The Ultimate Guide to Work and Travel Simultaneously

Most people miss out on travel opportunities because they simply can’t save up enough money to start travelling. Saving up thousands is hard, but finding a job overseas is not. Balancing work and travel is one of the biggest challenges of a modern traveller, although too many of us tend to forget that this is still possible.

Finding Work Overseas

It is often easier to find job abroad than at home, because the whole process is much more informal. It is important to remember that you are looking for a job rather than starting a career. Keep your options flexible and you will find work anywhere. Here are a few jobs suitable for traveller’s lifestyle:

Volunteer Work – although this jobs don’t pay, they let you save money and stay on the road longer. Plus, volunteer work means you will be doing something good. It is better to find volunteer work after you arrive to your destination rather than at home where you will probably spend a lot of money with large global operations.

Au Pair – you can enjoy your time living abroad in a family while taking care of children. You will normally get weekends off and some vacation time to see the country!

Teaching Language – this is the easiest job to get for native speakers travelling abroad. These jobs are normally paid well and at flexible hours. Some countries even offer special bonuses.

Job on a Cruise Ship – this job is a fantastic opportunity to earn money while gaining a good work experience and connecting with people from all around the world.

Blogging – this job may sound as an easy one, but it requires much more time and effort than most people imagine. It is usually hard to make a big solid income with a blog, but it can be a good source of extra cash. By starting a travel blog you will be able to both share your travel experience and insight, as well make an extra coin.

Seasonal Work – you can travel along with the seasons – work in ski resorts, bars, camps, on cruise ships, etc. Temporary work is in big demand during tourist season, so you will find a job in no time.

Tour Guide – you can use your knowledge and love for travel to work and travel. These jobs are usually not very well paid, but they pay off in terms of experience. Contiki, New Europe Walking Tours, Busabout and Kiwi Experience are just a few of tour companies looking out for new tour guides.

Working Full Time

Keep in mind that working independently requires great discipline and dedication. Working independently full time should be practiced long before you start working AND travelling. If you plan to start your own business, you might want to start by rooting in one place before your situation stabilizes and you can start travelling fulltime. The best place to start your work at needs to have good internet, cheap prices and preferably a big expat community. Many travellers like to travel and work in Australia and Mexico, but Thailand remains the capital of full-time travellers.

Remember that anything is possible and don’t be afraid to try and make your dreams come true. If all these travel bloggers can travel the world, volunteer, study, work and earn money for all of this, you can too.

Even if working and travelling at the same time doesn’t work for you, it is better to learn it the hard way and be sure. Before plunging into such an exciting adventure don’t forget to take out a reliable travel insurance policy.