The Best Ways to Travel or Move Abroad

Have you ever just wanted to pack your bags, jump on a flight and explore the world? But where do you start?

Whether it’s a short escape or the start of a new chapter in your life, travelling aboard can offer countless opportunities. So what options are out there? It might feel overwhelming to look into all the different travel paths you can take, there is a lot out there and yet it almost feels impossible to know where to start.

Here is my short guide on the options out there for you so you can turn your travel worldwide daydream into reality.

The Classic Gap Year Experience

No matter what age you are, it is never too late to experience a ‘gap year’. I had mine when I was 23, way after I graduated from university. This can include backpacking, interrailing or touring with travel groups. These are great ways to experience the world, dive into new cultures and meet new people. Travelling on your own terms can be perfect for if you want more flexibility and a sense of freedom. It is also a great way to take a break from life, maybe you’re looking for a break from your work or studies and are craving something new.

I would recommend not over planning your trips, make room for flexibility. Sometimes the best travel memories come from not knowing what is going to happen.

 

Work and Volunteer Abroad

Work and travel programs are a great way to experience life abroad while earning an income. Plus, many programmes offer extra help with accommodation, travel transfers and extra training and support throughout.  Additionally, many organisations offer the opportunity to volunteer abroad in exchange for accommodation and meals. Volunteering allows you to experience the world first hand through local living and giving back to communities and the environment.

Teaching English Abroad: So many countries are on the lookout for native English speakers to teach. You’ll get the chance to live in a new country, interact with locals, and build a career, all while earning an income.

Au Pairing: Experience life abroad while living with a host family in exchange for childcare and housework. This also may also include the opportunity to attend local language schools to expand your knowledge and skills. It is a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and experience life as a local would for up to 12 months!

Working at a Resort or on a Cruise or Yacht: There are numerous opportunities to showcase your skills at hotels, seasonal resorts and on sea around the world. These kind of jobs are always on the lookout for a wide variety of work from hospitality to entertainment, so there is something for everyone. Working at sea also will offer the opportunity to travel to incredible destinations while on board.

International Camps: You have probably heard of Camp America, but there are so many camps around the world including sleep away and day camps to take part in. It is a great way to live and  work aboard in nature and become a role model for children. Most of which will offer the chance to live and work aboard for the summer and some time to travel afterwards as part of your visa.

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms): A chance to volunteer on a farm in exchange for accommodation and meals during your visit. It offers a great chance to experience working on a farm across the world, experiencing new cultures and walks of lives while learning about sustainable farming.

Conservation Efforts: Helping out in conservations can vast between local animal sanctuary’s, marine conservations to education supports. It offers the chance to experience the world while really making a difference while abroad.

Study Abroad or Exchange Programs

If you’re in school or university, study abroad programs can be an incredible way to live overseas while studying. You’ll not only experience living locally but also gain academic credits while abroad. Studying abroad and exchange programs typically last for a semester or full academic year. The shorter duration makes it easier to experience life abroad without committing to a permanent move. Additionally, with it taking place while you are at school or university, you will typically have less commitments such as a job which makes it easier to stay abroad for a while. Plus, it is an amazing skill to put on your CV which will benefit a lot of future career developments.

Transferring With Your Company or Working Remote

Transferring with your company or working remote can be an exciting way to live and work in a new country while keeping your career on track.  A lot of companies have a global presence and can therefore offer opportunities for employees to relocate and work in different branches or offices around the world. This is a more comfortable chance to move abroad with the security of your company, plus many companies offer relocation packages to help with the transition.

Working remote additionally offers a great chance to work abroad while keeping your job. Many companies today are becoming more flexible with remote workers, offering more work without needing to commute or the rigid office hours. This offers the chance for you to collaborate with a global team, gaining exposure to different cultures which can be great for personal and professional growth.

Travel Blogging and Influencing

Working aboard as a travel blogger or influencer can be an exciting way to combine your passions for travel while developing an income. In todays digital age, social media has evolved into legitimate career paths, allowing to work from anywhere in the world while sharing experiences to an online audience.

Travel blogging and influencing is an incredible way to share stories, guides, tips and reviews to those with similar interests. There are so many different social media platforms to create content on around destinations, cultures, local foods, fashion, accommodation, travel, and more.

Your Next Steps

The world is full of incredible opportunities to travel or move abroad, whether you’re looking to travel or live short term or make a permanent move. From volunteering to digital work, studying abroad or working in a summer camp, there’s a world of possibilities for you. Embrace new experiences, meet new people from different cultures and open yourself up to endless opportunities.  So grab your passport and take that leap, the world is your office!