Are you applying to be Kiwi.com's World Travel Hacker this summer? We spoke to some past winners to hear about their experiences, what they learned, and what advice they'd give to the 2024 World Travel Hacker.
The ultimate summer job is back in 2024, bigger and better than ever. But what advice should you listen to when applying? And who better to listen to than those who've already been there? We spoke to four travel duos who participated in World Travel Hackers 2023 – Amin and Nathan, Cat and Cezary, Bianca and Miles, and Rafael and Thanasis – to find out more about their experiences.
The first and most obvious question is why did you apply to World Travel Hackers?
Rafael: “Well, I saw it as an amazing opportunity to gain new experiences, explore different cultures and create amazing content whilst traveling to six diverse countries.”
Kat: “Same. What motivated us the most was to explore and come together with people who share the same passion.”
Amin: “I mainly wanted to win the contest. I wanted to prove that I could do it. I knew I could produce the content in time. I also saw World Travel Hackers as an opportunity to experience South America.”
Nathan: “Amin and I actually met while traveling, so of course I said yes because I love getting out of my comfort zone, that's where the most amazing experiences are found and unforgettable memories are made, and that's what I was hoping becoming a World Travel Hacker would give me.”
Bianca: “Myself and Myles were in a long-distance relationship at the time, so just the thought of potentially being able to travel together all summer gave me goosebumps. So, of course, the main reason we decided to take part was because we wanted to see each other as soon as possible. Not only that, but we're both pretty creative people, so the chance to travel and get paid to make little silly videos seemed surreal.”
So, did it meet your expectations? What surprised you the most and what was the most difficult part?
Nathan: “It was better than we expected. Amin and I planned to travel for four weeks but ended up continuing and spending two months in total. There were lots of surprises but the biggest surprise was that people recognised us from their videos. We never expected our journey to be followed so much!”
Bianca: “Yes! None of us had worked in the social media field before World Travel Hackers, so it was a big responsibility but also a huge blessing that the Kiwi.com team trusted us and our skills. I think the biggest challenge for us was planning all the content, finding time to rest and enjoy the journey, and planning time for the work that actually needs to be done.”
Cezary: “I don't know if we lived up to our expectations because we didn't know what to expect. The biggest challenge was managing everything ourselves and learning how to make it.”
Amin: “I agree! I think the most difficult thing was the time constraints. Six countries in one month is not ideal!”
Thanasis: “But that was the biggest surprise – how much I learned about efficient trip planning and budgeting. The biggest challenge for me was staying organized and creative while always being on the go.”
Miles: “The Kiwi.com team was always helpful and responsive whenever we needed assistance. My experience with World Travel Hackers far exceeded my expectations. It was a fantastic learning experience and left me with countless memories.”
How has being part of World Travel Hackers affected your relationship? You've spent a lot of time together and it can be pretty stressful at times…
Amin: “I think we've become even closer. We were friends before, but after joining World Travel Hackers we became super friends. Before we left for South America we looked like we were going to kill each other within a few weeks… but nothing bad happened, haha!”
Nathan: “I was a little nervous about how it would go, but we made a great team. I was in charge of organizing and creating the content, and he was the travel planner and creative brainchild. We became good friends. It's weird and lonely traveling without him.”
Thanasis: “Yes, Raphael and I have become closer. Sure, we've had hard times, but we've come out of it stronger and with enough inside jokes to fill a comedy special.”
Kat: “We were already a strong duo — or so we hoped! — and this trip brought us even more beautiful memories.”
Miles: “Of course, traveling as a couple can be stressful, but we've also found that we're a good match.”
Bianca: “Miles is my best travel buddy, mainly because he keeps me calm. I get stressed easily over little things, and he's great at joking around and not taking anything too seriously.”
Miles: “Without Bea I never would have made it. She is the best travel companion in the world. She is so smart and her planning and organisation skills really made it the trip of a lifetime.”
With all this in mind, what is one piece of advice you would give to applicants to World Travel Hackers 2024?
Rafael: “Be flexible and creative. Make the most of every moment and be open to unexpected experiences.”
Cezary: “Write a script before you shoot anything!”
Miles: “If you are selected, give it your all. See, do, eat and explore things you've never experienced before. It's a truly unique opportunity.”
Nathan: “Of course! You won't regret it! Just go for it! Life would be boring if you never took risks and tried new and fun things. Oh, and don't forget to choose who to travel with!”
Amin: “Don't overthink it, just get started on creating your application.”
Bianca: “It'll be fine, I promise!”
So, would I recommend becoming a World Travel Hacker as a summer job and would you do it again?
Miles: “If I could, I would do this every summer for the rest of my life! It was an amazing experience and I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to participate.”
Bianca: “I don't think you can get a better summer job than this!”
Kat: “Of course I'd do it again! It's good to show and inspire others to follow their dreams and get out of their comfort zone.”
Rafael: “Of course! It was a unique and enriching experience and I would definitely participate again. It's a great opportunity for personal and professional growth while enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.”
Amin: “100% yes. It was an amazing opportunity and I will always be grateful. It really pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible. I wish I could push myself like this on a regular basis without having to call you all every week. I miss you all. Can I apply for World Travel Hackers again? That would be awesome.”
Nathan: “Let me know if there are any seats still available.”
What are you looking for?
Kiwi.com's World Travel Hackers program is the ultimate summer event. Past winners share stories of adventure, creativity and unforgettable memories as they travel the world, create amazing content and strengthen relationships along the way.
If you’re dreaming of a summer full of exploration and excitement, don’t overthink it, apply to be one of the World Travel Hackers of 2024 and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
