WA

Personalised edition for Alan Adams

The Comp lete y a w a k r o W Gui d e b ook

Life! . .. d n a g in , Exp lor g in r e e t n lu g, Vo to Trave llin

ning... a e M l e v a r G iving T Personalised edition for Alan Adams

Issued & Published by:

............................................

Workaway.info

Written by:

............................................

Jane Alicia Cooney

Designed by:

............................................

Alicia Yanting Leung

Personalised edition for Alan Adams

The e t e l p m o C y a w a k r o W k o o b . Life! e .. d d n i a u g in G r , Exp lo olunte ering g, V to Trave llin

Table of Contents Getting Started:

Finance & Budgets:

Chapter 1:

Chapter 5:

Welcome to Workaway

P.7

Money Makes the World Go Around?

P.41

Chapter 6:

Chapter 2: Volunteering vs Working

P.15

Preparations:

Trailblazing & Transportation Tips

P.49

Health, Safety & Insurance:

Chapter 3: What Hosts are Looking for

P.23

Chapter 7: Looking After Yourself

P.63

Chapter 4: Getting to Know You

P.35

Chapter 8: Safety & Responsibility

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P.71

Things to Consider: Chapter 9:

Chapter 16:

Companion or Complainer?

P.77

Chapter 10:

When Things Don’t Go to Plan

P.127

Chapter 17:

The Silver Surfer Sector

P.85

Making Tracks Whilst Keeping Track

P.131

Chapter 11: Travelling &

Chapter 18:

Workawaying with Kids

P.91

Character- Building Experiences

Farewell & Packing:

Technology:

Chapter 12:

Chapter 19:

Countdown to Take Off

P.99

The Top Apps for Travelling & More...

Chapter 13: What to Pack?

P.105

P.141

P.147

Lifetime Adventure: Chapter 20:

On the Road:

Getting the Most From Hosting

Chapter 14:

Chapter 21:

Once You’re There

P.111

Happily Ever After Workaway

P.153

P.167

Chapter 15: Travel Etiquette & Cultural Awareness

P.115

g... in n a e M l e v G iving Tra

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d r o w e For When we first started Workaway back in

2002, it was a seedling of an idea born from extensive travels, optimistic daydreaming and the belief that there really was an alternative route...

We wanted to escape from the same old routine, and the pressure to conform to the rat race ideology. We had seen what was out there and we knew that thousands of people were also looking for this alternative: a way to find happiness without monetary pressures, a way to get the satisfaction of knowing that they’ve made a difference, achieved something new and taken a different route to the rest of the herd, and to be fulfilled by helping each other out without focusing on material gain and of course just as importantly, a way to keep travelling!!

So, with the internet just becoming popular (way before even Facebook and Twitter), we thought it would be great to build a site for like-minded travellers to enable them to connect with projects around the world: to connect people with a similar vision, to travel with a purpose, to feel welcomed and integrated, to contribute something, and to share and exchange experiences and skills.

We never imagined the idea would take off on such a scale, to become the phenomenon it is today!

What we now see emerging is a global movement of adventurers, travellers and free-thinkers who are prepared to challenge

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boundaries and refuse to be ruled by the pursuit of material gain. Instead they prioritize their freedom to live the life they really want to, and realize that being happy is intrinsically linked to helping others. They have the inside knowledge enabling them to explore new lands and cultures, contributing to the places they visit, whilst keeping travel costs to an absolute minimum.

“Is this website real?” is one of our most frequently-asked questions. “It seems too good to be true!” Our response is always: Yes, it’s real! But it isn’t us that create this reality, it’s you!!! Workaway works because of all the amazing volunteers and hosts who are committed to the Workaway project and have spread its philosophy. Without their commitment to use the site in the correct way, and their willingness to exchange skills and show one another respect, the site would never have become what it is today.

Of course how much you get from the experience is up to each of you.

Remember, just like anything in life, the more you put into something, the more you are likely to get back as a result. When you give, you receive…when you want to help others, they’ll want to help you in return.

There are limitless possibilities out there. We hope that in some way Workaway can help you in finding your true potential.

Personalised edition for Alan Adams

This guidebook was created with you in mind, to provide you with the support you need every step of the way. It includes: • Great tips on designing your profile, planning your trip and making it happen!

• Hands-on advice on how to be a savvy traveller away from home.

• How to make Workaway work for you in the future: in forging new friendships, perhaps impacting important life decisions and even providing you with a reference letter for future job applications.

• Inspirational quotes from both Workawayers and hosts, as well as tons of original photos.

We encourage you to embrace opportunities for discovery and personal growth.

In Mark Twain’s famous words, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.

Dream. Discover.”

David Milward.

Founder of Workaway.

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Cha pter 1:

o t e m o We lc y a w a k r o W

This book was compiled for you, to inform and guide you through your Workaway experiences.

Whether you are bursting with enthusiasm at the prospect of travel and adventure or disillusioned by the monotony of routine, you can be sure that your life is going to take a new direction, in more ways than one. As you leave your comfort zone and enter into “new territories� we hope that this guidebook will be a comprehensive source of information, support and advice, enabling you to really make the most of every moment of your time away.

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What is it about travel that sparks your curiosity and passion? What is it that inspires you to leap into the unknown?

Workaway offers thousands of possibilities worldwide. As it’s really a matter of personal preference, it’s worth taking your time to consider carefully which locations appeal to you the most, and also which placements offer you the best opportunity to learn and do what really interests you.

Sharing your days with locals is a unique opportunity. As a tourist your choices are usually limited to the recommendations listed in your guidebook or given to you by the tourist information office, and may not be representative of the real life of a place. I wonder how many Parisiennes have been up the Eiffel Tower or how often the Spanish pay to watch a flamenco performance. Being immersed in the local community means that you burst out of the tourist bubble and your experiences and insights are more rounded as a result. You are more likely to hear about the authentic no-frills eating venues, the hidden beauty spots and last minute jam sessions as well as being invited to house parties, games nights and friendly sports matches.

“

All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware.

”

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Getting Started!

Workaway offers you the unique opportunity of being able to experience the daily life of the native culture and lifestyle first-hand.

1. Culture Workaway is a unique way to learn about the complexity of a different culture. If you are interested in the local customs, it’s best to stay with a family who originates from that region/country and learn about the way of life, habits and cuisine directly.

Other options would be to be involved in community projects. Often rural areas are more traditional than urban areas, but of course cities offer more diversity in terms of cultural events, i.e. theatre/ music/dance. It is a good idea to read up about the location of the potential hosts to see which place would give you the most opportunity to explore your interests. (For more see Chapter 15: Travel Etiquette and Cultural Awareness).

“

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

” 9

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2. Language If you are hoping to acquire a working knowledge of the language the best method is total immersion. If you choose a placement where people speak your native tongue it may be helpful at first, but then there is a strong tendency for you to continue to use and rely on your language.

Speaking another language can be a bit uncomfortable at first, and it takes determination and a genuine necessity to communicate to get started.

Consider which Workaway projects or living arrangements would best help you with your language learning. Taking on an au-pair role may seem like a good way, but you also need to ascertain how many contact hours you’d have with adults so that you have an opportunity to develop your conversation skills.

Getting to know a bit about your potential hosts beforehand, their interests, hobbies and attitudes, may help you decide whether you have enough in common to talk about during your stay.

If possible attune your ear to the language before your trip by listening to the spoken word as much as possible.

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3. Skills Some placements require volunteers with prior knowledge or skills in a specific field, be it teaching, building, childcare etc.

A qualified person in new surroundings will probably learn a great deal simply by working under different conditions. At the same time, a project could benefit from the input of someone who may have a working knowledge of new innovations/systems which operate elsewhere.

Conversely you may feel that you don’t have many skills to offer. Perhaps you are young, or believe that your work experience has been very limited. Think about your strengths and what you most enjoy, not only at work but in your free time, including hobbies and pastimes. Remember that in another country they may not be familiar with certain activities: games, crafts and cooking techniques which seem mundane in your home country will probably seem very exciting and exotic once you are away from home. Be sure to bring with you the necessary equipment, as long as it fits in your luggage!

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There are also placements which offer opportunities for you to learn something by doing. These new skills might be useful for expanding your CV for future education/employment or to use in your professional or daily life…whether it be learning to build a straw bale house, caring for horses or restoring old furniture.

Then there are also the skills that are less obvious, but could perhaps impact your life and future decisions. Examples of these include: • Developing greater awareness of other cultures, philosophies and approaches to life.

• Being able to relate to a wide spectrum of people.

• Learning to be open-minded.

• Being flexible and adapting to new situations as they present themselves.

So, is there anything you’ve always wanted to try? If so, there is no time like the present…Log in to your profile and start sorting hosts into your host list. Prepare your profile and draft your first messages!

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4. Environment If you are considering going somewhere with a climate and setting very different from that of your own home environment, you need to familiarize yourself with what the implications would be, and how prepared you are for the challenge of adapting to these.

You may need special clothes or equipment, be it thermal/waterproof jacket for life in the mountains or a mosquito net for your bed to ward off biting insects in the tropics. Each location will also have its health risks (see Chapter 7: Looking After Yourself) and/or pests/ dangerous animals.

If you are used to city living and looking for a rural experience, it may be time to face any phobias you have of creepy crawlies! Remember that countries may have dramatic seasonal changes which you should investigate before you plan your trip, as these may influence your choice about when you visit: the summer monsoon rains in Asia, the winter freeze in Eastern Europe and the Hurricane season in the Caribbean.

You could ask your hosts for advice about what to expect in terms of climate and what items would be useful to bring with you.

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5. Causes There are many placements which are committed to a philosophy or cause. These projects aim to provide a positive working example of ways to improve the environment, animal welfare or the quality of the lives of disadvantaged sectors of the community. There are opportunities to collaborate with orphanages, homeless refuge centres, wildlife reserves, organic farms, renewable energy initiatives and reforestation projects amongst many others. If there is an initiative that you really believe in and you want to be a part of making a difference, the time invested will be both rewarding for the participant and much appreciated by the hosts.

Remember that there are two parties involved in an exchange, and two sets of expectations to meet. Communication is the key.

Find out what your potential hosts are looking for from their Workawayers and ask the relevant questions so that you can decide which placement meets your own needs/interests the best.

Having said this, any co-operative venture implies just that—“co-operation”. After all, your role as a Workawayer is to offer help and, in some instances, compromises may need to be made. Encountering new situations and coping with unforeseen circumstances are part and parcel of travelling after all.

“ There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

”

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Cha pter 2:

g n i r e e t n „ Volu g n i k r o W vs

Why Volunteering Makes You Richer At first glance the difference seems a simple one. Volunteering is unpaid and work usually involves receiving payment in exchange for the number of hours worked, or for the completion of certain tasks. Yet this simple difference has very deep implications and could easily support the argument that money is a dirty word. Somehow the act of evaluating someone’s time and worth in monetary terms can create resentment.

Let us compare the two systems. Working for a wage often implies trying to meet the expectations of a boss. There is a tendency for both parties to clock-watch…each wondering who is getting the best deal in the arrangement. The worker can feel he is giving too much in relation to the price the boss has valued his work at, meanwhile the boss is watchful that his/her investment is paying off. This can easily lead to resentment and distrust, and often neither party feels or expresses gratitude…

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Personalised edition for Alan Adams

To maintain these roles and to avoid vulnerability both “boss” and “worker” tend to keep their personal lives separate and private, afraid that by sharing their “true self” with the other the information could somehow jeopardize their position. Each play their cards close to their chest and the notion of becoming friends is considered to be too complicated or detrimental to their work. If someone says that their boss is hard-nosed or shrewd, they could even be paying them a compliment. However, would it work if a host were to be described in those terms? A hard-nosed shrewd host does not have the same ring about it!

From the comments left on the Workaway reviews and feedback pages, what hits home is the gratitude expressed time and time again from both hosts and Workawayers. The difference is that the host is welcoming a newcomer into their world as a guest, and they feel a certain responsibility to help that person feel at home.

“I was met with open arms from day one, and now, six weeks later, it feels like I’m about to leave home all over again. Belinda is the warmest, kindest, most generous, accepting woman I have ever had the lucky fortune of stumbling upon...”

Feedback left for Volunteering at a small holding (Australia), by Matt (USA)

“It was the first time I’d ever traveled alone but I felt totally safe and looked after with this loving family. They never let me go without and were such a great blessing!”

Feedback left for An Ongoing Volunteer Teaching English Position in Sumatra island (Indonesia), by Jess (U.K.)

A Workawayer comes with the objective of making a host’s life easier by assisting in whatever way possible. Unlike paid work with a clear “job description” and clearly defined areas of responsibility, a volunteer will probably need to step in and offer help wherever and whenever it is required.

“He even worked more hours than he had to and was very helpful all the time. Besides, a very nice guy with a good sense of humour. Excellent company. We had good conversations and laughed a lot.

Also has a good insight in all sorts of things. Someone whom you can learn from. You will be missed, Jonathan.”

Feedback left for Jonathan (U.K.), by Help a Belgian family on their organic olive farm in southern Catalonia (Spain)

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In fact, instead of putting a limit on how much to give, both parties seem more concerned about trying to please and surpass the other’s expectation. Nobody wants to be considered to be an unwelcoming host, or an uncooperative helper—as these are contradictory to their supposed roles.

There is equality, because both parties are giving and receiving, sharing their time and their skills.

As it is a reciprocal arrangement based on generosity and respect, there is no “boss” as such.

Often host and Workawayers are working alongside each other and have a shared experience: “I like to think that the beautiful souls meet each others in a special way in the hard work in the fields, in shared food and when the leaves fall after giving the good fruits of the earth. Everyone has more than one talent and a hidden force to explore within themselves to find peace and a good balance with everything around. This has yet happened here, this feeling that involved men, women and nature, is the force of life. Really no matter the language, Marion, eyes, gestures and smiles speak better than words.”

Feedback left for Marion (Germany), by Stay and help at a farm house in Trasimeno lake (Italy)

So rather than maintaining a “safe distance” a host often brings the guest into his/her home and this gesture implies one of mutual trust: “...the huge trust they showed me was so breathtaking! when we met it was like meeting old friends...”

Feedback left for Wanted Au pair help immediately, Tamworth, NSW (Australia), by Conny (Austria)

Consequently hosts and their helpers usually spend considerable time together and share activities and projects. Apart from carrying out specific tasks a volunteer often contributes towards the daily household chores: preparing meals, clearing and washing up, helping with the laundry etc as if they were at home: “They always treated me as a friend staying with them and never felt like working, just helping the same as in my own home.”

Feedback left for Come to Vancouver Island and help us with our children (Canada), by David (Spain)

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Personalised edition for Alan Adams

“ Volunteers are not

paid—not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

”

By sharing their living space they also share experiences, emotions and the ups and downs of everyday life just as if they were another family member: “They want you to enjoy your time with them and I was always asked to participate in family activities...

They even made me a cake for my birthday, so nice!”

Feedback left for All kinds of jobs North Canterbury (New Zealand), by Arthur (U.S.A.)

Occasionally a volunteer’s stay may coincide with a celebration or, in some cases, unexpected illness or incident. It can also happen that either a volunteer, or a host needs to give or receive the moral and emotional support during their stay: “They treated me like family, and took care of me when I got sick… I had so much fun that I am hoping to return next summer! Thanks again, Tedje and Annette!”

Feedback left for Work on a farm in Lower Saxony (Germany), by Maggie (U.S.A.)

“… I learned a lot from them and I will never forget the first time in my life I took part on a llama birth. I really miss you…”

“I had the chance to attend a wedding as well as a funeral to view the more cultural aspect of Ghana. I have quickly fallen in love with this community and I hope to prolong my stay as a volunteer!”

Feedback left for Volunteer in Ghana to provide impoverished, orphaned and street children with Health Care and Education (Ghana). by Mariah (U.S.A.)

Feedback left for General help needed around our farm and with the animals (Australia), by Sandra (Germany)

Often the happiest times are the ones when the hosts and helpers spend their free time together sharing their knowledge of cooking, exchanging stories, anecdotes and philosophizing.

“We loved our forest residencies, cooking on open fire, eating in the sun or under climbing vines or at your majestic stone table in the forest. We especially liked your fascinating talent to improvise :) ” Feedback left for Volunteer with a sculptor on an art project (Croatia), by Luise (Austria)

“I will always remember those conversations at the bonfires night after night questioning life matters , and jolly fun and laughs .”

Feedback left for Andrea (Italy), by Volunteer in an unspoilt part of Galicia (Spain)

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If there are musicians, singers, dancers or performers amongst you the evening entertainment can become a very special event: “Having rigged up a zip-line from one of the eucalyptus trees for the kids during the day our Workawayers Forrest and Evian then decided to put on a fire show for us at dusk…whirling and hurling balls of fire into the night sky….our two kids were entranced with these magical guests.”

Feedback left by Jane (Spain), on Project Volunteering at Eco-house in Southern Andalucia (Spain)

Sometimes the experience of living with someone and sharing so much of yourself with them creates a very special bond, and in some cases leaves a lasting impression: “Rachel is an amazing woman, who seems to have nothing but actually have every and all things on earth. I can laugh with her, make a fuss over her, go crazy with her, be wise with her, sad with her, enjoy life with her, learn from her, admire her character, cry with her and so many other things. That’s why I end up staying here longer than I initially planned for this UK trip.”

Feedback left for Helping with computing and eBay in Dorset (U.K.), by Dinh Lam (Vietnam)

How many people could say that about their boss?

By the same token the hosts are often very appreciative of their guest helpers’ contributions, especially when they do give that little bit extra of themselves: “Shannon arrived in our life like an angel, in the mess of moving house and fitted in so easily!! She helped us so much in so many ways, gave a lot love to the kids, and felt like part of the family...”

Feedback left for Shannon (U.S.A.), by Join in our artistic and outdoor lifestyle near Kinsale (Ireland)

“I am so glad I got help from Sivan at a time of a bit chaos (moving from an apartment). She was very helpful and understanding and she even gave me a free acupuncture for my (now resolved) back pain.

She is a very wise woman with a lot of interesting knowledge and insight, and we also had fun and enjoyed our “triumphs” with great smiles and joy. She managed her varied tasks great every time.

She is very welcome back :-)” Feedback left for Sivan (Israel), by Learn Norwegian culture, work, play and relax at our Fairytale Cottage (Norway)

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In fact there are so many examples of real lasting friendships emerging from such experiences, that you can’t help but wonder whether perhaps the exchange of goodwill really is a more rewarding and successful means of collaborating after all: “I had to wait a little time before writing as I wanted to reflect on what turned out to be one of the most important and special periods of my life. …I will never forget my time in the little town in the mountains and am delighted that I have found a friend for life.”

Feedback left by Kate (U.K.), for Building work, Housekeeping and Child Care in Medieval Tuscan Village, Montefegatesi, Apennine mountains--Couples Welcome (Italy)

“She is for us like another daughter and another good friend, another membership of our family.

She knows she’s got her Spanish family in Sevilla.

Lovely experience.”

Feedback left for Nadja (Germany), by Enjoy Seville and southwest of Andalucia and help teach our children English and German (Spain)

“The hardest thing about the Workaway program is having to say goodbye to people who have become family. Noemie, you were an awesome addition to our lives and to the farm. I am so happy to have met you!... I’m happy we are still in touch so often, and we will see you again one of these days. lots of love and best of luck, Terri (and Curtis)” Feedback left for Noémie (Switzerland), by Help out in a rural location B.C. (Canada)

Of course there are some encounters with either people or places which have such a profound effect that there are incidences of Workawayers and/or hosts completely changing their lives as a result… whether that be from developing an interest in something different, to changing the way they view the world…and in some cases relocating, falling in love or starting a family.

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“

I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.

”

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Cha pter 3:

s t s o H t „W ha r o f g n i k a re Loo

Before you embark on your first Workaway experience, you may be worried that you don’t have

any particular skill to offer your hosts, or conversely you may feel that you should impress them with all your qualifications and expertise. In most cases however, it is more about who you are, and your disposition and eagerness to learn. Hosts are not necessarily expecting you to present them with an impressive CV, but by letting them know a bit about yourself, filling them in on your life to date, with the addition of any aspirations you may have for the future would be very informative.

Obviously it is also useful to mention any relevant skills, or what you are interested in learning from a Workaway placement, but by far the most important thing is to give the impression that you are an adaptable and an easy-going individual.

Here is an A-Z of the personal attributes most appreciated by the hosts. Which of these qualities could you demonstrate in your own personal profile?

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A: Active

Being actively involved in all aspects of the day-to-day life is very important. Someone who holds back from participating fully gives the impression of not really immersing themselves in the project or pulling their weight.

“Whether working indoors or outdoors, she has an admirable ability to sustain her effort throughout.

And when she says she is as fit as a 20 years old, she really means and shows it! Rae has no hesitation getting her hands dirty, which was well appreciated.”

Feedback left for Raewyn (Australia), by Help us run and restore our Normandie farmhouse close to the landing beaches and participate in village life in Normandy (France)

“Not only did he work really hard bringing in an enormous amount of wood, which was very appreciated, but we also enjoyed his company, his smiles, the fact that he was always up to anything and everything, that he was interested in a real exchange, sharing stories and memories and opinions. What an interesting, dynamic and cheerful young man! We had a great time hosting David and recommend him without any hesitation. It goes without saying that you’re welcome back any time, if you want.”

Feedback left for David (Sweden), by Varied volunteer work in the Midi Pyrenees (France)

B: Brave

Travelling requires a person to be able to face new or unexpected situations which may challenge them. Being able to deal with these as and when they present themselves is an admirable quality.

“She encountered many different and unexpected situations as our family is always on the go, but each time she just took’ the bull by the horns and jumped right in. I called her “Girl Friday” because she had my life so organized, “an Angel” because she was such a blessing, and “Mary Poppins” because she taught the children to sing and dance, and was a true delight!”

Feedback left for Alice (U.K.), by Friendly, lively, adventurous family on a farm in the country (Canada)

“They bravely tackled several jobs that they had never done before, including decorating, tiling and woodchopping...they learnt quickly and did all the jobs carefully and very well. They are welcome back here anytime and we would highly recommend them to other hosts.”

Feedback left for Elspeth (Australia), by Practical Workawayers needed in Tarn (France)

“We had some difficult projects during the summer and they were there and ready to help every time.”

Feedback left for Freek (Netherlands), by LIVE ON A GUEST RANCH IN BEAUTIFUL B.C (Canada)

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C: Capable

You may not arrive with the knowledge or skills to tackle every new task you embark on, but as long as you pay attention and apply yourself it’s amazing how much you can achieve: “ Leo is strong and capable with an eye for what needs to be done and the common sense to do it. If it is new to him he listens well, is a fast learner and hard worker.”

Feedback left for Leo (Germany), by Ranch adventure in Western Canada (Canada)

D: Diligent

Hosts notice those who take pride in their work and pay attention to detail whether it be something mundane or challenging:

“They worked hard on the projects we asked them to do, and did everything really well, with self-motivation, commitment and massive enthusiasm. I honestly couldn’t imagine better people to have around.”

Feedback left for Jari (Finland), by Family and garden in inner north Melbourne (Australia)

E: Enthusiastic

It goes without saying that enthusiasm generates a positive, energetic vibe… which is transmitted to others and helps build a good working relationship. “ She is full of energy and enthusiasm, quickly grasps the task at hand and takes the initiative...She went beyond the extra mile time and again to help us and we are so grateful...”

Feedback left for Lisa (Germany), by We welcome volunteers who are passionate about farming and self sufficiency in Devon (U.K.)

F: Fun

As many Workawayers and hosts spend a lot of time together, their shared experiences are so much more rewarding and memorable when stories, jokes and opinions are exchanged.

“Outside of being a great farm hand, Leo is great company and a great conversationalist.

Funny, upbeat, well traveled …he has great taste, is up on current affairs and is always fun.”

Feedback left for Leo (Germany), by Ranch adventure in Western Canada (Canada)

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The work itself can also be enhanced with a element of fun: “Anne-Sophie is a delightful volunteer and a lovely person! She was always eager to help and her lovely personality is full of light and laughter. We did a huge variety of work with Anne-Sophie and she completed all her jobs with pride and care.”

Feedback left for Anne-Sophie (France), by Come help us create an artist’s retreat at our farm (South Africa)

G: Genuine

Those who are able to really be themselves, rather than withdrawing or putting up a front are going to be accepted more readily. Of Oriol: “…he’s a genuine and genial person who’s a pleasure to have at your home.”

Feedback left for Oriol (Spain), by Practical volunteers wanted to help in a beautiful town house in Manhattan, New York City (U.S.A.)

H: Helpful

Most hosts sign up for Workaway simply because they need a helping hand, someone who is ready to step up when requested, and perhaps even when they are not. Having the foresight to see when something needs to be done is a true asset: “She was so helpful in the house and without been asked, She just knew what had to be done.”

Feedback left for Linda (Germany), by Odd bit of varnishing, maintenance, lambing. Join our family in Cork (Ireland)

“It was the best person I could have to help me during this time. We were going through some family problem and she took complete responsibility of our home. She is a sweet girl, hardworking and loves to cook. I am sorry I could not share enough time with you because of the events that came up. Hope to have you in my home again in the near future. Good luck and thank you so much for everything you have done.”

Feedback left for Mareike (Germany), by Help us at home and cooking in Valencia (Spain)

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I: Independent

Having someone to stay is a responsibility and sometimes a concern, especially if they are not very confident or appear to need reassurance.

All Workawayers will need support when they first arrive to help them settle in, but it is encouraging to see a volunteer who is able to be self-sufficient, especially in their free time.

“One of the advantages of having Mika over other volunteers is he is happy with his own company when not doing work. This means there is no feeling of having him “under your feet” all the time. Highly recommended.”

Feedback left for Mickael (France), by Campsite in the midi-pyrenees looking for volunteers (France)

J: Jovial

Having someone who is optimistic and of a sunny disposition is always a big advantage to any project: “Xavi and Alba brought sunshine and laughter into our lives. They worked hard, played hard, and prayed hard.”

Feedback left for Alba (Spain), by Help us to build a 60m Golden Spiral of plants in Kotadeniyawa (Sri Lanka)

K: Kind

Sometimes the host may be under pressure and if someone has the insight to give a little extra it is received as a blessing: “Mikel was also such a good friend when I had stress with my mother coming home from hospital, having the fire alight and making me laugh. A huge thank you mikel....pls come back.”

Feedback left for Mikel (Spain), by Help out on the land at my house in South-West France (France)

L: Lively

A person who is animated and energetic can contribute so much…

“Alice was a gift to us. She stepped in and brought song, and dance, and laughter, and love to our family. We consider her family now! .”

Feedback left for Alice (U.K.), by Friendly, lively, adventurous family on a farm in the country (Canada)

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M: Meticulous

For the host, the project/work concerned may well be THE most important thing in his/her life. To see someone carrying out tasks with the utmost care and attention is very reassuring: “Walton was a Workaway host’s dream. He is a skilled, intelligent fast learner who pays attention and efficiently accomplishes a multitude of tasks.

With a great attitude, he is pleasant to be around.

Neat, clean, helpful, resourceful, creative, selfsufficient, you name it. Any Workaway host will be lucky to have him.”

Feedback left for Travis Walton (U.S.A.), by Help doing odd jobs and gardening in Joshua Tree, California (U.S.A.)

N: Neat

Keeping both your living and working areas clutter-free and organized shows respect for your hosts and is a sign of efficiency: “A credit to Rae’s dedication to her host is that despite us having the accommodation professionally cleaned between every Workaway, Rae managed to return it better than she got it, to ’new’ standard. (thank you so much for this Rae)” Feedback left for Raewyn (Australia), by Help us run and restore our Normandie farmhouse close to the landing beaches and participate in village life in Normandy (France)

O: Open-minded

This is an essential quality when travelling, but even more so when you are sharing a living space with others. Different folks have very different ways of operating and it is important to be accepting and accommodating and not judgemental or uncooperative.

“They have a great outlook on life, taking each day as it comes, full of great energy and even temperaments.”

Feedback left for Jennifer (Germany), by Help out in upstate New York (U.S.A.)

P: Polite

It’s important to remember that you are on someone else’s turf and although hosts want their guests to feel at home, most households have a certain etiquette regarding behaviour and personal space. “ They worked hard, were pleasant and courteous, they knew the boundaries and respected our privacy.”

Feedback left for Eleonora (Italy), by Volunteer with a family in West Cork (Ireland)

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Q: Quick-learning

As volunteers are often faced with completely new situations and unfamiliar tasks it helps if you can put your mind to the job in question and give it your best shot. You can only learn by trying.

“Kate is a very handy girl, has much practical sense and she is always in a good mood. She also learn very quickly. She easily adapts to any kind of situation and work with passion.”

Feedback left for Katrin (Czech Republic), by Live a simple life and help us in Tuscany (Italy)

R: Reliable

A person you can depend upon is like gold dust, whether that be in relation to time-keeping, fulfilling commitments or speaking honestly: “They are very well organized, dependable, timely, trustworthy and always brings a positive attitude to there work. They worked well in a team environment or independently and where very well liked by all the volunteers and customers that we had.”

Feedback left for Alexandra (Denmark), by Hostel & B&B in Co Tipperary looking for help (Ireland)

S: Self-sufficient

Often a host may need your help because they simply don’t have the time to do it themselves, in which case their time to “oversee” the task could also be limited. It is a great relief when volunteers can be shown the ropes and then left to it, as in the case of this couple: “Amanda and Kieran took to “Workaway’” like ducks to water! They both put their all into every job undertaken and once on a task independently applied intelligence and didn’t need to be overseen ~ sensibly asking if in doubt. For me they were the perfect couple who worked well together and apart, just what I need here.”

Feedback left for Amanda (Romania), by WANTED!! Happy gardeners/painters/builders. Olive picking in Brindisi (Italy)

T: Thoughtful

It’s those little extra considerate gestures out of the blue which can make a big difference: “You looked after us all with great care and consideration. We had great conversations and laughs. You kept our home clean and tidy, cooked delicious meals and did many little extra things just because you are so lovely, like making a cake for kids. Thanks again Zoe. :)” Feedback left for Zoe (U.K.), by Volunteer at Brisbane, Queensland rainforest home (Australia)

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U: Useful

A person who is an all-rounder and can turn their hand to a variety of things can really make an impact with their contribution: “An outstanding cook, exquisite baker, inspirational teacher, superb with children, computer whiz kid, cleaning, ironing shopping and running the entire household when I had flu, all of this Laura did to perfection, and I should mention that she is remarkable at organizing chaos Laura is competent, skillful, creative, honourable, charming and a delight to be around, any host would be incredible fortunate to have this earth angel in their home.”

Feedback left for Laura (U.K.), by Self motivated and practical people needed near the Lake District (U.K.)

V: Versatile

To work in many countries and assimilate in many different situations and roles you need to be a bit of a chameleon. It’s important to be able to adapt yourselves to whatever circumstances present themselves: “ Liise is a very mature, reliable, honest and trustworthy person. A fast learner, polite and kind, she has no difficulty in entering and working in a team as well as being proactive and when she sees something needs to be done, she takes the initiative to do it. I never heard her say “I’m tired”. Even now at the end of the tourist season she is helping us closing down for the winter by cleaning the whole place, putting plants in the greenhouse and so on.”

Feedback left for Liise (Estonia), by Volunteer at a country inn on the Tuscan Umbria border (Italy)

“

If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path.

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“Versatile, intelligent, loads of initiative and great skills in the kitchen, both on the cooking and cleaning side. If you are looking for a couple that can attend to demanding guests and achieve complex tasks on your computers, these are the people.”

Feedback left for Emma (U.K.), by Volunteer in the beautiful Andes (Chile)

“She is a good team player, likes to work with and share with others, she’s very flexible, adapts easily to new situations, she likes living a simple life, and work outside. Alma; thank you again for your work and thoughtfulness and please know that you’re always welcome.”

Feedback left for Alma (Slovenia), by Volunteer on an olive farm in Sardinia (Italy)

W: Willing

Hosts are impressed by those who accept instructions well and are not only pleased to help out, but also offer to lend a hand or contribute in some way outside “working hours”.

“It was a pleasure to host Ana, Oriol and Ramon. They are delightful, positive and hardworking young people who were eager to learn new skills and to help us in every way possible. We also thoroughly enjoyed their company, conversation, cooking, guitar playing .”

Feedback left for Ana (Spain), by Volunteer in Edinburgh with Workawayers turned hosts.. (Scotland)

XYZ: -eXceptionally Youthful Zest for life!

No matter a person’s age, to be young at heart is what counts, full of curiosity and wonder, zest and zeal for everything new and exciting that presents itself on life’s path. “…we also enjoyed his company, his smiles, the fact that he was always up to anything and everything, that he was interested in a real exchange, sharing stories and memories and opinions. What an interesting, dynamic and cheerful young man! We had a great time hosting David and recommend him without any hesitation. It goes without saying that you’re welcome back any time, if you want.”

Feedback left for David (Sweden), by Varied volunteer work in the Midi Pyrenees (France)

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Check out:

http://workawayblog.com/how-to-be-a-great-volunteer/#comments

“ To be rich in friends is to be poor in nothing.

�

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Cha pter 4:

o t g n i t t Ge u o Y w Kno

It’s worth your while investing a bit of time on getting your

profile page right. This chapter gives you tips on how best to present yourself to your potential hosts in the initial stages of them getting to know you.

Let’s Start with Your Photo

Images speak much louder than words, so when you are selecting a photo, ask yourself if it is representative of who you are and what you want to say about yourself. Think about the type of work you want to be involved in too.

The hosts will see your photo and, without even realizing it, they’ll be mentally cutting and pasting your image to see if they can “visualize” you in that role. It’s not about looking posed or glamorous (that could be misinterpreted too!) but more about appearing friendly and approachable.

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Choose a photo of you wearing everyday clothes, rather than one of you dressed up to the nines at a wedding. The eyes speak volumes, so it’s better not to wear sunglasses and to be looking towards the camera. Ideally you should appear relaxed and with a natural smile. A passport photo “mug shot” is not a good choice as it is severe and static...on the other hand a photo of you tucking into a burger or on a night out with your friends may also give the wrong message.

Although it is a nice idea to upload a photo of you with your friends, it’s best if the main profile photo is just of you, or the two of you if you are a couple travelling together, otherwise it could be confusing for the host to tell which one you are. And of course, you can still add your group photos to the album at the bottom of your profile page. If you are considering travelling to countries with very different cultural values to those of your homeland, remember that your photos should suggest that you’d be someone who could fit in e.g. avoid photos in your swimwear/underwear or dressed in revealing outfits.

In your photo album you could include action shots of you doing what you love. It would be an advantage to include photos of you doing something practical or relevant to any skills mentioned in your profile. More good photo ideas would be you doing something fun, out and about with your friends, or travelling.

“

Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

” Personalised edition for Alan Adams

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How Should You Describe Yourself?

Good question! As with the photo, it’s all about presenting yourself in a friendly way. You should try to write in a natural manner, as if you were introducing yourself to a future friend. This is not a formal CV so it is not necessary to list your qualifications or achievements. In fact, rather than building yourself up, it’s more about demonstrating a certain degree of humility. Above all, hosts hope that their helpers are going to be easy-going, and so it’s more important to show that you are open-minded, rather than opinionated, and willing to adapt and to learn new skills.

Don’t write too much, keep it succinct and up-beat, otherwise it becomes tedious to read. Conversely, being too brief could look like you can’t be bothered, which is not good for your volunteer image.

Some hosts reading your profile won’t be native English speakers, so keep the language clear and unambiguous. Most Workawayers start by saying where they are from and a bit about their background, their family or working life…whatever could be most interesting and relevant for the type of activities you hope to be involved in e.g. teaching, farming, childcare, maintenance.

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Type of Help Unless you are determined to restrict yourself to one area of work, keep your options open with a broad selection of possibilities. It is often not necessary to be qualified in order to participate, and it would be a shame to miss out on what could be the experience of a lifetime or the discovery of a new talent..just because you were afraid of stepping outside the comfort zone of what you know… into the magic of the great unknown!

Skills Mention any volunteering work experience and say what practical or personal skills you could contribute to Workaway projects.

Practical skills could be professional ones such as teaching, nursing and carpentry. In which case you could briefly include details of your background: qualifications, training and work experience.

Or perhaps your skills are more home-based or self-sufficiency orientated such as bread-making, permaculture or handicrafts.

Personal skills refer to specific attributes and character traits which make you helpful and useful e.g. “I am hardworking and reliable with an outgoing, friendly personality and can adapt to the challenges of working independently or as part of a team.”

Look through Chapter 3: What Hosts are Looking for, to find out what hosts most appreciate from their helpers and see which of the qualities listed are applicable to you.

It’s not just about what you are qualified or trained to do, but also being eager to embark on new ventures. Show the extent of your ability to take on new challenges and use your initiative. Talk about any interests or hobbies which you enjoy as you may find a host who shares the same ones.

By the way, cooking skills are very much appreciated by hosts!

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Other Information A host is more likely to remember you and warm to you if you are able to add a bit of colour or diversity to your profile by sharing something more about yourself.

You could include an anecdote which has influenced your life, or mention a personal quest or cause you feel passionate about. Perhaps there is a philosophy, maxim or saying which has had an impact on you, or you have an original hobby…and of course if you are able to convey that you are open and have a good sense of humour, that will go a long way too!

You could end by thanking the reader for taking the time to read your profile.

Your Introductory Message Before you write anything you should read the host’s profile thoroughly so that you know as much as possible about them and the help they require.

Say specifically why the position appeals to you and compliment them on either their location or project. Then suggest how you think you’d be able to help out.

Your message should be in a similar style to the profile page. Be succinct. It’s possible that the host reads your message before seeing your profile, so it’s important to include any details of skills/ experience that might be of interest to them.

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You may have questions and specific requests regarding your stay, but it would be better to organize the logistics once the placement has been offered to you, and not in the introductory phase. Bringing up requirements or conditions so early on may put the hosts off.

Let them know of your whereabouts and plans for the time leading up to the proposed visit.

It is important to be clear about when you are available to visit and how best to maintain communication between you both in the meantime.

Other Considerations to Bear in Mind Once you are in the process of finding a host, it is important to clarify any areas which could be a problem for either yourself or your hosts.

• Are you or your hosts vegetarian?

• Do either party smoke?

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

• Do you have any allergies or suffer from any condition which your hosts might need to know?

• Are there any “house rules” you should know about?

If the culture is very different from your own, it would be a good idea to learn as much as possible about the social expectations or religious values beforehand. There may be a difference in dress code, eating habits or personal hygiene. Behaviour which is acceptable in your own country may be considered to be inappropriate or impolite there, or vice versa.

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Cha pter 5:

e h t s e k a M y e n Mo ? d n u o r A o G d l r Wo

Money Matters The Workaway concept relieves the reliance upon money to a certain degree, and

yet it is still a serious consideration for travellers, especially when you are on the road between hosts. In fact, when you carry all your possessions on your back and in your money belt, it is surprising how conscious you become of your personal space; it’s as if you have a super-sensitized radar surrounding your valuables—ready to jump if anyone comes too close!

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Budgeting or deciding how much to take depends on so many factors:

Destination If you are travelling in the so-called “Developed World”, Europe, America, Australasia..then food, accommodation and entertainment is going to be more pricey. Even on a budget you could spend $100 plus per day. Whereas if you are in a “Third World” country you could be looking at as little as $10 a day.

Urban vs Rural Setting If you are in a city, then you’ll probably spend more, simply because there is more to spend your money on. If you are in the country, then there is less temptation to spend…and entertainment is often self-generated and cheap!

Daily Indulgences If you smoke, have a sweet tooth, or like going out for a drink in the evenings, then that is going to put your daily budget up, depending on how much you like to indulge! Alternatively you could cut out those things in preparation for your trip, so that you save money and also the hassle of having to track them down.

Entertainment If you like to visit the theatre or cinema regularly, or dine out at restaurants, you should adjust your budget.

“

It’s not a real adventure when you have to pay for it.

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Ratio of Workawaying to Travelling If your idea is to travel as well as Workaway then you need to calculate your transport and accommodation costs for that time.

Outings There may be interesting events or attractions close by. Make sure you have some spending money to be able to take part.

Shopping Whether you have packed less because you want to buy clothes and provisions locally, or you’d like to buy a little something for your family or friends…make sure you have enough money to do it.

Smart Tips:

For a breakdown of costs in each countrdaily travel free site of Budget y go to the Your Trip.

Or for a small charge download an app w you can also how much different hich tells you cost. This is helpful items should and also to avoid th when planning in town” syndrome, e “new kid explained later on inwhich is this chapter.

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Budgeting might be the last thing that you want to do, but if you are aware of the

cost, extensive research and planning ahead could save you a lot of money. You could start by researching the cost of your flights, trains, buses, hostels and travel insurance.

It is a good idea to estimate how much the trip will cost and then give yourself a daily budget.

Of course some days you’ll overspend, and other days you’ll spend less, but at least you have a reference point to know how you are doing. Your travelling time can only last as long as your funds do, unless you are very resourceful, so it’s important to regulate it a bit. You should also put some money aside as an emergency fund. It could be a lifesaver if things don’t go to plan!

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Cash or Plastic? Credit or Debit?

It is not advisable to carry too much cash with you. It is also worth keeping credit cards and supporting ID or passport separately, as well as keeping two small stashes of money in case of theft.

If you are in an area where pickpocketing could be a problem, have small change to hand in a zip up pocket, but keep your bigger notes under your clothes in an interior money pouch or a secret inner pocket.

It is a good idea to have some local money with you when you first arrive in a country. Have a look online at the high street currency exchange rates so that you know in advance what to expect. You could also get a currency converter app for your Smartphone, such as the XE Currency Converter which is free for to install for both Google and IOS users.

If your only option is to change money at the airport (the rates are likely to be unfavorable), at least you could change just enough to keep you going until you get to a bank or bureau to change more. Some countries accept US dollars and euros, which could be another option if you cannot get hold of local currency.

As Visa and Mastercard are the most widely recognized cards, it’s a good idea to have both options and, if possible, from two different banks in case one doesn’t work for whatever reason. Remember to activate overseas cash withdrawal on debit cards in advance.

Most debit and credit cards add a 3% load for foreign currency transactions, however there may be some cards available which are load-free worldwide, so you get unbeatably good rates in every country. Credit cards tend to have better conditions, but remember to set up a direct debit to repay IN FULL to minimize interest being added whilst you are away.

“

Travel is never a matter of money but of courage.

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”

Check whether your debit or credit card offers you protection on your purchases or reservations, which can mean you are eligible for a refund if a service you booked is cancelled or a business goes bust.

Frequent flyer programs or flight loyalty schemes offer discounts to customers who regularly fly with them or their associate airlines. The rewards are calculated either on a points-per-mile basis or on the number of journey “segments” completed. Many airlines have their own credit cards too; they often give you incentive air miles as a bonus for signing up with them, plus additional miles every time you buy something with the card through any of their recommended retailers/companies— without having to fly anywhere! The AwardWallet site and its app help keep track of the reward programs of its members’ frequent flyer miles, hotels and credit card points.

If you are applying for a new credit card for your trip it may be worth shopping around for incentive gifts including free flights, gift vouchers and technological equipment, cameras or computers. There might be some great deals, but read the small print which may specify that you have to spend on the card to receive the “gift”.

Some cashback cards give out an added cash bonus for specific kinds of purchases. If you’re off travelling, opting for a card with a lower cash back rate on general purchases but a high cash back percentage on travel costs could be a wise move.

If you do find yourself in a foreign country and for whatever reason you can’t access money, it might be a good idea to find out which local banks have a reciprocal arrangement with your banks back home and whether they can assist you. If it’s a case of your funds having dried up completely and you really need a helping hand, you can organize a money transfer from a family member or friend via your nearest Money Transfer Agency e.g. Western Union has outlets in over 200 countries worldwide, see www.westernunion.com. Use as a last resort though, because of their very high charges.

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Negotiating Local business people, especially those working with tourists, have selling techniques which have been perfected through years of experience. This expertise is finely tuned, often based on a need to survive, so it’s very likely that you don’t stand a chance when it comes down to striking a real bargain! They’ll be able to give you a “once over” assessment—nationality, spending capacity and even taste. If you are not interested in the product it is better to take your eyes off it, look at the seller and say “No, thank you” firmly, but politely and move away. The chances are that you will pay more than the locals for almost everything, unless the prices are displayed, so it would be useful to swot up beforehand on the numerical system of the country you are visiting.

A traveller is particularly vulnerable when he or she has just arrived. Fresh off the boat or plane you might be in need of a taxi, room for the night, or even a handmade carpet…but with no idea of what price you should be paying for these. The touts don’t hassle the departing visitors with such fervor.

Perhaps this is also something not to get too hung up about. There is an argument to support the idea that as travellers we probably should pay a little more, but remember that you don’t need to be in a rush to accept offers. Unless you ARE in a rush, and then paying a bit extra may be worth it!

If you are interested in buying something, ideally it would be good to investigate the average price usually paid (especially if it’s a more expensive item), and to consider what amount you would be willing to spend.

The typical scenario is that the seller will offer you an inflated price, then you respond with a figure which is considerably less than you’d expect to pay, they’ll refuse and offer you a “special discounted rate”, and so it continues until an acceptable price has been reached for both parties.

Be careful when buying “antiques”, historical relics, handmade objects or artwork because it gives the seller the opportunity to inflate the price. Unless you are certain of the item’s authenticity you also run the risk of buying a dud. Think twice before paying for items up front and then entrusting the sellers to send the goods to your home address.

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“

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

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Cha pter 6:

& g n i z a l Tra i lb s p i T n o i t a t r o p Tra ns

“

Normality is a paved road: it’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.

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Amongst our Top Apps we list Skyscanner as a good way to source the best deals

on point-to-point flights. The likes of Momondo and Kayak also scan and organize your flight options and are particularly worth investigating if you are flexible regarding dates and which airports you use. Hopper advises you on when the best time is to find a bargain based on trends and predictions, and alerts you if the prices are going up/down. CheapAir finds the cheapest flights and even offers a refund if the ticket you bought drops in price.

Hipmunk travel app searches all flights and gives you a low-down on the amenities available and an “agony list” of options in order of ease and comfort.

However before you make your reservation, remember to double-check the budget airline rates first. Generally these would not be included in the search engines’ comparisons, as they prefer to rely on their own publicity and avoid paying booking fees. As flights to principal cities have competitive rates, it may be worth flying into the country with one airline and then doing the final leg to your final destination by a budget airline.

Below is a short list of the most common low cost airlines: Europe: EasyJet Ryanair Transavia Asia and Oceania: AirAsia Scoot Jetstar America: Southwest Spirit Central/ South America: Latam You could look also look at local airline deals for onward travel within a region or country.

If you are a student or teacher you could be eligible for further discounts, check STA Travel and their search engine for offers.

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Be Adaptable Of course if you are able to be flexible with your times/dates then you have a much better chance of picking up a bargain. Try Google flights to check out and compare all permutations. Night flights and less “sociable hours” tend to be cheaper (early morning or late at night) and if you choose an overnight flight it means you save on accommodation costs for one night. It’s also much better to arrive at your destination with the day ahead of you so you can explore and find your bearings. As there is more demand to travel at the weekends and during public and school holidays the prices go up dramatically. So investigate midweek flights and dates immediately following the holiday rush: January is quiet after the Christmas chaos and as August is the holiday month in most of Europe, it’s better to look at May/June or September which, as well as being more economical, are also less touristy.

Be flexible about your choice of airport too. Outside many big cities are smaller subsidiary airports with names that you may not recognize. These are often chosen by the budget airlines because their charges and taxes are much lower. It may mean a slightly longer journey to get into the centre, but the savings could be worth it. If cutting costs is a priority, you should consider alternative routes for arriving at your destination. Direct flights are not always the most economical, it means doing a bit of research with different flight combinations, but journeying via connecting flights could work out cheaper.

Last minute flights are not always the cheapest and it’s good to have time and flexibility on your side to investigate and clinch the best deals. Long term stays in hostels mean that you can often negotiate cheaper rates too.

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Round the World Tickets If you are going to travel extensively with numerous stop-offs internationally before returning home, it may be worth investigating RTW “round the world” fares. Alternatively an “open jaw fare” arrangement is also possible, where you start and finish your series of flights at different locations, allowing you to complete your travel circuit by other means.

RTW fares can vary according to the first point of departure, e.g. they are generally considerably cheaper from Thailand, and more expensive if they initiate from the U.S.A. It is also worth bearing in mind that, as many of these offers calculate the costs based on the mileage, it is possible to include exclusive destinations like Fiji, Easter Island and Mauritius which would normally be extortionately expensive to reach otherwise.

If you plan on focusing on a particular continent, you could investigate the air passes available via the three major airline alliances (Star Alliance, Oneworld and SkyTeam). Areas covered include: Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, North America, South America and the South Pacific. Often these programmes are only available to non-residents of the zone to be travelled, and it may be necessary for your incoming and outgoing flights to the continent to be booked through the same airline. The price of your pass depends upon the distance to be travelled, the length of time you’ll be travelling for and the number of stopovers. Read the small print carefully as connecting flights could count as “stop offs” and mean additional costs.

If your idea is stay within a specific region or country you could look at the local airline deals on offer.

You can earn Air Miles not only by registering on frequent flyer schemes, but also by signing up for specific credit cards and earning “rewards” for money spent on them. Some Air Mile cards offer a mile for every pound/euro/dollar spent at their designated stores. Once again, read the small print and check for annual fees.

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Be Prepared Remember to stock up with easy-to-transport snacks and refreshments as airport and in-flight prices are pricey. Choose food which doesn’t leak, squash or smell too much. Nuts, biscuits, fruit/ muesli bars usually satisfy hunger pangs. Avoid fatty and salty snacks as they are difficult to digest at high altitudes. Also bring food and drink to eat before you go through the customs liquid/ substances controls. At least you board the plane topped up, even though you’ll probably need to buy water in the departure lounge or onboard, as being hydrated is important.

Remember that the weight restrictions apply to your baggage and not you. So if you’re concerned about being caught with a heavy suitcase, you can always wear your heaviest clothes/boots and you could even wear a combat jacket and fill your pockets! Flightradar24 app can track the arrival and departure times of flights as well as aircraft information, whereas GateGuru gives you detailed information of the airport, amenities, delays and gate changes.

Be Comfortable For long haul flights it might be worth spending a little extra on seats near the emergency exits, the extra leg space means you can stretch out and doze…especially if you are tall! However some airlines don’t pre-allocate seats, so it’s worth enquiring about availability at check-in. Seat Expert and SeatGuru provide you with a seat plan and information about exit rows, reclining seats and extra leg room so that you can make an informed request. Remember that back row seats and those immediately in front of an exit row won’t recline at all. For iPhone and iPad users ExpertFlyer has a “seat alert” feature which allows you to select a seat preference. Even if the “best seats” are occupied it will send you an sms or email update if your chosen seat becomes available.

As it is sometimes difficult for families to find adjoining seats on busy flights, it is worth considering paying extra to make sure you’re all together, especially if you have little ones. Beware of paying supplements for seats near the bathroom facilities, as your space can be easily reduced to accommodate passengers waiting to use them.

There are some ingenious products which could make your time on board more comfortable.

Lifeventure have some great accessories including lightweight soap leaves for shaving, shampooing and laundry. “Earplanes” are earplugs which give relief to ear problems due to the change in cabin pressure. Small massage balls or rollers for feet, hands and necks can help if you are sitting for long periods of time. An inflatable pillow/eye mask are also great travel companions.

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Be Entertained Travelling can be tedious and there is often a lot of waiting around too. However with a little foresight you can really make the most of this time. Take a book with you based on your destination—even if it is fictional, it will spark your interest and imagination.

Similarly download topical films/audio books—sit back and enjoy! Podcasts and a selection of music to suit your moods as you are travelling can enhance your trip. Apps with your favourite games, sudoku, crosswords or a pack of cards can while away the hours. If you’re lucky you might find you have an interesting travel companion in the seat next to you.

Remember that however a person seems, everyone has their gems of wisdom or useful insights…and if you find you’ve had enough you can always close your eyes or politely put your earphones on (whether you are listening to anything or not). It’s also an ideal opportunity to work on your blog (see Chapter 17: Making Tracks whilst Keeping Track), or at least jot down how you are feeling at this transitional time and what your expectations are. If you haven’t already done so…why don’t organize your files and documents on your PC and delete all the unnecessary stuff!

To keep your phone “alive” en-route you could invest in a wireless charger. For approximately $50 you get a special case for your phone and a charging station that works through the “magic” of induction.

Dealing with Jetlag The general rule is to adapt your body as gradually as possible to the new local time zone. If you are flying eastward you should get up later and go to bed later on the days leading up to your departure. However if you are going westward you should do the opposite…early to bed and early to rise. If you reset your watch to local time as you take off, you can aim to sleep when it’s night time there and try to stay awake when it’s not. The Jet Lag Rooster offers a free app which generates a customized jet lag plan based on your travel details. This includes advice on how to adjust your sleeping patterns and when best to expose yourself to sunlight. It is completely free and does not require an internet connection. There are melatonin based drugs which can help you to sleep at designated times, but like any medication it interferes with your body’s natural rhythm.

The homeopathic solutions Jetzone and Nojetlag are free from side effects, are reasonably priced and have received very positive reviews.

Once at your destination you should aim to get at least four hours sleep during the local night.

This “anchor sleep” helps your body to adjust or “anchor” itself to the new time zone. You can then take short naps if necessary during the day. Being exposed to sunlight also helps your body’s internal clock to shift faster than staying indoors.

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OVERLAND Travelling by Train Undoubtedly the cheapest travel option is to use public transport, and that way you really get a taste for the culture and cross paths with locals who you wouldn’t have normally met. In some parts of the world the conditions may be very different to those you are used to, but that’s why we travel anyway isn’t it? A train ride in India or bus trip in Morocco is a very memorable experience!

You can often get reduced rates by booking train tickets in advance. Some countries in the developed world have passes which enable you to use public transport at a further reduced rate. The Eurail Global Pass is for non-Europeans and spans up to 24 countries in Europe; or there is the InterRail Global Pass for Europeans covering up to 30 countries, including reductions on selected ferry routes too. Some conditions and surcharges apply and Europeans do not get free travel in their country of residency. It is also possible to purchase InterRail and Eurail “One Country” travel passes for individual countries.

Bear in mind that some countries, like Germany, have a very intricate network of regular trains operated by Bahn, whereas others, like Renfe in Spain, offer a much more limited service.

USA‘s Amtrak, has 15, 30 or 45-day travel options covering the whole United States. Korail in South Korea has a selection of rail passes on offer. Canada’s Canrail offers a pass system too, based on packages of either 7 or 10 one-way tickets or unlimited travel. Japan also has regional and national rail passes available at Japan Rail for those entering the country with “Temporary Visitor” status.

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Bussing It Coach travel is generally much cheaper than train travel, but slower.

Eurolines has 15 or 30 day passes which are valid for 45 European cities. Greyhound U.S.A. has a number of Discovery Passes available, including some travel options in Canada and Mexico. Greyhound Australia, offers a wide choice of pass opportunities to suit your trip. Then there is Flexitrip in New Zealand, that has a wide range of passes based on number of trips made.

“

Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.

”

There are a number of bus companies offering hop on/hop off trips aimed at backpackers. STA Travel has a variety of flexible bus passes following specific routes to incorporate some of the most popular destinations in Europe, Australia, Mexico, Canada and Northern U.S.A. Another reputable company, the Green Tortoise Adventure Bus, still going strong after 40 years, works like a backpackers’ hostel on wheels. There is sleeping capacity for up to 36 passengers with a numerous options of different U.S.A. routes, including trips crossing the border into Mexico/Belize/Guatemala. For New Zealand, the Intercity FlexiPass is an hours-based pass used by both locals and tourists to access a regular and extensive network, Kiwi Experience has a wide selection of backpacker travel passes too, depending upon routes and adventure activities selected. Stray Travel offers adventures in New Zealand, but has expanded throughout South East Asia and has also joined forces with “Loca” bus tours in Australia.

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Travel the Alternative Ways The cheapest possible option is of course hitchhiking, but there are a number of considerations to bear in mind—probably the most significant one being where you are.

Although not illegal in any country (except Burma apparently), some places take a different stance on hitchhiking to others.

As a visitor to a country where the inhabitants would see you first and foremost as a tourist, drivers may expect a donation for their trouble. Other places might regard a woman waiting alone at the side of the road as suggestive of another activity! In some countries picking up hitchhikers is considered a potential risk that the majority of drivers are not willing to take. It’s best to do your research first amongst the locals, before finding yourself stranded out of town without a lift in sight!

If the prospects look good, it is very important to choose your spot carefully. Once you have decided you are ready to go, make sure you are somewhere which coincides with the traffic flow heading out of town towards your desired destination.

As a pedestrian you can only walk and stand in areas designated for foot passengers, but choose somewhere with ample space for a vehicle to pull over safely. Petrol stations and lay-bys are good options. Make a card with your destination written in big bold letters. and it’s a good idea to wear something bright...and look bright too—nobody wants a miserable travel companion! Stand facing the oncoming traffic, hold up your destination card and make eye contact with the drivers who pass. In most countries, the thumb up is the recognized symbol, but it is not universal and can even be insulting (see Chapter 15: Travel Etiquette and Cultural Awareness).

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Safety Notes Like anything in life —there is a risk to consider. As single men are the most likely to pick up hitchhikers anyway, women travelling alone can sometimes feel uncomfortable or at risk. Travelling in pairs may feel safer, but then it may take longer to find a driver happy to take two of you plus your luggage. A driver picks up travellers for a whole range of motives: from relieving the boredom of travelling alone, or simply out of curiosity to meet foreigners, to their desire to talk about the wonders of their own country. You could either be bored to tears or thoroughly entertained and grateful for the chance to get to know one of the locals!

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More Alternative Ways For airport runs or short trips around the city the Uber /Lyft on-demand car service is becoming increasingly widespread. You create an account with Smart Tips: your personal details, mobile number and valid credit card details. Then you download the Uber/Lyft app, “Organized hitchhiking” or car sharing free from your App Store. You’ll be given a username is another initiative which is growing in and password which you’ll need to sign in with. It popularity. Take a look at CarpoolWorld enables you to locate the nearest approved drivers and the following selected links to get in any city where Uber /Lyft operates and then you further ideas on cutting your travel costs: can make a request to be picked up and taken to a specific location. There are a range of vehicles on North America/ offer from everyday cars, people carriers and black Europe: Canada: sedans to luxury services and taxi drivers operating Trustroots Triphopping under agreement with Uber. /Lyft. Average pick Hitchhikers Zimride up times may vary. As all payments are charged to Ridefinder Trypp your credit card you don’t need to have to use local Bla Bla Car currency, which is handy when you first arrive in a Mexico: country or you find yourself low on funds. Fares are DameUnAventon different in every city and depending on the type of (website in vehicle selected, so check the Uber website first.

Spanish) Beware of cancellation charges and the default 20% tip for taxi driver service only, which can be changed in the Billing section of the Uber /Lyft website.

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Car Rentals Wicked Campers offer a range of campervan rental deals for Australia, New Zealand, Europe, USA, Canada, Africa and Chile. This puts up your transport costs, but if you share the trip with others and take off the cost of accommodation, it could be a fun option.

Explore the possibility of mini-lease deals for rentals of 30 days plus, as they should work out cheaper than daily/weekly rates for car-hire.

Take Your Own Transport For extended trips it could be worth exploring buying your own vehicle and later selling it on.

There are companies which offer this service to travellers in the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. See Highway Camper and Gumtree.

Depending on the used vehicle market in the country you are in, you may be able to arrange a buy back agreement with the dealer.

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Across the Water...

When planning from home we often only consider flights, buses and trains as viable forms of transport. Don’t forget that in many parts of the world travelling across the water by ferry or water taxi can be the cheapest, most flexible and often the most fun way to go. This could be as simple as crossing Sydney harbour or as adventurous as sailing across Southern Europe or even travelling up the Central American coastline. So, if you’re in a coastal place and fancy a nautical trip, do a bit of research. Talk to the locals and go down to the local port or marina to ask around. Think outside the box! Even if there isn’t any official local transportation available, you can always offer to pay a local fisherman to take you up the coast. Yacht owners are often either looking for a crew or a way to finance the next leg of their journey.

One lucky traveller was able to hitch a ride on a boat the full length of the Great Barrier Reef stopping at islands on the way and eventually getting off in Darwin...just by asking around for 20 minutes at the local marina! This proved to be an unforgettable experience which not only changed the direction of his travels but went on to shape his future plans too.

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Look for off-season deals in Europe to get between the UK and mainland Europe, from France to Italy and on to Greece, and from Spain to Morocco. In South America consider travelling part of the way by local ferry—Guatemala to Belize, Belize to Mexico etc.

Last but not least, remember that there are always local promotions and city tourist cards available, or one-off specials. If you have a valid student, teacher or youth identification card, do not forget to carry it around with you, since there is a very big chance that you will be able to enjoy special discounts.

Talk to other travellers, look at backpacker noticeboards and don’t be shy to ask before booking if there are any fares at discounted rates.

“

Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go instead where there is no path and leave a Trail.

”

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Cha pter 7:

Look i ng f l e s r u o Y After

As a traveller you are often exposed to new climatic conditions, bacteria and viruses. Some

people take a while to adjust to jet lag or even the local water or cuisine. Then there are the “inconveniences� of diarrhoea, vomiting, colds, sore throats and flu that can strike at any time.

Feeling rough when you are away from home is tough.

Being held back by health complaints when you have so much to do and see can be really frustrating, but there are always ways to reduce the likelihood of being out of action.

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First of all think about the types of health problems that you are more prone to suffer from and how you usually deal with each one i.e. whether it be travel sickness, a sore throat, an earache, a stomach complaint or an allergic reactions. Make a note of the remedies that work for you and be sure to pack them. Be sure to take any pills and potions that you know and like. Their familiarity will give you reassurance when you are away from home and feeling under the weather.

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If you wear glasses or contact lenses, ask your optician for your prescription in case you need to buy replacements. Take a spare pair of glasses if possible, plus a cord so that you can wear them safely round your neck. Also a mini-screwdriver is handy if your lenses fall out.

If you have an allergic reaction to anything talk it through with your medical advisor before your trip and make sure that you let your hosts know too i.e. allergy to penicillin, animals, plants, dust…also to certain foods (dairy, eggs or wheat). If you have an allergic reaction to bee stings or may need urgent medical attention in certain circumstances (e.g. epilepsy or diabetes), you could consider wearing a medical ID alert bracelet or pendant in case of unconsciousness. Some of these devices open up to provide details of your medication requirements; if not be sure to carry this info with you.

If You Plan to Be Away for Several Months or More...

It is advisable to have dental check-up before you go. Needing a filling or a tooth removed whilst you’re away could be a real inconvenience for you and your pocket.

Consider the contraceptive methods you may need for your trip, and if necessary organize your provisions before you go.

Dealing With Ongoing Medical Conditions As far as travelling with ongoing medical conditions, it would be wise to let your health professional know so that she or he can forewarn you of any precautions you may need to take as far as transporting the medication, calculating how much you’ll need to take with you and also any practical advice on how your health could be affected by different environmental and climatic changes.

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If you keep essential medical supplies in two separate bags at least you are covered in case one of the bags gets lost or stolen. If you are taking your medication on a flight with you, you should take a doctor’s note to verify your medical needs, especially if they are in liquid or powdered form.

If the medication is affected by temperature change, the airline should be able to advise you on whether it would be better to carry it in the cabin or in the hold. Copies of your prescriptions are also useful as a reference, in case you need medical attention whilst you’re away, or need to order more medication. Ask your doctor for the generic names of the products too, in case the brands that you usually use are not available.

Private medical treatment can be pricey. If you have travel medical insurance cover it is important to carry the documents on you at all times. Before you travel, check what the medical arrangements are for the country you are visiting. It may be that an agreement exists to treat visitors if they provide proof of belonging to the social security system in their country of origin, in which case it is important to take the relevant card or form with you.

Staying Healthy The other consideration is dealing with the health problems which are more prevalent in the country that you are visiting. If the water supply is untreated, you’ll need to be more careful about what you eat and drink. Generally food freshly cooked and served piping hot is a safer option. Salad vegetables and fruit should be washed with bought water and ice in drinks should be avoided.

If you do get gastroenteritis it is important to replace any fluids lost, so drink plenty of bottled water.

Sachets of electrolyte and lactobacillus powders can be added to the water to help your recovery.

Then when you are ready to eat again, avoid eating fried, fatty, rich, sweet or spicy food. Too much fibre in fruit and vegetables should also be avoided. Start with white rice, or a soup made with the rice starch—the water remaining after boiling rice (It may sound horrible, but it works, and you can add salt or soy sauce for flavouring). Bananas are also very effective and nourishing.

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Immunization The question of immunization is one of personal choice, and what you feel most comfortable with.

Some vaccines are considered to be more essential and even a legal requirement on admission to certain countries (see list below). Of course the location, lifestyle and the sanitary conditions of your destination are also factors to be taken into account. See the link for health information on specific countries: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations It is best to consult your health advisor several months before your trip, discussing the pros and possible side effects of both vaccines and anti-malaria tablets. If you decide to follow an immunization programme you will need to plan a timetable for the shots leading up to your departure and expect to pay some, if not all, of the cost of the vaccines. There are a number of anti-malaria tablets on the market; some are used as a preventative measure, whilst others can be used to treat the disease too. It is worth investigating the options available and the possible risks/ side effects, and then discussing these with your health advisor to make a decision that you suits you. Bear in mind that some tablets need to be taken 3 weeks before travel and up to four weeks on your return to be fully effective.

Some countries may ask to see proof of immunization against certain diseases as a prerequisite of entering the country. It is a good idea to carry your immunization record with you, and it may be necessary to obtain an official certificate, as in the case of yellow fever.

See below a blow-by-blow account of each disease and the implications/immunization procedure.

Vaccinations/immunizations are available for the following:

Cholera: Contaminated water spreads this disease, resulting in chronic diarrhoea, fluid

loss and a risk of death due to dehydration. A vaccine is available, however modern strains may be resistant. Patients require antibiotics and hospital care. Some African countries might request a cholera immunization certificate, although the World Health Organization no longer considers this as a health requirement.

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Diphtheria:

A bacteria which affects the respiratory tract, it is contagious and can be fatal. Diphtheria toxoid is usually combined with tetanus toxoid and pertussis vaccine to form a triple vaccine known as DTP, (included in most state children’s immunization programmes).

Adults can receive a combination of tetanus toxoid and diphtheria toxoid (Td) every 10 years to maintain immunity.

Encephalitis:

Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks may result in an infection of the brain. Certain vaccines are available, but they are expensive and have been known to cause severe allergic reactions, so it is only worth considering if you are staying for an extended time in a high risk area.

Hepatitis A:

Transmitted via contaminated food and water, it is highly contagious, and has flu-like symptoms which can last for weeks. A course of the Havrix vaccine (initial injection followed by a booster 6-12 months afterwards) may provide 10+ years immunity. The gamma globulin is an injection of antibodies which is administered shortly before your departure and lasts from between 2-6 months.

Hepatitis B:

Transmitted via bodily fluids, principally blood and through sexual contact, the symptoms are flu-like and often develop within 1-4 months of being exposed to the virus, although in half the cases symptoms are not even detected. There are no medications which can prevent acute hepatitis B from becoming chronic. Chronic hepatitis affects the liver and requires regular healthcare checks. Risk factors to consider are the incidence rate in the country you are visiting, the possibility that blood used for transfusions may not be adequately screened and the chances of sexual contact. There is a preventative course of three injections, with the final booster injection 12 months afterwards.

Meningococcal Meningitis:

An airborne disease transmitted by sputum.

It infects the lining of the brain, progresses very quickly and can be fatal. The symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. Vaccination provides protection for a 3 year period.

Polio:

This virus is highly contagious and transmitted via excrement or mucus.

Contaminated water and poor sanitation in developing countries give rise to occasional outbreaks. It affects the nervous system and results in paralysis. A booster vaccine every 10 years maintains immunity.

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Rabies: Transmitted from mammal to mammal normally through a bite. The mammals

which are considered to be better carriers of the disease include raccoons, monkeys, skunks, foxes, wild dogs, coyotes and certain species of bats. The flu-like symptoms may take some days to appear, however once a person begins to exhibit signs of the disease, survival is rare. It is important to react quickly in the face of a possible rabies threat and seek medical attention immediately. A course of immunization is available (3 injections over 21-28 days) for those working in high risk areas, especially if travelling to remote areas, hiking, biking or coming into contact with animals.

Tetanus:

A disease produced when the tetanus bacteria infects the body via a wound.

The symptoms often can take from 3 days to 3 weeks to manifest, and can be from mild to lifethreatening. The bacteria produces a toxin which can cause respiratory problems and muscular spasms. Successful treatment of the condition is not guaranteed. Immunization consists of an initial course of 3 injections (included in most state immunization programmes for children), followed by boosters every 10 years.

Tuberculosis:

A highly contagious airborne bacterial infection which in its severe form can attack the lungs and cause death. As most healthy adults do not develop symptoms, it is possible to do a skin test before and after travel to determine whether the disease is latent.

A BCG vaccination may be advisable for travellers living or working in high risk situations, due to location or healthcare work, for a prolonged period of time (3 months or more).

Typhoid:

Transmitted via food or water, this Salmonella bacterium is more prevalent in areas with untreated water and poor hygiene and sanitary conditions. The symptoms include headaches, fever and lethargy. The condition can be treated with antibiotics. Both an oral vaccine or an injection are available and should be taken at least 1 week before travelling. The effects of the vaccine lasts for a few years.

Yellow Fever: Transmitted via mosquito bites, the symptom is a fever, which if suffered mildly may last for a week. However in severe cases the onset of complications could be life-threatening. If you are travelling to Africa or Central/South America you should check the medical requirements for entry as this vaccine is a legal requirement in a number of countries where the disease is considered endemic. The vaccine is usually carried out in a specialized centre which can also issue you with the yellow vaccine certificate which you may be asked to produce as verification. The vaccine lasts for 10 years.

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In tropical locations you’ll need to take precautions against mosquitoes. As they tend to bite mostly in the evening, it’s a good idea to organize mosquito nets for your bed, or a fan to blow them off course. In some parts of the world they can also transmit the dengue fever virus, which causes high fever, headache, chills, swollen lymph nodes, red eyes and eye pain, severe joint and muscle pain, flushed face, lower back pain and general weakness. The symptoms last for approximately 10 days. There is no vaccine, but medications may ease the condition.

“ The body is your temple.

Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.

Wear long sleeves and trousers at this time of day and find an insect repellant method which suits you. Take something to apply to soothe insect stings. In tropical climates small bites and cuts can become easily infected, so it’s important to use antiseptics.

In spite of all the lotions and potions that you may bring from home, usually the locals are the true experts on how to treat the ailments they are most affected by. You’ll have the opportunity to find out how they deal with insect bites, cold symptoms or sunburn, and who knows, maybe you’ll end up taking back a few remedies to share with friends and family on your return.

”

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Chapter 8:

Safety y t i l i b i s n o p s e R $& Life has the habit of bringing us surprises, and when we are travelling even

more so. Some eventualities are more welcome than others, but it is possible to minimize the risks by taking certain precautions and using your gut instinct and common sense to guide you.

It’s best to avoid taking anything which is valuable or irreplaceable, unless it is absolutely essential for your trip. The responsibility of having to look after and protect such items either from theft or the elements often outweighs the benefits of having them with you. Remember to store all important documents and records in the cloud as a back-up. Having medical and travel insurance cover can help cushion the blow if misfortune strikes.

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General Rules of Thumb There is no denying that being a stranger in a foreign land does make you vulnerable. You are new in town, “fresh off the boat” so to speak…and it shows! Certain people, and by no means the majority, may try to take advantage of the situation. Whether it is your money, your camera or your “presumed” sexual availability that they are after, you need to be wary of people who are overly friendly or persistent.

Here are 10 general rules of thumb: 1. Be careful about people who wait for new arrivals to their locality, be it at borders, airports, train stations or bus depots.

2. Try to plan a bit ahead so you can avoid getting confused, lost or stranded. On arrival at a new place it is a good idea, especially if travelling alone, to have a clear idea of where you are going, how to get there and where you are going to stay (at least for the first night).

3. Be wary of people who offer you amazing deals or tell you scaremonger stories and then offer to protect you.

4. If you don’t feel comfortable about something, don’t go along with it. Likewise, if you don’t feel comfortable with someone, don’t trust or follow them.

5. It is advisable to stay alert in crowded places, such as market and metro, which often offer opportunities for pickpockets.

“

When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life.

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6. Arriving at the destination you’ve been dreaming of can be thrilling and distracting, but don’t stop being aware of what is going on around you.

7. Do not wave your valuable belongings and money around. Use them discreetly and put them away somewhere safe as soon as possible.

8. Be respectful. For example, never take photos of someone (especially children) without permission, and avoid getting drunk in public. (Read more on Chapter 15: Travel Etiquette and Cultural Awareness) 9. Blending in always helps to minimize the risk. Never try to stand out or wear clothing that screams tourist.

10. Read about safety issues in the specific countries you are going to visit. Listen to the locals too. They’ll know better than anyone whether it is safe to explore alone, and which roads or districts are best avoided.

Remember that the culture of a place may interpret certain dress-codes or behaviour as motives for attracting the wrong kind of attention.

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The same precautions apply to your Workaway placement. Although hosts should be sensitive

about the safety and welfare of their Workaway guests, it may be that in certain instances they are not aware of the reservations you may have. It is important to be clear about your concerns or limits, and if you don’t feel comfortable about something—then make that known. In most circumstances your hosts will be understanding. It is also very important to never allow yourself to be pressurized into doing something that you feel compromises your security.

“ Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.

”

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Striking a Balance The issue of safety is a complex one. Should we take risks? Every time we get out of bed, or in some cases whilst we are still in bed, we trust that the world and all that it is in it is going to be good to us: that whilst we are speeding along on the highway the driver of an oncoming car doesn’t decide to end it all and veer into us; that a dog doesn’t take a dislike to us and decides to attack; that the person who knocks at the door isn’t there to check out the contents of our house and assess our physical strength. We are never 100% safe in fact!

When we travel we also have to rely on people all the time, whether it be someone who handles our documents, has keys to our hotel room, drives the taxi, etc. Most people are reliable and trustworthy, otherwise the human world as we know it would cease to function. Probably the best moments of your time travelling will be those shared with others, especially those who have shown you great kindness or hospitality, so it is necessary that you don’t close off your capacity to welcome these new experiences and encounters. On entering an Eating House in Singapore two friends were invited to share a table with two locals. One of the friends was afraid that it was a ploy to take advantage in some way and politely refused the offer and sat at another table some distance away. On leaving the friend went to settle the bill to find that their meal had already been paid for. And no, the locals were not waiting to pounce on them as they left the restaurant…

This goes to show that travellers, as well as being potential targets, are also often treated with exceptional generosity by those who genuinely want to show visitors true hospitality.

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Faced with tricky situations it is essentially your own judgement and discretion which make the best allies. There are some travellers who have the attitude that because they are away from what they consider to be the “real world�, they are off-limits and invincible. Consequently they behave in ways which they would never contemplate back home, whereas others are overly suspicious and miss out on opportunities as a result. Both these extremes are recipes for disappointment and potential disaster! The first should be reminded of their mortality before they find out the hard way, and the second should be told that risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. Be vigilant. Use your common sense and instinct to walk a path somewhere in between.

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Cha pter 9:

r o n o i n „ Compa ? r e n i a l Comp

Many travel plans emerge from chatting to a friend or partner. The enthusiasm is generated between them…the trip is organized, and it goes without saying that your companion is too.

However whether to go it alone or with someone else is a big consideration…bigger than you might think. In fact, it is as important as deciding where you go and how you spend your time and for how long…because your companion may influence all those things just by being there with you.

First time travellers tend to be more apprehensive as they have no idea of what to expect. Probably their biggest fear is to be stranded and alone, a long way from anyone or anything familiar. The solution is simple, isn’t it? Take a friend with you…then you can share the good times and the bad.

Think it through carefully, because the wrong choice of companion can easily ruin your trip, and perhaps what had previously been a good relationship too.

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The word “companion” originates from Latin meaning literally a person who you share your bread with. A travel companion will not only be sharing your bread… but probably your every sleeping and waking moment— so if one of you snores, or if you don’t see eye to eye there could be many rocky roads ahead. Even couples who are used to each other’s company can find it tough.

Travelling is a catalyst, a recipe for change and it also challenges preconceived beliefs about yourself and those close to you. Expectations run high and it’s not uncommon for a relationship to collapse under the strain. It’s also important to remember that the way a person behaves on familiar soil could change dramatically when they are faced with strange situations and people. “She was such a fun-loving,

adventurous person back home, I don’t know why she became so uptight and suspicious of everything whilst she was away”, one backpacker commented about her best

friend from university.

Having another person to consult and consider can hold you both back and create frustration. If you are thinking of travelling with another person, do the following questionnaire together. You can always blame the book for asking the tricky pertinent questions! Or, if you feel you couldn’t even begin to discuss half of these topics, you should seriously question whether a person who you don’t feel comfortable talking openly with would make a good companion. You need to share an understanding, and if possible a sense of humour too!

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1. How do you see yourself spending your time?

Whether you envisage yourself trekking over mountains or sipping chai by the fire, it’s important to talk through your “travel fantasies” with your potential companion to see if they coincide.

2. What is your budget?

How much do you plan to spend per day?

What expenses do you want to keep to a minimum?

What don’t you mind spending money on?

Are you prepared to pool your funds or support your friend financially if the situation arose?

3. Why do you want to travel? What are your priorities?

People travel for many reasons. Of course there is the typical “Miss World” response of wanting to see new places and learn about other cultures. But what does that really mean? Travellers may be secretly wishing to fall in love, find a new place to settle, go to the best surf spot in the world, see a country’s trouble spots and ghettos, catch a glimpse of the stars in Hollywood. The motives for leaving home can be really astounding sometimes. In fact, you need to ask yourself and each other what it is about travelling that has got your hearts racing and your imagination firing on all cylinders.

Do you both feel the same way? Do you share the same curiosities and interests?

A difference in priorities can cause a lot of tension and frustration. It’s good to be honest and to talk things through beforehand.

4. What sort of accommodation do you want to stay in?

Are you happy to rough it if necessary?

Are comfort/cleanliness big factors?

How fussy are you when it comes to choosing a place to stay?

5. How long are you planning on being away?

Is the time you have for travelling fixed or flexible?

6. Do you want to spend more time in the country or in the town?

Do you mind being out in nature?

Do you like to have internet, nightlife, shops close-by?

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7. Do you have any fears or reservations about travelling ?

Darkness? Strangers? Spiders? Heights? Diseases? Flying? Not knowing what you are eating?

Seasickness? Hygiene? Discuss any reservations or fears you have.

8. How particular are you about your food? Is this going to be a consideration whilst you’re away?

Eating out and trying local dishes is one of the highlights of your trip. Will you and your companion be able to share this experience?

9. How much are you hoping to socialize? With the local people? With other travellers?

As meeting new people and sharing experiences is an integral part of travelling, decide whether your relationship could allow for this. A sulky, jealous companion is no fun!

10. How important is it for you to have a clear plan and stick to it?

Having a schedule is reassuring and it can mean that you make the most of your time too. However the ability to be flexible and make spontaneous decisions is important too. Would you say you like more structure or spontaneity?

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Life is all about finding people who are your kind of crazy.

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11. Pace of the trip?

Do you like to meander and “stop to smell the roses”, or are you a driven explorer with things to do and places to see? To be with someone you consider from your standpoint to be a dawdler or a dervish is no fun whatsoever!

One Workaway couple complained that they were out of sync because one of them was an early bird and the other a night owl.

“ I really like getting up and having the whole day ahead of me, but Jay loves lying in. He then gets fed up with me when he goes out in the evenings. For him the night is still young when I’m ready to head back home to a comfy bed. In the end we don’t coincide very much with what we want to do!”

12. Have you ever been through stressful times together? Did you cope well?

There may well be stressful moments whilst you’re on the road together. Simply being outside your comfort zone in a strange country can mean that relatively small inconveniences like missing the last bus back to your lodgings, or losing a phone charger can bring on the panic.

Do you see yourselves as a dynamic duo who can overcome all eventualities?

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13. How much cultural immersion are you looking for?

In principal the standard response would be “Yes, plenty of it please!” but in actuality we see that travellers tend to flock together, and to seek each other out to exchange experiences and advice.

If you want the Workaway experience of totally immersing yourself in local culture: learning the language, the customs, the cuisine, or a specific skill of a place, it is important to check that your companion understands and respects this.

Even if some significant differences have emerged, the next couple of questions could save the day.

14. Are you both happy spending time doing some activities separately?

15. If at some point during the trip you see that you have different priorities or preferences, would it be acceptable for each of you to do their own thing for a while?

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We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.

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If you have tackled the questionnaire, responded honestly and are still convinced that you would

be great travel buddies “for richer, for poorer—in sickness and in health” Congratulations! There are many practical benefits: someone to watch your backpack when you need to use the toilet, shared rates for double rooms at hotels, taxi fares and of course a dual Workaway subscription.

You can take photos of each other, record your trip together and have someone to reminisce with in the future. You’ll have help if you’re unwell, and of course two heads and two pairs of hands for any other difficulty that may arise. Some hosts prefer having a couple of Workawayers as it can reduce any concerns that their helper could be feeling lonely, bored or unable to cope.

Bear in mind that sometimes unforeseeable circumstances can occur: one of you has to return home unexpectedly or falls in love with a place or a person and decides to abandon the trip. It’s best to develop a certain autonomy and independence, so that if your companion lets you down for whatever reason you still have the option to continue alone.

In fact it’s worth mentioning at this point that embarking on a trip alone doesn’t mean being lonely, on the contrary our experience shows that a person who is not in a couple or group is more likely to meet people and make friends. It is perfectly possible to pick and choose your companions as you go depending on common interests and destinations. Generally there are no hard feelings when/ if you each decide to go your separate ways because you haven’t the preconceived expectations of being together forever whatever. Once travellers have developed their confidence and independence on the road, the freedom and flexibility of making their own decisions and coming and going where and when they want is exhilarating and empowering. Travel is such a personal thing, and there are so many dreams at stake that it is important not to compromise them.

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“ Loneliness is an integral

part of travelling. I used to think it was the downside to travelling, but now I realise it is a necessary educative part of it to be embraced.

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r e v l i S e Th r o t c e S Surfer

The concept of extensive travel in far flung destinations really took hold when the airfares

dropped and RTW (round the world) deals appeared in the 1980s. For the first time it became viable to take on temporary work, put some money aside and take a “year out” travelling. Viable, that is, for those who hadn’t already embarked on a career or a family. The previous generation (now 50 plus) would have seen their younger contemporaries, and perhaps gone on to see their own children, head off in search of new experiences and adventure.

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Many of those who were left behind made a quiet, but firm, resolution that their time would come one day as their responsibilities diminish. Thirty years on and the silver sector now emerges from the shadows—time to put the monotony of the 9-5 up on the shelf and enjoy themselves! John and Sandra, whose video features on the Workaway Blog page, say that they volunteer and travel to escape the UK and the boredom of a “normal” job.

Many silver surfers have had their careers, seen their kids through school, paid off their mortgages…and have a respectable amount of money squirreled away to boot! For some it’s simply time to deal oneself another hand, another set of possibilities, following divorce, redundancy or a bereavement. Whichever way you look at it, this step will be so much more than a journey, it marks a new phase in your life. Embrace it and enjoy! The difference with the older traveller is that, along with their backpack, they also bring a wealth of maturity and life experience. Regardless of whether they are seasoned travellers, they will be seasoned as people. They will be used to budgeting, taking responsibility, caring for others, and the practicalities of housekeeping and cooking. They will have faced and dealt with many problems and upheavals, and have developed strategies to deal with life’s ups and downs. They have acquired a degree of common sense and resourcefulness which is hard to find in younger people who are still in the process of discovering theirs. In fact some hosts prefer older volunteers, considering them to have a more “defined personality” and to be more responsible and realistic about their capabilities.

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What a wonderful world it would be if the older ones could be there to help the younger, less experienced ones embark on a new venture or career. Unfortunately it is often the case that society creates a scenario where these groups pose a threat to one another. The old style versus the new. The curiosity and energy of youth being pitched against the wisdom and endurance of maturity.

So, the two are at opposing poles, when they could pool forces and resources and become a dynamic duo. Each could draw inspiration from the other.

The excitement of learning separates youth from old age.

As long as you are learning, you are not old.

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A member of the silver sector has so much to offer to hosts who are starting out. As well as life skills, there are also a whole range of possible vocational skills which could be invaluable to Workaway projects. A person who has worked in teaching, social welfare, healthcare, engineering, design, construction, agriculture, landscape gardening, business management to give a number of examples, could certainly put their knowledge and experience to good use. There are many budding projects which include: collaborating with community NGO initiatives; participating in challenging construction/restoration ventures; managing livestock; farm and parkland development; and ecoprojects, in search of the most efficient means of sustainable living.

Alternatively, perhaps you have a hobby which you could introduce to the folk abroad. In fact this could be the perfect opportunity to pursue an unfulfilled dream. One retired volunteer decided to teach her pottery skills to a small local community in Sri Lanka, and then decided to follow it up by building them a kiln. Basically if you have a passion for something, the chances are that your spark will be all it takes for it to spread to others, whether that be in the form of music, dance, a sport or an art or craft of some kind. If it’s true that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach and you know how to cook, what could be a more perfect way of bringing your culture to the table and sharing it! As volunteering means sharing your time, your knowledge and your skills…don’t forget to take them into account when you plan your trip…and pack your bags! (It might be hard to find a cricket bat in Spain, or your secret ingredient in Nepal!). Pass them on and, who knows, you might influence and inspire a whole new generation!

For someone who does not consider themselves to have practical or manual skills, perhaps now is the time to get your hands dirty! Workaway also gives people the chance to try their hand at something completely new and different. Not having done something before is not an argument for not being capable, and in fact it can be very liberating and exhilarating to see yourself in a new light…the chances are that you’ll surprise yourself. As Mae West once said “You are never too old to get younger!”

Of course there are also many projects which are crying out for help of a more administrative or organizational nature. Anyone who has business, computing and/or management experience could be an asset, especially for new ventures. Equally public relation skills, experience in tourism, catering or hospitality could also be very relevant to many hosts.

As there are many posts which involve caring for the welfare of others, experience in healthcare or social work, being a teacher or indeed a parent are all useful and relevant.

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In fact before you start your search for hosts and posts it may be worth asking yourself the following: 1. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

2. What do you feel you are really good at doing? Where does your talent lie?

3. What do you know most about? What is your specialist field?

4. What really interests you above all else?

5. What do you do to help others or to make others happy?

6. Is there a skill or activity that you’ve always wanted to try?

7. What type of activity do you consider to be the most worthwhile and rewarding? Is there a cause that you’d really like to contribute to?

Bear the answers to the above questions in mind when you make your selection of the type of volunteering you’d like to take part in.

Practicalities Drivers over the age of 70 may need to pay a surcharge for carhire and medical insurance is also higher for seniors, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. As the rates and the maximum age limits for policies vary greatly, it is worth shopping around. See also the Health Section for general information on health and medical procedures and precautions for travel.

It is not all doom and gloom on the age front. The good news is that merely by showing your silver locks and accompanying passport it is possible to get reduced rates on public services and also discount tickets for many attractions, performances and entrances to exhibitions/galleries. Even if it is not publicized, it is worth enquiring before purchasing any tickets.

As far as choosing where to be and when, one important factor to take into account is the weather.

Perhaps you are a seasoned traveller and we are teaching our grandparent to suck eggs here, but it may be worth investigating the predicted climatic conditions.

Most people would avoid Sevilla midsummer, postpone their trip to the Caribbean until after the hurricane season, steer clear of Berlin during the big winter freeze and wait for the Monsoon months to pass before heading to Northern India.

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Travelling will always bring surprises and often our perceptions of what is the norm, or what is acceptable are challenged. It is best to be as flexible and open-minded as possible. However, if comfort and privacy are priorities, consider the following: 1. Pack light to avoid lugging about heavy loads. You can always stock up on arrival. Consider taking a wheelie bag if appropriate.

2. Check distances and journey times. Make sure you get the breaks and stop offs you need.

Pace the trip to suit you, and save your energy for when you need it…to have fun exploring your destination.

3. Mature travellers often express a greater need for a comfortable place to sleep, autonomy, their own space, privacy and peace. Ask the host about accommodation arrangements.

• Where do visitors sleep? Do they have their own rooms?

• Is the living space shared with others?

• Is there a bath or shower?

• Is there a toilet facility close by?

• Are there self-catering facilities?

• What is the temperature like at that time of year?

• Are there any essential items to bring?

4. If there are any dietary requirements or medical conditions/allergies to allow for, make sure your destination can accommodate these.

5. If necessary check the availability of local transport, services such as internet, cash-point tills, medical facilities and shops for general supplies.

6. If companionship is important: will there be other travellers visiting the area to meet up with and share experiences? Is it important that you have English speakers around you?

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When you’re travelling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.

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Budgeting for extended travel is another frequently expressed concern. Chapter 5: Money makes the World go Around? on money matters will give you advice on how to budget for your trip and organize your finances.

We think the golden rule is that however much you plan, be prepared to face situations that you are unprepared for. As they say—the magic often happens once you step outside your comfort zone.

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Cha pter 11:

& g n i l l e v Tra g n i y a w a Work s d i K h t i w

Get them off those screens and set them free to run off all that pent up unexpended energy

generated by computer games. Kids need challenges and discovery…but there is no substitute for the real thing. Whether you find yourselves exploring unknown territories, encountering weird and wonderful animals, trying different food or communicating in another tongue to people whose idea of “normality” is far from our own, it’s going to leave a 3D sensory impression which beats any virtual experience hands down.

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Family Fun and Frolics As for picking up new languages, kids have the ear for it and simultaneously improve the functionality of their brains as a result. Undoubtedly it’s best to do this by total immersion in a place where the language belongs. Children who travel also acquire an awareness of the world, of other opportunities and possibilities. It opens their eyes and broadens their horizons, encouraging tolerance and understanding of other cultures, making the concept of being “foreign” a myth. It’s probably fair to say that the more different your destination is to your home country, the more scope there is for learning. For someone who’s grown up in the city it’s a real revelation to discover where water and food supplies come from, or see animals in their natural surroundings. To fall asleep to the sound of the sea, goat bells or jungle squawks when you are used to the hum of traffic is unforgettable.

When you are able to survive comfortably with provisions which are light enough for you to carry, you become much more aware of what things in life are essential, and which are surplus. Ghandi once recommended his students to …“Distinguish between real needs and artificial wants and control the latter.” Or there is George Bernard Shaw’s quote- “Our

necessities are few, but our wants are endless” .

On the move we become acutely aware of how much water or food we consume, how much waste and rubbish we produce and what we need to get by.

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As life back home begins to feel far Certainly travel is more away, you start to see it through new than the seeing of sights: eyes. It is only by it is a change that goes the contrasting circumstances on, deep and permanent, in provided by the new your ideas about living. standpoint that you can gain valuable insights. Your perception has made a shift, and this can go on to influence you in many ways and have lasting implications (See Chapter 21: Happily Ever After Workaway).

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In fact Workawaying will be an adventure and a learning experience for the whole family, and

almost certainly one of your most memorable times together. Nowadays each of us either loses ourselves in cyberspace, or in the murky depths of homework or work assignments…and even meals are often eaten at different times.

When you are Workawaying you tend to keep things simple—there’s time for helping out and then time to explore; you’ll find yourselves working and playing together, sharing your time in a way that may not be feasible back home. There’ll probably be moments when the family is faced with a new situation or challenge. Whether the response is laughter, anticipation, curiosity or surprise these new experiences and emotions in common can reunite you and reaffirm your family bond. One way or another you are “in it together” and your ability to collaborate and operate as a team becomes evident.

Being a more affordable way to travel than a conventional holiday not only means that you can stay longer; you can also really break away from the tourist scene and get to know the local culture. Kids often surprise us by adapting quicker than any grown up to new environments. As long as there is plenty of space to run off steam and shout (preferably with others of a similar age), they’ll be happy AND therefore, by implication, so will you!

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Putting it Into Practice...

The hassle of travelling with kids may first put you off at first, but it’s worth all that effort when you consider the rewards you all stand to gain as a result. Taking your family’s requirements into consideration whilst planning your trip can make it a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. Whilst exploring possible destinations, take space into account.

With younger kids it’s often easier to be in a natural environment: this could be beaches, farmland, woods or jungle. However, easy access to parks and gardens in a city setting could also work.

Remember if your kids have to be taken somewhere to play it’s not so easy for you to keep a watchful eye on them from where you are living or working. The ideal scenario would be for them to be able to come and go from the area where you’re working, to help out with the projects you are doing, be it gardening, looking after animals or cooking, and the rest of the time play in the vicinity.

Kids usually prefer having a base (at least for a while) to being constantly on the move. It gives them a chance to settle, feel comfortable and to establish routine (what most of us adults are trying so desperately to avoid)!!! Yes they really do seem to like it. Having a Workaway placement can give them the feeling of being in a substitute home environment. If you add to the mix regular day trip adventures you should have some very satisfied customers.

Other factors to consider are the living arrangements. Will the family be able to sleep together if necessary? Will you be sharing some of the facilities with another family or other volunteers? Your children could learn a lot from sharing their day-to-day lives with others, as long as the parents don’t feel under pressure to make their children be on their best behaviour at all times. These issues are worth considering, and if necessary, discussed with the hosts beforehand.

Talk through your travel plans with your kids, encouraging them to visualize the experience step by step. If they are old enough they can even take charge of packing their bags and be involved in some of the decision-making. Be their inspiration—show them photos, video clips or tell them stories of what they’ll be able to see and do when they get there. These preliminary steps will make it much easier for them to understand the travel procedure and stay patient, and it’s all for a good cause!

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Smart Tips: You might also want to explore ways of storing and organizing all those unique snapshots and momentos you’ve collected along the way.

Take a look at the Polarsteps app, if your kids are old enough to keep a record of their trip, or consider the 1 Second Everyday video app for younger ones. If they can’t be parted from their iPads, they can at least be put to good use with some other apps such as the Photo Collage Scrapbook, iDiary and the travel blog My Wonderful Days Journal available at Apple’s App Store.

Healthy and Happy Be sure to check with your health specialist about the necessary precautions recommended for your destination. (see Chapter 7: Looking After Yourself) Sometimes vaccines for children need to be ordered in advance. Make sure to pack all your favourite tried and tested remedies for cuts, bruises, aches and pains. You’ll be glad of them if the situation presents itself. Take kid-friendly anti-mozzie lotion or patches and sunblock if you are going tropical.

One of the main difficulties of travelling with kids is coping with the journey. Parents can be apprehensive about trying to overcome their kids’ bouts of boredom, tiredness, hunger and discomfort whilst on the move. If the journey is a long one, consider splitting it up into manageable segments. Make sure that the kids get as much opportunity as possible to stretch their legs, even if it is running like a banshee along the airport corridors or walking up and down the aeroplane aisle for yet another bogus trip to the toilet. Another option is to do the trip at night: flights may even be cheaper at anti-social hours and if your kids are good sleepers, it’s worth considering.

Travel clothes for kids should be as similar to pyjamas as possible—comfy and cosy. Bring a favourite blanket, use mummy’s shawl or ask the steward for a blanket. Bring a pillow case from home and stuff it with a sweater. Have pocket-sized snacks to hand to deal with hunger pangs and make sure that you have plenty of water and sweets for the take-off and landing (unless breastfeeding).

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A sling is the ideal carry option for babies and toddlers up to 3. Take a commando style jacket with lots of pockets for pocket-sized toys and snacks and wipes. Don’t hand them all out at once though!

Older kids can be responsible for carrying their own snack box and entertainment.

Good transportable snacks could include breadsticks, muesli bars, fruit leather, rice cakes and individually wrapped biscuits.

Choice of toys or entertainment will depend on the age of the child and what activities most absorb them. Variety is important and it’s worth having a selection of little surprises up your sleeve or in your pockets. Amongst the suggestions below are the names of games that need no equipment.

If your don’t know them you can find the rules online. Portable fun could be in the form of finger puppets, balloons, magnets or dice. When space and conditions allow, a sponge ball, small wind up/pop up toy or a toy car can keep little hands busy. A yo-yo, spinning top or knucklebones game could interest slightly older children as could a sliding puzzle or a mini-rubiks cube. Of course a simple pack of cards is versatile, lightweight and compact.

“

There are a wide range of travel games and activity packs on the market: magnetic board games, scene cards with It is not what you do reusable stickers, booklets with crosswords/word searches/ sudoku/dot-to-dot. There are also kits for “crafty” kids: for your children, but what origami, friendship bracelet making, knot tying, lacing you have taught them to do for cards or stringing beads or assembling balsa wood models. For budding artists there are creative drawing themselves, that will make them projects and mandala design books.

successful human beings.

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It’s always good to have a new plaything to introduce at key moments, but you don’t have to rely on ready-made toys, these can also be improvised from everyday objects. Three to six year olds are fascinated with the adult world and can’t wait to get their hands on stuff, and to try out their rapidly evolving motor skills. Paper clips can be linked to form a chain, bolts and screws can be twisted on and off, or a mini padlock and key is fun to open and close. For older ones a metre of wool or string can be used to make a “Cat’s Cradle” and passed from one to another. Foreign coins can be collected as “treasure”, to do calculations with, or to make rubbings from. Fifteen wooden skewers could easily be converted into the game of “Jackstraws” (pick up the sticks without moving the others). The sticks can be colour-coded to represent a range of points.

Old-school activities with paper and pencil can help pass the time. “Noughts and Crosses” is an old favourite and so is the game “Pig in a Pen” where you take turns to join dots, and the person who completes a square wins it. Kids enjoy collecting and constructing pieces, so a “Beetle Drive” played with dice to gradually collect all the body parts, or a visual version of “Consequences” when a face, body, legs and feet are added by different people without seeing the rest of the body until the end are both fun. Then there are word games such as guessing the letters of a mystery word in “Hangman” or “Guggenheim” where you have to think of words which begin with a certain letter that fall into defined categories. “Fish, Fruit and Flower” is a similar game. With a little preparation you could devise your own “Scavenger Hunt” (a game where you have to spot specific objects en route). Simple origami activities such as making a “Fortune Teller” or designing the best performing paper aeroplane are other possibilities.

Of course there are games that don’t require any preparation or materials. “Paper, Scissors, Rock” fills a few minutes and on occasion can be used to settle disputes such as who gets the window seat. The “Yes and No Game” keeps everyone on their toes as does the “Choices Game” when you invent questions for your partner to determine their preferences e.g. “Holidays: beach or mountain?”. They have only 5 seconds to respond. The game “Twenty Questions” gives you just that to guess your partner’s choice of “Animal, Vegetable or Mineral”. “Eye Spy” can be made easier for non-readers by pronouncing the first sound of the word, rather than the letter. You could set the task of spotting things en route beginning with the letters of the alphabet from A-Z. The “Word Association Game” can produce a lot of laughter as each person says the first thing that springs to mind in relation to the previous word.

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Music can really lift the mood or calm things down, so it’s worth having access to a compilation of the family favourites. Babies and toddlers will be happy with rhymes, or songs, especially if they include knee bouncing, peekaboo, clapping, pulling faces or gesturing.

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: Cha pter 12

n w o d t n Cou f f O e k a to T

Week 10: Clinching Your Placement Once you have chosen your destination, contact hosts requesting availability for the dates you have in mind. Be sure to ask all the “important� questions regarding volunteering conditions and accommodation, plus any other details specific to you. (See Chapter 3: What Hosts Are Looking For)

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Week 9: Documents • Passport: make sure it is valid and allow 6 weeks to apply for a new one.

• Visas : if you suspect that you require a visa for your trip consult Project Visa which will advise you on how to proceed.

• Drivers License and permits: If you plan on driving abroad, make sure that your driving license is current and that it is recognized in the country you are travelling to. You may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP), which acts as a multilingual accreditation to be used in conjunction with your license. Be careful of online businesses selling IDLs unofficially as these are not legally recognized. There are two types of IDP: the IDP 1926 convention is required in Brazil, Burundi, Iraq and Somalia, whereas the IDP 1949 convention is recognized in 140 countries.

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Don’t call it uncertainty- call it wonder. Don’t call it insecurity- call it freedom.

”

It is worth investigating the traffic regulations in the country you are planning to visit to determine whether the IDP is compulsory, recommended or optional, whether car hire companies request it, and how long it is valid for (in Nepal it only lasts 15 days!). IDPs usually can be used for one year from issue date and so unless you are planning on an extended journey you can apply for your IDP up to 3 months before your departure.

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Week 8: Transport Arrangements Start researching the market a couple of months prior to travel. There are many websites, such as Skyscanner, Kayak and Last Minute, which scan and search the data from a selection of flight operators and then give you a summary of the best deals around. It is a good idea to search from at least two such websites as they sometimes have different deals for different airlines and destinations.

Prices can vary depending on peak season, school holidays, climatic factors etc, so travellers with flexibility usually bag the best deals. Midweek flights are often cheaper than those at the weekends, and those operating late at night or very early in the morning tend to be less popular, and therefore cheaper. However if taking a flight at an “anti-social” hour means that you have difficulty getting to or from the airport, or have to find airport accommodation, then the reduced rate may be a false economy. It’s therefore important to investigate transport connection options too.

Week 7: Health If you are going to embark on an immunization programme you should book an appointment with your: • Health adviser to allocate enough to time to fit in all the jabs and/or begin the course of antimalarial tablets (possibly 3 weeks prior to travel). If you are on prescribed medication make sure to request enough supplies for your trip and to take note of the generic name for the medication in case you need to order an equivalent whilst you are away.

• Dentist for a check up and any immediate attention.

• Optician for a spare pair of glasses/prescription sunglasses or contact lenses. Ask for a copy of your prescription too.

• Family planning advisor for contraceptive advice and supplies if necessary.

Investigate whether you are eligible for health insurance cover whilst you are away and if so, make sure that you have the necessary documentation to take with you.

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Week 6: Money Matters Work out your budget and order some local currency from the bank to get you through the first few days after your arrival.

Order a Visa/Mastercard, preferably one from one bank and one from another, to give you another option if one of the bank cards is not recognized. Organize a direct debit facility from your current account so that you don’t have to manage the payments whilst you are away. Keep a look out for offers for newly registered credit card users (see Chapter 5: Money makes the World Go Around?).

Investigate travel insurance, but be careful to read the small print. Being miles away from home, a mishap or bad accident is certainly not the adventure we are looking for, but at least knowing that you are covered and can make claims online from wherever you are provides peace of mind should the worst happen.

We have done some research at the Workaway office to find the best insurance deal out there for travellers. One of our favourite companies is Globelink, as its policies offer considerable cover at a reasonable price. Their terms also include people travelling independently at their own pace, as well as volunteering. For further information or a quote go to http://www.globelink.co.uk/policyoptions/eu-residents.html for EU residents, or TravelProtecta for non-EU residents.

The Money Supermarket website also scans and brings up many of the policies available on line, including one designed for backpackers: http://www.moneysupermarket.com/travelinsurance/backpackers/.

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Week 5: Swot Up on Your Destination Contact your hosts to confirm your travel arrangements and arrival times etc. Read up a little on the background of the country, culture, customs, dress code, religion and local cuisine. It is also a good idea to investigate other places of interest in the surrounding area, as well as other possible destinations to move on to when you feel that the time has come to leave.

Week 4: Mobile Phone, Electronic Devices and Apps Try to obtain an unlocked Smartphone and remove the SIM card. Store any essential telephone numbers in the phone’s memory. Consider which apps could be useful for you to download and install them onto your Smartphone. You might also want to download some music, games, ebooks or any kind of entertainment on your electronic devices which you would like to travel with.

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Week 3: Personal Data Security Although it’s a good idea to make photocopies of your essential documents and carry them separately from the originals, the most sensible option is to scan and store them in cyberspace, so that you can access them anytime and anywhere with an internet connection. The same can apply for tickets, PIN numbers/passwords and important contacts.

Week 2: Shopping Glance through the checklist in Chapter 13: What to Pack?, to remind you of anything you might need, although you may decide that some items, such as toiletries, may be best bought on arrival.

Last minute purchases from airports are expensive, so make sure you have already got your adapter plugs, inflatable pillow, travel snacks, little souvenir gifts, etc. The local bazaars in your town probably stock these items at much more reasonable prices.

Week 1: Packing and Departure Don’t forget to allow space for acquisitions if you want to bring back gifts, souvenirs and local goods (see next Chapter: What to Pack? for packing tips).

Make sure that you have informed friends and neighbours that you’ll be away and if necessary have someone to manage things in your absence (collect mail, water plants, feed your cat, pay utility bills, etc). have to be on a grand scale, but it could be fun Own only what you can Ittodoesn’t organize a little farewell party at a local venue if you are always carry with you: know going to be away for a relatively long time, so that your and family can wish you well on your trip (as long languages, know countries, friends as you won’t have a big hangover and miss your flight the know people. Let your memory next day!).

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be your travel bag.

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: Cha pter 13

? k c a P W hat to

How long is a piece of string? There is no definitive packing list. Apart from your

essentials: passport, money and phone…each person’s packing list is as different as they are. A lot depends upon where you are going, the time of year, the type of activities you’ll be doing and for how long. If you are travelling with kids the chances are that you’ll need a bit more stuff to keep them comfortable, fed and amused.

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The Art of "Less Is More" Although it is a good idea to have a mobile wardrobe full of favourite comfortable clothes to take, make sure not to overpack. It is fun to be able to buy clothes locally, and to allow space in your bags for these items on your return trip. You may love your jeans, but if you are going to a hot country remember that denim is not lightweight, it feels hot/restrictive and takes time to dry. It’s best to take lightweight clothes which can be worn as layers.

The measure of a good T-shirts, traveller is how light he or leggings or sports she travels. You can’t travel trousers, cotton heavy, happy, and cheap. longsleeved tops and fleeces are lightweight and non-crease.

As you may not always have easy access to laundry facilities, you should have enough for a few outfits and plenty of undies to keep you going for up to a week if necessary. Think of versatility, for example a sarong can be used as beachwear as well as a towel, a bed sheet, a shawl, a head cover…or to sit on. Some sarongs are reversible and if you learn the techniques for tying them they can be made into some pretty fancy outfits. Alternatively look at the multiwear dresses on offer in the marketplace which can be worn multiple ways. Trousers with zip-off legs which can be converted into shorts, are also a versatile item.

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Travel Light Some people are happy to wing it, make do with what they have and buy what they need as they go. Others feel the need to be prepared for every eventuality…although sooner or later they WILL be caught out. Often the “wingers” find a well-prepped traveller en route to borrow stuff from—“You don’t happen to have a pair of tweezers on you do you?” or, “Ufff, my bag’s split, needle and thread anyone?”

Of course it’s best to travel as light as possible. Dragging your heavy bulky bags along could spoil your trip, especially when you have to constantly be on the move. You may want to forego packing your favourite shampoos and lotions, which bulk up your bags, weigh a ton and can leak all over your valuables. Trying local products is all part of the fun anyway.

Gone are the days when you have to carry around heavy guidebooks, address books, diary, calendar and maps. In fact your Smartphone can store all that info and more, including your watch, alarm clock, GPS etc. Store all your information and copies of important documents in cyberspace, so that you can retrieve it at any moment.

If you are flying on budget airlines with a strict limit on hand luggage, what you wear doesn’t count, so a combat-style jacket/waistcoat with lots of pockets can be great for all that loose stuff that doesn’t quite fit in your backpack.

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More to Consider...

Your choice of items for your first aid kit will be influenced by three major factors: • your own medical history/ailments that you are prone to, • the health problems you could encounter due to the particular climate/environment of your destination and • the type of activities you’re planning to do once you get there. (See Chapter 7: Looking After Yourself for more detailed information.)

If the climate or culture is very different to that of your country of origin, make sure you research the subject a bit and bring adequate equipment and clothing. For instance, even in hot or tropical locations you need cotton trousers and long-sleeved tops to wear in the evenings to combat the mozzies. Also, in spite of the sweltering heat, certain parts of the world consider sleeveless tops or shorts to be inappropriate, or even offensive.

One word of warning, avoid taking jewellery, or anything which is valuable or irreplaceable. Things can easily get lost or broken when you’re on the move. Also if you are wearing or carrying items which look expensive and special you could attract the wrong kind of attention. Leave the gold watch that you were given by your late great-grandmother safely at home.

Smart Tips: Make sure that everything fits in your luggage: • Try rolling clothes and stuffing shoes with underwear.

• Make sure your bag closes easily without straining the zip. It’s better to take less than split your bag en route!

• Wear your heaviest clothes and if you have a coat you can carry it over your arm.

• Only pack enough clothes for a week.

• Be prepared to do some laundry.

• Try out your bag before you leave by taking it out with you around your home town. If it feels too heavy to be comfortable then you know what you have to do!

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It is good to have a checklist when you pack. There are many useful items that you might not have even considered unless they have been suggested to you. Check out our example checklist table below for ideas.

Or if you go to Travels’ Checklist, you can generate your very own customized packing checklist, free of charge.

Essentials • Large backpack/Trolley bag • Lightweight polyester duffle bag (to be packed flat in large backpack) • Small backpack for hand luggage & daypack • Smartphone & Apps and charger (see Chapter 19: The Top Apps for Travelling and More) • Documents in a waterproof wallet: (and stored on pendrive/in cyberspace) • Passport (check validity!)

• Driver’s License/International Driver’s Permit • International Student Identification Card • Tickets and itinerary (airline, train, bus, accommodation bookings etc.)

• Visas • Health/Social Security card or health cover • Travel Insurance • Yellow Fever Immunization Cert. (if necessary) IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO TAKE VALUABLE OR IRREPLACEABLE ITEMS

Clothes & Accessories • Belt • Eye-mask for sleeping • Gloves (for work/warmth) • Jumper, sweater or fleece • Jacket with interior pockets for storage • Long-sleeved shirts • Leggings/trousers • Raincoat • Sleepwear • Sandals/shower shoes • Sarong (multi-functional) • Scarf, esp. for women in Islamic countries • Shoes • Shorts • Smart outfit • Sneakers • Socks • Sunglasses • Sunhat or cap • Swimwear • T-shirts, vest tops • Underwear • Walking shoes/boots • Waterproof coat

Finances

• Local currency • Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard most widely accepted) • Money belt • Sufficient Traveller’s cheques (and receipts)

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Toiletries • Comb or brush • Condoms/contraceptive method • Contact lens equipment/ glasses (Copy of your sight prescription) • Cotton buds • Dental floss • Deodorant • Earplugs (swimming) • Hair-bands • Nail clippers • Lip balm • Mirror • Moisturiser (face/body) • Nail file • Razors (not in hand luggage) • Sanitary towels, tampons • Shampoo and conditioner (travel-size) • Shaving cream • Sunscreen (SPF 30+ 4-5 UVA) • Toothbrush and paste

First Aid

Other Items

• Antidiarrhoeal tablets • Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) • Antiacid tablets • Antibacterial ointment • Antihistamine • Butterfly stitches “steri-strips” • Compression bandages • Electrolyte sachets for diarrhoea • Gauzes/Band-Aid for dressings • Insect repellent • Iodine/hydrogen peroxide • Motion sickness tablets • Paracetamol, Tylenol etc.

• Talcum powder (for prickly heat and irritations) • Thermometer

• Backpack rain cover • Batteries and chargers • Binoculars • Books/Ebooks with a reader • Bottled water (not allowed to be taken through Customs) • Camera & lenses (spare memory card for digital) • Chewing gum (for flying and cleaning teeth!)

• Combo or key locks for bags • Earphones • Electrical adapter and plug converter • Games/pastimes • Pocket-sized gifts from home • iPad/PC and charger • Mini-camera tripod—big is better if you have the space!

• Pencil/pen & notebook Handy Natural Remedies: • Pendrive with important information, • Aloe vera gel for minor burns documents, photos, music etc.

• Arnica for bruises • Plastic bags for dirty/wet clothes or rubbish • Bach Flower Rescue Remedy • Prescription medicine (calming/soothing) • Pillow case (for makeshift pillow) • Calendula ointment (soothing for • Safety pins skin) • Scissors (small—not for hand luggage) • Citronella blend as a mosquito • Sewing kit repellant • Snacks • Echinacea cold and flu prevention/ • Speakers for iPod etc. remedy • Toilet paper/paper handkerchiefs • Lactobacillus for healthy intestinal • Tea bags (favourite brands or herbal infusions) flora • Quick drying towel • Tea tree oil (disinfectant, antifungal) • Wet wipes/Baby wipes • Ziplock bags to put liquid products in

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: Cha pter 14

e r e h T e r ’ u o Y e c On

We once read that Ghandi refused to travel by plane because he said that his body arrived, but

it took several days for his soul to catch up. Arriving somewhere with a completely different climate, time of day and lifestyle…can be exhilarating, but also disorientating, especially if you are not familiar with the language or the culture. Suddenly you are expected to know where you are heading and how…and have the right change in your pocket to pay for transport.

“ Expect the best, plan

for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.

”

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Expecting the Unexpected If it’s possible to organize a pocketful of local currency before your trip that could come in handy.

Having an idea of the exchange rate is also important, as usually the airport exchange services do not offer the best rates. In some instances it’s possible to arrange for your hosts to pick you up, either from the airport, or from a bus or train station. If you need to make a transport transfer it is a good idea to research the timetables and whereabouts of the bus stop or train station. Make the most of the tourist information services available, the staff should know other languages and you can ask them for maps, transport options, prices and important locations. As well as your money, provisions and documents…you should take with you resourcefulness, initiative, flexibility, imagination, patience and a sense of humour in ample doses.

However much you plan and prepare yourself for every eventuality, there will always be a spanner in the works which temporarily messes with your plans—so breathe deeply and remember that these are the very things that make travelling unique and memorable. You aren’t a tourist on a tour with a strict itinerary, but a traveller, which puts you in another category completely.

Your preconceived ideas of the country you are visiting, and of your hosts, may well be completely different from the reality. In fact they usually are! Everything will seem a bit strange at first, and once the adrenalin of excitement has worn off you may even feel a bit homesick. Remember that new situations are only “new” for a while, and then they become familiar. Get to know your surroundings, perhaps by walking around the neighbourhood, or climbing the nearest hill and looking down on where you are staying, so that you have a visual picture of where you are.

Spend some time getting to know your hosts and, whenever possible, participate in social gatherings. By sampling local dishes, offering to help with chores and contributing to everyday life you will get the most out of your stay. Remember your motives for travelling abroad, be it learning a language, new skills or cultural understanding…now is your chance, so make the most of it!

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As far as communication goes, you can use different apps such as WhatsApp and Viber with friends and family whilst you are abroad. For other calls within the country you are staying, it may be worth buying a SIM card locally to put in your phone. Phone cards for cheap international calls are another good option. You dial an access number, then the pin provided, followed by the number you wish to call. This can be handy for contacting Workaway hosts, hostels or transport services in other countries, as well as institutions back in your home country.

Complete Cultural Immersion Most of us nowadays are so accustomed to having regular contact with our family and friends via apps and internet chatting….that it can feel strange, even uncomfortable, if you don’t have the opportunity to do that with the same frequency. There is so much to report back, and of course you may miss them too BUT, sometimes the need to constantly “touch base” actually interferes with your ability to really immerse yourself in where you are and what you are doing. Simply by having one foot very firmly planted at home you are prevented from being completely “right here right now”.

So, if you don’t have a telephone or internet connection all is not lost…you are not lost…and in fact, it could even be a blessing in disguise!

For those who want to, and have access to internet, you can use the Workaway Meet Up feature to get to know other Workawayers staying nearby or passing through. It’s fun to exchange stories and experiences.

Consider keeping a record of your stay, whether that be by photos, video clips, or via voice recordings, a blog page, or an old-style diary or scrapbook. It will be something you’ll enjoy looking back at in future years, or sharing with friends and family. However you should always check with your hosts before you start taking photos or videos of them. By the same token, we’re sure your hosts would like to see photos of your home and family. Part of the beauty of the exchange is being able to find out more about each other’s cultures, attitudes and ways of life. If you can show your hosts some typical dishes, songs, handicrafts, customs and games, we are sure they’ll be delighted.

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“ A GOOD LIFE IS WHEN

YOU ASSUME NOTHING, DO MORE, NEED LESS, SMILE OFTEN, DREAM BIG, LAUGH A LOT, AND REALIZE HOW BLESSED YOU ARE.

”

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: Cha pter 15

& e t t e u q i t E l e v Tra s s e n e r a w A l a r u Cult

One of the real eye-openers of travelling is having your assumptions of what is “normal” challenged. So it is a good idea to read up on the cultural values and lifestyle of the country you are going to visit beforehand, especially regarding aspects which could be interpreted as rude or disrespectful.

“

There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveller who is foreign.

”

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Daily Life The time people do things may vary greatly from one country to the next.

In Costa Rica it is quite normal to have rice and beans for breakfast at 6 o’clock in the morning, whereas the Spanish tend to wait until mid-morning before even thinking of breakfast.

The Northern Europeans like to have their little ones tucked up in bed well before nightfall, whereas in the holidays the children in Latin nations accompany their parents on nightly strolls well into the early hours. Some countries divide the day into two, taking time off in the middle of the afternoon with a siesta, which can surprise visitors who are used to 9-5 opening hours.

In tourist spots the restaurants could be busy all day to cater for those who have lunch at 12 and those who have it at 3….then of course it almost runs into the evening session with some people eating at 6, whilst others have their supper at midnight.

Respect for timekeeping and doing things “by the book” vary enormously, as does the concept of waiting in line to be served and what is considered an acceptable noise level. Often the further you travel from home the greater the differences will be, but this is not always the case. In Austria jaywalking is an offence, but in neighbouring Italy it is the only way you’ll get across a city street!

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Food There is a tendency to crave home comforts whilst you’re away, but you’ll gain more insight into local life once you adapt to the eating habits and mealtimes of the places you’re visiting, it’s part of the fun, and usually there is a logical reason for these variations.

The spicy dishes, characteristic of so many hot countries, make you sweat, which consequently cool you down! In India and in many Muslim countries food is eaten with the right hand only. The left hand is used for dealing with the “dirty” jobs, so it is considered unhygienic and offensive to eat or interact with others with this hand. In some countries, such as Italy and Japan, eating in the street is looked down upon. Certain foods are off-limits. Islamic countries regard pig meat as unclean, Jews also avoid this meat along with seafood, whereas Hindus prefer a predominantly vegetarian diet and consider the cow to be too sacred for slaughter. And then of course there are behaviours or customs that differ drastically at the dinner table from country to country. In Japan, food slurping is considered good table manners as this implies you are enjoying the meal. In China if you finish all your food and wipe your dish clean, your host may think that you are questioning their generosity, whilst in some other countries not finishing your dish is seen as a waste of food.

Alcohol-consumption is banned or seen as controversial in many Islamic countries. Laws controlling the use of marijuana vary greatly, in some parts of the world it is tolerated for its medicinal or recreational use, whereas in other countries it is regarded as a serious crime which could result in imprisonment or in extreme cases a death sentence!

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Hygiene and Safety A country may also have a certain protocol due to the health risks which are present there. In India it is considered “unclean” for food or drink to be passed round if it has touched anyone’s lips, but in China there is a “hotpot” culture which involves everyone sitting around the table and dipping their chopsticks into one big boiling pot of food to share. On the public transport in New York in the 80s at a time when AIDS was considered a great threat to society it was an offence to hand in tickets which had blood or saliva on them! Spitting, sneezing and blowing your nose in public is considered to be unhygienic and anti-social in many parts of the world. In Japan smoking whilst walking down the street can be seen as an offence…the idea being that in a crowded street you could burn someone and that children especially are at risk.

Toilet facilities can range from the open air to a latrine or a fully equipped bathroom with bidet. Some countries view this as a very private time, behind locked doors, whereas others would happily squat alongside others and perhaps chat. In some countries toilet paper is essential to existence, whereas in others it is seen as rather messy and dirty, and people prefer washing with water.

Clothing When you are away from home the clothes you wear speak for you.

They can tell an observer roughly where you are from, what “type” of traveller you are and also give a good indication of your status and whether you have money to spend. If you dress in accordance to the local dress code you are more likely to be accepted and treated with reciprocal respect. This could mean covering certain parts of the body, legs, arms and head. Westerners are used to removing layers once the sun comes out, but long sleeved cotton tops and trousers provide effective protection from the sun and also the mozzies.

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Body Language and Gestures It is very easy to believe that body language is instinctive and a natural response to certain situations rather than acquired by our cultural background. If you don’t speak the language, it is very likely that you’ll try out mimes and gesturing to get your message across. Beware!! Many body signals mean precisely the opposite from one country to the next. The way we move, our facial and hand expressions and our stance can be giving out a very different message than the one we intend.

Putting your hands in your pockets or pointing can be considered disrespectful in certain situations, whereas putting your hands on your hips can indicate impatience or aggression. In Japan it is significant that you use both hands to give or present something to someone, a onehanded offering appears nonchalant and insincere. As mentioned previously, in many countries it’s important to only use your right hand for interactions with others.

Some nations tend to smile more than others, however in Greece a smile could also indicate anger or being upset. A Spaniard may “pstt” to attract attention or wag a finger at you and “tut,tut,tut” to clarify a mistaken point…however in other parts of the world this would be condescending, just as finger beckoning would be in many Asian countries. Be careful with seemingly “innocent” hand gestures. For instance the American OK hand gesture is considered vulgar to a German, and is offensive for a Brazilian, whilst in France it means “zero” or “worthless” and in Japan it’s a sign for “money”. The thumbs up sign is interpreted as “Up yours!” in many countries including Greece, Sardinia, the Middle East, West Africa and in some of South America. An open palm pushed forward could If you reject the food, parts mean “stop” or “that’s enough”, but in Greece it’s a severe ignore the customs, fear the insult known as the “moutza”. As Buddhists consider the head to be the spiritual centre of the body, it would be an religion and avoid the people, unacceptable and invasive to pat a child on the head in a Buddhist country.

“

you might as well stay home.

”

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Dealing with the Controversial Issues of Haggling, Tipping and Begging In some countries it is considered normal to haggle, or negotiate the price of items. To not do so would mean that you’d pay way over the odds every time you bought something. If you are not used to this it can seem a very time-consuming and drawn out way to get the shopping done. If you have the opportunity, go to markets or areas where the locals shop and view it as a unique opportunity to get a flavour of how people operate, what they like to buy and engage in conversation.

Once again, it helps a great deal if you’ve done a little homework beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the currency, learn how to count in the language and have an idea how much things are worth by seeing what others pay…or at the very least decide how much you are willing to pay!

You can be firm in your negotiations and even laugh or look astonished and start to walk away, but you should always be polite and friendly. If a person likes you, you are more likely to get a good price. Don’t enter into a bargaining process unless you are interested in buying. As you get to know the prices for everyday things, you are able to reserve your haggling efforts for more expensive items…which you shouldn’t be persuaded into buying whilst you are still “green”.

The etiquette of tipping exists in many countries, and in some instances a significant part of a person’s wage relies upon tips. See http://dailyinfographic.com/wp-content/ uploads/2011/06/110302-MINT-TIPSa.png for more tipping etiquette around the world.

Poverty is one thing which travellers often have to confront, and yet feel helpless about when they do. To turn and walk away from someone imploring you to help them seems heartless, but are you doing the right thing by stopping to help them? It’s a tricky one. Certainly if you are being harassed and followed, you need to be firm and refuse.

Keep your valuables close.

Some of the beggars on the streets are children enslaved for this purpose by syndicates. To give them money is to fund this mafia and help perpetuate its existence. If you want to help, you can avoid this dilemma by giving out food and water, or any other needed treats. For example, you could perhaps interact with the kids by showing them a game or a party trick, making them a paper plane, or giving them some toys to play with. If you do want to give money, it would be best to do so by donating to a local school or to a trusted charity.

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Social Interaction A big part of a travelling experience is meeting and sharing views and experiences with people from other countries. What is and isn’t acceptable to do and ask varies enormously, so tread carefully until you’ve found your feet. Some cultures greet by shaking hands, others kiss up to four times, whereas in other countries it would be taboo to touch, especially a member of the opposite sex.

Men or women holding hands or walking arm in arm in Muslim countries, India and Africa and even some Asian countries is perfectly acceptable, whereas it generally suggests a more intimate relationship to a European’s eye. People from Argentina and some other Latin American countries tend to be more laid back and could easily turn up from a few minutes to a couple of hours late, but bad time keeping is often considered rude and intolerable in Germany and Japan. In some cultures it is considered rude to say no, and so the strategies used to avoid this predicament can leave a person rather confused! Head nodding and shaking can sometimes means the opposite of what you expect—“yes” may be “no” or vice versa! British people place a lot of importance on saying please and thank you, and often refuse something when they are first offered it, but then will accept it if the host insists, whereas other cultures may be offended if a visitor refuses an offer of hospitality. How long is acceptable to maintain eye contact, or how close you can stand to a person without compromising their personal space also varies from place to place. As shoes are considered dirty in many parts of the Middle East and Asia it is best to remove them when going into someone’s home and avoid showing the soles of your feet or touching feet with another person. If this happens you should apologise. In the Western world it is considered rude to stare, but in other parts of the world being “outdoors” puts you in a public domain and it is quite acceptable for curious eyes to follow you around. In India, it is considered polite conversation for strangers to ask what you do for a living, how much you earn and whether you are married. In fact these reference points are necessary for a person to know how to “regard” you socially. Generally topics which address religious, political or sexual issues are dodgy…albeit the most fascinating!

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Politics and the Monarchy When you introduce yourself abroad, probably the first thing that you’ll be asked is your nationality.

Why? Probably because rightly or wrongly it helps a person to be able to “get you”….based on your fellow nationals that he/she has met previously, or on how his/her country has chosen to depict your country and its people . It seems ridiculous really, but we all tend to want to label in this way.

So, like it or not, you come as a representative of your country…and with that may come all the baggage of the history between the two nations...and in some cases even the feeling that you have to say sorry, explain or try to clear your name! It’s a good idea to read up on the background to these issues, so that you have a greater understanding and empathy. However, tread carefully and only express your opinion if invited to do so, unless you feel uncomfortable about it yourself…in which case politely decline!

Sex Discussing sex in mixed company is taboo in many cultures, so be careful. By entering into a conversation on sexual issues you are agreeing to a certain intimacy which could be misinterpreted and cause complications. Also be sensitive to the fact that in some countries it is socially unacceptable for couples to show affection in public.

Religion As this can be the pivot of so many people’s lives, and something which is considered to hold society together, it is very dangerous to challenge or criticize it in any way. You may not share the same religious beliefs, but you should behave in a way which doesn’t upset religious sensitivities.

The holy month of Ramadan prohibits all Muslims from eating or drinking during daylight hours, so a considerate traveller in an Islamic country should eat/drink/smoke discreetly and be sympathetic to the fact that everyone is getting through the day without sustenance or refreshment.

Just as much as a family member might complain about another member of the family, but wouldn’t tolerate outside criticism, locals probably wouldn’t take kindly to visitors who complain or make negative comparisons with their home country.

In places which are more cosmopolitan, where people are used to having visitors, more understanding and tolerance will probably be shown than in more remote or traditional areas. If you do commit a faux-pas, be humble and apologize: to continue in an offensive manner regardless would be interpreted as a deliberate act of disrespect.

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It’s important to remain open-minded and non-judgemental, even when you come across behaviour that in your home country would be interpreted in a negative way. Instead of jumping to the conclusion that you have been wrongly treated or insulted, it’s worth taking a step back for a moment to evaluate. Is it wrong that you have been charged more for something than a local? Or is it fair that you left your camera on a bench and someone took it, if there is a cultural belief that only someone who is careful with their possessions deserves to keep them? In some instances you may be put to the test based on local values or criteria, be it in the way you dress or react in certain situations. In countries which have a strict code of behavior between the sexes a female traveller’s morality could be “tested” by being touched on the shoulder and arm or asked questions relating to relationships. By innocently going along with this, she could be labeling herself as a loose woman by local standards! Once aware of this, it would be best for a woman to protest and make a fuss. Travelling is more about fitting in than trying to convert others to your way of looking at the world!

“ Your assumptions are

your windows on the world.

Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.

”

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“ You must learn a

new way to think before you can master a new way to be.

�

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: Cha pter 16

s g n i h T W he n n a l P o t o G t ’ n Do

Just think for a moment about the connotations of the title of this chapter—if someone were to tell you that their trip didn’t go to plan, you’d probably say, “Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that…What happened?”. In other words we generally interpret the statement as negative.

In the modern world we have far more choice than ever before, greater expectations of what we want and a belief that we can shape our lives by implementing our plans. Therefore plans are considered to be good and anything that prevents us from carrying them out is seen as something detrimental. The problem with this way of thinking is that we are setting ourselves up for being disappointed time and time again, because we are not the only player in the game and ultimately we are more prone to outside influences (weather, delays, health problems, accidents, transport difficulties, financial issues…) than we’d like to believe.

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When you are travelling this is even more true, because you are a fish out of water—you don’t always know where you stand or what the rules are. What happens if you can’t find your passport? You run out of cash? You miss your flight? The most probable response is to break out in a cold sweat, cry or run about like a headless chicken: none of which actually helps the situation very much, and could in fact jeopardize things even more!

All Is Not Lost...

The best thing is to sit down, take a deep breath, and tell yourself that in a month’s time you’ll be laughing when thinking back and telling all your friends about your adventure.

“

Remember all the time that most items are replaceable. And if not, you probably shouldn’t have been travelling with it in the first place.

A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.

”

If you’ve lost something important, first make yourself comfortable and go through all your stuff, every bag and every compartment slowly. If you don’t have any luck try to remember when you had/saw the item last. Once official documents and credit cards are declared as stolen they are no longer valid. Retrace your steps in your mind, and follow up any of those possibilities. Ask in Lost Property or shops or restaurants, you’d be surprised how many people are responsible and hand things in to staff. Explore all avenues before concluding that it is irretrievable or stolen.

If it is a passport, document, credit card or item covered by your insurance, you will have to declare it as stolen to both the local police and the corresponding authorities. If your credit cards are lost or stolen you should contact the 24 hour emergency number issued by your bank so that they can be cancelled. If it is your passport, then you’ll need to contact the nearest consulate with regards to them organizing a replacement or a temporary passport for you. Insurance companies ask for police declarations of loss/theft in order to process a claim.

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What If I Lose All My Money?

When you are moving from place to place or out exploring, it is a good idea to have two stashes of money. Loose change and small notes in a bag or zipped up pocket, and another stash of bank cards and notes in a money belt worn under your clothes or in a pocket sewn into an inside trouser leg just in case.

However if you have lost all your money, the easiest and fastest way to get money is to ask your friends or family to wire you some through Western Union. And if you do find yourself without money in a strange place you’ll have to use your ingenuity. Find a way to contact your nearest source of help and see if they can either collect you or pay online for your onward ticket and overnight stay at somewhere hospitable until you can sort yourself out. It would be worth investigating if there is a Workaway host living close by where you could stay for the time being, or you may be able to come to an agreement with a local backpackers’ hostel.

If you really are in dire straights you should contact your consulate or explain your predicament to the police.

What If I Miss My Flights or Trains?

If you miss your transport connection it may feel like all your plans have been shaken up. It may be possible to sort something out with the transport authorities in question if you explain your situation as soon as you can. They’ll be able to tell you what options are available. Also some travel insurance covers your flight costs, for example, if you can prove that your delay was a consequence of an official traffic incident.

It’s important to keep calm, the sooner you accept the situation the easier it will be for you to realize this is part of your travelling experience, and a new plan will always emerge as a result! Try to see these blips as opportunities. You will be able to accept it better if you remind yourself of all those films you’ve watched when exciting scenarios and possibilities emerge as a result of a missed flight or train.

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“

Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.

”

Keep Calm, and Workaway Your hosts may not be as you expected them to be! Generally both parties are eager to please each other and the non-monetary exchange system leaves both sides feeling grateful. It is important to have already established the terms of your exchange and what is expected from you (the nature of your help and responsibilities and the hours and days involved). There may be instances when your expectations or opinions fail to coincide, so it is essential that you communicate your views clearly, and make allowances for cultural differences.

“

Often there is a period of adjustment as you get used to your new environment, so again it’s a case of being patient and adaptable. after all, you decide that the placement is not right for you, the Instead of seeing the If,ideal scenario would be to ensure you have an alternative plan rug being pulled from before politely informing your hosts of your decision to leave. To them to make other arrangements it would be courteous under us, we can learn to enable to give them either a few days’ notice or offer to complete the dance on a shifting carpet. week’s work.

”

One last piece of advice: be sure to have put away enough accessible funds to be able to pay for a return trip if the worst comes to the worst!

In fact, if you can switch your mentality from expecting everything to go to plan to accepting that being a true traveller implies being ready for adventure and adapting to all eventualities…your experience will be all the more rewarding.

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: Cha pter 17

s k c a r T Ma k i ng k c a r T g n i p e e K W hi lst

Keeping a record of the journeys you make, the places you stay and the people you meet when Workawaying is a great way of making sure that you can recall the adventures you had.

On Photography Depending on how you want to keep track of your trip, there are a number of different options as far as technology is concerned. If you are interested in filming high quality video or photography where you want to print your images at a decent size, a camera-phone might not be the best choice. But if you are concerned about carrying expensive equipment or the weight of your bag and just want to have reminders of the time spent away, then modern Smartphones provide an easy way of doing this.

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There are many apps that improve the basic camera offerings on Smartphones and some, like Instagram, offer the ability to tweak your images and then share them quickly via social media.

At the other end of the photography spectrum we find the DSLR type of camera with interchangeable lenses and extremely high quality images. The real drawbacks of this type of camera are its expense, bulk and weight; also only more modern DSLRs have video capability. If you will be flying at any point on your journey, a DSLR can take up all of your available carry-on weight limit.

We feel that the best compromise lies in taking a compact camera away with you. Small enough to be carried around in a pocket, it can also produce great quality images and video. This sector of the market is highly competitive, which works in the buyer’s favour as far as price and features are concerned.

A tip for travellers with fancy cameras is to make them look less desirable by covering up any expensive logos and giving them an old and battered look by sticking on random strips of gaffer tape for instance!

“ Photography is a way of

feeling, of touching, of loving.

What you have caught on film is captured forever...It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.

”

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Features to think about when choosing a camera: 1. Size/Weight

Choose a camera that will allow you to take it wherever you go without being a hindrance.

2. Image quality

Lens quality plays a big part in this, as well as the size of the sensor.

3. Low light capability

Large sensors, “fast” lenses and the “shake reduction” feature that appears on many cameras all can help. A fast lens is one in which the aperture opens wide to allow more light in.

4. Usability

Ease of use is important if you don’t want to miss a shot whilst fiddling with buttons.

5. Zoom/Macro

Decide if you will want to have the ability to take shots from far away or up close (although using your feet to get closer is a zoom available to us all!).

6. Special features

Will you be taking shots in damp or wet places that need a waterproof camera? Will you want to shoot video too? Will you be taking shots in extreme temperatures?

7. WiFi/GPS

Many modern cameras permit the transference of image files via WiFi, while having GPS in a camera allows your image files to show exactly where they were taken in the EXIF data. If you use a photo editing and organising program such as Adobe Lightroom, or even an online tool like Flickr, your photos can appear on a map—really handy when you look back on a trip!

8. Batteries

Will you often be far from a PowerPointto charge the battery? Maybe think about choosing a model that uses regular AA batteries. These type of cameras are usually bulkier. Another option might be to buy a spare rechargeable battery.

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Taking more interesting images: Photography can be complicated, there are many books written about how to take a good photo, but it is hard to consider all the “rules” and guidelines when picking up your camera to take a shot.

There are a few key factors to take into consideration when capturing an image. Once you get into the habit of following these pointers, they become second nature and should improve the quality of your work.

1. Simplicity

Try to keep images as uncluttered as possible.

Cast your eye around the edge of the frame to check for any distracting elements. Often just moving closer to a subject can create a simpler image.

2. Have a clear subject and background

The eye instinctively looks for the subject in a photo and having this defined against the background by using a combination of light, texture, colour or depth of field (making some parts of an image blurred) helps an image immensely. This is also linked to the first point. If your subject is surrounded by intrusive elements elsewhere in the frame it will not be as clearly defined as it could be. Make sure you think about what your subject actually is when taking

a picture and then draw the viewer’s eye to it by making it as clear as possible.

3. Shoot from an interesting point of view

Basically, experiment with different positions for your shot. Even a few centimetres up or down can make a huge difference to the eventual image.

4. Balance

This is a slightly abstract concept in photography.

Different graphical elements in a picture have different weights which can be defined by tone, colour or importance. Considering the question “Is my image balanced?” before clicking the shutter is good practice. It may convince you to reframe the shot or choose a different angle/ standpoint, but you should notice a difference in your photos as a result.

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As well as remembering these four guidelines, bear in mind what you are trying to achieve with your pictures, and who you intend to show them to. Will you be blogging and posting your shots online? Are they a way of showing friends and family what you’re up to, or are they just for you, as a memento of your time Workawaying? Either way, shooting subject matter which provokes an emotional response will come across in the image, making it more engaging for the viewer and more reminiscent for you.

There’s no doubt that photographing the people you meet along the way provides you with a more interesting record of your trip. Your Workaway hosts and companions, local characters and the community life can capture the essence of the places you visit so much better than words. Be careful to respect cultural norms, especially with regard to taking photos of women or children, and if it’s of someone that you don’t know then you should always ask their permission first. Being respectful and polite goes a long way, and besides it’s a good excuse to strike up a conversation with a local!

Workaway Photo Competition Fancy earning a little extra spending money? Workaway.info organizes a photo competition every month. Workawayers can upload a selection of their best travel photos to the site and a cash prize is awarded for the winning shot!

Light and the time of day: The quality of light at the start and end of the day is softer and creates deeper colours and shadows than at midday for instance. Images captured when the sun is high in the sky will have a bleached out look compared to mornings and afternoons. Being aware of the impact of environmental conditions allows you to create the type of image that you’re aiming for, rather than having it decided for you. For instance, if you want to remember a particularly hard day’s hiking then taking a picture during the middle of the day might convey that message better than waiting until later on in the day when the light is more likely to be softer, thereby giving a more romantic feel. Using natural light is almost always preferable to relying on flash.

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Photographers talk about “hard” light and “soft” light. Hard light comes from the sun on a sunny day or the flash on your camera and creates deep shadows and contrast. It can be useful for architectural shots or when you want to show sharply defined texture. For most portrait shots, soft light is more desirable. Soft light is light that is diffused, offering lower contrast, for instance on a cloudy day or in the shade, where the shadows have more subdued edges. It works well for woodland, still life and monochromatic shots, for example, where the subtle textures and tones of a scene are important. One piece of equipment that is worth investing in is a tripod for your camera so that in low light you can still capture images without having to resort to the flash.

There are mini-tripods available, and our favourite is the GorillaPod which allows you to attach a camera to any upright or horizontal bar as well as set up on uneven ground.

Smart Tips: • Buildings and monuments and great natural wonders may look impressive, but can appear dull if you don’t have an idea of the scale. Including a person or animal gives the viewer more idea of the dimensions.

• Bring your shots of the sights to life with a bit of action or originality, if you want a perfect still version you might as well buy the postcard!

• Don’t forget to get some good quality shots of yourself (not just “selfies”). You might have a photo of the Grand Canyon...but can you prove you were there?

• Remember to include shots of your everyday experiences whilst you are away: the view from your room, a typical breakfast or the place where you like to take a siesta are simple images which could stimulate a lot of memories on your return.

This also highlights the contrast between “everyday living” in one place and another.

• Delete all the bad quality images as you go.

• Upload your selections regularly into cloud storage and out of harm’s way!

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Travel Blogging As well as recording your trip with images, writing about your travels is a great way of remembering what you did and experienced. A blog is ideal for communicating with those back home so your friends and family can keep up with your adventures, as well as being a potential source of income if it becomes popular. Workaway has a blog where we feature interesting articles that are written by Workawayers or hosts as well as offering advice and notifications about new features on the site.

As Workawayers you are in a good position when it comes to finding compelling subjects for a blog.

You have the advantage of being integrated into the local community, but with the perspective of an outsider. It is simply a case of observing your surroundings and gathering insights on how different people view life, focussing especially on what you find fascinating or unique about them. In the process you’ll undoubtedly reflect upon your home culture and these reactions are also worth mentioning. Always keep an eye out for subject matter, and when something strikes you as interesting get into the habit of jotting down a few words to trigger your memory later, either in a notebook or using a Smartphone text app.

“

A traveller without observation is a bird without wings.

�

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How to create a more engaging blog: 1. Having a central focus or theme for your content is often more enjoyable to read than a “Dear Diary” approach.

2. Write about subjects that you are knowledgeable about, don’t try to be an expert if you’re not!

3. Try to write in a concise way with an engaging or original point of view to maintain interest in the story that you’re trying to tell. Finding your voice and having a particular style will make your contributions more coherent and authentic.

4. Make your posts more informative and visually attractive by including photographs and video (try to edit your videos so they’re not too long—3 minutes is probably a good maximum to make sure viewers actually watch them).

5. Read other blogs to get an idea about how you want to present yourself.

6. To retain your readers it’s best to post regularly, even if some entries are short.

Remember that photos make for quick and easy posts that will keep your readers interested and updated on your journey and also relieve the pressure of having to write.

7. Make sure that you reply to comments and try to interact with your readers as much as you can.

8. When recording a Workaway exchange, try to get the point of view of your host and include interviews or conversations with them so their perspective is evident too. Perhaps there are other Workawayers staying with the same host.

Talking to them about their experiences on the road can lead to interesting posts too. Having other people’s voices in your articles makes them a more entertaining read.

9. Often when we’re travelling the aspects which make an impact on us are neither visual nor based on a specific event. It helps to be aware of all our senses. It could be the smell of the wet grass, the sounds at dawn, a food you’ve never tasted before or the texture of a snake skin.

Perhaps in some scenarios we are in the privileged position of being able to live something for the first time. So, allow yourself to savour the moment, and then attempt to put it into words!

10. Show your individuality: What is your passion for travel fuelled by? Is there something defining about you which means that you may have a different perspective on travelling? In which case your experiences might be valuable to others like you!

Write about what fascinates and intrigues you and the rest should look after itself.

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What blogging platform or software to use?

There are a number of online blogging platforms.

The best supported is probably Wordpress (or wordpress.com for the hosted version) though Google’s Blogger or Tumblr are also worth looking at.

Make sure that you get the word out about your blog using social media and make it easy for readers to share your posts by providing prominent social media links.

Keeping a Personal Travel Journal Although we live in the age of YouTube and Facebook, not everything has to be publicised and broadcast to the world.

Some people travel to reflect and to disconnect from the life they left behind, at least for a while. An old fashioned travel journal is an intimate way of recording your trip and gives you plenty of scope for creativity, as you can add your own sketches, doodles, poems, quotes and anecdotes. It can be used as a scrapbook for tickets, maps, Polaroid shots and stamps, as well as for jotting down contact details of new acquaintances and formulating plans and lists. If you manage to keep it up throughout your time away you’ll have a wonderful souvenir to treasure in years to come!

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Remember to Take Some Time to Smell the Roses!

Successful travel blogging or photography requires a balancing act. Don’t let documenting your trip consume you. It can take a lot of time and energy so it’s important to step back and make sure that it’s not detracting from the pure experience of travelling. Good luck with your hunt for “treasure” and we look forward to reading your stories and seeing your photos!

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: Cha pter 18

g n i d l i u B r e t c a r a Ch s e c n e i r Exp e

The time you spend Workawaying can be a great asset to your future. It is evident from the testimonies we receive that many Workawayers have experiences which go on to shape their decisions and perhaps even change their direction in life completely. “… one of the most and amazing and rewarding experiences ever; it has changed our outlook and will indelibly affect work and life for us here on out.”

Feedback left for Volunteer on a husky farm in Finnish Lapland, 300km inside the Arctic Circle (Finland), by Leah (U.S.A.)

The fact that you have volunteered is valuable to future employers too. By including in your personal profile a number of placements in various locations around the world, your credentials are enhanced, and perhaps that could even give you the edge you need to clinch the job. Being a volunteer suggests that you have initiative, drive and a genuine non-monetary interest in participating in an array of projects. It shows that you are versatile, willing to learn and not afraid of encountering and dealing with challenges. It speaks volumes, and the chances are that a prospective employer will want to know all about it. Whether it’s for professional or personal reasons, it’s worth keeping a record of your experiences for future reference (See previous Chapter 17: Making Tracks Whilst Keeping Track).

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The advantage of volunteer work is that you can learn so much from the outset just by being present and involved. By contrast, in a more conventional work environment, participation is restricted to those with sufficient qualifications and/or relevant experience. This means that many young people starting out in life are denied the chance to really explore all the vocational possibilities open to them, or to find out firsthand what they like or what they have a talent for. So many students embark on courses preparing them for a job that they don’t actually know whether they are going to enjoy, simply because they haven’t been given the chance to live it. As a volunteer you may be a novice, but you can still acquire new skills and try out techniques with the help and guidance of people who know their stuff. Whatever the task, people learn best through example and then by having the chance to do it for themselves.

“ Life will give you

whatever experience is the most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness.

”

It is not surprising then that many people join Workaway with the hope of learning skills which are possibly difficult or expensive to learn back home—be it building a straw bale house, learning about farming and permaculture techniques or being able to speak a new language:

“This volunteering job made me speak English more. I returned home and after 2 months I have just realized that I dare to speak English. This trip taught me how to be self-confident which results to get a good job at an international company. …without this trip I couldn’t have followed my dreams. :)” .

Feedback left for Volunteering with us in Burnstall (U.K.), by Klara (Hungary)

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Then there are other instances of Workawayers surprising themselves with what they are able to achieve, getting involved with projects that they would never have dreamed of doing, let alone being successful at:

“A particular highlight was the construction of a composting water heater, which was a complete success despite my skepticism! I learnt a huge amount staying with them .“ Feedback left for Join a family of 4 in the haute Pyrenees (France), by Euan (U.K.)

There are just so many things going on out there in the world that we don’t get to hear about when we are in our “bubble” at home.

Workawayers have been inspired by techniques that they previously knew nothing about: from chocolate making in the Costa Rican jungle, to harvesting honey in Australia or weaving in Japan.

There are volunteering opportunities worldwide in both rural and urban settings. Those who come from the city to help out in the country are introduced to the grass roots of existence: food, water and shelter. The crash course in Mother Nature often leaves a profound and lasting impression: “I enjoyed the stark contrast to my life in urban Tokyo; The forested mountains that tower above, sleeping to the sounds of the nearby river at night…” Feedback left by Kendall (Japan); And, “… cooking outside, women working on the fields , the silence of the mountains. Every day I realized how fortunate I was to be here.” Feedback left by Jose (Nepal)

As a human race most of prioritize all that is time-saving, convenient and modern, but perhaps there are some very fundamental human needs which are not being met, like seeing the night sky, planting and picking our own food and gathering firewood and making music. Our ancestors were doing this for millennia, it’s in our blood, and yet for many of us this is totally alien. We can learn about our basic human needs and how to provide them. It’s very grounding to see and understand where our water, food and energy supply comes from; to be aware of what we consume and how much waste we generate. We are reminded of our intrinsic connection to the planet, as a part of it rather than as a separate entity.

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Away from our home environment our whole concept of normality and our relationship with time can shift dramatically, especially when we share our lives with people who have a very different rhythm and routine to what we’re used to. When we adapt to new circumstances we are required to take a step back from our lives and start seeing everything from a new standpoint.

Perhaps for the first time ever we begin to empathize with people who had previously been no more than foreigners living in far off lands.

Tom, who collaborated in an environmental project in Nepal, said about his stay: “(It) gave me

a really authentic perspective of Nepali life and the really tough livelihoods people endure here.”

Barbara describes herself as a very calm and quiet person. When she suddenly found herself on a farm in the Brecon Beacons amidst the “noisy, crazy funny family” she felt a bit out of place. She found that with time, she began to open up and relax: “I started to feel part of the family and I enjoyed every minute I spent with them....” In other words her stay made her re-evaluate her own preconceived idea of who she was and what suited her best. How we perceive or “label” ourselves can sometimes limit us from doing things that we might even be good at or enjoy.

Most of us don’t get to the chance to experience family life other than our own. By spending time with a family in Austria one Workawayer couple were initiated in the skills of parenting: “Being

a young couple without kids, we learned a lot about what it takes to be fun, loving and responsible parents from Elke and René.”

Feedback left for volunteer on a small and very old farm on the edge of the Dunkelsteinerwald near Vienna (Austria), by Nathan and Maddie (U.S.A.)

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We may read about other religions and customs from the comfort of our armchairs, but it’s not until we witness it from within that we really begin to understand. Lancelot really made the most of his time in Khymer, Cambodia: “In exchange of our work, we got a fascinating immersion into Khmer

culture, as we helped the kids to hold a buddhist ceremony, we went to a political meeting, we visited the deep countryside with representatives of the organization…”

Feedback left for Volunteering to teach english in a Khmer run NGO in Takeo (Cambodia), by Lancelot (Switzerland)

It’s only by stepping into the shoes of the locals that you begin to know a place; travelling as a tourist rarely allows for this.

“

Workawayer and travel blogger, Katy Schlegel, stayed on a farm in Argentina: her writing is both inspired and inspiring to read. Having worked in the beauty business, and with a tendency to be, in her own words, “a bit of a princess”, we see from her writing that what she experienced and who she has met has transformed is no need to her profoundly: for the stars. They “Every moment on the Finca has been accompanied with an

There reach high are already within you. Just reach deep into yourself!

”

unreal feeling. As I write this on one of my last days here on the Finca, it brings a smile to my face. Here I am in the middle of Argentina on this farm, looking at the sky that seems to be more vast than the one I know back home. I feel so small but incredibly triumphant. I have cleared waterways that were filled with weeds taller than I, in order to feed the farm with water. I have blisters on my hands and an aching back. I have ridden horses and tried my hand at breaking a young stallion. I have seeded by hand a field with alfalfa and oats for the next season’s crop. I have cooked and ate from the land with our very own garden filled with tomatoes, corn, chard, squash, honeydew and watermelon. I have picked pears and plums so vibrant with color, I had to take a picture. My clothes are filthy, my skin is dirty and broken out, my hands are split open, and I smell of the earth; but I have never been so happy! And the reason is not from the work that I have done, though very proud of it I am, but I am happy because of the people I have met here and what each of them has taught me...

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We asked her how she felt her life has changed as a result, and this is what she said: “My experience with Workaway is what gave me the courage to step out of what I knew and was comfortable with and do something different! It is that courage that I found on that Finca in the middle of Argentina that makes me do what before I would have never thought possible. To try and make something out of nothing and not fear if it will be a success or failure because I learned the only failure is not trying in the first place.”

We all learn something when we travel; we all learn something when we meet people from

different cultural backgrounds and from working in new environments. That’s a lot of potential learning going on for both volunteers and hosts alike! You may well have to step out far and beyond your comfort zone to get the full benefit, but once you’ve gone there and looked back at how far you’ve come, you’ll have lived something that will leave an imprint and remain with you forever.

One Workawayer put it very poetically, “It was one of the best journeys…since I’ve travelled a long road to my true self”, Feedback left for Living community on former water mill is searching for free, open-minded, enthusiastic people (France), by Ewa (Sweden), the emphasis being more on how far a person can grow from travelling rather than the actual miles they cover.

It’s pretty ironic that you think you know yourself and then decide to travel far and wide to learn new skills and find out more about other cultures. Then en route, as you encounter situations for the first time, your reactions are put to the test and you end up learning more about yourself than anything else. You realize that perhaps you didn’t know yourself as well as you thought, that there is a lot more to discover…and this is what becomes the definitive experience of your trip—learning more about yourself! Now try and think of a way to explain all that to your family, friends and future employers back home!

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: Cha pter 19

r o f s p p A p o T e Th . . . e r o M & g n i l l e Trav

The 21st century brought with it many innovations which have revolutionized travel, especially with regards to communicating.

Being able to see and speak to your friends and family in real time, whenever you feel the need… sitting under the Eiffel Tower or showing them which local dish you are about to eat. With Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and many other apps it is completely free! So why not…why wouldn’t you? Or is this actually a mixed blessing?

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There is a saying, “As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise you will miss most of your life”. Your travel experience can be seriously compromised if you constantly have an eye on what’s going on at home. Once you’ve let your families and friends know that you’ve arrived safely at your destination, it might be a good idea to spend the first week or two disconnecting from home and focusing your time and attention into your new environment.

Another significant innovation is the lightweight clutter-free storage of digital data. Instead of carrying around bulky paperwork, which can easily get lost or damaged, all our travel documents, e tickets, contact details, travel guides, diaries/blogs etc. are available at the push of a button. As well as saving paper, this is so much more efficient, up-to-date and time-saving. With online resources or apps, and even downloaded ebooks on various digital devices, you are only a few clicks away from a multitude of possibilities. This also means that it’s no longer necessary to swot up on guidebooks and plan extensively; you can look up the information as and when you need it, and subsequently it’s also much easier to amend plans to suit or make last minute bookings.

Here’s a little behind-the-scenes anecdote: one of our team Workawaying in Nepal, met his son after a 24 hour flight, they boarded a crowded bus only for him to realize 2 hours into the journey that they were heading to a totally different destination. Not wanting to break the news to his son, he quickly googled the name of the place they were heading to and discovered that it had a new zip-line attraction. So within minutes, from his seat on the bus, he was able to get his bearings via Google Maps, book in at a guesthouse with Booking.com and arrange an exhilarating experience for his teenager. Phew…all thanks to technology!

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Below we have shortlisted some useful apps/online resources/websites we like:

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Flights and Accommodation Skyscanner/LastMinute/Kayak/GoogleFlight/ Hopper and Hipmunk

Here are a few of our favourite chosen flight search engines with comprehensive coverage and useful filters.

We like the simplicity of the Google flight search page. It is an easy tool to hunt down the best flight deals whilst giving given ample flexibility to in your flying schedule. Hopper is very user-friendly as it lets you know the average prices of flights at particular times as well as tracking the flights on your preferred dates and notifying you if the fares change. Hipmunk provides you with a short description of each flight and the amenities available. Often these apps provide you with accommodation options too. Try to compare 2 or 3 different sites since prices do vary sometimes.

AirHelp is an app which allows you to file compensation claims for delayed or cancelled flights. Just submit your details and if you are eligible AirHelp will manage the rest.

Booking.com/HostelWorld/Airbnb/Couchsurfing

Planning a trip and finding a place to stay couldn’t be simpler never be so last-minute with these websites/ apps. You may find them helpful when you are moving between hosts, or if you decide to head off exploring for a while. With a wide variety of accommodation on offer, from tree houses to private villas, you can steer clear of the tourist traps.

Travel Guides Google Lens

The app is great for information about just about anything from historic landmarks to barcodes. Just snap it with your device and Google will come up with all possible information on the subject!

Pinterest and Instagramwithlocals can give you interesting insights and tips on where to go and what to see. TripAdvisor can point you in the right direction when it comes to eating out, as does Yelp, which also includes info. on other services you may need whilst you’re away.

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Organizers and Journals TripIt / GoogleTrips and TripCase All your travel administration can be organized using these smart PAs, which by extracting info.

From your email account can automatically compile your reservations and documents to generate your personalized travel itinerary.

Evernote Another app which helps you to organize and synchronize all your existing information as well as taking notes, capturing images, making to-do lists, recording voice reminders etc. The best part is you can use this app offline and changes will be saved online when you have a connection again.

Perfect for travellers on-the-move!

Budgeting Budget Your Trip estimates how much you can expect to spend each day when you are on the road as well as individual costs for items and services in countries where the prices are up for negotiation. The money converter app XE Currency automatically updates itself to the current exchange rates and lets you convert every world currency. It may not save you money, but it’ll certainly relieve you of time-consuming calculations!

Communication Viber/Skype/WhatsApp/WeChat/LINE /Facebook Messenger/ Hangouts/ Google Duo

The most popular free international messaging services out there let us keep in touch with family and friends, but can also be used for “preliminary chats” between hosts and prospective Workwayers, as well as maintaining contact with fellow travellers.

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Google Translate is a free app with over 100 languages on offer to download, and translate

words and phrases to and from your native tongue. It can be accessed offline. The ‘conversation’ function allows you to speak in your language, which is then automatically translated into the language of your choice. The listener can then respond in their own language, which in turn will be translated into your native language.This way the conversation can flow effortlessly, without having to pause to type/read out. Miraculous! A more pragmatic solution is to leap the language barrier completely by learning it. Duolingo is a fun app which has fast become the world’s most popular language-learning platform.

WifiMapper and Netspot help you to find the nearest free Wi-Fi zones available. Wiffinity and Wifi Map are crowdsourced and the community shares passwords. Maps of your destinations and Wi-Fi hotspots can be downloaded for offline use. Avast Wifi Finder-Secure Me also blocks websites from stealing your information when you are logged into free wifi zones by using a VPN.

Navigation and Weather Google Maps

Almost too well-known and obvious to include in our list, but all the same it deserves recognition for being such a quick and efficient way of clarifying your location and destination. When mobile network coverage is poor you can use it as an offline map.

As travellers we spend a lot of our time on foot. By providing you with directional cues via landmarks, the Walc app brings your stroll across town to life. Sidekix app is all about urban discovery and makes suggestions about events and sightseeing routes to suit your preference in 1000s of cities worldwide. Navigation systems take the stress out of finding your bearings and let you know how far you are from your destination. Waze social GPS will even provide current information about police checks, road blocks and accidents.

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Useful Tools SkyViewFree app allows you to hold your device up to the sky, both day and night, and be able to identify the celestial objects above you. No Wi-Fi connection needed.

Similarly with Flightradar24 you also direct your phone skywards to track flights in over 4000 airports in real time and can check arrival/departure times as well as aircraft details.

AccuWeather gives a thorough breakdown of current weather conditions,forecasts and maps.

TodayWeather is a user-friendly weather app which also displays the UV index, pollen count, air quality and sun/moon cycles too. automatically updates itself to the current exchange rates and lets you convert every world currency. It may not save you money, but it’ll certainly relieve you of timeconsuming calculations!

Social Network

A great way of meeting and maintaining contact with other travellers. There are many travel forums out there that let you find potential travel buddies, but we have to be biased, because Workaway has its very own “Travel buddy” service on the website so that like-minded volunteers travelling to the same destination can find one another and discuss possible plans. If you just want to grab a quick coffee or get tips from travellers, you can also search on our “Volunteers nearby” map to see who else is in your area.

Every waking moment people are devising technology and apps which make our lives easier. Our slim lightweight Smartphones fit in our pockets, but can provide us with an alarm clock, video camera, digital camera, voice recorder, photo albums…-enough stuff to fill a sack!

“ One doesn’t discover new

lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.

In fact, it is increasingly difficult, and for many even frightening, to imagine a life without all these innovations.

But maybe, just sometimes, we should allow ourselves the experience to unplugging from time to time, and allow for the elements of surprise, fun and adventure to lead us “off piste”.

To get fabulously lost and stumble upon people and places who are off-grid, and off the radar, would be truer to the spirit of travel and adventure! It’s probably a case of striking a happy Keeping us updated: balance between the two, and getting the best of both worlds!

”

Of course our list of Top Apps will be subject to frequent modification.

If you know of any new cool travel apps please let us know via the site, so we can include them in the future editions of this book.

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: Cha pter 20

t s o M e h t g n i t t Ge g n i t s o H From Achieving Mutual Benefit and Succeeding Together: We generally understand

the role of “host” as someone who receives “guests” and then provides for them and entertains them. However the “guests” who participate in a Workaway arrangement are not passive, as they have their own role to play.

They may be provided for, but they are also active providers… of whatever help and support is required.

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For a first time host, it may be difficult to find that balance. The newcomers are not family but arriving as friends. They are not “employees”. (see Chapter 2 “Volunteering vs Working”). It is a new role, but one that can be extremely rewarding once you embrace it.

It’s important to remember that the arrangement takes place because the host has been selected amongst the hundreds and hundreds of other possible hosts, and similarly a Workawayer has been selected from amongst hundreds and hundreds of other possible applicants and will no doubt travel many many miles to reach the destination. This is both a compliment and a responsibility, which is why it is so relevant to find out the other’s motives, to become aware of their expectations and to make an effort to convert their hopes into reality.

Clear Communication By giving a detailed and informative description of the location and the way of life a host is more likely to attract those people who are best suited to the placement and the projects going on there.

“The top visits are those from people who have read the information provided. They know roughly what to expect of the location, the types of work we have available & our reasons for being”. said a host blog

author.

“

If you build every transaction and relationship in business and life with your behaviour guided by the concepts of mutual benefits fairness and truth, the benefits will come.

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As well as communicating clearly what is required from the volunteer, a host should attempt to provide the helpers with the opportunities and experiences which allow them to get the most from their stay, and of course to encourage them, whether it be learning a particular skill, or immersing themselves in a new language or culture. Sometimes volunteers are shy or reticent about taking the leap out of their comfort zone, even regarding goals which they have expressed a desire to fulfil.

For instance, it’s difficult to stick to the commitment of only communicating in a foreign language, unless you receive constant support and motivation from the hosts.

Moreover, a watchful perceptive host may recognise a particular talent or aptitude; a creative streak perhaps, or a rapport developing with the children. If there is scope for this, the ideal scenario would be to give them the opportunity to incorporate these as part of their collaboration, or suggest ways of pursuing their interests within the local community. A happy helper produces the best results!

In fact, being a host doesn’t only mean becoming familiar with other cultures, it also brings fresh insights into one’s own. By becoming attuned to what visitors find fascinating, unique or intriguing about local life makes a person more aware of their own culture, simply by acknowledging that life elsewhere can be very different. With this knowledge a host is better prepared for informing their guests of dishes, events or places that are most likely to interest a newcomer. Then there is also the practical information on the location/opening times of internet cafés, banks, post offices, community centres and pharmacies. Perhaps this could be compiled to produce a visitor’s guide…or posted on a Facebook page as Cat (from Hawaii) has set up: “…We also started a FB page with fun things to do while they are here and past Workawayers have added to it”

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“

Nobody can guarantee a stay full of non-stop fun, clearly some necessary tasks are laborious. However when “peppered” with a sense of humour, good food and conversation they become much more pleasurable. Some hosts even create regular opportunities for visitors to give comments or ask burning questions which could be interpreted as inappropriate at any other time. Example of these could be: “What made you decide to live/travel here?” “In my country we do things differently, would you like me to tell you how?” or “It’s normal in our culture to shower several times a day, here people shower much less—Is this to save water or because it isn’t considered necessary?” Encouraging honesty and openness is very positive, but with the understanding that certain subject matter, especially regarding politics, religion or sexuality, could be offensive (See Chapter 15: Travel Etiquette and Cultural Awareness).

Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.

„

Any feedback received from Workawayers, provides the host with valuable insights into his/her own lifestyle and culture, which in turn can be used to better to prepare for and inform future guests.

Questions such as: “How was you stay different to how you envisaged?” “What information would have been useful to know in advance?” “What were the highlights of your visit?”

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How Many Workawayers Will a Host Need?

The number of volunteers who can be accommodated may be limited by the practicality of the sleeping/ living space available. A lot depends on the nature of the project too, whether teamwork is required or a helping hand or two. Bare in mind that each person will probably need initial help in settling in and then guidance whilst they are actively involved.

One Workawayer is good for developing a close relationship and gives greater scope for language/ cultural exchange, simply because it is almost unavoidable!

Workawayers who come as a couple could probably offer a greater array of skills between them, and tend to operate as a self-sufficient unit, organising their free-time together and keeping each other company.

By accommodating a number of individual Workawayers simultaneously, especially if there are more visitors than hosts, the environment is more likely to feel like a social hub for travellers. What it loses in local appeal will be replaced with cultural diversity and lively conversations, although a host could feel outnumbered at times.

“

The richer we have become materially, the poorer we become morally and spiritually. We have learned to fly in the air like birds and swim in the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers.

�

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Sharing Sleeping/Living Space Sometimes hosts open their homes to their helpers, which can be a challenging but extremely enriching experience too. A place which was once private, is now public in many ways, and another person’s home at least temporarily. Some placements offer separate living spaces for visitors, others have shared facilities.

Workawayers adapt to a range of accommodation; from hammocks/tents in warmer climates, to shared dorms, or their own private studio or quarters. However, it is important to be clear about the conditions on offer from the start. Include explanations of the bathroom/washing facilities as well as access to a food preparation/kitchen area. Any systems in place for the running of the household: recycling, sharing the washing machine, limits on energy/water consumption as well as domestic responsibilities should also be outlined, as host June told us: “We have now changed our profile to emphasise that volunteers must be willing to do whatever needs doing. We list all possible tasks in the profile. ” Even routines which may seem obvious such as meal-times, clearing up after using materials and rest times, may need to be spelt out. What is “normal” or logical behaviour for one person is not necessarily so for another. Hosts who consider themselves very easy-going may discover that they even have house rules/etiquette they hadn’t even been aware of before! These could be, for example: taking shoes off indoors, cleaning the bath tub after use, asking permission before using or borrowing something, and what is considered to be an acceptable level of noise or alcohol consumption.

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Providing Food Although most hosts offer lodging and board, there are various agreements which can be reached within this.

Providing food, doesn’t necessarily mean picking it/shopping for it or preparing it. In fact many hosts relish being cooked for, as part of the exchange, especially if it means sampling home-cooking from other countries. Meal preparation/laying the table and washing up can also be seen as a shared responsibility or assigned via a rota system.

Some hosts opt for giving their helpers supplies and them leaving them to put their own meals together as and when they prefer. This allows for difference in food preference and eating habits, however if all meals are organised in this way there is less opportunity for enjoying each others company and sharing culinary tips.

In some instances, when the host is absent or the volunteers are house-sitting, it may be necessary for volunteers to provide their own food, this is usually reflected in a reduction of volunteering hours expected.

“

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

„

Hours In exchange for board and lodging you can expect to receive around 5 hours volunteering per day 5 days a week. Often this means helping out until lunchtime from Monday to Friday and then having the afternoons and weekends off. This is only a guideline and it is up to the hosts and helper to decide how to make the best use of their work and leisure time. It’s important for both parties to be willing to adapt to each other’s needs and circumstances.

Perhaps a volunteer wants to extend his weekend by having Friday off, but making up the hours at another time. Similarly there may be projects which have to be finished the same day, even though this means staying on a little longer than usual.

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Although it’s important to be flexible and understanding, it’s essential to have a clear idea of each others’ expectations and clearly outline the arrangement in order to minimise frustration/ misunderstanding later on.

Length of Stay There are Workawayers who stay for a week, and those who are invited to stay on indefinitely, and become locals themselves! As a host usually has to invest more time in the first few days to help the newcomer acclimatise and settle in to their new environment, it makes sense for a volunteer to be around for a minimum of two weeks. When hosts require ongoing help, then there is the option of giving Workawayers an open-ended offer, or specifying a time period which could then be renewed later on if so wished.

For hosts who have a specific undertaking in mind, with a proposed start and finish date, then this will define a Workawayer’s stay. In fact sometimes this arrangement can work well for hosts who prefer to do things stage by stage, getting to know someone before deciding whether to offer them an extended stay or greater involvement. Of course, the offer might come too late if the Workawayer has already organised other placements or travel plans.

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Selecting a Workawayer and Preparing for Their Stay Once again providing an honest account of the volunteering/living conditions is more likely to attract those who’d most likely fit in and dissuade those who are less suited. It’s a good sign when a Workawayer demonstrates that they have read the host’s profile by commenting on certain aspects or asking informed questions about it. See Chapter 3 “What Hosts are Looking for” which details the qualities which are most appreciated by hosts. Rather than evaluating a person in terms of their qualifications and experience, it seems that personal attributes such as open-mindedness, enthusiasm and a cheery disposition are far more significant.

One host decided to make up a Pre-Arrival Information sheet based on comments and observations made by previous Workawayers. She sends this out to her prospective volunteers even before they book their tickets, to make sure that they know what to expect from their visit.

In the weeks leading up to the stay, both parties should make an effort to keep in contact and update one another, especially if there is a change of plan. Chatting on Skype, or another video calling software, really helps in establishing a relationship as well as increasing the likelihood of maintaining consistent communication.

Hosts should have a clear idea of the activities to be done, perhaps even in the form of “To Do checklist”, and have everything in place so that volunteers are clear about what needs to be done and have all the necessary tools and materials. If an activity is dependent on the weather, it would be good to have some alternative projects in place just in case, this saves the awkwardness of a helper hanging around waiting to start.

A host should also mention in advance any special equipment which may be required: mosquito nets, work gloves, wellington boots or any specific clothing/accessories to deal with the climatic or environmental condition.

Transport options on how to arrive should be made clear, and if onward travel to the destination is limited or complicated a host should consider offering pick-ups from airports or bus/train stations. Over the first few days a volunteer will need time to acclimatise, the extra time dedicated in making him/her feel welcomed and supported is time invested well.

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Dealing With the Unexpected “Nine out of ten times the visits are successful. Our volunteers leave after having a positive experience, learning from and contributing to the project. Though we have lots of tales to tell about the one-in-ten exceptions…!” (author of host blog)

When both parties are clear about their expectations the chances of disappointment are minimised, however sometimes issues do come up and it is better to try and deal with them as soon as possible before they escalate. Someone’s unhappiness can affect the morale of the whole team.Talking face-to-face without anyone else present at a time and a place where neither is likely to be interrupted is best. Showing concern for the other person and observing that something could be wrong demonstrates an interest in their welfare. Sometimes this alone is enough to smooth things over.

“

Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.

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It’s important to take time to listen first before responding and try to avoid being judgemental. If the problem relates to the other it’s better to express one’s own personal response to a situation, rather than being accusing or interpreting another’s behaviour. It’s important to remain calm and respectful towards each other, with the goal of reaching a resolution, rather than scoring points or defining who is “wrong” or “right”.

Normally misunderstandings can be sorted out. Some Workawayers require more reassurance and guidance than others. By providing them with the encouragement or deserved praised they feel valued and therefore motivated to continue. However on the rare occasions that the volunteer decides to leave, it is best to be supportive rather than obstructive. If the host and the Workawayer have a back-up plan in place for such eventualities the departure is easier to deal with.

Illness is another unexpected factor which can complicate matters. Even though it may mean missing a few days help, allowances need to be made as a person needs time to rest in order to recover. This may generate feelings of guilt or frustration, but patience and understanding is required. There may be ways of making up the hours later on, or finding alternative ways of making a contribution which are less physically demanding.

“

Being a host sometimes means learning to be a creative problem solver. As humans we are constantly learning and being challenged. Our capacity to be diplomatic, understanding and tolerant is paramount.

“I try hard as a host but know I don’t get it right 100%

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has.

„

of the time—we are still learning. I really appreciate when volunteers share best practice with me.” said a host blog author.

Hidden Benefits A host may receive invaluable help from his Workawayer, but often there are many extra hidden benefits.

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As we embark on our working lives, we may not have the possibility of travelling extensively.

Opening our doors to the outside world is in some ways the next best thing. We often travel to learn about different ways of living, eating, seeing the world or learning a new language, and all this can be brought into our homes by our guests. Equally true, as mentioned earlier, is the possibility of gaining insights into our own local culture by learning to see it through a visitor’s eyes.

Learning a language Having a foreign volunteer to stay could be a great way to learn their native tongue, or improve the skills you already have in it. Ironically, many experts would argue that a classroom can inhibit language acquisition: the pressure of performing, memorising and being tested on your progress.

Learning at home is a more natural and relaxed setting. Instead of the language practice being the focus, the emphasis is to make yourself understood. This is genuine communication in an authentic context at the pace of the learner, not the “teacher�. In fact, learning a language whilst carrying out another activity, such as cooking, gardening or even learning another skill is considered to be a very effective method.

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Kids Children benefit enormously from these encounters, as it broadens their vision and knowledge of the world out there to explore one day.

Each visitor brings with them a world of possibilities and surprises: new stories; games; songs; delicious recipes to try; a different language perhaps and examples of different customs and ways of living. They may have skills and talents to perform or share—children are not shy in showing their enthusiasm, asking to try new things and consequently learn extremely quickly. Living alongside people from vastly different social and ethnic backgrounds makes a child question the concept of “normality” and hopefully will immunise them forever from institutionalised prejudice directed at anyone who is considered “different”. With this awareness comes maturity and a perspective of their own and other’s cultures. An intensive course in humanity which is rarely achieved in a school setting.

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Shaping futures There is always something to be learnt from another person, and always something you can teach them in return. There have been many incidences in which one has inspired the other, or passed on information or a skill which has later shaped/changed their life in some way (See Chapter 21: Happily Ever After Workaway). These testimonies of personal revelations or lifestyle transformations as a result of a Workaway encounter often appear unexpectedly.

Knowing that hosting someone in the very least could help them achieve what they are looking for from their travels, but could go on to leave a lasting impression or influence their life in a myriad of ways—is quite an incredible prospect! Or, conversely it could be the host whose life is changed dramatically as a result!!

The beauty of life is that anything is possible, and Workaway sometimes acts as a catalyst for this “magic� to happen!

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r e v E y l i p Hap y a w a k r After Wo

What has become apparent from the feedback comments we receive is the extent to which

Workaway experiences are shaping, influencing or touching people’s lives in a myriad of ways. We see many contributions in blogs and on Facebook, expressing excitement and sheer amazement at all that life has to offer if you know where to look. There are accounts describing personal revelations and of gaining fresh insights and discovering alternative ways of living. We know, and they do too, that their lives will never be quite the same again.

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Finding Freedom For Jeanine (Blog: Travel to come closer) the change was a gradual one. She told us of how it took her three years to make the decision to leave her 11 year career as a consultant for an IT service provider in Germany. She was afraid of all she stood to lose, without any reassurance that she could ever retrieve it—not only the material things but her social status too. On the other hand she also felt under a great deal of pressure at work and needed time to breathe.

“I had the feeling that everybody wanted something from

me at work and in my limited leisure time. I lost myself and forgot about my need”. Eventually she bit the bullet, “I sold most of my stuff on eBay and gave my beloved cat Lola to a new family”. She anticipated that she had more to gain than to lose. “…I became aware of what I really want and that all this material stuff is not really important to me. I can get it very easily back but the experience I will receive during my journey is priceless”. Since

then she has never looked back, but it has been a step-by-step process for her “…it is interesting

to see my own development since I started travelling in January…in the beginning it took me a while to recognize and use the freedom I have now…I was still looking for structure and security”. The people she

met along the way showed her by example how to take advantage of the possibilities and fully enjoy them “I became completely aware of my freedom and let my former life go. Now I don’t plan very far in advance. It would restrict me again. I know what I want and I go with the flow now”. Her time away has led her to the decision that she wants to work as a motivational trainer—“My wish is to give impulses

to people who would like to make a small or big life change. I would like to put my experience from my journey in my seminars”.

“ When we step out of our

For Jeanine it was a slow shift in lifestyle, for others life events can unfold more dramatically—as the following story about Alice goes to show.

normal world and leave behind us all the usual barriers and prejudices, we tend to become more adventurous.

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Finding Love “Follow your passion and the rest takes care of itself!”

Alice had been working as a stage manager for 10-12 years, but she felt it was time for a slight change in career and so had started applying for posts in theatre producing. She also wanted to get an A level in Spanish, and thought that a week living and working in Spain might give her the language practice she needed.

She arranged a Workaway exchange in the picturesque hilltop village of Vejer in Southern Andalusia in February 2010.

“I wanted a bit of peace, to be in the countryside and concentrate on what I was

doing. I wasn’t expecting anything life-changing from my trip, just to improve my Spanish.”

The village was celebrating Carnival, and on her first evening she went out with her host around town. Stopping off at the last bar on the way home she met Juan and they hit it off. They saw each other whenever they could and by the end of her stay, she had made up her mind to move out to Spain to be with him, even though it meant turning down a promising second interview with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her mind was made up, even though the details of work, income and accommodation were still unclear. “At the time I didn’t even think twice about it. I just knew it was the right thing to do.”

Two years later they bought a property to renovate, only to find that she was expecting a baby. The renovation and the pregnancy progressed simultaneously. Her little daughter is now one year old. She also found work! Alice heard that Workaway was in need of an administrator, and being such a big fan of the project she applied for the job and became part of the team!

When asked if she believes in destiny she replied. “I’m not

sure, as opportunities present themselves in life we need to be instrumental in making things happen”. However she is amazed

at how circumstances would have been very different if it wasn’t for the timing of a whole chain of arbitrary decisions. “Having done so much travelling, I am always open for things to happen! The element of trust is important too!”

Like with so many things in life, one seemingly small decision has a knock on effect and can send ripples of change across the globe. Alice’s host sold up her business in the village and, needing a break, she headed off to a yoga retreat in the hills to become a Workawayer herself. Alice’s mother has now also signed up to Workaway so that she can host Spanish-speaking volunteers and learn the native language that her little granddaughter will grow up to speak!

We know that Workaway has been responsible for people deciding to settle elsewhere, for influencing changes in their career paths and reassess their priorities in life…Unfortunately we don’t get to hear about all the subsequent adventures of the thousands and thousands of Workaway members, precisely because they are people who have moved on to the next chapter in their lives!

They are extremely hard to quantify or, indeed, to trace.

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“ Once you have travelled, the

voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.

�

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Finding a Purpose In the modern world there is so much choice, so much abundance and so much to distract us…so it’s ironic that many of us feel bombarded, empty and unfulfilled.

Wendy (Blog: Wendy on a Whim) was looking for a way to reinvent herself after she resigned as a cruise ship singer, but often it isn’t easy to leave behind an identity that you have associated yourself with for so long.

“Singing has been my purpose, my escape, my income, my link to travel and

relationships for the past many years… If I am no longer a singer, what am I? Who am I? What do I want out of life?”

In an almost fable-like manner she set out in search of a new purpose and direction. “…I took off to the desert, I learned I loved the simplicity and peace it provided but I wasn’t able to reinvent myself like I had hoped.”

It wasn’t until she experienced the pioneer lifestyle of the rolling farmlands of Kentucky that she felt renewed and fulfilled.

“When I was on the farm, the world as I know it was far away.

Nothing mattered but taking care of the animals, the farm, and myself on a very basic level. I was able to escape my own selfish needs and concerns because there were so many others counting on me daily to care for them. In the process of doing this I learned a valuable life lesson: contentment is found in being of service to others. I have always heard of this, knew it sounded nice enough, but it wasn’t until I put it into practice that I realized so much of our discontent comes from our selfish desires and pursuits. Change your thoughts to others, and you will see how quickly you begin to feel at peace with yourself. It’s actually quite amazing”.

She was inspired by the farm owner’s wisdom, advice and encouragement. He had brought up his family of nine children in an off-grid, self-sufficient environment where they had gardened organically, preserved and canned food, made their own clothes, chopped their own wood and raised livestock.

“The entire experience was life-altering—just what I

was hoping for. In fact it surpassed my expectations with regards to what I would ultimately learn about myself. It lit a flame inside me that I hope will continue to burn”.

Having left the farm she is desperately trying to hold on to the feelings of peace, purpose, completeness, strength and worth that she discovered there. She has made the decision that this is the lifestyle she wants to pursue and promised herself to find a way to make it happen.

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Finding a Home David (from Israel) and Georgie (U.K.) (Host Listing) originally met in India 13 years ago. They both loved travelling and combined their work making and selling jewelry with regular trips to Asia to buy materials.

In 2009 they were based in the UK and feeling rather deflated. The recession was affecting their capacity to earn, and they decided that opportunities were limited there. To escape the boredom and frustration of being out of work David joined Workaway and decided to explore other possibilities abroad. He met up with host Fay, who was living in England but had a piece of land and roundhouse construction project in León, Spain, which needed overseeing. As the couple were ready for a change from the UK, this seemed like a good opportunity to get away, although they had no idea how much of a life-changing decision it would prove to be!

Trained as a carpenter, David was able to put his skills to good use. They had both travelled extensively and knew how to adapt to different living conditions, although living off-grid in a selfsufficient environment which needed maintaining was new to both of them. Being on their own for most of the time meant that they acquired knowledge and skills on the job, “I learnt a lot about

alternative construction techniques, renewable energy and water installations. We also saw how the local Spanish system works and all the possibilities available” David told us.

They faced challenges along the way, but are in no doubt that it was worth every effort. Not only did they remain on Fay’s land for 18 months, but the seed of possibility had been sown. If they were able to run a rural eco-home in the owner’s absence, then they could also do it for themselves.

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They had fallen in love with the area, enjoyed its remote location and were now more familiar with self-sufficiency methods.

As for the future, their home is still being enlarged and they have many more projects on the horizon. They are now hosting Workawayers themselves as they need a helping hand. Georgie is very excited by the idea of creating water retaining lakes and an irrigation system to sustain the trees she wants to plant. They left the UK to escape boredom, and they certainly succeeded.

Nowadays they are never short of ideas and plans. David says that he is constantly busy and can’t imagine ever being bored: “There will always be something that needs doing: projects to be completed,

and the repairs and maintenance which are ongoing.”

David admits that it can be very demanding work at times and that he swears a lot, but it’s incredibly satisfying too. “It’s a nice feeling, being off-grid. I like the fact that even though it’s not

perfect, everything we have we’ve created for ourselves from scratch!

“ The trail is the thing, not

the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you miss all you are travelling for.

”

They put their money on a 15,000m2 piece of land (within 300m of their host’s plot) just as Georgie discovered she was pregnant. They now had a very real deadline to create a living space as well as installing power and basic utilities. They used their caravan as a nucleus and built a cabin extension from it. They set up a solar power system as their principal energy supply. Later on this was supplemented by installing a water turbine in their stream to boost power over the winter months.

Temperatures can drop to minus 25 degrees and so they put in a wood burning stove which heats their home via a system of copper piping and radiators. They grow their own veggies and keep chickens and ponies too.

They have applied the practical skills they picked up whilst Workawaying, and with perseverance and ingenuity have accomplished something remarkable. They have created a home from scratch which now provides the family with shelter, water, heat and food.

Ayla, their first-born daughter is now 2 years old and Georgie is expecting her second baby in September. Perhaps even the most dedicated travellers are hit by the nesting instinct at some point in their lives.

As Georgie explained: “We sometimes get itchy feet, it’s good to be settled somewhere for a while, the people here are so friendly and happy to have us here. It’s a great place for kids to grow up.”

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Finding a Way to Keep Travelling We also hear of those bitten so severely by the travel bug as a result of Workawaying, that they decide that this is how they want to continue living. Rather than using Workaway as a springboard, there are many people who use it as a way of living, a way to keep travelling, combining it with paid work perhaps. Meet Barbara, Mandie, John and Sarah: Bábara Bécares is a Spanish travel writer, journalist and travel addict. Workaway helps her to spend extended periods of time in the countries that she is fascinated with. By living within the community her writing reflects a greater depth of understanding and empathy. By contrast many other travel journalists take the stance of an outside observer, often from the perspective of their hotel balconies.

“Being the journalist that I am, there is nothing more fascinating than going to a place and really getting to know the local customs...

Although the agreement was to give classes in exchange for food and lodging, what I got in return was something far more important than what the post originally offered: new friends, the knowledge of new customs and cultures, and learning how to handle new situations, and most of all, the unconditional kindness and affection from people from the other side of the world, with whom I continue to keep in contact with.”

Mandie (travel blogger) from the U.S.A. travels, volunteers with Workaway and generates an income from freelance blogging and web design.

She believes that good wine, a bit of nonsense, and frequent travels outside one’s comfort zone are good for the soul. Her passion is to make lasting connections around the world and inspire others to break through anything holding them back.

“Travel is my way of coming out of my shell and learning to reconnect with people. I’m seeing unbelievable sights and I feel alive every single day… I’m currently freelance writing, building WordPress sites and doing other odd jobs for people willing to host and feed me around the world…I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about how I’m funding my travels so I thought I’d address the biggest way that I’m able to travel longer for less: Workaway.info.”

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Sarah is 25, originally from the UK, and an avid travel blogger (Blog: Coffee with a Slice of Life). She expresses herself in a bright bubbly way and likes to give tips on how to travel extensively and cheaply. Workaway is one of her favourite sites. From her blog she wrote, “I have been travelling for

about 3 years now from Ski Trips in Europe to Scuba Diving in the Maldives and about 25 other countries in between but ultimately I am just in love with the open road, and also writing, and will do almost anything to keep living my dream...”

Then there are those like John and Sandra, a middle-aged couple from the UK who made the decision to spend most of each year travelling and Workawaying. As they described their experience, “We

found it to be an excellent process... and couldn’t wait to do the next one. It gives us the opportunity to travel, meet people...and share their life for a week or two.” They are excited by the prospect

of being able to see the world and meet new people, rather than staying at home and leading what they consider to be a more boring and uneventful life by comparison.

It’s not only the Workaway volunteers who notice lifestyle transformations, the hosts do too. Kerriann and John (Host Listing)—based in Snowdonia, Wales—started out on a venture to reclaim wood from the surrounding area. Their objective is to recycle their finds by transforming them into original pieces of artwork.

Kerriann explained to us that before they signed up to Workaway in 2012 they found the demands of the project overwhelming at times, and it was a struggle to meet their deadlines: “There’s only so much two people can do…we had our ideas…but only two heads… now we have 30 heads coming in through the door with 30 different ideas”.

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The volunteers have changed the whole working environment and it has now become a Community workshop. “Everyone has gifts and everyone has a story…they’re being so creative…bringing in their craftwork”.

As well as having helpers who contribute creatively, there are those who give them a hand with the physical work and others who do the cooking.

Being located in the heart of a National Park in North Wales could be quite an isolated existence, but their social lives have also been transformed by the influx of newcomers. “It’s absolutely

amazing because we’ve got all these new people coming in and interacting with us. We take them up the mountains and show them around”.

To sum up the experience in Kerriann’s own words “It has totally opened up our lives to new ideas”.

To keep on questioning, learning and broadening our vision of our world means that we stay alert and feel alive. Without new experiences something inside us sleeps and we create limits and boundaries for ourselves in the name of “security”. Travel makes us question our preconceptions and see beyond the confines of our daily lives. Katy Schlegel sent us a post relating the insights she gained from her Workaway experiences, perhaps this extract says it all: “I have realized that my circumstance does not define who I am, was, or will be. I am not a victim of my circumstance nor bound by my past, or the choices I have made. I am stronger now than I have ever been before. This is my adventure!”

…So… how will your story unfold? Start your journey here:

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Remember you can share your experiences on the Workaway Community Blog page!

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Published by: Workaway.info Written By: Jane Alicia Cooney Book Design By: Alicia Yanting Leung Photography by: members of the Workaway community Find Us on the Web! www.workaway.info Connect with us and be a part of our community:

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