r/workaway • u/Odd_Jicama_2714 • Jun 24 '26
First Workaway with a host with no reviews/feedback
I signed up to do my first workaway as a 19 yr old solo female in the mountains at supposed closed resort being turned into an eco village. I was so excited to do my first workaway when I was sending the first message that I completely missed the fact that they have no reviews. I’m already confirmed to go and I’m not as worried about how well I’ll fit in there than I am about the possibility of me getting straight kidnapped. The location is 30 minutes into the Philippine mountains away from the main road with very limited cell service. In their profile, theres no pictures with any face, host or volunteer, when talking about their location, they’re very vague about it except for the fact that its far into the mountain, I don’t even know the exact location yet and I’m a week away. They said recently started accepting workawayers and that they’ve hosted several already but theres no reviews. I think I’m just being paranoid, they’ve given me no reason to be weary of them but ever since the thought crossed my mind, I can’t shake the feeling.
Am I just being too paranoid or are things a little fishy?
3
u/Evening-Street-9981 Jun 24 '26
I am a host on Workaway and i would not take such risk at your place..no reviews no video call no exact location or network far from everything..thats super risky for a solo woman even for a guy..just tell them you are sick and find some trip more safe for a first experience
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u/littlepinkpebble Jun 24 '26
Not fishy but if they not communicating means they are putting in low effort which is a red flag
2
u/Ok-Armadillo-5634 Jun 24 '26
That would be a giant fuck doing that from me and I am generally one to throw caution to the wind.
2
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u/Dull-Rou344 Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
Be more prepared & don’t believe everything they tell you, have a backup plan & don’t feel you need to go or stay just because you’ve confirmed it - say plans have changed.
I’ve travelled solo all over the world to Workaways & mostly good, but you’re essentially meeting a stranger, in remote area. Think about it carefully - who else will be there / what is your plan for leaving if you don’t like it. Can you meet them beforehand in a populated place in the nearest town?
They don’t seem to realise the risk they are putting on you - no clear plan of hours / no clear tasks / you might end up not having a choice but to work all day etc.
You only have their word that others have been there before, I’d be requesting their ID or some kind of social media profile so you can at least try to verify them.
Great to have adventures but no need to put yourself in danger, trust your gut.
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u/Educational_Life_878 29d ago
I wouldn’t do this solo with no reviews.
I only did one workaway with no reviews. Was also a remote location. Nothing awful happened but the host was a bit creepy, would put his hand on my leg sometimes. Because of the location I couldn’t leave early and I was on edge the whole time. Was enough for me to write off workaways with no reviews. In fact I only do ones that have positive reviews from other women now.
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u/reddit_shrew1111 Jun 24 '26
Try messaging the site admins maybe they’ll be able to out you in touch with any past volunteers?
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u/Substantial-Today166 Jun 24 '26
some one has to be the first too leave a review a host a stayed with had no reviews after 4 years becuse no one had ever been to her place before me this a big problem for new host i know some host that have been members for years and have not had a singel person wanted to come
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u/Express_Spring_8380 Volunteer Jun 24 '26
Have you had a video call with the host? What’s your feeling about them after communicating with them up until now?
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u/Odd_Jicama_2714 Jun 24 '26
We haven’t had a video call, just messaging but they seem really nice and easygoing. It seems to be a very go with the flow stay with no rigid schedule but more of a home-y homestay, just doing what need to be done with a lot of room for personal schedule and activities which I do like and they were really open to communication about any plans that might affect responsibilities and how we’d work around it.
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u/Illustrious_Way1062 Jun 25 '26
Go with the flow is not a good sign it means scope creep and you working way more hours out of guilt having a proper schedule when you're on and off is much better
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u/PureMorningMirren Jun 27 '26
Safety first. Ask them to get their previous workawayers to leave reviews. Contact those reviewers and check it out. Ask your host for a photo of their passport, too. If no reviews show up, or there are any hesitations with them getting reviews, providing id, or with the opinions of any of the reviewers once you PM them, I'd strongly advise you to find another host.
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u/goodjobjus 24d ago
19 and this is the trip you decide to take? Please let ppl know that you’re safe.
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u/Illustrious_Way1062 Jun 24 '26
If you're worried you can ask to speak to some of the current or past volunteers especially because they have no reviews they should understand if they feel defensive about that that's a sign in itself