I just recently completed my first work exchange from Staydu.com on the Rio Dulce River in Guatemala. My experience working in a remote Eco Lodge on this idyllic river can easily be my favorite memory of my 5 1/2 month journey traveling through Mexico and Central America.
My boyfriend and I spent 5 weeks running and managing a small, rustic 4 bungalow facility while the owner was out of town tending to other business. Our responsibilities included: caring for the property, attending to guests, reservations, organizing tours, cleaning, cooking, inventory, general maintenance, supervising staff, billing, carpentry, and house and pet sitting.
In exchange we received full room and board – private accommodation in the owners home and incredible home cooked meals every day. We spent less than $50 during this time which was a huge bonus for our budget.
Some days were busier than others so we made the most of our down time. We spent our free time kayaking, reading, writing, and lazying around on a hammock. In addition, we had a chance to interact with the locals on a more personal level and learned more about the Q’ekchi’ life and traditions from the close knit staff members.
I can’t imagine working in a more perfect place. The location was phenomenal, the people lovely, and the benefits were beyond my expectations. I learned so much about myself and gained new life experiences that will stay with me always.
We’re now continent hopping over to Asia and look forward to using Staydu to obtain more job opportunities and consequently more lasting memories such as this. Participating in a work exchange is an incredibly rewarding and cost-effective way to travel.
A Staydu paid membership (for contacting hosts) is 19 EUR for 2 years but you can save money by using the coupon code 192WT and pay only 15 EUR 🙂
Very cool way to save money! Congratulations on sticking to a such a low budget and yet enjoying such luxurious experiences 🙂 You’re definitely what we call a luxury value traveler 🙂 Looking forward to more lovely writings.
PS: We’re always looking for travel writers if you’d like to earn some extra cash. Also, we have a photo sharing program that turns travel photos into donations for charity. Ping me if you’re interested!
Hi Steph! Thanks for reading my post! 🙂
I’ve had minimal Internet access lately but as soon as we stop I’d love to write for you 🙂 thank you!!!
Wow!! That seems to be a great experience! Was it easy to make the contact via the page? I will have a look on that page and sign up if yes. Because with other pages like couchsurfing it does not always work that well..
Hi Tom 🙂 thanks for reading my blog!
Yeah it was super easy to use. The website is called Staydu. It started last year but already I’ve watched them grow very quickly! I’m also subscribed to Workaway but to be honest Staydu is cheaper and has very good job listings.
on staydu a usual paid membership (for contacting hosts) is 19 EUR for 2 years. But with the coupon code 192WT it is only 15 EUR.
We just tried couchsurfing for the first time today but it’s a whole different experience than a work exchange.
I guess I’ll learn more as I try it the next 2 weeks 🙂
I’m super addicted to working in exchange for room and board though. It really stretches travel time and money!
Good luck!
i’m interested in staydu. i just googled it and came across your blog…i wonder how it would be to do this as a solo traveler and not with a boyfriend…as for couchsurfing, i love it! i’ve met so many great people.
Hi! Thanks for reading my blog 🙂
I think it just depends on the job.
In the jungle we were so isolated from civilization all we had was each other.
However, we have a couple more projects lined up that involve working in backpacker type places so in that case you wouldn’t feel so alone.
This is an awesome way to travel so if I was doing it alone I’d probably choose to work in some type of yoga/meditation retreat place that’s more my thing not my boyfriends.
Good luck! 🙂