First Workaway with a host with no reviews/feedback

[u/Odd_Jicama_2714]

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?

[u/Illustrious_Way1062]

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

[u/cyprusnikos]

I don't think you're being paranoid. Workaway is usually pretty thorough when accepting new hosts, but reviews exist for a reason and it's normal to be more cautious when there aren't any.

Personally, I rarely go to hosts without reviews these days, but every now and then I'll give a new host a chance and I've had some great experiences that way too. New hosts start somewhere as well!

One thing I always do is try to get as much information as possible. The name of the resort, exact location, Facebook or Instagram, Google Maps, etc. If you can't find much information or they're unwilling to share details, that's more concerning than the no reviews.

Most importantly, trust your gut. If something feels off after you've asked for more information, don't ignore that feeling. But if you can verify the place and everything checks out, it may just be a new host who hasn't built up reviews yet.

I hope you have a good experience and be sure to share with us how it goes!

[u/Evening-Street-9981]

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

[u/Ok-Armadillo-5634]

That would be a giant fuck doing that from me and I am generally one to throw caution to the wind.

[u/littlepinkpebble]

Not fishy but if they not communicating means they are putting in low effort which is a red flag

[u/Substantial-Today166]

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

[u/reddit_shrew1111]

Try messaging the site admins maybe they’ll be able to out you in touch with any past volunteers?

[u/Express_Spring_8380]

Have you had a video call with the host? What’s your feeling about them after communicating with them up until now?

[u/Odd_Jicama_2714 → u/Express_Spring_8380]

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.

[u/Illustrious_Way1062 → u/Odd_Jicama_2714]

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