Workaway Review: Is It Legit & Worth It? (2025)
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In 2022, I had my first volunteering experience through Workaway, which was truly amazing.
In this article, you will find my Workaway review, where I share the following:
Let’s jump right into it!
What is Workaway?
Workaway.info is a global work-exchange platform connecting hosts (families, hostels, farms, NGOs, etc.) with volunteers (travelers, language learners, culture seekers).
You help out for a few hours a day in exchange for free accommodation, often food, and sometimes extra perks.
It is one of the most extensive work trade platforms, with over 50,000 opportunities in more than 170 countries!
Common types of opportunities include:
- Families – Babysitting, cooking, house sitting
- Schools & NGOs – Teaching, community work, beach cleanups
- Sustainable projects – Gardening, permaculture, composting, solar energy
- Farm stays – Animal care, maintenance, harvesting
- Hostels & lodges – Reception, housekeeping, art projects
- Animal sanctuaries – Cleaning, feeding
- Creative work – Photography, yoga teaching, social media
Workaway is perfect for anyone who wants to travel sustainably, live like a local, and spend almost nothing on accommodation.
Workaway membership fee in 2025
To use Workaway, you’ll need to pay a small yearly membership fee:
- €59 for a single account
- €69 for a couple’s account
If you register through this link, you will get one extra month free.
Once you’ve paid, you can message hosts, connect with other volunteers, and find travel buddies through the platform.
Is Workaway legit & safe?
Yes, Workaway is legit and 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’ve used the platform for 4 years and haven’t had a negative experience. I only heard of an odd situation of a fellow traveler, where she had to leave the host’s place immediately.
In rare cases where a host isn’t what they claimed, Workaway support helps you find a new host and even covers up to 3 nights in a nearby hostel.
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 (within 24 hours), you can use the filters to find hosts that match your goals. Then, you can message them directly, agree on dates & discuss expectations.
Workaway paid jobs
Some hosts offer paid Workaway positions that meet local minimum wage laws; you’ll see this clearly marked on their profile. While some volunteers skip them (to avoid taking local jobs + expectations are higher), they’re an option if you’re short on cash or staying longer term.
Workaway review & my experience
My first Workaway experience in Costa Rica 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 a host
I started my search about a month in advance. Personalized messages are key. Don’t copy-paste; hosts can tell.
Usually, I always go through the profile of the host I’m 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.
Step 2: Waiting for a reply
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.
Replies can take time (especially around holidays). Follow up politely after a week.
For example, I had to wait about two weeks (After my follow-up) to get a reply. It was quite a long wait.
However, it was 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 information about the place, the work, and the schedule. I asked various questions, like whether 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: Arrival
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.
I had no idea how our cabin would look since most hosts don’t show that on their profile.
The place blew my mind: a rustic two-story cabin with an outdoor kitchen and jungle views.
I shared a room with two other volunteers.
I became very close with one of the girls, and ended up hanging out a lot and going on various trips together, and keeping in touch afterward.
Step 6: The work & perks
I volunteered at a yoga center doing social media, writing, and website updates. We had weekly goals instead of strict schedules, which gave lots of freedom.
Other amazing perks included free yoga classes and 40% off meals at the on-site Ayurvedic vegan restaurant.
Pros and cons of Workaway
Pros
- Huge variety of volunteering opportunities
- Affordable yearly membership
- Verified hosts for safety
- Option to travel solo or as a couple
- Clear 25-hour weekly work limit
- Great mobile app
- Find travel buddies nearby
- You can find paid work trades
- Handy filter menu to narrow your search
- Paid members get 24/7 support
Cons
- Some hosts reply slowly (or not at all)
- Harder to find opportunities for two people
- Competitive for “dream” projects
- Hidden 1-star reviews make it harder to spot red flags
Tips for future Workawayers
Here are some practical lessons I learned from my Workaway experience:
- Be respectful and open-minded. You’ll live and work closely with people from different backgrounds. Listen, adapt, and communicate openly.
- Follow the house rules. If a host says no smoking, no overnight guests, or quiet after 10 PM, stick to it.
- Pull your weight. This is a work exchange, not a holiday. Do your share, stay reliable, and don’t disappear mid-task.
- Take initiative. See something that needs doing? Do it. Hosts love volunteers who don’t wait to be told.
- Stay flexible. Things may not always go as planned; weather changes, projects shift, or a new task pops up. Go with the flow.
- Communicate early. If you’re uncomfortable with something or unsure about a task, talk to your host. Most issues are solved by a quick chat.
- Set boundaries. You’re helping out, not working full-time. Stick to the agreed hours (usually 3–5 per day).
Workaway alternatives
If you want to explore more work-exchange options, there are a bunch of Workaway alternatives:
I wrote an article with the best 12 free volunteering websites, which you can check out.
FAQs
Is Workaway worth it?
100%. You get free housing and meals for under $59/year.
Is Workaway legit?
Yes! 20+ years old, featured in The Guardian, Forbes, and Lonely Planet. You can follow their social media and get constant first-hand experiences from travelers.
Do hosts pay for travel?
No. You cover transport, but hosts might offer pickup. They cover your accommodation, often the meals, and there might be other possible perks.
Do I need a visa?
Usually no, but check country-specific rules. Some may restrict volunteering on a tourist visa and while 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.
Workaway vs. WWOOF?
WWOOF is one of the world’s first work exchange platforms. Currently, it has over 12K hosts in 130+ countries. If you want sustainable farming, go with WWOOF. For a mix of culture, hostels, and community projects, Workaway wins.
Final thoughts
There you have it – my in-depth Workaway review, including my personal work-exchange experience.
If you are interested in volunteering abroad, I hope this was helpful, and you feel more encouraged to do it!
For me, it was a beautiful experience, and while it wasn’t always easy, it was a challenge I loved.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 🙂
