Anyone done the "work and travel around Europe"?

steve_irwin · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 30

Has anyone here done the whole European tour, financing it by working in various bars/restaurants/shops?

I'm considering going backpacking around Europe, mainly France/Spain/Germany (maybe Czech and Austria if I'm not bankrupt), but since I have no money to spend, I was thinking of doing it by working in Europe.

Is this a realistic option, or would I need a lump sum of money to support myself while I find work?

David · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 162

I remember I considered this idea in my twenties, but never followed through with it. I hope you will do it. I think it is very doable. I had a Jewish friend start on a Kabutz, and then see Europe that way. I don't think you have to be Jewish to participate in a Kabutz.

Jonathan · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 185

LOL... it's actually kibutz David. While it depends on the individual kibutz, you are right that, for most, religion doesn't matter. I actually did this myself after I received my B.A. -- spent eight months volunteering on a kibutz, three months backpacking from Sweden down to Egypt, and then three more months on kibutz before coming back to the U.S. and getting a "real" job.

modulus · Joined: 27 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

I also had a friend who did this. However, he had a somewhat stable source of outside income as well. He ran some online endeavors while backpacking. He also did some work at the local places he visited. In the end he barely used any of the money he made in online endeavors though.

I think your idea is certainly doable, however, it wouldn't hurt to have a bit of money set aside just as a back up. Good luck! :)

obenix · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 19 Location: Everywhere

Alternatively, you can be attached to a UK firm and work while holidaying... The visa is called "Holiday Working Visa"...
One qualification though, you got to be below 30 years of age when you apply... Basically the program allows you to work legally in the UK and after a certain period (if I'm not mistaken, 3 months), you've got to prove you actually went for a holiday/tour... I know this because the last I visited Paris, I had 2 tourmates doing the same program... they were from Australia and New Zealand...
Of course, you can venture farther away from Paris if you want to...

For more information, visit: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1018721068240