Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Far From?
Far From is a platform that connects travellers with hosts who offer accommodation in exchange for help with tasks like gardening, DIY, animal care, and more. It’s a great way to travel, learn new skills, and experience local cultures without spending money on accommodation.
How does Far From work?
Far From allows you to create a profile as a traveller or host. As a traveller, you can search for placements based on the work you’re interested in and the location you want to visit. Hosts list tasks they need help with in exchange for free accommodation, and sometimes meals. Simply apply to placements, communicate with hosts, and arrange the details!
What type of work is involved on Far From?
The work varies based on what the host needs help with. Common tasks include gardening, house painting, animal care, cleaning, helping with home renovations, eco-projects, and sometimes even assisting with the hosts business. Each listing will specify the type of work expected.
Can I choose where I stay and work?
Yes, as a traveller, you can browse listings by location, accommodation type and the type of work you want to do. Whether you’re looking for a farm stay, helping with renovations, or supporting environmental initiatives, Far From allows you to choose placements that match your interests and travel plans.
Is Far From available in my country?
Far From operates internationally, and you can find hosts and travellers in many countries. Whether you’re looking for placements in Europe, North America, Asia, or elsewhere, there are opportunities to connect with hosts around the world. Check the platform to see available listings by location.
How safe is it to use Far From?
Far From takes safety seriously and encourages clear communication between travellers and hosts. We recommend that both parties have an initial conversation, perhaps via video chat, to get to know each other before committing. Always trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any concerns.
For hosts
What is Far From and how does it work for hosts?
Far From is a platform that connects hosts offering accommodation with people looking to exchange their time, skills, or energy for a place to stay. As a host, you can list what help you need and what kind of experience you're offering. Travellers apply through the site, and you choose who to welcome based on what suits your needs.
What kind of help can I ask for?
You can ask for help with tasks you wouldn’t typically hire professional staff for around your property or business. Far From can help with a wide range of tasks like gardening, animal care, DIY, house renovations, housekeeping, eco projects, digital support, and more. As long as it’s fair and safe, it’s eligible for a work-for-accommodation exchange.
Do I have to provide payment or just accommodation?
Far From is designed around non-monetary exchanges. Hosts typically offer a place to stay (such as a room, granny annexe, apartment, house or van pitch) in return for agreed hours of help each week. There's no financial payment involved.
Do I need to provide meals?
You don’t have to provide meals, it’s all up to you. However, it’s a nice gesture and often appreciated by travellers. Some hosts offer shared meals, others provide basic ingredients, and some simply give access to a kitchen. Just be clear in your listing about what’s included so everyone knows what to expect.
What’s the best kind of exchange?
That’s completely up to you, every host is different. Here are two common examples to give you an idea:
3 hours of help per day, 5 days a week (with 2 days off, usually weekends) in exchange for 7 nights accommodation.
4–5 hours of help per day, 5 days a week (with 2 days off) in exchange for 7 nights accommodation and meals for the working days.
If you’re offering meals, you can either cook for the traveller or provide ingredients so they can cook for themselves. The most important thing is to be clear in your listing about what’s included.
Is it legal to host volunteers this way in my country?
Every country has different rules around volunteering and unpaid work. It’s your responsibility to understand any visa, labour, or local accommodation laws that might apply. Far From does not provide legal advice, but will offer guidance where possible.
How do I make sure I'm choosing the right person?
You’ll be able to review each traveller’s profile, experience, skills, and feedback from other hosts (once reviews are active). We also recommend video calls before confirming to make sure there’s a good fit on both sides.
What if something goes wrong during a placement?
We encourage clear communication from the start, including written agreements on what’s expected. If something isn’t working out, you can end the placement early. We'll have community guidelines and a support team to help resolve issues where possible.
Can I set my own schedule and requirements?
Yes, absolutely. You decide how many hours of help you’re asking for, what days you’d like support, and any specific skills or experience you're looking for. Be as clear as possible in your listing to attract the right travellers.
Is there a cost to being a host on Far From?
At launch, there will be no cost for early hosts joining the platform. In future, we may introduce subscription options to cover platform features or support, but there will always be a free tier.
Can I host more than one traveller at a time?
Yes, you can! Many hosts welcome more than one traveller at a time — it can be a great way to get more help and create a fun, social atmosphere. Just make sure you have enough space and resources to host them comfortably, and be clear in your listing about how many people you can accommodate.
For travellers
What is Far From?
Far From is a platform that connects travellers with hosts offering accommodation in exchange for help with everyday tasks like gardening, DIY, animal care, or eco-projects. It’s about cultural exchange, learning new skills, and travelling in a more meaningful way.
Do I get paid for my work?
No — Far From is based on a non-monetary exchange. You offer your time and help in return for a place to stay, and sometimes meals or other perks. It’s not a paid job, and shouldn’t replace professional employment.
How many hours do I need to help per day?
Each host sets their own expectations, but most ask for 3–5 hours a day, 5 days a week. You’ll always get time off to explore and relax. Check each listing for the exact details before applying.
Are meals included?
Sometimes! Some hosts provide meals or groceries, others just offer access to a kitchen. It varies, so always check the listing carefully and feel free to ask questions before confirming.
Can I travel with a friend or partner?
Many hosts are open to couples or friends applying together, especially if there’s enough space and work to share. Just make sure to mention this when you message the host, and look for listings that say they accept more than one traveller.
What kind of tasks will I be doing?
Tasks vary depending on the host, but can include gardening, painting, helping with animals, general maintenance, housekeeping, or even creative projects. You’ll see a description in each listing, and you can ask questions before you commit.
How do I know the Far From host is trustworthy?
All hosts create profiles and are encouraged to add clear details and photos. As the community grows, we’ll introduce reviews and ratings to help build trust. Until then, we recommend asking lots of questions and arranging a video call before you go.
Is there a minimum or maximum stay?
Each host sets their own timeframe; some welcome travellers for just a week, others prefer longer stays. The length of stay will be listed, and you can discuss flexibility directly with the host.
What if things don’t work out?
Travelling always carries a bit of unpredictability. If something isn’t right, speak to your host first, most issues can be solved with good communication. If not, you’re free to leave the placement, though we ask everyone to act respectfully and responsibly.
Do I need a visa?
Far From is not an employer and doesn’t provide paid work, but you’re still responsible for checking visa rules for the country you’re travelling to. Some countries have restrictions on volunteering or unpaid work — make sure your visa status is appropriate before you go.
What happens if a host cancels my placement?
While most Far From placements go ahead as planned, sometimes unexpected things come up and a host may need to cancel. We know that can be frustrating, but it’s important to understand that hosts are not responsible for finding you alternative accommodation or arranging a new placement. We recommend all travellers keep some backup funds or a flexible plan in case things change last minute. Far From will do our best to support you and help you find a new placement if needed, but we can’t guarantee an immediate replacement.
What should I bring to my placement?
While each host might provide different details, it’s important to bring essentials like your personal hygiene items, clothing suited for the tasks you’ll be doing (like work gloves or boots), and any specific items requested by the host.
How can I contact a host?
Once you’ve found a placement you’re interested in, you can contact the host directly through the Far From platform. Make sure to ask any questions you may have about the tasks, accommodation, or other details before confirming your booking.
What if I need to cancel my placement?
If you need to cancel a placement, it’s best to give as much notice as possible. Hosts rely on travellers to help with their projects, and last-minute cancellations can cause disruption. Be sure to communicate openly about any changes to your plans.
Do I need experience to apply for a placement?
While experience in certain areas (like gardening or animal care) may be helpful, it’s not usually required. Hosts often appreciate enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Be sure to read the listing to understand any skills or experience the host is looking for.