Working and travelling at the same time is a dream for plenty of people. That’s why the Work and Travel Europe (WAT) programme came about – an ideal combination of tourism and work, of fun and obligations. You can head off on the adventure of your life anywhere. The most popular destination is probably the USA, but in this article we’ll focus on Work and Travel in European locations.
What Work and Travel Europe means
While most people associate classic Work and Travel with the USA, the European version offers a similar experience – work, earn and explore at the same time. The difference? In Europe you can do it without visas, without complicated forms and at a fraction of the cost.
The programme is ideal for:
- students who want a meaningful summer,
- school leavers before starting university,
- digital nomads or anyone who wants a change.
Advantages: close to home, easy admin, varied jobs, the chance to travel at weekends.
Disadvantages: probably lower earnings than in the USA, but lower costs too.
The advantages of Work and Travel Europe
One practical advantage of a programme like this is improving your language, in the overwhelming majority of cases English. Most Work and Travel Europe applicants also head somewhere where another world language is spoken – in our part of the world that most often means France, Austria or Spain.
Europe is a beautiful place with plenty of options. Sea lovers and mountain folk alike will get their money’s worth. So it depends on your preferences, because there’s an endless number of offers. A destination with unspoilt nature or cultural riches is already waiting for you.
Besides getting to know a country, you’ll have the chance to make new friends from all over the world. Work and Travel is a very popular programme, so it won’t be a surprise if you end up working with people from the other side of the planet.
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Where to look for Work and Travel jobs
To find information about Work and Travel Europe and pick your dream destination, all you need is a moment online. Search really carefully, because there can also be fraudulent websites.
We can recommend the trustworthy sites Picking Jobs, Leisure Jobs, Worldpackers and Summer Jobs.
The volunteering programmes Helpx and Workaway are also very popular.
This list can’t leave out the best-known job search site, Season Workers, where you can choose from a varied range of Work and Travel options in Europe.
The most popular Work and Travel Europe programmes
Besides a picturesque destination, it matters that the job covers your costs. So always look at the average earnings and any other benefits the job brings (accommodation or meals, for instance).
If you want to spend all day by the sea, a lifeguard position in Croatia or Italy is the one for you. A similar job with more responsibility is the Beach Supervisor role in the same countries. If you’re drawn to running a maintenance team at a holiday resort, you could head to France, for instance, and look after visitors’ satisfaction. You can also do cleaning work in various parts of the UK. Within the Work and Travel Europe programme there really is something for everyone.
Working and travelling at the same time is a dream for plenty of people. That’s why the Work and Travel (WAT) programme came about – an ideal combination of tourism and work, of fun and obligations. You can head off on the adventure of your life anywhere. The most popular destination is probably the USA, but in this article we’ll focus on Work and Travel in European locations.
The best countries for Work and Travel in Europe
Spain
Work in seaside hotels or as an entertainer. Sun, tapas, siesta. In season they’re looking for hundreds of people – often with free accommodation and meals.
Austria and Germany
Work in mountain lodges, in kitchens or at festivals. In winter you often get free skiing too.
Greece and Italy
Resorts and hotels, jobs as a receptionist or bartender. Summer in paradise, where guests leave you tips in euros and smiles. Accommodation is often part of the offer – ideal for a first go.
Norway
Perfect for those who want to earn. Work on farms, in fishing or in food production. More demanding, but earnings up to 3× higher than elsewhere. And in the evening? Fjords, silence and Nordic calm.
How to sort out accommodation and insurance
For accommodation, start with Booking.com or hostel sites. Plenty of places offer a work exchange – work in return for a bed. For insurance, have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and extra cover for risky sports. And there’ll be plenty of temptations! Here’s hoping your work experience goes well.
Ready to head off on another adventure? Get inspired on our blog.
