GoCambio: Exciting New Free Travel and Skill Exchange Program
So if you have followed my journeys the last few years you might be aware that I get excited about new and upcoming ideas in the travel industry with a passion. I love seeing new, clever and quirky ideas to spice up my backpacking journeys. I remember all the doors that were suddenly opened by the worldwide web over my backpacking adventures the last few years. I remember the first time I experienced a Spanish speaking homestay, the first time I managed to get a visa online, the first time I heard about Couchsurfing (through my Italian friend Pepe), the exciting Vadovia App, the first time I did a free walking tour (it was in NYC) etc. And now, I introduce you to GoCambio! GoCambio is a way to travel and improve your skills, and even better – it’s free and it’s Irish!
My homestay experience in Tiraspol, Transnistria.
What is GoCambio?
GoCambio is a new website and idea that connects people all over the world who want to exchange a skill for a place to stay. It’s a direct deal between people who have a spare room (The hosts) and people who want a place to stay and to share a skill (The guests). The hosts provide accommodation and the guest gives 2 hours of skill practice a day in exchange. Sounds like a good deal eh?! The skill can be anything from language practice to chess to rollerblading to surfing! GoCambio launched in March 2015 and has had 3,000 sign ups so far in 90 countries. Oh, and it’s all for free.
Couchsurfing in Tunisia: Staying with Wicem and Family in Teboulba
The Host
The Host will provide the guest with a bed for “x” number of days, as well as whatever they want – food, lifts, pick up, tour of the city etc. It’s entirely up to the host.
With my host Rachel – I stayed with a local family in Orlando East in Soweto, South Africa
The Guest
I have signed up as a guest of course as I am still a nomad and don’t see myself buying or even renting a property for at least another few years. But you can sign up for both a guest and a host if you happen to own or rent a flat/property. You can view my public profile here. As a guest I would bring my editing and writing skills from my days as an online travel editor, business backpacker and website designer and owner. I reckon a 2 hour guide to setting up your own website in exchange for a free bed is a pretty good deal!
Travel writing in Wadi Rum, Jordan
The Guest can bring whatever skills they want to provide – it could be a language, a cooking skill, some yoga or meditation. Anything really!
Cooking at a hostel party in Devonport in Australia, 2010.
So get signed up – it’s free and will for sure open up new doors for you in life. You will meet new people, have new experiences and gain new skills. Get in now before this website takes off big time – beat your mates to it and spread the good word and if you can help share this post and GoCambio, I’d be grateful as they’re friends of mine and one of the staff is from my hometown of Newtownards!
GoCambio is Irish!
GoCambio is also based in Cork, which was the city I watched Oasis in for the first time back in 1996. Great memories.
Safe travels everyone!