10 Working Holiday Ideas For Your Next Big Trip

If you want to see the world, but in a way where you can extend the adventure for longer than ever, then take the plunge with one of the following working holiday ideas to keep the good times rolling.

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When you work and travel, you give yourself that comforting extra security of knowing another pay cheque is coming.

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Sure, you'll still have to budget, and you'll have times when you feel skint (don't we all?). But most importantly, that doesn't mean it's the end of your trip—far from it.

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These working holiday ideas help keep the fun rolling for longer than ever; which would you love to try?

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Summer camp

Example countries: US, Canada, Canada

Duration: Minimum 9 weeks (between May-Aug)

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Summer camp jobs abroad has been one of the most popular working holiday ideas for over half a century, and for good reason. 

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It works for nearly everyone, as summer camp dates nestle neatly between college and university dates.

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There are also loads of choices, with summer camps in America, summer camps in Canada, and summer camps in China being all available.

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You'll get to explore a new country, make an incredibly positive impact on the next generation, and earn enough money to keep the adventure going whilst travelling after camp.

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Oh, and you'll no doubt have the summer of a lifetime, so you'll likely want to keep going back (when you earn more and more each time).

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What's not to love?

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Gap years

Example countries: Australia, New Zealand, Japan

Duration: Up to one year

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Gap years abroad have become a rite of passage for those between education or when unsure what to do career-wise. 

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It's a chance to spend up to 12 months simply experiencing life your way. Want to work in a beach hut? Do it. Want to hop from place to place, city to city? Why not.

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Over 230,000 18-24 year olds took a gap year in 2023, and that number is just going to keep rising.

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There are destinations worldwide that cater for gap year jobs but most travellers will visit them as working holidays to keep the money (and development) coming in.

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You're in control, and the change from reality is as good as a rest.

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Training and internships

Example countries: USA, Canada, Singapore

Duration: 6-12 months

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Training and internships abroad are the perfect way to keep developing professionally, but they also offer the option to see more of the world simultaneously.

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It tends to be related to a career you want to find yourself in. For example, Resort Leaders offers internships and training for hospitality roles in the U.S., meaning budding chefs and front-of-house superstars can earn and see the world and return after a year in a better professional position than when they left.

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There are also many opportunities in Singapore and Japan for those with a financial background or experience, with their working holiday visas tailored specifically to them.

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There are tons of opportunities, so find the professional avenue that suits you best.

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Backpacking and regional work

Example countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada

Duration: Up to 24 months (depending on visa)

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Backpacking is part of travel culture, which most people must try at least once.

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There's something liberating about owning only what you can carry. You're not tied down to a particular place; if you want to experience somewhere new, you can.

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Most backpackers make the most of this fact and bounce around wherever there's work. In Australia and New Zealand, regional work is everywhere, depending on the time of season and harvest. The Ultimate Guide to Regional Work in Australia by Ultimate Travel is a great resource for those considering it.

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Work in the great outdoors, see a new country, and earn your way around it.

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Ski seasons

Example countries: Canada, France, Japan etc

Duration: 4 months+

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If you love skiing or snowboarding, there's nothing better than being around others who share your passion.

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You can chase the snow year round, with popular destinations such as France or Canada having great conditions October-April, whereas southern Hemisphere resorts in New Zealand or Argentina get it good from April onwards.

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Plus, you don't need to be a pro skier to work as an instructor. Ski resorts have a ton of roles available, with the majority in customer service and hospitality roles. 

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If you simply want to hit the slopes and your job covers your ski pass and a decent wage, then you'll love working a ski season.

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Create your own work-life balance on the slopes.

Cruise seasons

Example countries: Numerous

Duration: 6 months+

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If you love being on the water, then the cruise life could be for you.

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There are a variety of roles available on the ships, with the opportunity to dock and explore new cities as you go on some routes.

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Full-time roles tend to require at least a six-month commitment, as then you'll get the hang of what you're doing through training before going on some of the actual routes.

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It's one of the more niche yet popular working holiday ideas, as people don't realise it's an option. 

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You're on the equivalent of a floating town for some time, so you really build close friendships with those around you. 

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These friendships extend to lifelong memories when you dock in some of the world's best destinations.

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Volunteering abroad

Example countries: Thailand, Ghana, South Africa

Duration: 1 month+

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Volunteering abroad is the perfect working holiday idea for those with a calling to make a difference.

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This is less of a holiday but more of an opportunity to make a sizeable impact on a community that will welcome your support.

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Nurses often head abroad to offer support, as the training most get from universities and the NHS is a gold standard in world healthcare. Others may be highly experienced construction workers, who get involved with town building or renovation work in countries where the experience may be less available.

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Whichever area calls to you the most, you'll find somewhere that will gratefully accept your input. 

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Although you won't get paid (it is volunteering, after all), most programs offer accommodation and meals as part of the program, so you can spend a long time in one place if you have some savings.

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Teaching abroad

Example countries: Thailand, South Korea, Japan

Duration: 3 months+

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The likes of TEFL and other teach English abroad programs have been around for decades and have been one of the main working holiday ideas that have allowed people to work and explore new countries.

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With English being such a global language, there's always a huge demand for native speakers to teach it in classes. 

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As with most programs, you'll go through an orientation program, which involves not only what you'll be doing but also language classes, cultural immersions, and tours of the local area.

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Once you're comfortable, you'll become an important part of the teaching team, leading classes to anywhere between 10-30 young adults.

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Au pair

Example countries: U.S., Spain, Canada

Duration: 3 months+

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Another working holiday idea that goes back decades is au-pairing.

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Becoming an extension of an existing family is a big responsibility, but for the right people, it can be one of the most rewarding roles you can ever experience.

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For those with young children, the extra support is invaluable. You'll get a great wage, often live-in accommodation (or at the very least, nearby), and explore the local communities through your day-to-day role.

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Many often form deep connections with their host family, meaning their au pair can become a long-term placement.

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It could be the ideal work and holiday idea if you're great at working with kids. 

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Party seasons

Example countries: Spain, Greece, Croatia

Duration: 3 months+

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If you love to party (responsibly, of course), there are many destinations where you can find roles in the nightlife and hospitality industries.

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Now that doesn't just mean you'll be paid to just party (wouldn't that be nice). But there are a lot of industries and roles associated with partying, which means there's a little something for everyone. Bar work, ticket selling, customer service, restaurant servers etc. 

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Party destinations tend to be in Europe, but scenes are growing in Asia and Australasia, meaning the summer doesn't have to stop.

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These working holiday ideas are perfect to keep the adventure going for longer.

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There's a little something for everyone, with the added security of regular income meaning you're not taking a complete risk by jumping into the unknown. 

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Take your time to decide which of these working holiday ideas are best for you, and by doing so, you'll likely secure your trip of a lifetime.