Author: Sean Keener

Working RTW


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Not everyone can save up enough cash to get them through their RTW trips. If you’re one of these people, have no fear because you’re not alone. Many of our RTW insiders have worked their way around the world, and now they are here to offer tips and advice for those looking to do the same.

Expect Low Wages
If you want to work overseas while you are on the road and you do not have a valid permit, be prepared to work less-than-desirable positions for low wages. Also be prepared to be kicked out of the country if you are caught!
Bartending Under the Table
Bartending and other jobs in the food and service industry are easier to work under-the-table than jobs in the corporate workplace.
Exchange Work for Hostel Beds
It’s almost impossible to get work in a hostel before you arrive. If you’re hard up for cash, ask your hostel owner if she will exchange work around the hostel for a bed. Make sure to mention any specialties of interest, such as construction, language fluency or prior experience.
Dress to Impress
If you plan on working while on your RTW, make sure you have the appropriate clothes for the jobs you will be applying for. If you expect to be doing office work, grab clothes that are machine-washable and can easily be mixed and matched.
WOOFing on RTW
WWOOFing is a very popular pastime for RTWers wishing to extend their travel time. WWOOF stands for World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Many offer free food and accommodation in exchange for work, which varies from 4-8 hours a day.
Is WWOOFing Easy?
Work on farms, often referred to as WWOOFing, is no walk in the park. Depending on the type of farm, workers can spend time shucking corn, picking grapes, shaking for macadamia nuts or a number of other back-breaking activities.
Families can WWOOF too!
Did you know that families can WWOOF, too? By prior arrangement, many farms are willing to accommodate parents with children.
Location of WWOOF Farms
If you plan on WWOOFing on your RTW, don’t expect to stay anywhere near a city. A majority of farms are far outside of city limits. Translation: after you get done with work, there isn’t much to do besides hang out, read books, and drink.
Working Visas
It is considerably easier to get a job with a legitimate work permit than without – if you know you will be strapped for cash, look into working abroad. Many commonwealth countries offer reciprocal working holiday visas for four months to a year. Unfortunately, most require that you are under the age of 30 to be eligible.
Working for a Day on RTW
It is difficult to pick up a day’s worth of work under the table when you’re just passing through town and don’t know where to ask for work. However, in a pinch, ask the people who look like they have been hanging around the hostel for awhile if they know where you can get some dough.