How to travel and work your way around the world

Many of us love to travel. It may be because we are isolated far away on a vast island, which instills an adventurous spirit within us. We yearn to experience the captivating world on the other side of the oceans that surround our island home, writes Melisa Sloan, author of Big Moments.

To experience different cultures, to wander in the spectacular nature that graces our planet, to learn, to explore, and to be inspired by what we discover on our travels to faraway lands.

Let’s examine some things to consider before departing on your travel adventure around the world.

You have to play by the rules

As fun-loving, adventure-seeking Aussies, we need to be conscious that when we leave our protective bubble of Australia behind and our life as we know it, we could be stepping into a destination that has vastly different cultural norms and laws. It is therefore imperative that prior to leaving you research your destination so that you have a good comprehension of the cultural expectations and laws. Behaviour that is legal and common in Australia is illegal in some more conservative destinations, and although these laws can appear harsh by Australian standards when travelling to another country, you need to abide by their local laws.

Let’s talk about visas

Australia has reciprocal arrangements with more than 40 overseas countries allowing you to work and travel in countries on a Working Holiday Visa or a Work and Holiday Visa. These visas are commonly available to those aged 18 to 30 and typically allow you to stay in a country for twelve months, however some countries do allow you to stay up to two years. Some visas also have stipulations on how long you may work with a particular employer.

The Digital Nomad Visa has grown in prominence since 2020 and is designed for educated professionals with relatively high incomes who work remotely and are self-employed. Unlike the Working Holiday Visa or a Work and Holiday Visa you are permitted to bring family with you, including dependent children, on a Digital Nomad Visa.

Other options for working overseas include your employer allowing you to work in one of your firm’s overseas offices by way of secondment on a skilled work visa, or alternatively, you could seek an employer in your destination company to sponsor your application.

Don’t leave home without travel insurance

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you really can’t afford to travel. It’s a cold, harsh fact. Often, people discount the importance of travel insurance and think it is an unnecessary expense. The reality is that unexpected things happen every day. There is also a misconception that if something happens to you, the government will assist you, but in most cases, they won’t. Travel insurance policies vary, so it is important to take the time to research policies to find the right policy that adequately covers you. Take note of the exclusions, as something as simple as injuring yourself while intoxicated may invalidate your travel insurance.

Embrace the experience

Working and travelling overseas is a wonderful adventure that allows you to be a student at the university of life. You will gain so much from your experience that simply is not taught in any class. When travelling or living overseas for an extended period you become immersed in the culture and daily routines and experience how the locals live. Soak it all in and embrace the experience. The experiences and friendships you gain from your time working overseas will stay with you long after you return home.

What happens if I get sick or injured overseas?

Getting sick overseas is not part of your planned holiday schedule. However, it is helpful to know that if you do fall ill or get injured overseas and the country you are in has a reciprocal health agreement with Australia, you could be in luck, provided you have a Medicare card you could be eligible to receive subsided medical treatment for emergency care or care for an illness that cannot wait until you return home. So, make sure you pack your Medicare card, you never know when you will need it.

Travel can broaden you, educate you, challenge you and allow you to experience new places and create wonderful memories to hold on to for a lifetime. Embrace those opportunities, pack your bag, grab your passport and have an amazing adventure working and travelling your way around the world.

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