You don’t have to break the bank to travel the world because there are work & travel programmes you can participate in to get paid to experience different cultures, make friends, and travel to amazing places. From seasonal work to remote jobs and volunteer opportunities to exchange programmes, there are so many ways to make travel more sustainable.
In this guide, we’ll address the best work abroad programmes, types of travel jobs, and how to discover paid opportunities that will allow you to explore the world without worrying about finances.
Why Choose a Work & Travel Programme?
Work and travel programs offer great benefits. They let you dive into a new culture, gain useful skills, and make lasting connections. Here’s why these programmes are a fantastic option for aspiring travellers:
- Affordable Travel: Earn money while travelling, reducing your overall expenses.
- Cultural Immersion: Live and work like a local instead of just visiting as a tourist.
- Skill Development: Gain international work experience and improve your CV.
- Extended Travel: Stay in a country longer than a traditional holiday would allow.
Now, let’s explore the best ways to work and travel around the world.
1. Teaching English Abroad
Teaching English is a popular travel job. It’s rewarding, too, especially in countries where English is not the main language. There, the demand is high. Many programmes offer free accommodation and even flight reimbursements.
Top Work Abroad Programmes for Teaching English
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a well-known certification. It lets you teach in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
- JET Programme (Japan) – Government-sponsored teaching jobs in Japan with competitive salaries.
- EPIK (South Korea) – A programme offering jobs in South Korean public schools.
- Teach Thailand Corps – This is a fantastic chance for native English speakers to teach in rural Thailand.
Where to Find Teaching Jobs
- Asia – China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
- Europe – Spain, Czech Republic, Poland
- Latin America – Mexico, Chile, Brazil
Budget Tip: Many programmes cover accommodation and flights, making it an affordable way to travel.
2. Working Holiday Visas
A Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows young travellers (usually aged 18-35) to work and travel in a foreign country for up to a year. These visas are ideal for temporary jobs in hospitality, retail, and tourism.
Top Countries Offering Working Holiday Visas
- Australia – Jobs in farming, tourism, and hospitality.
- New Zealand – Seasonal farm work, adventure tourism, and hospitality.
- Canada – Hospitality and ski resort jobs.
- Ireland & UK – Bar work, customer service, and temporary office jobs.
Best Work & Travel Programmes for WHVs
- BUNAC – Work and travel support for visas in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
- Go Overseas Working Holiday Programme – Helps travellers secure visas and jobs abroad.
Budget Tip: Many travellers save money quickly in Australia and New Zealand, as wages are high and job demand is strong.
3. Digital Nomad Jobs
With the rise of remote work, more people are working online while travelling the world. This lifestyle is perfect for those who want complete flexibility.
Best Digital Nomad Jobs
- Freelancing – Writing, graphic design, programming, marketing.
- Online Teaching – Teach English online through platforms like VIPKid and iTalki.
- Virtual Assistant – Help businesses with admin tasks remotely.
- Social Media Manager – Manage content and advertising for brands.
Top Work & Travel Programmes for Remote Work
- Remote Year – A programme for digital nomads who travel together while working online.
- WiFi Tribe – A co-living community for remote workers.
- Out-site – A network of co-living spaces designed for digital nomads.
Budget Tip: Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe are great for digital nomads due to their low cost of living and strong internet connections.
4. Seasonal & Resort Jobs
If you love working in beautiful locations, seasonal jobs in resorts, ski towns, and summer destinations can be an exciting way to earn money while travelling.
Best Places for Seasonal Jobs
- Ski Resorts – Canada, France, Switzerland, New Zealand
- Summer Resorts – Greece, Spain, Australia, USA
- Farms & Vineyards – Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France
Top Work Abroad Programmes for Seasonal Jobs
- CoolWorks – Jobs in ski resorts, national parks, and adventure tourism.
- Yummy Jobs – Hospitality roles at resorts worldwide.
- Workaway & WWOOF – Work in exchange for accommodation (e.g., farm stays, eco-lodges).
Budget Tip: Many resort jobs offer free food and accommodation, allowing you to save most of your earnings.
5. Volunteering & Work Exchange Programmes
If you want to travel with low costs and a meaningful experience, volunteering and work exchange programmes provide accommodation and meals in exchange for work.
Best Volunteering Opportunities Abroad
- Hostel Work – Reception, cleaning, and social media in exchange for a free stay.
- Farm Work – Helping on organic farms or vineyards.
- Community Projects – Teaching, construction, conservation projects.
Top Work & Travel Programmes for Volunteering
- Workaway – Connects travellers with hosts worldwide that offer food and work accommodation.
- WWOOF – Organic farm volunteering in exchange for free stays.
- HelpX – A mix of farm work, hostel jobs, and homestays.
Budget Tip: These programmes help you travel longer while spending less, as food and accommodation are usually covered.
6. Cruise Ship & Yacht Jobs
Want to travel the world by sea? Working on a cruise ship or yacht is a fantastic way to see multiple destinations while earning money.
Best Jobs on Cruise Ships & Yachts
- Hospitality – Bartenders, waiters, housekeeping.
- Entertainment – Musicians, dancers, performers.
- Customer Service – Reception, tour guides.
- Deck Crew – Maintenance, lifeguards, engineering.
Top Work Abroad Programmes for Cruise Ships
- Royal Caribbean & Carnival Cruises – Hiring staff for various roles.
- Crewseekers International – Yacht crew jobs worldwide.
Budget Tip: Cruise ship jobs include free accommodation, meals, and travel so that you can save most of your salary.
Work & Travel the World!
Work and travel programmes are a great way to travel long-term, learn new skills, meet people, and immerse yourself in new cultures. Teaching, digital nomad work, seasonal work, volunteering — there’s a travel job that fits your skills and lifestyle.
Quick Recap: Best Work & Travel Programmes
- Teaching English – TEFL, JET, EPIK
- Working Holiday Visas – Australia, Canada, New Zealand
- Digital Nomad Jobs – Remote work and freelancing
- Seasonal & Resort Jobs – Ski resorts, hospitality, adventure tourism
- Volunteering & Work Exchange – Workaway, WWOOF, HelpX
- Cruise & Yacht Jobs – Royal Caribbean, Crewseekers
With proper preparation and planning, you can explore the world while earning money and return with fantastic memories.
Ready to start your journey? Click a programme & start your journey!