How to choose the perfect Workaway host? – use my advice (a downloadable checklist included!) 

*The original language of this blog post is English.

Finding the right Workaway host can make or break your experience. Whether you’re planning your very first Workaway trip or already have a few under your belt, choosing the right host is absolutely essential. A great host means clear expectations, good vibes, and unforgettable memories — but a bad one? That can turn your dream adventure into a stressful disaster. To help you avoid that, I’ve created this ultimate checklist with the top 12 things to look out for before you click „Send Message.” At the end of this article you will also be able to download your checklist, so carry on reading! 

✅ Ultimate checklist: how to choose the perfect Workaway host

• 🌟 Carefully read the host’s profile Look for clear information about your tasks, working hours, days off, accommodation, and meals. If the profile is too short or unclear — ask questions! Host have their own rules – ask yourself if they are acceptable for you.
• 📖 Read recent reviews Focus on hosts who have received recent and positive feedback. Pay attention to how the host responds to any negative comments.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Check the host’s activity Look at the „Last Login” date on the profile. Active hosts mean fewer surprises! Also, you don’t want to wait for the reply 3 months!
• 📸 Analyse the photos Genuine, recent photos of the accommodation, host family, and surroundings are a must. Stock photos or missing images are a red flag.
• 🎯 Match expectations Are the tasks in line with your skills and preferences? Make sure you understand what the host expects before committing. Do not agree on jobs which are beyond your abilities and/or personal safety.
• 🛏️ Accommodation conditions Shared room, private room, tent, camper? Is there hot water, Wi-Fi, and access to laundry? Confirm all these details.
• 📍 Location & accessibility How isolated is the place? Check the distance to shops, bus stops, medical services, and local attractions.
• 💬 Host’s communication style Pay attention to how quickly and clearly the host responds to your questions. Open and respectful communication is key. Do they address you by your name or do they just vaguely know who they are responding to and do not show interest in answering your questions?
• ⚖️ Work & free time balance Clarify working hours, days off, and flexibility. Make sure both sides agree on fair conditions. Apart from work and cultural exchange, you want to enjoy your free time and explore.
• 🛡️ Safety & comfort Always trust your gut feeling — if something feels off, it probably is. Remember, you can always contact the support team and signal the problem. Inform you family or friend where exactly you are going and who you are going to stay with. 
• 🎁 Extra benefits Will you have a chance to learn new skills, explore the area, or meet other travellers?
• 🔄 Always have a backup plan Sometimes experiences don’t match expectations — and it’s perfectly fine to leave if necessary. Take a look at my blog post about an emergency situation I encountered in Sicily. I left the place on the same day and found a perfect host within  a last minute request.
• *Remember to change the language under the logo.
• https://nigdyzapozno.pl/co-powinienes-wiedziec-zanim-zaczniesz-workaway/

💡 Looking for real-life Workaway host experiences?

Read some examples of my Workaway stories: *Remember to change the language under the logo.

• 🇫🇷 Workaway at an artist’s rural house in France
• 🌋 Volunteering under the volcano, La Palma — Canary Islands
• 🍋 My Sicilian perfect hosts
• 🏞️ Lockdown in Tuscany – Rodolfo the ageless man

📥 Don’t forget to download your free checklist HERE.  

If you find this text helpful, you can buy me a digital coffee as a thank you note ☕.