If a two-week vacation simply isn't enough for you, you'll need to find practical ways to fund your life abroad, and unless you win the lottery, working while you travel is the obvious solution.
Fortunately, there are many surprising ways to earn money while exploring the globe, from short-term fruit picking jobs overseas to obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate from The TEFL Org and becoming an English teacher either online or in a language school in an exotic location.
Why Work While You're Travelling?
Unfortunately, travelling costs money, and if you want to spend longer than a couple of weeks overseas, you'll need to find a way to not only cover the expense of transport and accommodation but also your food and entertainment, and that's why working at the same time is such a great idea.
Whether you long to spend your days relaxing on white sand Indian beaches, discovering exciting far-flung cities in Europe, or exploring stunning scenery in South America, a standard vacation simply doesn't give you enough time to really make the most of your trip. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that more people than ever before are seeking ways to travel for longer so that they can truly experience the destination of their choice.
Of course, a significant barrier to travelling for several weeks, months, or even years is the sheer cost of funding your life abroad, and that's where a working holiday can really come into play. The term "workcation" has become a buzzword in recent times, with people of all ages now looking for opportunities that will allow them to live out their fantasy of discovering the world while also making sufficient income to cover their living expenses.
What Kind of Work Can I Do While Travelling Overseas?
There are lots of different jobs that you can do while you're travelling overseas in order to fund your extended trip, including traditional options like working at a summer camp, doing fruit picking, or au pair work, as well as more modern options like becoming a digital nomad.
Some of the top roles you can consider if you want to work while you travel include:
· Seasonal overseas jobs such as fruit picking.
· Working with a family as an au pair or nanny.
· Becoming a camp counsellor at a children's summer camp.
· Hospitality work in a bar, hotel, or restaurant.
· Sport instructor positions at a ski, surf, or beach resort.
· Education posts, such as teaching English as a foreign language with a TEFL qualification from a reputable company such as The TEFL Org.
Can I Work Remotely Overseas?
Working remotely overseas is a more popular option than ever before, with countless travellers becoming digital nomads while exploring destinations of their choice during their leisure time.
Thanks to the internet, the rise of the digital nomad has become possible, and, in fact, this kind of lifestyle is flourishing all over the world amongst workers of all ages who value having the chance to extend their travel plans while bringing in an income at the same time.
A digital nomad works online, carrying out their role virtually without ever having to attend a workplace in person or meet colleagues or clients face-to-face. There are numerous fields in which digital nomads can secure a position, including:
· Graphic or web design.
· Freelance copywriting or editing.
· Vlogging or blogging.
· Administration.
· Transcription.
· Translating.
· Tutoring or teaching.
What Are The Benefits Of Both In-Person And Remote Overseas Working While Travelling?
In-person working overseas allows you to get up close and personal with a community and to truly become part of a local area. Meanwhile, working remotely overseas gives you exceptional freedom to set your own schedule and to work from any location so that you can see many destinations and countries during your trip.
Why Work In-Person Abroad?
If you've always wanted to integrate yourself fully into the life of an overseas community, there's no better way to do it than to secure an in-person job in your chosen destination. You'll be working alongside local people while also living in the same environment, allowing you to enjoy an authentic experience. For example, if you become an English teacher in a school, you'll rapidly become an integral part of the community and gain valuable insight into the experiences and lifestyles of local people.
Why Choose A Remote Job When Travelling?
A remote role gives you the ultimate flexibility when it comes to arranging your travels around the world. While an in-person job gives you the chance to fully experience a single location, being a digital nomad opens the potential to see multiple towns, regions, countries, and even continents.
Many remote roles can be carried out at the time of your choice, allowing you to fit your work around your sightseeing timetable. If you prefer, you can work all day and then party all night, or spend your day exploring attractions and then fulfil your work commitments during the evening. Furthermore, you can do your job anywhere you want, giving you the freedom to set up your laptop at a hotel, hostel, rental apartment, or even campervan.
How Do I Get Started With Funding My Overseas Travel?
The first step to funding your overseas long-term travel is to find a suitable job, which may involve obtaining essential qualifications. You may then need to apply for the appropriate visas before arranging your travel and accommodation.
While it's sometimes possible to secure a job overseas while already on your travels, it often makes sense to secure a position before you set off. Obtaining the correct working visas, if you need one, is an essential step before you can arrange your flight and place to stay.
If you're planning to work as an English teacher abroad, you'll also need a TEFL certificate. You can obtain one by taking the 120-hour course from The TEFL Org, which will open up a host of exciting teaching opportunities overseas.
Whichever route you decide to take to fund your overseas travel, you're sure to find it a rewarding experience, enabling you to extend your explorations and bring your travelling dreams to fruition.