You don’t have many opportunities in life to have space and time to think. Time is not governed by what fits around your 9-5. In the last few years, I haven’t felt like I’ve had the space to think about what I want out of life. This was a big driving force behind our decision to pack up our lives and go travelling.
Choosing an Authentic Travel Experience
We are now in our late 20s, so we weren’t looking for your typical ‘gap year’ style backpacking trip. We wanted something a little more authentic than hostel drinking games and nightlife. This is why we looked into doing multiple workaways throughout our 8-month trip across Central America. If you’re not familiar with Workaway, let me explain.
What is Workaway?
Workaway is a platform that connects travellers with hosts — ranging from families to NGOs and independent projects — offering a cultural exchange. In return for a few hours of daily help, you receive free accommodation and often food. Tasks can include farming, childcare, housekeeping, land maintenance or building projects.
It can be a great option for budget travel as you have little to no expenditure, as your accommodation and often meals are provided. This was definitely one of the driving factors for us. However, as we would learn, it was also rich in many more ways.
Read More: Behind the Scenes of Workaway: Lessons Learned Volunteering on an Italian Farm
Our First Workaway Experience
Our first Workaway placement was on an off-grid finca in the Costa Rican jungle, where we committed to staying for one month. Hosts usually specify a minimum and maximum stay — often anywhere between two weeks and three months — allowing both hosts and volunteers to find a rhythm and build trust over time.
Reflections on Workaway and Non-Financial Work
Not Working for Money
Initially, you might think, “Well, what’s the point in that?” But I actually found that it helped my motivation to carry out tasks simply to the best of my ability while enjoying them from start to finish.
Working for money can at times be quite transactional, and taking that away, we were then able to create a better personal connection with our host / ‘boss for the month’. This led to a greater sense of fulfillment and mutual respect.
The After-Work Cerveza
So why did the after-work cerveza feel so much more rewarding? No, I don’t think it was just the hours spent working in 30-degree heat (although that probably helped). I think it was down to creativity and the value of the work we were doing.
After a long day of propagating Vetiver grass on a 10-meter-high verge, with the goal of preventing any future land erosion on our host’s property. The work felt rewarding, and the whole process only encouraged creative problem-solving, and what my boyfriend liked to term ‘site banter’.
The Removal of Bureaucracy
I don’t think I even need to elaborate here if you have ever worked for a large corporation (or small one).
Cultivating Lost Knowledge
Living in the Western, and largely online world, I’m slightly ashamed to admit – although I don’t think I’m the only one – that I learn most new things via social media.
From questionable ‘hacks’ like how to smoke fish in a tin using a lighter and kitchen paper (which I later learned is bad for you, as the paper contains bleach and the tin releases microplastics), to where to eat in new travel destinations, to what the Kardashian kids got for Christmas. Yes, I admit, too much new information I’ve learnt scrolling whilst I’m meant to be ‘working’ is in fact entirely useless.
Which is why I’ve felt so curious and inspired about all the new information I’ve learnt whilst carrying out my Workaway in the Costa Rican jungle. Here are just a few things I’ve learned so far:
- Certain trees shouldn’t be pruned too close to a full moon due to the moisture held within their branches.
- Once a banana tree fruits, it dies, leaving behind its daughters.
- Damaging an avocado tree by hammering a few nails into its trunk can encourage it to fruit more.
- Vetiver grass is planted on slopes to prevent landslides due to its deep root system — and it’s also used in around 90% of men’s cologne.
- Always shake out your bed, clothes and shoes before using them — a snake or scorpion may have wriggled inside. A snake bite could kill you, and a scorpion sting would, as our host put it, “f**k up your day.”
Mindfulness in Everyday Activities
I think mindfulness is what a lot of people crave, search for, practice or perhaps are unaware they need. Whether you actively practice meditation, seek out a crafty hobby, or perhaps practice yoga, all are mindful activities. But they are also mindful activities that rely on self-motivation, which, at times, can be hard to find. Especially in the depths of winter. Another force behind our decision to go travelling.
I have especially struggled with motivation over the winter months, which at times has often left me depressed and ill. However, the way of life on this off-grid farm (finca in Spanish) is set up so that almost every activity is mindful. Ranging from small things like raking leaves, to being mindful of how much water and energy you consume – by not keeping the tap running, soaping your dishes first, then rinsing them all at once and not unnecessarily charging electrical items.
The daily tasks are mindful; there is no choice but to be present and aware of what’s around us. We are in the Costa Rican jungle after all. This experience hasn’t just given us new skills and knowledge. It’s given us space — the freedom to think, to reflect on what drives us, what we want our purpose to be, and the freedom to get creative. Oh — and free accommodation too.
Considering a Workaway? Here Are a Few Tips Based on My Own Experience
If you’re thinking about trying a Workaway experience yourself, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
- Read host profiles carefully. Look for clear expectations around hours, tasks and accommodation, and take time to read reviews from previous volunteers. Hosts with more reviews often have more established routines and maintenance-based tasks. Hosts with fewer reviews may be in the earlier stages of developing their space, meaning you could get a more hands-on experience helping to build and create something from the ground up. So don’t let a profile with low reviews put you off. I’d also recommend scheduling a call with a host before you commit — it’s a great way to start building a relationship and work out whether you’re like-minded and will work well together.
- Be realistic about time commitments. Hosts often prefer stays of at least two to four weeks, allowing time to settle in, build relationships and contribute meaningfully.
- Ask questions before committing. Clarify working hours, days off, meals provided and what a typical day looks like.
- Go in with an open mind. Flexibility is key — plans change, weather intervenes and tasks evolve.
- Embrace the discomfort. Off-grid living can be challenging, but it’s often where the most rewarding experiences happen. Be prepared to live without some of your usual creature comforts.
Workaway isn’t just about budget travel — it’s about slowing down, learning new skills and experiencing a place beyond the surface.
Search Workaway opportunities here.
Terra Natura Ma, where we carried out our Workaway.
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Author Bio: I’m Charlotte, a UK-based writer and creator who left the 9–5 grind to make space for creativity, travel, and a life beyond the desk. Through my writing and visual storytelling, I explore what it means to live intentionally, embracing curiosity, mindfulness, and personal growth. I document my journey across the world, sharing reflections on travel, slow living, off-grid experiences, and the everyday lessons learnt along the way.
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