their hosts and want nothing except a free bed and food. They work less, ask for more, and generally leave the host without actually having helped at all. This kind of behavior is to be avoided.

When volunteering and traveling, it’s usually a good thing to exhibit a bit of altruism. Being emotionally and mentally engaged with the work placement helps you to connect with what it is you’re doing and the people around you. The fact that you get room and board in addition to helping the local community should be a perk, as opposed to an advantageous situation.

It is also important to know that some hosts themselves can be overly opportunistic. In truth, there are plenty of hosts who use backpackers as a means of cheap labor. Aside from being detrimental to the volunteer’s well-being, this abuse also leads to a host of other problems, like disrupting the local economy.

To avoid being the victim of a shitty host, do your research beforehand. Check to see if what they’re doing could potentially have a positive impact and if that their intentions are worthy. If you’re volunteering already and are subject to abuse, don’t be afraid to tell the host to “piss off” and to alert Workaway.

To learn more about volunteering ethically, check this article at The Guardian .

The Workaway Community

Workaway is more than just a platform for people to find work; it is also a place for people to grow and work together . Workaway promotes collaboration amongst its members and encourages people to create based upon their volunteering experiences. Consequently, an entire community has sprung up around Workaway.

Workaway provides many interactive spaces for volunteers. There’s a blog that regularly accepts posts from Workawayers (the subject of the content is pretty diverse). There’s also a monthly photo competition , which, as a photographer, I find to be a very cool addition.

Another perk: Workaway provides additional means to meet fellow travelers in the first place without requiring them to physically be on the same exchange. Much like searching for hosts, you can also search for travel buddies !

Workaway understands that it often takes a village to get anything done. Thanks to the inclusion of communal features, like the blog and buddy search, Workaway provides people with the means to assemble that (metaphorical) village.

As a collective, people are generally able to achieve more. Workaway connects people so that together they can do just that: succeed and be creative . It doesn’t matter what that achievement may look like either (could be a new building project on a farm or a whole new organization); the ability to accomplish something together is empowering nonetheless.

The Workaway Foundation

Sometimes, a really powerful opportunity comes about, something that is bigger and requires more attention than the typical work exchange. In the case of a demanding project – say building a school or a help center in an underprivileged country – Workaway will do their part to help make that idea a reality.

The Workaway Foundation , an arm of Workaway.info, helps to support local organizations. Sometimes, it’s just creating a more livable environment for a village in Nepal; or it could be building a library in Morocco for school children. So like the volunteers it enables itself, Workaway is also doing its part as an individual entity to make the world a better place.

Workaway vs the Competition

Workaway is not the only online volunteering platform available. Workaway has quite a few contemporaries. Each has its own quirks but most offer similar services although, remember: Workaway has 40000+ hosts, which makes it by far the best value of any other similar volunteering site. Here are some work exchange sites like Workaway:

• Worldpackers – $49 per year.
• HelpX – $23.50 for 2 years.
• WOOFing – $20-$30 per country.
• Other notable work exchange platforms – Helpstay, Hovos, Hippo Help, and Volunteers Base, among others.

For those who want to start traveling in a more consciously and are looking to save a buck or two in the process, volunteering is a great option. Not only will it allow you to develop more as a traveler and person, but it will also enable you to give back to local communities.

Here at The Broke Backpacker, we are all for responsible travel. We believe that, as travelers, we all have a duty to leave somewhere better than when we found it and that travel should not be done simply for the sake of vanity. Volunteering, when done right, can be a way to see the world and help maintain it at the same time.

Workaway is one of the most successful work exchange programs currently active. It’s true, tested, and pretty damn big these days. There is a multitude of reasons why Workaway has succeeded: it’s easy to use, comes with lots of additional services, and has a huge host library, to name a few.

I’d like to think that Workaway succeeds because it does such a good job of encouraging collaboration and collective ingenuity. With Workaway, people can get together, work together, and create together. For working travelers, it’s a model that works well and I think it will continue to work well for the indefinite future.

Before wrapping up this article for good, I would like to remind everyone one last time to use our special link to get 3-months free and extra with Workaway. There are no strings attached; we just want to share the love 🙂

What is our final score for the Workaway? We give it a rating of 4.4 out 5 stars !

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I’d be interested in how people approach planning a WorkAway trip. Do you plan to travel to a country first, then try to set up volunteer opportunities or do you find an opportunity you like first and then make the travel arrangements to get there?

You can do it either way, but many people I know have secured the place first.

I have tried workaway for two years, and my experience in the website hasn´t been so great. I do think that there are many profiles, host profile that are not really truth or they seem fake. That was my conclusion after two years since I have joined the website. I got to this conclusion after various reasons:

1. When I try to conctat hosts most of them they never answer. IF they answer it takes one or two months. This was in Europe, it can be different in other parts of Europe anyway.

2. Most of them they always answer they are fully booked that makes it very difficult and tought to really find a host.

3. Most of them dont have any availibility when you want to go.

4. Sometime they change their mind and you can go at first but not later.

I foudn it extremely difficult to find a normal host in workaway. I recommend to people to be very careful and I actually dont recommend this website at the moment. Probably it is easier to find hosts outside Europe or on long trips as it is said above.

It sounds like you have had a bad experience with Workaway. Personally, I feel the same way about Couchsurfing, it almost never works out for me and yet others swear by it.

I used Workaway in Colombia and got positive responses almost every time – in fact, I had to turn work offers down as I got too many!

Thank you so much for this good information

I was browsing hosts and saw a few opportunities for one and two weeks. I am a TEFL certified teacher and looking for longer term, so these week or two long opportunities are too short to have a meaningful impact on the local population, but if you are looking to vacation and give back a little, working off your room and board may still be possible for you on workaway.

Working away with my host family doing something meaningful in a community with healthy relationships pulled me back from the abyss of a very dark and life-threatening depression. This helps everyone.

It should be said though, that unfortunately Workaway as most of others agencies requires commitment of a minimum of one month. That can work for nomads like you, but not for people who would like to experience productive vacation whole still maintain their job at home.

True, Workaway is more geared towards people on long term trips. Most volunteer gigs are not short term and the “in-and-out” voluntourism style also has a reputation for being more of a business than actually providing quality, meaningful work in return to local communities – not always but in many cases. Volunteer long term if you can is my advice – speaking from experience. If you don’t have enough holiday time – I’d say wait until you do to really get involved with a local project.

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Volunteer With Workaway: The Ultimate Guide To Working Away

I aim to assist you to understand how to start working away on one of the best ways to travel for almost nothing, if not for FREE, with Workaway.info .

I love using Workaway to travel affordably, and hopefully, you will too.

What Exactly Is Workaway?

Workaway is an online platform for volunteering that connects businesses, families, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), etc. with travelers.

It is similar to both a social media account and the popular accommodation and experience finding site, Airbnb.

Both travelers and hosts make a Workaway profile similar to a CouchSurfing profile. 

Hosts are typically looking for volunteers to help around their house, business, or organization.

In exchange for volunteering, travelers are provided with food and accommodation.

Workaway also has a Workaway blog that you can read to know more about travel volunteering.

If you are interested in becoming a travel volunteer and working away through Workaway, join now and get 3 extra months of Workaway for free!

How Much Does It Cost To Join Workaway?

The Workaway price is €39/$44 for a single traveler per year. For a couple Workaway costs, €49/$56 per year.

The hosts do not pay to have a profile, which probably encourages more hosts to sign up; an essential feature to ensure there will be enough hosts for the number of volunteers.

Want to know how to get a free Workaway membership? Check out this guide on how to get a free Workaway account . (Warning – it’s not that easy!)

Who Usually Volunteers Through Workaway?

Most volunteers who want to do a Workaway are interested in slowly traveling because most hosts require at least a two-week commitment.

Usually, Workawayers will be working away for a few months, taking a gap year from university, or traveling full time.

There is no age restriction on volunteers, though they will mostly be 18-50. 

Workaway hosts have probably been involved in the travel industry currently or previously and many times even travelers themselves at one point.

Hosts are more likely to be 30+ since they own businesses and have families.

The Truth About Finding The Best Workaway Hosts

Is Workaway For Retirees? 13 Of The Most Important Reasons

Why Do People Use Workaway?

Workawayers usually want to travel for free or almost free.

They probably scoff at the idea of tourist traps and want to go off the beaten path.

They want to be experiencing local life around them; trying unknown foods, meeting locals, seeing hidden places, etc.

Workaway can help them do this because their host is a connection to the local culture and community.

This bond can potentially bring endless opportunities to experience beyond what you could have as a regular tourist.

Learn how to be the best Workawayer  with these tips!

Volunteers and hosts alike are usually looking for cultural exchange.

While Workaway hosts are likely to help you integrate into your new surroundings, they will probably want to learn from you as well.

Maybe you can teach them about your cuisine or help them learn your native language or customs.

Maybe they are interested in one of your unique skills, such as drawing or child care.

These skills are what you would want to highlight in your Workaway profile.

Want to know more about other alternatives to Workaway? Here is the best Workaway alternative !

Do You Get Paid On Workaway?

Are you looking to make money from Workaway? The essence of being a volunteer implies that you do not get paid a wage.

Most countries would require you to be on a work visa if you were getting paid monetarily.

This system is what allows a person to do the Workaway experience. 

Some hosts will give cash for you to buy and cook your food.

It is important to state that some hosts do give a monetary wage despite government laws, though these are usually long-term Workaways.

Find more information on being paid through Workaway here.

How Can I Create A Workaway Profile?

To create your own Workaway profile, join here!

It will first give you the option to make a single or couple/friend account.

From there, you think of a username and password and fill in your name, address, email, and birthday.

Filling out a Workaway profile will be a way to describe who you are to your prospective hosts and other Workawayers that may be interested in meeting up.

When it comes to creating a Workaway profile, make sure to read our 11 tips to make the best Workaway profile!

To step outside of yourself to analyze who you are and what you want to be can be tough.

It gets worse when you then have to communicate that in words on an online profile, especially if it is your first time making one.

All this to say, if you are having trouble making your Workaway profile, do not feel bad if you are stuck.

I have created Workaway profile examples that can help you create your own personal one.

Where Is The Best Place To Do A Workaway Experience?

Since there are Workaway experiences with 40,000+ hosts in 170+ countries, it would be difficult to list off only a few places.

The best place for me could be completely opposite of what you would want.

In order to figure out the best place for you, it could be helpful to take time to think about what you want to learn, accomplish, or experience.

If you can determine this, it will help you narrow down locations and types of Workaways.

Complete Guide To Workaway France

Complete Guide To Workaway New Zealand

Complete Guide To Workaway UK

Complete Guide To Workaway Ireland

Complete Guide To Workaway Italy

Do I Need A Visa For Workaway?

It all depends on what country you are from and where you are planning to go. 

Research your specific situation and where you would want to visit.

This will determine if you need a visa to enter the country as a tourist.

A majority of Workawayers will be entering a country as a ‘tourist’ in order to volunteer, though some could be doing ‘Working Holiday’ visas/authorizations. 

Generally, Workawayers do not need to apply for a work permit or work visa because Workaway is classed as ‘volunteering’.

Most countries see it as volunteering because the Workawayer is not paid a wage.

It is important to note that some countries could view the act of receiving food and accommodation as a form of payment for which you would need a permit.

Find out more about Workaway visas here.

How Much Does It Cost To Do A Workaway?

Besides paying the price of Workaway for a year of membership, there will be other expenses that should be considered.

There will be the costs of visas, food, transport, and accommodation that could be needed to get to and leave a Workaway experience.

During your stay with the host, there could be some food expenses (or none depending on the situation), health costs like medicine or necessary doctor appointments, technology, special Workaway clothes or items, and other miscellaneous items.

Find out more about the costs of Workaway here.

What Is The Best Time To Do A Workaway?

This is such an easy answer, ALWAYS! The beauty of a Workaway is that the opportunities are endless.

Here are 99 amazing Workaway projects to inspire you!

There are hosts all over the world that need help now.

Since a lot of volunteer opportunities are based on tourism, as that industry expands there will be more and more options of where to spend your time.

If you have a particular place in mind to look for a Workaway exchange, then it would be good to do some preparation beforehand.

It is helpful to hosts if Workawayers mark the times they are planning to visit a country on their Workaway profile.

Similarly, hosts should mark what times they are accepting Workawayers. 

It is important to think about the location. Is it a popular tourist destination?

What is the climate like? Do they have any festivals or celebrations that could make transport expensive? 

Do the research and find out what time of the year would be best for your preferred climate and how touristy it will be. 

In the travel/tourism industry, the ‘high season is usually the warmest time of the year and will be packed with tourists.

It would be best to do your Workaway on the ‘shoulder season’ which means a few months before or after the high season.

Read these 9 crazy and fun stories from others who have done work exchange/travel volunteering!

Is Workaway Safe?

Every time I explain to someone that I use Workaway to travel the world on a budget, the same question arises.

Is Workaway safe? My answer is straightforward; it will be safe depending on your preparation.

Workaway uses a simple mantra – safety, trust, and respect.

Like most things, if you put in enough effort and research, Workaway will be as safe as you want it to be.

How Long Should I Do A Workaway?

Deciding on a length of time will mostly revolve around the individual when working away.

Most hosts will require at least two weeks minimum commitment.

Of course, it depends on the place and host, but I like to stay for about a month before moving on. 

Usually, Workaway is more suited towards long-term travel.

Having at least 3+ months is ideal since it is a paid service and you will want to get your money’s worth.

Is Workaway A Good Idea?

This is a great question. Maybe you have just stumbled onto the idea of travel volunteering and it all seems too good to be true. 

Well let me tell you friends, I think it is a great idea!

I am so convinced that I even started a complete Workaway guide to help others successfully volunteer abroad and travel slowly.  

I believe the concept of Workaway is amazing! Having a global community that people can affordably have a cultural exchange is beautiful.

It really goes along with my idea that anyone can and should be able to travel if they wish.

If you are looking for a Workaway alternative, make sure to check out Worldpackers VS Workaway – How To Find Which Is Best For You .

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This Post Has 8 Comments

Wow, such a great idea! I have heard of work exchange programs before, but I had know idea how many members and various countries Workaway connects. Thanks for all the info!

Hey Michelle!

Thank you so much for your comment. Workaway was so much bigger than I thought even when signing up 🙂

I’ve never considered workaway but had heard of friends doing it and they loved it! I think of traveling as not working but it’s a great idea for budget travel!

Hi Lorenza!

I had the same kind of thoughts when we decided to look into it. After looking for only a few moments though I found that a lot of it isn’t even work. If diving is your thing, you can apply to volunteer at diving schools where you teach lessons to the less experienced divers. In the return they give you room and 3 meals a day.

It all depends on what you are interested in. This can determine if you consider it work or an experience. I do agree that the memory of getting up at 7 am to power wash a huge wall wasn’t the most fun I’ve had while traveling haha.

While I’ve volunteered at a few hotels/hostels around the world in exchange for free accomodation/food etc, I’ve never actually used Workaway! But know plenty of people who have and love it. Maybe for my next adventure when the world reopens!

Oh that is great to hear that you have volunteered before! It seems like Workaway is getting more and more popular now 🙂 I think you should definitely try it after the pandemic, there are some amazing experiences that they have.

Hello thank you for information. It is so useful. I’m also a member of the platform Workaway. I have an invitation letter from the host from the USA California. So on 25.01.2025 I have an interview for the B1B2 visa. Should I mention about the Workaway program or not? Can I face with the rejection of visa if I say about it? Thank you.

Hi Maya, Thanks for reading and congrats on your Workaway project! Did you type correctly that you have a visa interview in 2025? That seems like a ways off.. About the Workaway visa, that is a tricky situation. I think it depends on what the Workaway is. I did a quick google search about how Workaway in the US would work visa-wise. Here is what came up:

“You can apply for a B-1 visa if you are a member of and committed to a recognized religious or nonprofit charitable organization and will participate in a “voluntary service program” of the organization.”

I doubt that you’re Workaway fits that because it’s pretty specific. I think any other volunteering would be considered ‘work’ which isn’t allowed on the B1/B2. US immigration is no joke, they take it very seriously so I would advise caution. None of this is professional legal advice, just my opinion. It would be good to contact a professional in law in this case so you can make the right decision.

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How to Use Workaway to Travel for Free

By: Author Adam Cheshier

Posted on Last updated: June 22, 2020

If you have been involved in the backpacking community for a while, you may have heard of Workaway .

Do you want to travel the world, but just not sure how you can afford it? 

So did I before I started learning (almost studying) ways to travel hack . If so, then this article is for you.

Below, I have outlined what you need to know for your first Workaway experience.

Table of Contents

Backpacking on a budget

What is workaway, how do you sign up for workaway, my “contract”, my experience, would i do it again.

There are a lot of ways to save money while you travel. 

Some of the most popular ways to save on accommodation are staying in hostels instead of hotels and, even better, Couchsurfing instead of staying in hostels. 

Those are both great accommodation options, but neither are consistent long-term options. 

And, if you are like me, your intentions of learning a city and culture before moving on are your highest priority. 

To do so, I began staying weeks or months in places I traveled. 

So, I needed a way to engage in sustainable, long-term travel consistently. In came Workaway.

Workaway is a concept that allows individuals, families, and businesses to host travelers in exchange for a few hours of help per day. 

I wanted to stay in Belgium for up to a month, so I figured I would start my search on Workaway’s platform.

It sounded like my solution, but I didn’t know a lot about it.

Once I signed up for a traveler account, I started searching for potential hosts in Belgium.

On Workaway, after an agreement is reached between the volunteer host and the traveler, a sort-of unwritten contract is made between the two. 

You can discuss how many hours you will be expected to work, how many meals they will provide to you per day, and what kind of work you can handle.

There is an annual fee for Workaway. It’s $44 per year ($56 to make a “couple” account with a significant other). 

This may seem steep to the budget-conscious traveler, but the investment can easily save you hundreds of dollars in the long-run.

Consider that, in most parts of the world, just three nights in a hostel dorm will cost more than that. 

I’ve only had one experience as a Workawayer, and it was phenomenal. I saved tons!

Related: How to Find Free Accommodation in Exchange for Work

After scheduling and meeting each other on Skype to discuss our expectations, I finally flew to Belgium.

I was met by my host at the airport (already expenses I saved on airport transfer!). 

She took me to her home, and we had a lovely home-cooked, traditional Belgian meal that night. 

Over the month, I was only expected to help her three days a week. 

This gave me plenty of time to do whatever I please and only required me to work around 5-6 hours a day on the days I was supposed to. 

During my non-working time, I was free to sightsee around the city, lounge around her house, or even take day trips to neighboring towns.

Also, our agreement included a room to myself, laundry and bathroom amenities, and three meals per day, which she consistently out-did herself.

The work was fun — strenuous at times, but enjoyable. 

I learned new skills as I tore down a bedroom wall and converted it into a master bedroom. I also renovated a garage. 

These were tasks I wasn’t sure I could handle upon initially speaking with her. 

But, with a little training and the will to learn, I was happy to walk away with some new trade skills. 

While in Ghent , she showed me around the city, took me out to eat, and even let me participate (for free) in one of the meditation courses she taught. 

Almost everything I experienced with her was entirely new for me and gave me a whole array of new skills, hobbies, and interests — exactly what traveling should be. New experiences!

I couldn’t imagine a better host for the month. And the best part? 

I stayed in the beautiful medieval city of Ghent, Belgium for 28 days and spent less than $25 on food and accommodation (I couldn’t pass up the famous Belgian French fries on occasion). You can’t beat that. 

There will always be a sacrifice of freedom when coming to an agreement or exchange for accommodation. 

However, there are thousands of opportunities on Workaway, and you don’t have to accept any “contract” less than precisely what you want. 

I highly recommend Workaway , and it surely won’t be the last time that I use it. 

Feel free to reach me on social media if you have any questions about your upcoming Workaway experience. I would be happy to help.

Adam is the Community Manager at Go Backpacking . You can find more of his writing on his own blog, Wanderway . Read his debut travel fiction novel, Summer of '92 , on Amazon now!

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The Best Carry-On Luggage and Weekender Bags for Spring Travel: Away, Samsonite, Calpak and More

The right luggage or carry-on bag for spring break travel can help make any trip as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your spring travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: the right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming Memorial Day weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your next trip.

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $150

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

The perfect-sized luggage that doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $314

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170   $144

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024 

Samsonite detour travel backpack.

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $105

Béis Travel Tote

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

A modern classic and easy-access bag. This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles, and is perfect for gym trips or a day out!

Dagne Dover Jemi Puff Tote

Whether you're traveling to work or a weekend getaway, this lightweight tote is perfect with pockets for days to keep all your belongings organized. 

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Lululemon go getter bag 2.0.

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

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The Packable Gear Travelers Need to Comfortably Work From Anywhere

Posted: March 7, 2024 | Last updated: March 7, 2024

As a full-time digital nomad , I’ve experienced my fair share of mishaps while trying to work from the road. I have set up an office at coffee shops, in hotel lobbies , Airbnbs , coworking spaces, and even the back seat of a Chevrolet Suburban with Wi-Fi. Over the years, I realized just how important it is to have the right tools. Although you can get away with just a laptop and a charger, having a few work accessories can elevate your experience without adding too much weight to your suitcase .

I have the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip, so the products on this list are compatible with Apple. Most are products I use daily, and the rest are recommended by fellow remote workers that I am eager to try. Here are eight coffee shop workstation essentials to help you work from anywhere around the world.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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ElfAnt laptop stand

Apple Magic keyboard

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Anker Prime 20,000mAh power bank

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

This diagram shows what happens during a total solar eclipse

• A total solar eclipse will be visible from Texas to Maine on Monday.
• This cosmic event occurs when the Earth, sun, and moon align perfectly.
• One diagram shows how a total solar eclipse works, and why it darkens the sky in the middle of the day.

A total solar eclipse will turn afternoon skies dark from Texas to Maine on Monday.

During the eclipse, the moon will cross between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking out the sun's light. If you're in the moon's shadow, the sky will go dark for about three to four minutes, depending on your location.

It's the climax of a cosmic dance between our planet , the moon, and the sun.

What causes a total solar eclipse

During a total solar eclipse, three key conditions happen at the same time: The moon is in the "new moon" phase; the moon crosses the plane of the Earth's orbit ; and the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.

When those conditions are just right, the Earth, sun, and moon line up. This diagram shows how that looks:

Then, if you're in the path of totality — which is basically the center of the moon's shadow, called the umbra — the moon appears to obscure the sun.

If you're in the penumbra — the outer region of the moon's shadow — you'll see a partial solar eclipse , where the moon appears to partially overlap the sun.

A total solar eclipse happens somewhere on Earth about every 18 months on average. It's rare for one to occur in any single place, though, because of the complex movements of the Earth and moon.

The moon orbits Earth every 29.5 days, while Earth has its own orbit around the sun. The moon's orbit is tilted about five degrees, which is large enough to keep its shadow off the Earth and the Earth's shadow off the moon most of the time.

There are two points — called nodes — where the moon's orbit crosses the Earth's plane. In the diagram above, the moon is lined up on a node.

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The moon aligns with the nodes and the sun about twice per year, which is how we get eclipses. A solar eclipse happens when the moon is between the Earth and sun. A lunar eclipse happens when the moon is on the other side of the Earth, farthest from the sun.

What the total solar eclipse will look like

In the path of totality on Monday, where the moon's umbra falls over Earth, the total solar eclipse will have 10 distinct phases , each with different amounts of the sun visible from the ground.

The phenomenon kicks off with what's called first contact, when the moon starts to pass across the sun. After about an hour, the moon will almost completely mask the sun, and you'll start to see a bright light radiate out of the sliver of remaining sun, known as the "diamond ring."

Then the moon will fully eclipse the sun, turning the sky dark in the middle of the day.

During totality only the sun's outermost atmosphere, called the corona, will be visible glowing around the dark disc of the moon.

After that, the moon will continue to travel across the sky to form another crescent. The eclipse ends when the moon ceases to cover the sun.

Types of solar eclipses

There are three types of solar eclipses .

Total solar eclipses, like this one, occur when the moon appears to completely cover the sun. If the moon only somewhat covers the sun, that's a partial eclipse . Many people who are near the path of totality, but not in it, on Monday will see a partial eclipse.

The third type, an annular eclipse , occurs when the moon is too far from Earth to fully block out the sun from our perspective. The outer edge of the sun remains visible as a bright ring around the moon.

A total solar eclipse is considered the most spectacular. Globally, only about a third of all solar eclipses are total.

The next total solar eclipse in the contiguous US will be in 2044.

How to watch the eclipse

If you plan to watch the eclipse, make sure you are wearing ISO-certified eclipse glasses . These are 1,000 times darker than regular sunglasses. Without them, staring at the sun could damage your eyes.

The only safe time to look at the eclipse without glasses is during totality.

Leanna Garfield and Anaele Pelisson contributed to an earlier version of this post .

Watch: Why the sun has two giant holes, and what that means for Earth

• Main content

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

It almost time! Millions of Americans across the country Monday are preparing to witness the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse as it passes over portions of Mexico, the United States and Canada.

It's a sight to behold and people have now long been eagerly awaiting what will be their only chance until 2044 to witness totality, whereby the moon will completely block the sun's disc, ushering in uncharacteristic darkness.

That being said, many are curious on what makes the solar eclipse special and how is it different from a lunar eclipse.

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What is an eclipse?

An eclipse occurs when any celestial object like a moon or a planet passes between two other bodies, obscuring the view of objects like the sun, according to NASA .

What is a solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching our planet, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," whereby observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, presents a spectacular sight for viewers and confuses animals – causing nocturnal creatures to stir and bird and insects to fall silent.

Partial eclipses, when some part of the sun remains visible, are the most common, making total eclipses a rare sight.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon and the sun are on exact opposite sides of Earth. When this happens, Earth blocks the sunlight that normally reaches the moon. Instead of that sunlight hitting the moon’s surface, Earth's shadow falls on it.

Lunar eclipses are often also referred to the "blood moon" because when the Earth's shadow covers the moon, it often produces a red color. The coloration happens because a bit of reddish sunlight still reaches the moon's surface, even though it's in Earth's shadow.

Difference between lunar eclipse and solar eclipse

The major difference between the two eclipses is in the positioning of the sun, the moon and the Earth and the longevity of the phenomenon, according to NASA.

A lunar eclipse can last for a few hours, while a solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes. Solar eclipses also rarely occur, while lunar eclipses are comparatively more frequent. While at least two partial lunar eclipses happen every year, total lunar eclipses are still rare, says NASA.

Another major difference between the two is that for lunar eclipses, no special glasses or gizmos are needed to view the spectacle and one can directly stare at the moon. However, for solar eclipses, it is pertinent to wear proper viewing glasses and take the necessary safety precautions because the powerful rays of the sun can burn and damage your retinas.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, Doyle Rice, USA TODAY