A Guide to Working Abroad - Travel Like Anna in 2026

Saving money on working abroad travel like does not need to be complicated. Here is a clear, no nonsense rundown of what works and how to make the most of it.

Key Takeaways

• I miss seeing the Sydney Opera house everyday.
• When I lived in Australia in 2008-9, I worked at a bar with a excellent view of the Sydney harbor.
• Worth noting: your character is what defines you.
• I have done numerous of these myself and have met people doing each choice listed below.

Where the Real Savings Hide

It was a excellent method to both fund my travels and meet people. (For more about my year in Australia, check out the story I wrote for AFAR magazine.) My goal in life is to work as numerous random jobs as possible since I believe it builds character and excellent life skills. I have waited tables, worked retail folding clothes at the mall, bartended, photographed everything from farmers to the Foo Fighters (Dave Grohl is my hero!) for a variety of magazines, taught English in Thailand, ran photo trips in Asia and taught photography classes at American universities.  After all, what pays the bills doesn’t define you.

• In my last post, I discussed the REAL cost of travel and broke down the cost of my 7-month Latin America trip.  Now, I have complied a guide of methods to work abroad to assist extend both your travels and savings.
• Whether you are 18 or 68, there’s plenty of choices for everyone.
• More importantly, working Holiday Visas I lived in Australia for almost a year on a Working Holiday Visa.
• These types of visas allow 18- to 30-year-olds to work while they travel.

A Closer Look at Working Abroad Travel Like

I worked a few random bar jobs and also photographed bands for Rolling Stone magazine. (Pretty random, I know.) Australia and New Zealand offer one-year visas for Americans and other numerous other nationalities aged 18-30, which allow you to work anywhere. Australia has a stipulation that you may not work for one employer for more than six months consecutively.

• Remember that visa costs: $320 USD for Australia and $165 USD for New Zealand.
• Both visas include a stipulation that you must have at least $4,000-$5,000 in local currency in your bank account to enter the country, but they don’t consistently ask proof. (I was at no point asked in Australia.) For students or recent graduates, there are similar visa programs in South Korea ($45 USD fee), Canada ($200 USD), Singapore ($150 USD fee) and Ireland ($300 USD fee).
• You must do these programs within 12-months of graduating.
• Here’s a excellent guide for Working Holiday programs for Americans.

What to Know About Working Abroad Travel Like

As a rule, if you have dual citizenship or you are NOT an American citizen, then consider looking into other Working Holiday Programs like Japan, Ireland, Italy and others. The programs in Australia and New Zealand are also open to a variety of different nationalities.

• There are far more opportunities available for non-U.S. citizens.
• For more info, this Linkedin article is a solid resource.
• In short, if you are interested in living in a country, a Working Holiday Visa is a solid place to begin.
• It can open doors to future careers and other visa choices.

How Working Abroad Travel Like Really Works

Numerous of my friends got residency or a long-term work visa by beginning with the Working Holiday program. Bunac is travel company that offers assist with work visas for recent graduates (Ireland, intern in Britain, Canada), etc.

• Worth noting: they are excellent resource for information, but numerous of these programs you can apply for directly  without their assist.
• I taught English to a kindergarten class at public school in Sisaket, Thailand. (Fridays were consistently pink shirt day.) Teaching English Teaching English is a excellent method to live abroad and fund your travels.
• I taught English in Thailand briefly and seriously considered similar opportunities in Korea and Japan.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required or preferred by numerous programs.

Getting the Most From Working Abroad Travel Like

More importantly, a TEFL/TESOL certificate is not required for the programs listed below but can increase your salary. (FYI: I don’t have either certification. Private schools typically require it.) The highest paid programs are in Japan and Korea.

• Visas are almost consistently provided by employers.
• The most established and highest paid programs provide the most training.
• Remember that otherwise, be prepared to improvise.
• Be aware that numerous programs do not follow the traditional American/British school calendars for holidays (i.e. no Christmas break).

Tips That Make a Difference

JAPAN The Jet Program is the most distinguished English teaching program in the country.  Airfare is covered, and the salary is one of the highest in Japan. Housing and transport are subsidized. (A friend who did the program made $33,660 USD/year TAX FREE and only paid $130 USD in rent/month.) The application process is tedious and requires an interview at a Japanese consulate.

• As a rule, a Bachelor’s degree is required.
• I applied once, got an interview but didn’t get the job.
• KOREA Most English teaching programs in Korea will cover airfare and accommodation.
• The application process can take a few months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In short, an FBI background check is required a few months before leaving. (It’s not as scary as it sounds.) The best resource for jobs in Korea and other parts of the world is Dave’s ESL Café. Average salary is roughly $23,000 USD/year.

• Airfare, housing and visas are covered.
• Most begin dates are in February or August.
• Worth noting: for more information, check out this guide to teaching in Korea.
• THAILAND I taught English briefly through AYC Thailand as a substitute teacher for a few weeks in a kindergarten class.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on working abroad travel like?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. I have waited tables, worked retail folding clothes at the mall, bartended, photographed everything from farmers to the Foo Fighters (Dave Grohl is my hero!) for a variety of magazines, taught English in Thailand, ran ph....

Is it worth shopping around for working abroad travel like?

Usually yes. In my last post, I discussed the REAL cost of travel and broke down the cost of my 7-month Latin America trip.  Now, I have complied a guide of methods to work abroad to assist extend both your travels and savings.

Smart Ways to Save More on Working Abroad Travel Like

• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, line up working abroad travel like against current promotions and any codes you can stack. Small habits like these add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at savingswitch.com.