WorkAway is a platform that connects you with volunteering opportunities and paid jobs worldwide. Whether you’re interested in pet-sitting in Manhattan, farming in remote parts of Canada, or working at an off-grid yoga glamping resort, there’s something for everyone—I promise!

Are you thinking about taking a sabbatical? Are you between jobs and looking for something meaningful to do? Or maybe you’re just bored with everyday life and want to try something new? Have you always dreamed of farm life? If you answered yes to at least one of my questions, WorkAway might be just what you’re looking for!

Why WorkAway?

I noticed that ordinary travel was no longer as fulfilling for me as it once was. I wanted more from life than just sightseeing and visiting the same places as everyone else. I had working visas for Canada arranged, but finding a job there before arriving was challenging. So, me and my partner Martin decided to try WorkAway to save money while searching for a job near Vancouver. Initially, we planned to stay for 6 weeks, but we ended up staying 3 months because we enjoyed it so much!

What Are the Benefits?

WorkAway isn’t just about traveling; it’s about giving back to the community, which is especially important in this era of mass tourism. What could be better than leaving a place a little better than you found it? Here are some of my top benefits of WorkAway:

• Boosting your CV with new skills and volunteering experience
• Meeting interesting people from around the world
• Improving your language skills
• Saving money/traveling on a budget
• Gaining a deeper understanding of local culture
• Trying new things you might never have the chance to try
• Creating a unique connection with your destination

Let’s get started

I’ve experienced two completely different WorkAways in Canada, and I’d love to share my experiences with you. In this simple guide, you’ll learn useful tips to help you embark on the adventure of a lifetime! From finding the ideal host to writing a competitive message, everything you need is in the guide below:

1. Consider what you expect from your WorkAway

Before diving into the opportunities, think about what you want from the experience. Ask yourself the following questions and write down your answers:

• Are you looking to learn a new skill, get to know the culture, learn a new language, or all of the above?
• Would you prefer to stay in the city, a small town, a village, or a remote location?
• Would you like to stay there alone, as a couple, or meet many other WorkAwayers?
• Would you prefer to work with animals or not?
• What skills or experiences would you like to offer?
• How long would you like to stay?

Sometimes the perfect opportunity might not fit all your criteria exactly. Be open to slightly adjusting your plans for a chance to gain valuable experiences. More importantly, trust yourself. I initially thought the opportunity we applied for wasn’t right for me, but my partner Martin convinced me otherwise. Thanks to his encouragement, I ended up experiencing the summer of my life.

2. Browse through the opportunities

The good news is that you can browse the WorkAway portal without being a member, so take your time and search for opportunities in your dream destination. You can filter based on host type, accommodation details or availability. Just be aware that if it’s a paid position, you’ll need a valid work permit for the country you want to visit. Wow! There are 9 opportunities waiting for you! Add the ones you like to your favorites for easier navigation.

3. Buy your membership

Once you find jobs you like, you’ll need to pay for membership to contact your host. It’s 49€ per person or 59€ per couple or two friends annually. Believe me, it’s an investment in yourself and your personal development that’s totally worth it. A couple’s account is only for people who always travel together. If you want to go on an adventure with a friend just once, it’s better to create individual accounts and link them later for a specific opportunity. What I appreciate about WorkAway is that they don’t automatically renew your membership; it’s up to you to decide if you want to extend it or not.

4. Fill in your profile

Upload a profile picture where you’re clearly visible and include photos from your adventures in your album to showcase that you’re an active person. Fill in your travel plans to share your itinerary with other WorkAwayers who might want to meet up and spend time with you. You can also indicate if you’re looking for a travel buddy if you’re traveling alone and want to find friends for your next trip. Make sure your description and work experience are brief yet informative. Here’s an example from my WorkAway profile:

5. Write a massage to the host

I recommend referring to something from the advertisement in your message to show the host that you’ve read the full posting and that you’re genuinely interested. Mention your skills and be brief, express your motivation and what you can bring.

PRO TIP: Your subject line needs to be catchy and original. In some popular destinations like Banff, Canada—where we stayed—hosts receive hundreds of messages per week. Many people just want free accommodation because the prices are sky-high, but they lack the right motivation. This is the message I sent to our host in Banff; she said she opened it just because of the great subject line: “Your Helpers from Slovakia”—not something generic like “Need a Place to Stay in Banff.”

6. Meet your host via a video call

After you receive a response, make sure to have a video call with your host to see if you’re a good match. Usually, it’s done through WhatsApp or Zoom. Remember, you shouldn’t just be free labor for someone; you should also learn new skills and knowledge. It needs to be beneficial for both sides. If you don’t feel a connection, don’t take the opportunity just because you’ll stay somewhere “for free.” It will only work out if you’re passionate, open to new experiences, and genuinely want to give something back to the community where you’re staying.

Hosts may have rules, such as no alcohol or partying while you’re staying with them, and you need to respect these rules. If you can’t, then don’t accept the opportunity. It’s their place, and their rules. Lying to get the job won’t make anyone happy! Just trust your instincts. If something feels off during your communication with a host or if the information doesn’t quite add up, it’s okay to move on.

Make sure to confirm with the host about the pickup options. Determine whether you’ll need to arrange your own transportation or if they can pick you up directly from the airport, train, or bus station. Additionally, if you have any dietary requirements, it’s important to check whether the host can accommodate your dietary needs.

What’s also important to check is how many days off per week you’ll have and what options are available for exploring the surrounding area. Are there buses? Will they lend you a car? Do you need to rent one?

PRO TIP: Read the reviews and contact other WorkAwayers to get their honest opinions about their stays. However, sometimes taking a risk pays off—our stay in Banff didn’t have any reviews, but we loved it so much that we stayed for 2 months instead of the 2 weeks we had originally planned.

What’s next?

Buy your flight tickets, pack your backpack & enjoy your adventure! If you have any questions, feel free to ask—I’m here to help!

The next two articles will cover my WorkAway experiences at a rafting resort near Vancouver and at Banff Food Rescue! Stay tuned.