Disclaimer: there are some sponsored links and promo codes in this article that I got by partnering with Worldpackers, but I can honestly say that I wrote this article first with my personal opinions and then I got contacted by them. I still believe they are the best platform for work exchange, so if you want $10.00 USD off your subscription, keep scrolling and use my link.
One of the questions I get the most as a traveller is how can I afford to pay for accommodation . Although I work as a freelancer most of the time and I monetise my blog, I am always looking for ways to cut my expenses. I’ve said many times that while you can be a budget traveller, there is absolutely no way you can travel for free. I still maintain that, but I must reveal that there is actually an answer on how to get free accommodation in exchange for work. Not technically free, because you are still investing time and expertise, but definitely a great way to make significant savings!
What is this work exchange thing anyways?
Work exchange or volunteering abroad is when you offer your abilities to a hostel, a guesthouse or a B&B and, in exchange, they let you sleep there for free and sometimes even eat and have access to other services. You are not legally working, because you don’t receive a payment, but it’s still a win-win situation.
During the past two years, I have worked with half a dozen hostels in different parts of the world. Those experiences have not only allowed me to reduce my travel expenses significantly, but to make local connections, meet new people and even polish my CV a little!
What type of work can you do?
When it comes to how to get free accommodation, possibilities are endless. However, it usually depends on what the hostel is looking for. Most places want people to work at reception (especially night shifts), who can interact with guests and organise hostel activities, or people who can do housekeeping duties. However, if you dig a little deeper, you can find places that require people with more expertise in certain areas. It really could be anything: yoga teaching, IT knowledge, language exchange… You name it!
Although I did work in the reception from time to time, I was lucky enough to find positions as graphic designer, photographer and community manager in most of the places I worked. And when I was living in Belgium I even got to illustrate a mural in exchange of a bed!
You don’t even need to have a degree, but if you are an expert in something, use that superpower for good! How to get free accommodation while you travel depends entirely on your talents (or your ability to stay up until very late and deal with possibly drunk people)
Which websites can you use to get free accommodation in exchange of work? (And which one is the best IMO)
Ok, so my pitch has obviously been excellent and you must be packing by now and ready to hit the road (I’m that good), but you are wondering how the hell do you get these deals? Do you email them in advance? Do you just arrive at a random hostel and knock on their door? Or do you sneak in and refuse to leave until they hire you?
Well, fellow readers, I’ve heard a bunch of crazy stories out there, but I’m going to tell you my version of how to get free accommodation while travelling. Before I started my trip, I discovered there are several websites that offer the chance to contact hostels or guesthouses that are already looking to do a work exchange.
There are many out there, of course, but I would say that the most popular ones are HelpX, Workaway and Worldpackers. Personally, I have only found gigs through Workaway and Worldpackers. I left HelpX out because I didn’t like their website. For starters, I thought it was a bit out-dated and there wasn’t enough information about the opportunities and the working conditions. I have friends who have used it and they had good experiences, but I just don’t feel comfortable enough with the interface.
Worldpackers
If you wonder how to get free accommodation while travelling, Worldpackers would be my first suggestion. I used it the first time I did a work exchange and, so far, it is my absolute favourite. Worldpackers allows you to create a full profile with information about you and your abilities. You can search their database and select the country and opportunity you are looking for. The website forces the hosts to provide very detailed information about the position they are advertising and they even give you a “travel buddy” who is supposed to support you during the whole process.
If things don’t work out between you and the host or if they are not respecting the deal, you can contact Worldpackers immediately. They will help you with the situation and even book you a hotel or find you another place to stay. This made me feel very safe and although not all of my experiences have been great the platform has helped me if I’m in trouble. When I started using it you had to pay a fee for each trip, but now they offer a yearly subscription so you can book several trips for the same price.
If this is something you are interested in, you can use my affiliate link and receive a $10.00 USD discount or use the promo code DREAMPACKER. That way you can start your adventure!
The only downside I can see is that it’s a relatively new website, so their offer is limited. They don’t have many available options per country so you need to be pretty flexible with your destinations.
Workaway
I was forced to use Workaway when I couldn’t find any available positions in Croatia. Workaway has plenty more options than Worldpackers and not only related to hostels or guesthouses. This site also advertises farms, art studios, campsites and even regular families who are looking for international help. I think this is a huge plus compared to Worldpackers, however there are some cons.
Although the website is better than HelpX, it’s still not as informative as Worldpackers. Hosts provide only the details they want, so there is some uncertainty around your trip. Also, they don’t have insurance, like the other website, so if things go wrong (like it happened to me), you are all on your own. Also their review system actually discourages volunteers to leave a truthful feedback, because hosts can automatically see that review and give you a bad one in return. Unlike Worldpackers, where feedback is private until both parts involved provide a review.
If I’m honest, Workaway is still a good answer to the question of how to get free accommodation abroad. However, I really recommend chatting or even Skyping with your host beforehand. That way you can ask him or her absolutely everything there is to know about the position and the conditions in which you’ll be working. Which takes me to the next point:
Things to consider before applying
Not everything in work exchange is rainbows and kittens. When talking about how to get free accommodation while travelling, be careful with the small print. I’ve found some amazing hosts on the way, but some people like to take advantage of volunteers and just see them as an easy way to save money. That’s why your working conditions must be completely clear in advance. I put together a small list with things to ask your host before your arrival:
- How many hours are you working per day?
With that clear, make sure your host respects that. You shouldn’t be working full-time for a volunteering position.
- How many days are you working per week?
Usually one or two free days per week are OK. Some places also ask if you can work long hours during a couple of days and then have 3 or 4 free ones. - Are the meals included? If yes, how many?
I don’t stay at places that don’t include at least breakfast, but I’ve been lucky enough to find some others that have fed me three times per day with their organic crops. There are some other places that only take vegans or that don’t cater for vegetarians or coeliac people, so take that into account and clarify it in advance.
- Can you use the kitchen?
If the meals are not included, having access to a kitchen can save your budget! - How are the room arrangements?
Some places give you a shared room with other staff members, which is a great way to bond with people. Most of my former roommates are now very close friends. Nevertheless, I have also stayed in places that offer private rooms (once I even got a private mini house with Netflix!), which is amazing when you have been sharing a bunk bed with 15 other strangers for six months in a row. And of course, there are also hostels where they let you sleep in a regular dorm room with other guests. I did it once and although I enjoyed the experience, I wouldn’t do it again. Sharing a room with other volunteers means that you get to know and trust your roommates and you can actually leave your belongings without a lock in the room and change clothes with no shame. But in a shared dorm room guests change every day, so you need to be extra careful. Do your research and pick the room arrangements that suit you better.
Sharing a room is actually not that bad!
- How are the bathroom arrangements?
Same than with the room. Is the bathroom shared or private? If it’s shared check if it’s just between the staff or if the guests can also use it.
- How about laundry facilities and Wi-Fi access?
Washing your clothes costs money and so does the Internet; so check who is covering those expenses. - How long exactly are you allowed to stay? Clarify arrival and departure dates and make sure to stick to them. When I was in Croatia, my hosts changed plans while I was there and I found myself without accommodation for one week. Also, in Ireland and Sweden they offered me the possibility to stay longer than expected and I really appreciated the chance to extend my trip.
- How are you getting there?
Most hostels don’t cover any transportation expenses and that’s all right, but some hosts offer to pick you up at the train station or bus stop on your arrival. - What exactly will be your responsibilities?
If you want to know how to get free accommodation but also have a good time I can’t stress this enough. You have to make sure you know what are you going to do and what’s not your job. I think this was one of the reasons my first experience was not so great. I was going to do a work exchange in Scotland and, in theory, I was supposed to manage the social media networks and take photographs of the place. However, when I arrived, the host expected me to clean the dormitories and bathrooms and basically work as a housekeeper. No social media involved whatsoever. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against those chores and I have done them gladly in other occasions, but in this case it was not the agreement. At the end of the day, these little things plus a super irrational drunken behaviour from the manager led me to leave the hostel before expected (it’s a fun story if you want to read it).
Where have I stayed?
I can’t complain. After I found out how to get free accommodation when travelling I was lucky enough to find awesome places to collaborate. Of course I had some not-so-great-experiences. But I’ll leave those names out. The world has enough negativity and I had more good memories than bad. So here are some of my favourites.
Portrush Holiday Hostel
This small, family hostel in Northern Ireland really made me feel at home. Philip and Colette, the owners, gave me their full trust and we developed an incredible relationship. At the end of my trip I ended up staying around 11 months with them (on and off) and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. I did reception duties, but I mostly managed the website, the social media channels and designed all the graphic material. I can honestly say it’s the best place to stay if you are visiting the Antrim Coast in NI.
Alvaret Hotel & Hostel
I worked in this lovely hotel in a Swedish island for a month and it was one of my coolest experiences. Sofie, the owner, had acquired the place recently so other volunteers and I helped her to get it ready for the holiday season. Not only I learned a lot about the business, but I also made a really good friend. Additionally, the place is gorgeous and perfect for a quiet escapade.
KaBa Hostel
The name says hostel, but this place is so fancy that it almost looks like a hotel!… If you ignore the dorm rooms, of course. KaBa Hostel was very hip and cool and it was in a lovely university town in Belgium. I helped them with reception duties, but they also let me place my art in one of their doors and for that I’ll be eternally grateful!
So, there you go. Before asking yourself how to get free accommodation abroad, you should ask yourself why. One of the reasons I love doing this work exchange thing is because of the local perspective you get and all the things you learn. The savings are a plus. But in general, I would recommend people to try this at least once.
I hope that my experienced helped you somehow and if you have any more questions related to how to get free accommodation in exchange of work, don’t forget to send me a message or ask me on the comments.
I guess I’ll see you on the road.
Love,
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Ohh thanks a lot! It is very inspiring and fun to read! We are leaving for a family world tour starting this July and I think we will try to work a bit for some exchange and your post cleared things I have been wondering. Perhaps as a family of three it might be a bit more difficult to find something but I guess we just have search something more family oriented business.
I think you can find something if you do enough research =) For those cases I’d recommend Workaway better than worldpackers, because they’re more flexible when it comes to the number of people working at the place. Good luck in your travels!
Dann Castillo recently posted…How to get free accommodation in exchange for work while you travel
I have been an avid couchsurfer & I know how it is to live in people’s homes. When I am not traveling, I host people and when I am traveling I sometimes stay with them or meet them for lunch or coffee. There is nothing like living with locals to know a place and culture.
That’s so cool, Anuradha! I have never used Couchsurf before, but I would love to try it some day!
Dann Castillo recently posted…How to get free accommodation in exchange for work while you travel
I can’t believe they wanted you to be a housekeeper, that’s very rude! Did you report this host? Maybe they’re looking for free labour than promotion?! I’ve managed to secure a few sponsorships so far, but it’s more difficult in my niche 🙂 Great tips about checking whether there’s a kitchen. I remember staying in an Airbnb, and we weren’t allowed to use the kitchen, and ended up eating out every day, it was expensive!
Yeah, that happened haha Besides, it was my first experience doing something like that and it left me quite shaky after the manager and I had a huge fight. I did report him to Worldpackers, because he also drank a lot and was a bit eerie around some of the other volunteers. After that everything went well, I got along really well with my other hosts, but I guess some bad experiences are expected. Good luck with your sponsorship!
Dann Castillo recently posted…How to get free accommodation in exchange for work while you travel
Wow, you’ve had some incredible experiences! Working for accommodations is such an interesting option for people who want to travel but can’t afford to, and is something I never thought of. I do love that breakfast room, too!
It’s definitely a good way to cut down expenses, you still need to put money on other things, but this is very practical. And yeah, the breakfast room was lovely =) Sofie, my boss, did an amazing job there.
Dann Castillo recently posted…How to get free accommodation in exchange for work while you travel
This is a very interesting post. I have read before about the typical post explaining how to get sponsored accomodation and so, but mostly from the point of view of someone who wants you to write a nice post about them directly and only for a few days, not for something as long term as you did…. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, that can be done as well, but this is practical if you want to actually live in a place for a while and get to know the local’s way of living. Thanks for reading!
Dann Castillo recently posted…How to get free accommodation in exchange for work while you travel
Good to know these things (secrets), these will gonna help newbies to travel the world more sustainably. Thanks for sharing this post.
Hopefully haha. It’s a great way to meet locals and save some money.
Dann Castillo recently posted…Things to know before travelling to Mexico (advice from a true Mexican)
What an interesting piece! It is so helpful 🙂 🙂 Must admit I haven’t thought of that up until now, I think I need more courage 🙂 🙂 But, for sure, it can be done, as you proved us 😛
Safe travels!
Haha I was scared at the beginning too, but there’s nothing to be afraid of, as long as you clarify everything in advance and do your research =) Thanks for reading!
Dann Castillo recently posted…How to get free accommodation in exchange for work while you travel
Such a useful post! I know about Workaway but haven’t heard of Worldpackers. I have a friend who worked for a hostel for a free accommodation too, and her experience was great as well. Therefore, I think I will try it in the future when I travel long term. Considering the how long exactly they allow to stay is surely important to plan the trip ahead.
I really love Worldpackers, it’s the most complete platform for me and safest too. The lenght depends on the place. Some hostels will take you for as short as one week and others will want you to stay for at least 2 months. It really varies, so you just need to find a place that suits your plans =)
Dann Castillo recently posted…Things to know before travelling to Mexico (advice from a true Mexican)
These are such great options for people travelling long term. I’m not sure how relevant they are for shorter duration travelers like myself, but nevertheless really appreciate the information. I do know a couple of people who would find this information invaluable, and have forwarded your page to them
It can work for shorter trips as well. Some places will take you even for just a week, so it’s just a matter of finding the right match.
Dann Castillo recently posted…Things to know before travelling to Mexico (advice from a true Mexican)
This is a great post! I have always had my eye on Workaway, but have never got around to booking a trip. Working when travelling is such an amazing way to experience a culture and the local people too. I guess because you’re staying put for longer too, you really get to sink into the spirit of a place. There are some awesome tips in here 🙂 and that artwork for KaBa hostel is just beautiful.
Thanks so much, Chesca! I really enjoyed my time in KaBa Hostel, it was a lovely place and people were super friendly! I’d really recommend to experience the work exchange at least once. It’s so eye-opening!
Dann Castillo recently posted…Things to know before travelling to Mexico (advice from a true Mexican)
I didn’t know that there is an online platform where you can meet up with hotels and exchange services with them! Its new knowledge to me. I’ve only done this through writing once. Didn’t know I have this many options. Would love to check out the websites soon. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
What kind of hotel offer free accommodation in exchange for work?
I’m from Florida.
Hotels are more difficult, it’s easier to find hostels or guest houses. You should check some of the websites I mentioned and see what options you have.
Dann Castillo recently posted…White privilege while travelling: my experience as a Latino woman
I didn’t know this kind of things exists! Free accommodation in exchange for work while traveling? Wow! I wish I had known this before. Thanks for sharing this info, Dann. Cheers!
Thank you, Your information helped me a lot.
If you come to Rome I’ll be glad to guide you around and offer you a beer 🙂
Thank you so much for this!
Just to confirm – since its not technically work (no payment received as you noted), then, by that virtue, can one do this on a holiday visa?
Im travelling soon to the UK and Schengen EU so was wondering if I shuld get the working holiday visa for UK/Schengen or just go on a visitor tourist visa.
I have $16,000 NZD (10,000 Euros) before flights/insurance etc. So about $13000 NZD (7000 Euros approx) and I want to do 6months first . Ive got a few good friends in Switz, France, Germany , Italy, family in London and Finland one friend.
Do you advise the working visa or can I combine my friends hosting with workaway free accomodation with couch surfing?
Apologies for the lengthy comment. Love your blog! So glad I found it before starting my first OE. Im 29 and feel very anxious as I feel its too late to travel for me but I’m going to do it anyways.
Once again, thank you and look forward to your reply.
Hi, Aly! Thanks so much for your comment. It is great that you are starting your travels. The great thing about travelling is that there is no age limit. I’ve met 18-year-old solo travellers and people way past their sixties, so you’ll be alright. I think the amount you have is very decent and it should cover you just fine, as long as you take care of your budget and don’t go crazy. I started with a lot less than that (around 5k Euro) and I managed to survive without many troubles. Regarding the visa, if I am completely honest, I am not sure. I am Mexican, so we don’t have access to holiday visas for the UK or the Schengen area. I travelled around Europe just with my Mexican passport and whenever I has to cross a border, I just said I was backpacking. I never really mentioned the volunteering thing just as a precaution. Most of the time, it was OK, I didn’t have any problems in the Schengen area, Sweden or Croatia. The only place where they got a bit suspicious was in the UK. They took me to a separate room and asked me a lot of questions about my trip and my plans, which was scary, but they let me go in the end. I met a lot of other backpackers from Brazil, Argentina and the US who did the same thing and they didn’t have any issues. However, if you get the chance to get a holiday working visa, it might be a good idea. You’ll protect yourself from potential problems and you could earn some extra money in case you need to work. I am sorry I can’t be more helpful, but all I can say is that I travelled with a tourist visa and it worked for me. I just had to be careful, plan the amount of time I was going to stay in each country (three months in the Schengen area, six months in the UK) and plan ahead how I was going to explain my travels to the immigration officers (they like it when you can prove you have money in your bank account and that you have plans to visit other countries) =). Good luck with your trip and If you have any more questions, just let me know!
Gracias for the prompt reply. So you used a tourist visa. I’m glad to know.
Im turning 30 November 10th (2019) so my plan was to use my savings to travel for 6months (as tight as possible, I’m so frugal its ridiculous), and then come back for my best friends wedding in December 21 (NZ – have to come all the way down, such a nuisance). But then I’ll probably work a few months saving more money, then apply for the 2 year UK Visa when Im 30 so it extends to when I reach 32.
So 7,000 Euros is enough for 6months? I was supposed to leave Feb March but Ive been slack and fearing failure so I cancelled my plans but my cousin took me aside and straigthened me out. Now I’m gonna do it but is 6months enough? Or is that just a dipin the pond and not worth spending my life savings of $16,000 NZD /10,000 Euros?
(I can make money later on in life I know but yea Im just such an overthinker with this $16,000 Ive made as it took me so long to make it and thus dont wanna waste it)
Ive come to realize the Eastern Europe and SE asia looks like a cheaper option
Gracias Dann!
Well, time is a relative thing. I was supposed to travel only for six months and I ended up staying for two years. It really depends on what you are looking for. I think 6 months are great for a big adventure, but it’s a matter of perspective. I’d say the 7K euro are enough, considering that you volunteer in hostels (if they have one or two meals included even better), find really cheap tickets to move from one country to another and generally keep an eye on your expenses. I cooked a lot at home (well, the hostel kitchens) to avoid buying food from restaurants and chose entertainment options like free walking tours and free art exhibition. I also walked a lot and crashed at friend’s houses and couches. Just don’t forget to treat yourself from time to time and enjoy the journey =). I’ve never been to SE Asia, but Easter Europe is definitely cheaper. I only went as far as Slovenia, but the difference was noticeable. Regardless of your chosen destination, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time! Buen viaje!
These are great travel tips! Whenever we travel, I always make sure that we stick with our budget and one of the best things I’ve learned is not to be so touristy. We try local and live like local.
I love these tips. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Cheers,
Thanks for commenting, Jean! Living like a local is one of my favourite things to do when travelling! The experience is completely different and much more significant, in my opinion. Touristing from time to time is not bad, though. Glad you liked the tips! Best wishes!
Great read! I will make sure to be stick with them when I plan my itinerary next time. You have provided some amazing travel tips that will help many like me for sure. Thanks again for the blog.
Looking forward to reading more great content like this in the future. Peace!
i am from Pakistan and next week i am going to travel Europe side on visit visa but during my trip i want free accommodation and i also want to change my visa into work permit will they support me ?? any free resource to fine free accommodation along with work
Hi! Did you manage to stay in female only rooms?
Hello! Yes! Most of the places I stayed in had female dorms only, except the one in Belgium. A lot of hostels offer this option, but I recommend to double-check in advance and be very clear if you don’t want to share a room with a guy.
Oh that is great! I feel latin american women are ultrasexualized abroad, but I really wish to exchange work for accommodation and go in an adventure by myself like you did! Thank you for the helpful post 🙂
We certainly are sexualised, which is horrible, but most of the time I felt safe. When I was in Sweden, we used to be only girls working in the hotel, but then a guy applied for a position and my boss asked us what did we think about it and said that if we were uncomfortable, she would refuse his application, so I believe there’s certain sensibility when it comes to mixed dorm rooms. If you have any more questions, just let me know! =)