5 wonderful Workaway holiday ideas

Travelling overseas can be incredibly expensive, especially for students and 20-somethings. One option if you’re looking to combine an interesting experience with cost-saving, is to try a Workaway.

Workaway is a database of hosts from all across the world who put up adverts for travellers who would be willing to trade some time or expertise for food and accommodation. The idea is that this mutually beneficial relationship will result in cultural exchange and volunteers are expected to work between 3-5 hours a few days a week. Here are some interesting kinds of workaways on offer.

1.Join an eco-farm

Many workaway hosts are looking for people to help with various farm-stays and eco-villages. Learn about different kinds of sustainable living by either joining a farm that is just getting started or one that’s looking for hands to keep it going. This workaway can take you to the most uncommon corners of the world, from Patagonia to Palestine.

2. Be a professional English speaker

As part of a cultural exchange, families and individuals often ask for English first-language speakers to come and stay with them to help improve their English. While some hosts combine this with childcare or some other work, this can also be all you are required to contribute. A big benefit of this is that it really isn’t that much hard work and hosts often volunteer to act as a local guide and show you around their city.

3. Help in a hostel

If you’re not that into the idea of staying in someone’s personal space, helping out in a hostel is a good compromise. Budget travellers often opt to book a hostel bed since it’s one of the cheapest options, but this option allows you to get a place to stay in exchange for a few hours of work. The downside would be that hostel work could include cleaning bathrooms and dealing with other grumpy travellers.

4. Become a carpenter

This is for those who aren’t quite keen on idea of hanging out with loads of strangers. Spend the day helping hosts refurbish old beautiful houses, buildings on farms or assisting charity projects in a tangible manner.

5. Cat or dog-sit

If you love pets and are used to taking care of them, this is a great way to replace the expensive Airbnb with a cheaper alternative. Often hosts are going away themselves and are looking for someone to take care of their house and beloved pets. This gives you the benefit of privacy and access to a whole apartment or house, and the company of adorable pets. If you really love animals, there are also plenty of shelters looking for volunteers too.