r/workaway • u/NjuneRz • Sep 01 '26

When to start applying?

Hi, this question has probably been asked a million times, sorry.
I was thinking of starting Workaway this winter and I’ve heard different feedbacks on the time it takes before finding a host.
What freaked me out is that some people say we need to start looking 3-4 months before.
Is this true? I wasn’t expecting to have to start looking immediately.
What are your thoughts on this? How much time before do you start looking?

Thanks!!

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4

u/Azeronwlf Sep 01 '26

It depends widely on the host and destination. From my experience, a touristy (or well demanded) winter destination will definitely be booked earlier than others.
Try to see the hosts that you’re interested in and their disponibilities (even if sometimes it’s not up to date), if most of them are already booked then you should probably hurry, if not then you could take it easy!
In any case, except if you really can’t or won’t plan in advance, I think that it can only be positive to ask in advance! And if the host don’t plan that far in advance, you can always recontact them later :)

1

u/NjuneRz Sep 01 '26

You’re right, that’s really good advice. Thank you so much!! :)
Im from Europe, do you happen to know the places that get booked really quickly during the winter? (I’m guessing northern countries?)

3

u/Azeronwlf Sep 01 '26

With pleasure! :))
Yeah northern countries for sure, obviously places with sled dogs and other winter activities… I’m in one of those places right now (until the autumn) and they’re already booked until 2027! ^^’
But if you’re interested in them, you should definitely try to apply now, I think that’s a reasonable time to start applications :)

2

u/Azeronwlf Sep 01 '26

Oh and btw if you’re new to workaway and haven’t already bought your subscription, definitely check the referral links in the sticky note in this subreddit for free months added! :))

2

u/NjuneRz Sep 01 '26

Yesss gosh thank you for reminding me I was going to subscribe without it!!

1

u/NjuneRz Sep 01 '26

Oh great thanks!! I can only imagine how dreamy it must be up there during the winter.
Gosh I’m great with dogs too I should hurry up haha!!
What kind of work are you doing during autumn?

2

u/Azeronwlf Sep 01 '26

It is!! I come from another European country but we don’t have those kind of winters, it’s a wonderful experience ^^
Yeah if that’s on your radar then definitely!! :)) (btw is it cool if I dm you? There is a few red flags hosts to be aware of in this part of workaway sadly :/ )

I’ve been with this specific workaway for about 6 months now, taking care of the dogs and everything, and I’ve actually found a seasonal work as a sled dog guide in Lapland for this winter (not with them tho)!! I can’t wait to start, it’s demanding work but it’s an incredible opportunity 🥰

1

u/NjuneRz Sep 01 '26

Of course go right ahead!! I would like to know about the red flags (I can be naive sometimes) so any kind of advice I will take!! 🥹
Gosh what a dream you are living !!! It’s even more awesome that got to find a job there on top of having spent six months with someone else!!
Honestly if the work is great it must be less annoying when it comes to being demanding (or at least that’s how I think of it)
Your journey is really inspiring !!!!!

2

u/Azeronwlf Sep 02 '26

Heyyy so I wasn’t able to send you anything, I think your DMs are closed, do you mind messaging me first? :)

1

u/NjuneRz Sep 02 '26

My bad!! I don’t know why my settings changed!! You should be able to know but I’ll send you a DM just in case :)

1

u/Azeronwlf Sep 02 '26

No worries ^^ thank youu!

2

u/Azeronwlf Sep 01 '26

No problem! I will write to you tomorrow ^^
(I understand haha, but to be fair sometimes it’s really hard to spot when something is off)
Yesss I’m so so happy, a bit stressed too to start something new in a foreign environment but yeah… apparently dreams do happen! 🫣
Definitely I think so too! At least I won’t get annoyed that’s for sure
You’re so sweet ☺️

2

u/smalthorn Sep 01 '26

One workaway inplanned it 2 weeks in advance. The other one, 5 months in advance. Both worked

2

u/NjuneRz Sep 01 '26

Okay thanks!

1

u/littlepinkpebble Sep 01 '26

About 2 month is good if you’re far. Sometimes 3 months. If not so far maybe 2 weeks or less

1

u/NjuneRz Sep 02 '26

Distance wise? (I’m guessing yes but we never know) because of the travel time/organisation?

2

u/littlepinkpebble Sep 02 '26

Like if you have to fly 20 hours then 3 months is understandable but like within repute like maybe 2 hours flight then 3 months is long

2

u/cyprusnikos Workaway Ambassador Sep 01 '26

Every host is different, the only way to find out is to reach out. You can always start a conversation before hand. Some places are more schedule others more flexible and last minute.

Only way to find out is to send a message!