The world is full of wonderful things, and we only experience a few of them if we never venture beyond our own comfort zone. But even for the most adventurous of globetrotters, there simply is too much to visit and too little time. So what is there to do? We only live once, so lets choose to do the most meaningful things, in the most phenomenal places in the world! To help you guys get your exciting adventures going, we’vehighlighted a few items on our loooong bucket list of the experiences we loved the most. Will any ofthese be on your list too?
1. Help at an alpaca farm and take them out for walks
Alpacas have to be one of the most beloved animals of all time, because who wouldn’t wanna give these adorable floofy creatures a big hug? Try your hand with feeding, shearing and helping them build little homes at various farms while you are exploring different countries, and have a taste of rustic good life with these gentle animals by volunteering at an alpaca farm.
2. Embrace ski season in winter wonderland
Get ready for an unforgettable ski or snowboarding adventure in one of the most magical winter destinations in the world! Imagine gliding across glittering snow, soaking in pristine mountain views, and sipping on hot cocoa with your travel tribe. Vacations like these are typically on the pricey side, so a great way to do this without breaking the bank would be to help out at a ski lodge in exchange for this unique experience. Pro-tip, there's Workaway hosts from Japan to France that will let you explore these top ski season destinations for free!
3. Live out your fairytale dream in a traditional castle
From Disney movies tobedside fairytales, it’s no wonder that thechildhood fantasy of living like royalty still lingersas we grow older. How then can we miss a chance to stayat the top of a castle in a secluded rural town? Enjoy gazing outside your bedroom marvelling at the fieldsof green that stretch across the horizon, and take in the magic of living in an ancient story book. “ It’s a haven, it’s an oasis, it’s magical, there is so much history to explore there,” described one of our workawayers who have stayed at a historic castle in France. Now that’s an unique once-in-a-lifetime memory waiting for you to create.
4. Dog-sledding across the Arcticlandscapes
Charging across frozen lakes with just yourfurry friends and the sound of their paws padding across snow – it’s immersion in nature and exhilarating action both in one!Visit a sled dog ranch, or better yet, experience the full lifestyle and learn first-hand aboutdog-sledding with one of our hosts – such as this one in Canada.This is the perfect way to experience life in the woods, and swap the hustle and bustle of city life to live amongst Alaskan huskies– with the comfort of knowing someone has your back.
5. Be a true nomad on the Mongolian plains
Following where the wind blows and where the grass is green…nomads used to build their lives aroundnature’s wisdom, and many in Mongolia are still choosing to keepthis lifestyle over the city rush. Experience the authentic nomad life bybuildingyour own yurt – or ger, as locals call it –in the stunning highlands of Mongolia and learn what it’s like to live simply and sustainably with one of our hosts.
6. Marvel at the northern lights
Yes, we know, this is basically a bucket-list staple already – but for good reason. There’s nothing quite like getting to see something after hearing and dreaming about it a thousand times, and finally understanding what the fuss is all about. The aurora borealis (gosh, it even sounds pretty) is absolutely magnificent and a reminder of how amazing nature is. Apart from the most popular Iceland, some of ourfavourite placesto see these dancing lights are Finland, Sweden, Alaska, USAand Northern Canada– where you can get insiders’tips andeven stay at the best hidden spots with local hosts without needing to be in a tourist bus for hours!
7. Spend a night camping in the Arab desert
Nothing between you and the desert sand but a clear sky illuminated by stars that stretches into the vast unknown. Imagine friendly camels trotting past as you pass cups of freshly boiled tea around a campfire with fellow workawayersaround the world, while your host shares stories about their land and introduces you to the wonders of local lifein the desert. Our favourite destinations are with the Berber tribes in Morocco and the Wadi Rum village in Jordan (sorry we just couldn’t pick between these!).
8. Discover that wild and free van life
Not just exploring, but literally living amongst the most stunning nature the world has to offer, in the comfort of your little home on wheels?Whether it's New Zealand's diverse range of coastal sceneries, the epic mountainscapes of the Spanish Pyrenees, or Canada's breathtaking lakes and glaciers - travelling in a van doesn't only mean you're going onan epic road trip, but you're also exploring an incredible way of life where you get to access nature's hidden gems, embrace the beauty of minimalism, and travel longer for cheaper without roughing it.
9. Walk on all the colours of nature in Patagonia
Stretching across both Chile and Argentina, trekking through Patagonia is the best way to experience the diverse wonders of South America’s geography from the top of the world. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, penguin sightings – the trails here are filled with magnificent views wherever you go. Stay close to these stunning treks, drop the guidebooks and explore the lesser-known spotsof the area with local hostsinstead!
10. Relax on the beach withsea turtles
The earth is 71% water, so how can we complete a bucket list without including an ocean experience? Look for amazing encounters in Hawaii, or dip your toes into the beautiful isolated beaches of Costa Rica and take it one step further by participating in the local turtle conservation efforts. Enjoy the warm breeze, see majestic turtles in their natural habitat, and witness baby turtles hatching in this nesting heaven.
11. Get the full jungle experience in the Amazon rainforest
As one of our host says, theAmazon and the way of living there is something that can not be explained, you have to live it.And there is so much more to justliving there! The Amazon is full of experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere in the world. Treat yourself with some fun adventures of jungle trekking and river excursions,swimminginto waterfall ponds, and walking amongst thousand year-old trees while listening to locals explain the stories of their land. Meet, connect, share, teach and learn from[workawayhost uid="511339379784 " type="text" label="indigenous communities" target="_blank"]. Pick and hunt for your own food every day, wake up to birds chirping or to monkeys chasing after you!
12. Trek along the breathtaking Himalayas
…or at least a section of it that would most suit your abilities and interests! The incredible Himalayan mountains need no introduction, but did you know that it reaches across Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan? All of which are amazing places to visit in their own right. Options range from conquering the mighty mount Everest, or exploring 5000-6000m peaks , to enjoying or staying at a near Nepal’s China/Tibet border to volunteer as an English teacher. Whatever route you take, it’s sure to be a rewarding adventure like no other.
13. Gaze over Cappadocia, Turkey from a hot air balloon
What’s more magical than marvelling at Cappadocia’s spectacular fairy chimneys over the sunrise? Well, having a panoramic view of the scene while riding in a hot air balloon! These rock sites, hosted in the Goreme National Park, are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These surreal formations are created by the natural erosion of volcanic landscapes from millions of years ago, and are definitely a sight not to be missed. If your budget doesn’t allow for a hot air balloon ride, stay with a local host in Cappadocia to save up some funds – either way, it’s still an amazing experience just to gaze at the colourful balloons rising over the rock site!
14. Be a true eco-nomad and volunteer for an environmental project
Eco-warriors around the world have been making an effort to promote sustainable living and making a positive global impact in face of climate change. If you’re also a traveller with a mission to help protect the environment, there are plenty of environmental projects that are always happy to welcome helping hands, such as this or help out at an .In addition, Workaway has teamed up with Ecologi to plant a tree on behalf of every new member who joins our community, so that we can all play a part in giving back, even remotely! Together we’ve been able to fund sustainable projects such as rainforest protection in Brazil and Peru, and we aim to plant over a million trees with your support!
15. Go diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Get your snorkel or diving gear ready, because there’s still much to explore down below and we’re just getting started! The Great Barrier Reef is home to a plethora of coral reefs and marine life, and is definitely on most (if not all) scuba divers’ bucket list. Being the earth’s largest reef system, this dream destination in Australia is home to just about every kind of wildlife you can think of – sharks, whales, manta rays, you name it! Stay with a Workaway host in Queensland to easily access this underwater world of wonders, as well as friendly local Aussie life for free when not diving.
16. Make your favourite food from scratch
This one’s for the hardcore foodies who’ll do ANYTHING for an authentic, delicious experience. Try searching for a Workaway opportunity where you’ll get to learn to make your favourite food from scratch -- like this travel foodie who learnt to make and enjoy minestrone the traditional way, and this workawayer who was lucky enough to get involved in a complete chocolate production, from planting cacao beans to packaging!
17. Get up close with wild animals on a safari tour
The Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalo – are rare and precious creatures we don’t see on a day-to-day basis, but the biggest chances of encountering them have to be while on a safari tour in Africa. There’s just something so special about admiring these majestic animals in their natural habitat, while keeping a close but still respectable distance. Our favourite destinations for safaris are Botswana, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania, all of which are countries where you can also find Workaway hosts to stay with while being up close with wildlife!
18. Immerse into a local’s life and pick up a new language
One thing we know for sure about learning something new, is that it’s more fun to do it in an intimate and interactive setting. If you’re a long-term traveller (or travel lover), chances are you’ll also wanna immerse into local culture and the best way to do it is by speaking their language! There’s so many hosts on Workaway who are happy to speak, listen and practise with you every day, such as this who wants to practise French and teach English, or this who offers to teach Arabic in exchange for learning your native language. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to connect with a fellow workawayer who’s keen to become your next language buddy too!
19. Explore the Greek Islands on a sailboat
Sailing across the stunning Mediterranean sea while hopping around the Greek Islands on a catamaran or yacht is hands-down the BEST way to get the most out of your holiday in paradise. You’ve got the iconic Santorini, which is universally considered as one of the most romantic destinations in the world; there’s Skopelos where the gorgeous Mamma Mia was filmed (and where we’ve got an amazing Workaway host on a mission to help uncover ancient paths linking the island together); Crete, where so many workawayers have gushed about its amazing food, just to name a few. Best of all? You’ll be exploring all of these places while also swaying to the glistening waters, with sea breeze in your hair.
20. Leave your mark around the world
To us, what matters more than just visiting beautiful destinations is what we create through the experience – connections, new perspectives, and even beautiful artfor your friends and new travellers to admire!How many people can say they have a mural wall on the other side of the world, or a sculpturestandingin an international hostel? We have quite a few hosts waiting for youto leave your artistic creationat their place – such as this tropical hostel in Sri Lankaor in this artistic community in Taiwan.
And the best part of this? You don’t even need to be an artist to leave something beautiful wherever you go. Are you good at cooking? Share a great recipe withyour host family so they have a taste of food from your culture. Got a green thumb? Give your host’s garden some extra love and plant something special for them to enjoy. Even if you think you don’t have any special skills, you can always share your language, interesting stories about your home country, and most importantly your friendship with all the people you meet along the way! Now go fill your bucket list with more wonderful destinations to stay atand exciting things to do, bring an open mind with you to make them last forever – in your heart and in the hearts of others!
