5 Things To Do Before A Working Holiday
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So you’ve decided that the life of a traveller is too big a commitment, but a nice break away could be the perfect alternative. A working holiday is a popular choice for young people, but it’s not as simple as just packing up and leaving. Below are five things you should make sure to sort before you even think about getting on a plane.
1. Get Qualified
If you’re about to go on a working holiday, one of the best things you can do is to make sure you’ve got some qualifications to show off. Flexible learning environments such as Careers Australia offer courses in industries from hospitality, nursing and events, through to IT, retail and transport—all industries you will find just about anywhere in the world.
2. Make a Booking
The next step is to book and pay for the big items. Flights are the first port of call; make sure you have them locked in early so you don’t have to pay a fortune for booking last minute. Also consider paying for an open-ended return ticket so you don’t get stuck cashless, and with no way home. Accommodation is your other big ticket item. Even if it’s just a hostel or a friend’s couch in the interim, it’s better than paying $100 a night for the only hotel with any vacancy.
3. Fine Tune
The other key elements to sort out before any working holiday is applying for a visa/s, opening a bank account in your destination, and purchasing insurance. Firstly, you won’t be able to start earning without a bank account and working visa, so make sure you speak to the embassy, a travel agent, or your destination employer if you’re unsure. Insurance is also a must, not just for missed flights or lost baggage, but so your healthcare is covered abroad too.
4. Get Local
If you’re packing up your current life to go seek opportunity, income and adventure in another country, you have to know as much as possible about your destination. Do your research into local customs and currency, as well as studying some regional and country maps so you have a bit of an understanding of the layout of the place. Also research things like language, public transport, weather and what social networks are available for international workers to meet new people.
5. Contacts
Getting your contacts in order before you leave is a must. This includes family and friends you’re leaving behind, the embassy in your destination, insurance company, employer, accommodation, and any people you might already know in your new home. Also, make sure to unlock your phone before you leave, so you can purchase a compatible sim card once you get there.
The best advice anyone can give you when it comes to the working holiday is to have a plan, which includes crossing off all the above items well in advance. Also, make sure you are always sensitive to the environment and culture of your temporary home; just because you work there, doesn’t mean you own it. Your experience will be all the more enjoyable if you try to adapt.
What would be your ultimate job when working overseas?
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Hey Lyn!
I have “work in France for six months” on my bucket list. I hope I get to do it in the next 7 years. I’ll travel a little bit over Europe from there with my small family. I can’t wait!
Rhonda recently posted…How can copywriters help you boost search engine visibility?
That sounds really exciting Rhonda, thank you for your comment.
I had thought there is an age limit to getting a working visa in Australia but it sounds like I might be wrong. In any case, working abroad is a great opportunity to get to know the locals. Another opportunity is to begin by renting a room in someone’s house through a site like Airbnb, and then figure out where you want to stay for the duration after you have settled in for a while.
Linda Bibb recently posted…River Cruise Journal: Windmills and Cheese Wheels
Yes I believe it Visas are granted to 18-31 year olds Linda. Airbnb is a great option for those travelling.
It’s wonderful that Australia is so open to letting people come in and work. Alas, I am too old. I followed my husband from America to Malaysia for his work but was prohibited from taking a job there. It was clearly stamped on my visa. So, I was “forced” to spend all my time hanging out at the beach and exploring the heritage sights. Based on the travelers I met in Malaysia, it seems that “location independent” work that can be done on the computer is really opening up long-term travel as a possibility for many people.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted…Camping Jitters and Outdoor Cooking
Yes, many, many people come to Australia on a working visa and places I have worked contract them for the 6 month period. Michele We have always found great work from them as they want to pay their next leg of travel. win win
Great tips for people making the leap abroad. I definitely agree that research is imperative and trying to make as many contacts as possible. A friend of a friend will always no of ‘somebody’ who is in the area – that I have found to be true! Thanks for hosting 🙂
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Holiday Snapshots #39 Honolulu, Hawaii
Yep, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know that can help a lot. Thank you for your comment Ting.
Great tips. I applied to another international gig but if that doesn’t work out I’m hoping to come on a working visa to Australia in 2016! Perth in fact so fingers crossed.
Alyssa recently posted…Super Blood Moon
Wow, Perth… fingers crossed. Please get in touch if you do make it here. Thanks for your comment.
AirBnB has it made it a lot easier to find a place to stay for short term things like this. Some locations have great rates on 28 day or longer rentals, making it an affordable option.
Elizabeth recently posted…Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis
Thanks for the additional info Elizabeth, I have never used AirBnB but heard only good things.
Good tips. I think a working holiday is a great idea and wish that it was something that was as common an option back in the day. I guess it’s never too late to consider one either. In fact, this may be the best time. It really opens up a world of travel/work opportunities.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted…10 Glimpses of Maritime Québec on Instagram
It is a great option for those wanting to work their way around a region. Thanks for your comment Cathy.
Seems like very good advice, but I’ll have to confess that I have no idea what a “working holiday” is. Is it when you use your vacation and money to work somewhere else? I hope I don’t sound too stupid, but I’ve never heard of this before.
Anda recently posted…The Weekly Postcard: Boating on Lake Como
I do not understand the term either. I think it is when you get a visa to work in another country.
Ruth – Tanama Tales recently posted…Yosemite National Park: Tioga Road
Ruth in Australia we have a visa where someone 18-35 years old can come and work for 12 months if they meet the criteria.
Thanks Anda, a working holiday is when someone takes off to work abroad as they travel for a year or so and would typically pick up seasonal or in high demand work.
All good and sensible advice. This is handy because it is not complicated and will give those wanting to have a working holiday guidance on what they need to prepare for.
Paula McInerney recently posted…NEW: Rainforest & Orchard Tours Kuranda
Knowing where to start and having a plan to follow should make for a successful working holiday. Thanks for your comment Paula.
Lyn, Interesting. I find that when I try to do a working holiday I have a hard time getting the balance right. I usually opt out of the “working” part!
Corinne recently posted…Weekend Travel Inspiration – Ashley Montagu
Lyn, Thanks for linking up with us on #wkendtravelinspiration!
Corinne recently posted…Weekend Travel Inspiration – Ashley Montagu
Hehe yes I’m sure I’d be the same Corinne, thanks for your comment.
A working holiday sounds exciting and not as scary as a life of travel. I may do this soon, depending on how things pan out in the near future. Definitely helpful tips. Thanks for sharing!
Liz recently posted…Chasing Autumn in South Korea: A Leaf-Hunter’s Itinerary
Yes, a life of travel sounds like fun, but unless I won the Lotto I would never contemplate it. A working holiday is something with careful planning I would consider. Thank you for your comment Liz and good luck if your plans take you down the working holiday path.