How I get FREE Accommodation while Traveling

Did you know that you can trade your skills for free accommodation while traveling? Now let’s throw in cultural immersion and maybe even language practice. Are you in? 

 

The Best Budget Travel Secret

 

I discovered Workaway on a google deepdive four years ago, and I dreamed of going on one of these adventures. There are countless hosts around the world willing to let a traveler stay with them for free. All they ask in return is a cultural exchange and a few hours of work. The site is full of possibilities of places to go and people to meet. I have now worked as a farmhand, an au pair, and in a hostel all while traveling on a budget.

 

Workaway encourages giving back while experiencing foreign cultures. Whether you are in college or your kids are in college, I recommend this travel experience to you. I have personally met Workawayers who are as young as 18 and up to 53 years old, so it’s great for any age! This is a memorable travel experience that can also sound impressive on your CV. Check out some FAQ’s about Workaway at the bottom of this post.

 

My Experiences with Workaway.info

 

My dream of having a Workaway adventure was fulfilled when I spent two months in Scotland with very little money. I contacted a host through the Workaway site who offered a free stay in a trailer on their farm in exchange for some farmhand work. Within one month, I was learning how to feed chickens, grow strawberries, and pick up donkey poop all while discovering the Scottish countryside. Not only did I have free accommodation, but my host family also provided food for all of my meals. They also hosted two workawayers at the same time, so I became friends with other travelers from around the world. 

 

 

A year later, I was itching to have another Workaway adventure. This time, my goal was to really perfect my French, so I found a family in France who needed an au pair. I cooked and ate meals with the family and helped take care of the two little girls by walking with them to school and playing with them. I learned more French in three months than I had in four years of college. They provided me with a private bedroom and made me feel like family. Every day, I went on walks to a beautiful lake surrounded by the mountains and occasionally took a cold dip in my underwear. I had time on my days off to take the train to explore nearby towns, and I even went to Switzerland one weekend!

 

 

The following year, I was ready to explore a new part of the world and a new language. I landed a spot working in a hostel-style Airbnb in a city in Mexico. After making beds and cleaning floors in the morning alongside another Workawayer, I had time every day to explore the city. I also had two days off per week to take the bus to visit nearby pueblos magicos or magical towns. My host and I became great friends, and I made lasting friendships with several other workawayers from all over the world who also stayed there for a short time.

 

 

FAQ’s about Workaway.info

 

Is it safe?

 

Workaway has a review section for the hosts and for travelers. It is safest to pick a host that has reviews from past Workawayers and have a video call with the host prior to arrival. I always make sure someone from home knows exactly where I am going and when, and I check-in with them at pre-specified times. In my experience, I have felt safe doing the Workaways. There is no commitment, so if at anytime you feel unsafe, you are always welcome to leave. 

 

How much does it cost?

 

Workaway has a yearly membership fee. Currently it’s $44 per year, but once you are a member, Workaway offers a discount when you renew each year. You pay for your flight and all other transportation, and you discuss with your host whether or not food is included with your stay. Some include all your meals, some include no meals, and some only include breakfast.

 

Can I travel anywhere using Workaway?

 

Pretty much! Check it out for yourself to see if there are any available hosts in your destination.

 

I am nervous to do a homestay in a foreign country. Any advice?

 

I was unsure if I would feel comfortable staying in someone’s home at first. For my first workaway experience, I stayed in a trailer, and it made me a bit more comfortable to have my own space. After this first one, I felt open to staying in someone’s house the second time around. It is a humbling and beautiful experience to share with someone from another culture, and I highly recommend trying it out, even for a short time! 

 

Can I take my partner/friend?

 

Yes! You can sign up for an account as a solo traveler, a couple, or even a family or group.

 

I have messaged several Workaway hosts in my destination, but no one is responding. What should I do?

 

Some hosts get so many messages that they can’t reply to everyone, but there are a few things that might help. Check that your profile is looking good and that your intro message is friendly and thorough. Also be sure that your message is individualized to the host. Show that you read their profile all the way through and that you genuinely want to help them and have a cultural exchange.

 

Let me know if you’ve done a Workaway before or where you would like to have your first Workaway experience in the comments.