The Nomad Lizard
behind this blog
A web developer who added volunteering to his lifestyle — and discovered you can travel the world by exchanging skills for experiences.
Who I Am
I'm a web developer who spent years building things for other people until I realised I could build something for myself — a life that moves.
In 2024, I discovered Worldpackers: a platform where you exchange your professional skills for free accommodation around the world. I started small — a beach hostel in Brazil. Then a surf town. Then another. Now, nine months into living on a mountain estate outside Madrid, building a Shopify store for a Buddhist meditation centre — and still going.
NomadLizard is where I write about all of it — honestly, without the filters.
My Journey
Web Developer — Green House Hostel
First Worldpackers experience — 40 days trading web development work for free accommodation at a surf hostel in Brazil's surf capital.
Hostel Receptionist — Costa Terral
Night reception shifts at a hostel in Paraná. One month by the sea.
Night Shift Admin — Bonabrigo
Managed night reception at a hostel in "Brazil's Miami." Free mornings to explore the coast.
Web Developer — Buddhist Meditation Centre
Building a Shopify store for KMC Madrid, living on a mountain estate outside the city. Nine months in — and counting.
Why I Write This Blog
There's a lot of content about travel. Most of it is aspirational noise — gorgeous photos, vague tips, and nothing you can actually act on.
I write for people who are seriously considering this lifestyle but need real numbers, real challenges, and honest answers. My posts include what the stay actually cost, what I worked on, what went wrong, and whether I'd do it again.
If I recommend something — like Worldpackers — it's because I paid for it myself and used it before writing about it.
"I didn't just visit Spain. I'm living on a mountain estate, building a real project — and I'm still here."
What I Cover
- Worldpackers reviews — real placements I've been on
- How to use your professional skills to travel for free
- Eco-village and permaculture experiences
- Digital nomad life: working remotely while volunteering
- Honest comparisons: Worldpackers vs. Workaway and others
Start Here
If you're new to volunteer travel, these are the best places to start:
Ready to Start?
If you're thinking about trying Worldpackers, here's a discount code for your first year — the same one I used.
Travel the world for free
Exchange your skills for accommodation. Join Worldpackers today and save USD 10 on your membership with our exclusive promo code.