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What is it?
The Basics of Backpacker & Gap Year Jobs

In this section we’ll define what a backpacker is, what a gap year is, and give examples of some of the most common backpacker & gap year jobs.

What is a backpacker?

A backpacker is a budget traveler looking to reduce cost where possible. For example, a backpacker may choose public transportation, walking, or biking to get from place to place instead of a car rental; they might stay at a hostel or with a family instead of a hotel room. Backpackers normally pack light and visit multiple locations during their travels.

Gap Year Jobs

A backpacker is a budget traveler looking to reduce cost where possible. For example, a backpacker may choose public transportation, walking, or biking to get from place to place instead of a car rental; they might stay at a hostel or with a family instead of a hotel room. Backpackers normally pack light and visit multiple locations during their travels.

What is a backpacker?

A backpacker is a budget traveler looking to reduce cost where possible. For example, a backpacker may choose public transportation, walking, or biking to get from place to place instead of a car rental; they might stay at a hostel or with a family instead of a hotel room. Backpackers normally pack light and visit multiple locations during their travels.

What are backpacker jobs?

The term ‘backpacker job’ describes a plethora of informal, normally temporary positions available to travelers; examples include but are not limited to hospitality work, au-pair jobs, and seasonal harvesting for a farm.

Why do backpackers travel?

Backpackers travel to satiate a desire for discovery. Backpacking allows adventurers to go to new places for a lower cost than traditional vacationing. It is a unique way to see the world, and due to the nature of cheap, shared living spaces and public transportation, backpackers meet new like-minded friends from all over!

What is a gap year?

A gap year refers to when someone takes an extended period of time (6mo-1yr) off to evaluate where they are in life. This is typical for people before college or after college or prior to joining the workforce. However, it’s becoming increasingly more popular for established professionals of all ages to take a gap year. These are technically career gap years.

What is a career gap year?

A career gap year is different from a standard gap year (which applies to students who take a year off from their studies); employed adults may take a ‘career gap year’ in order to reevaluate career goals and overall life plans. Traveling during this time allows for a new perspective on your life at home. Unless you have a job willing to hold your position for a year, however, a career gap year may mean leaving your job to travel, then finding a new one when you return.

What is a working holiday?

A working holiday differs from a normal vacation in that a tourist is able to stay for an extended amount of time, typically 6 months to a year. You can work any job in the country but it’s very likely that short-term jobs, opposed to career-level jobs, will be the only obtainable jobs. The term ‘working holiday’ may also refer to a type of visa required for this type of trip abroad.

What is a work exchange program?

Work exchange programs are those which offer accommodation as payment for work. In other words, you will be provided a place to stay in exchange for your labor. There are many different types of work that offer this: farm work, au pair, cleaning, teaching, etc. Food and other benefits may be included as well.

Different Types & Examples of
Backpacker, Gap Year, and Work Exchange Jobs

There are many types of jobs you can do in your gap year, both at home and abroad. Most of the examples in this section are jobs abroad/while backpacking. Whether you’re curious about what kind of jobs students taking a gap year do or seeking inspiration with backpacking job ideas, we cover both in the section below.

What Backpacker jobs can you do in a gap year?

How you spend your gap year will depend on whether you’re planning on traveling or sticking around to make money before starting school. Gap years give students the chance to consider where they want to go in the future; this may mean doing an internship related to an interest of yours, or volunteering somewhere that does work you’re passionate about. On your year off, work on developing your resume and cover letter. Consider increasing your qualifications beyond a high school diploma; earning a TEFL certification or completing an apprenticeship are two examples of this. Temp jobs and entry level positions are easier to get with minimum experience, and may turn into better positions at the company after a period of time and hard work.

Job Examples of Work Exchange Programs

There are many different types of work exchange programs. For example, working as an au pair will provide you with accommodation and food (normally extra spending funds as well) in exchange for childcare and housework; check out interexchange.org/au-pair to explore different countries and potential families. Farm work exchange opportunities can be found at WWOOF. If you aren’t sure what type of program would be best for you, check out gooverseas.com and worldpackers.com for extensive lists of programs. Additionally, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs provides links to many work exchange and scholarship programs that will look excellent on a college or job application; it can be found at exchanges.state.gov.

Feasibility: Can I Make Money as a Backpacker?

In this section we cover all the primary aspects of backpacking and gap year jobs to ensure it’s right for you. This includes backpacking job requirements, visas, and pay. We also provide an overall pros & cons comparison table.

General Requirements for Backpackers

General requirements for backpacking include the freedom and commitment to travel to multiple locations. Backpackers are normally over the age of 18 due to school obligations and potential age restrictions on booking. For packing, the idea is more is less. Pack the essentials in a bag or two: passport (if going out of the country) and wallet, clothing appropriate for multiple climates, hygiene products, hiking boots/shoes, emergency/repair kits, water bottle (and water treatment supplies). If you will be camping for any duration, then pack the necessary materials (tent, sleeping bag and pad, stove and fuel, kitchen and food supplies).

Education & Experience Requirements for Backpacking Jobs

Any education or experience requirements will be dependent on what you plan to do/where you plan to work while backpacking. Most won’t require a particular level of education, but some career-specific programs (for med students or future teachers, etc.) will expect you to have an interest in that field. Expect any job abroad to have the same requirements they would have at your home. If you’re planning on being an au pair, for example, the family may prefer childcare experience. If you’re working as a bartender at a hostel, it will be helpful to have bartending experience. For teaching English abroad, you’ll need to be fluent in English. You’ll also want to get a TEFL certification. It’s cheap and easy to obtain and the best teaching english jobs will require it.

Do backpacker jobs need work visas?

When backpacking in another country, you may need a travel visa issued by that country. This may be given to you at the airport when you land, or it may require an application prior to departure. To find out more information on travel visa requirements, check cibtvisas.com. If you plan on working, you will again need to research in advance. Any employer who hires you in advance should help you apply for a work visa.

Can I become a backpacker with no money?

There are many tried and true ways to travel on a tight budget. Short-term apartments, international house sitting, hostels, pet sitting positions in the location you want to travel; you’ll have a free place to stay and most employers or families pay for the sitting in advance, which provides you with spending money for food and transportation.

Farm work is another option – farm owners provide accommodation in exchange for your labor; check out WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) for opportunities.

Working as an au pair for a family is another way to have somewhere to stay (with the family) and get some spending cash in exchange for childcare and helping out around the house. Listing your house on Airbnb can be another way to fund your trips, as you’ll essentially make money to be away from your home.

What are the best paying backpacker, gap year jobs?

There are lots of possible gap year/backpacker jobs abroad, but the following are considered to be the best paying: working at a resort or hostel, freelance photography (or working for a magazine/journal), blogging/vlogging with sponsorship from clients, working as an au pair for a family, or working on a cruise ship. Any of these positions should help fund your travels.

How do backpackers pay taxes?

If you’re an employee of a company located in a different country then you or the company will have the obligation to pay taxes to that country and local region. It’s a good idea to ask the company, in an email, how taxes will be handled in your situation. The most common scenario is that the company automatically deducts the amount from your pay and it’s clearly broken down on your pay stub.

How much does it cost to travel as a backpacker for 1 year?

Though the cost for traveling the world during your gap year can vary greatly depending on flight destination, accommodation decisions, and activities, the estimated cost is somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000. This includes everything: flights, accommodation, transportation, food, activities, visas, etc. Depending on where you go and what you do, it could be more or less expensive.

Are backpacker jobs reliable?

Pros & Cons of Backpacking – Taking a Gap Year

The Pros
There are many benefits to taking a gap year. Lots of students feel they need a bit of time to discover themselves and their life goals before heading straight into college or the workforce. Your year off will allow you to get to know yourself better and grow your confidence before taking the big step of choosing your future career. Traveling away from home will give you perspective on your life at home and help you determine where you want to end up. Any sort of internship or program will also strengthen your resume and application.

The Cons
When deciding whether or not to take a gap year, you of course should consider possible disadvantages. Common cons associated with gap years include the following: expenses, being alone, losing motivation for school, the sensation of lagging behind your peers, losing touch with friends, and all the advance planning required to take a gap year. Remember that there is also a positive way to look at these potential issues. For example, you can budget or work while traveling, you’ll make friends along the way, you will mature and boost your resume before returning to school. If a gap year feels right for you, take it!

ProsCons
– Time to discover yourself– Expenses of traveling
– Gain new perspective and grow inside– Sensation of lagging behind your peers
– Earn more confidence– Loosing motivation for school
– Can gain work experience– Feelings of loneliness, losing touch with friends
– The endless unique experiences that await– Planning required in advance

How To Start:
The Best Approach to Backpacking & Traveling During Your Gap Year

In this section we cover the basics on how to become a backpacker and find a job while traveling. In addition we’ll provide a list of the most popular countries and cities for backpacking.

How To Become a Backpacker

To become a backpacker, you should first ensure you have accurate expectations. Most backpackers travel alone or with someone. If going alone, be prepared to look after yourself. You’ll be doing all the planning, packing, finding a place to sleep, arranging transportation and meals for yourself. Be ready to test your navigation and budgeting skills; prepare for extended periods of travel and inclement weather. After considering all this, remember why you’re doing this: for the amazing experience! You’ll encounter different places and people, you are leaving the monotony of your home behind to explore new worlds!

How to Find Backpacker Jobs

If you don’t line up a job in advance before your trip, then here are some tips for finding a backpacker job: prepare a resume to bring with you, keep an eye out for notice boards or ads at the hostel you stay at and around town, chat to staff and make friends with everyone you encounter (they might know places hiring temporary employees!), and be willing to take whatever job you get offered. If you’re willing to do anything (cleaning, busing at a restaurant, etc.), it shouldn’t be too hard to find someone who wants to hire you.

Planning Your Gap Year & Choosing a Job

Gap Year Ideas & Inspiration

Though of course you may choose to spend your gap year traveling to various locations for views, activities, and food, also consider using your gap year to help make a difference in the lives of local peoples and animals. For example, look into marine conservation projects in Thailand; this is especially rewarding for those interested in biology and/or environmentalism. Or perhaps you want to work with elephants in Namibia and help conserve beautiful wildlife. For those interested in teaching, volunteering with kids in South Africa is an amazing option to gain experience helping others learn English as well as have fun with social activities.

When planning your gap year, start by brainstorming what you’re hoping to accomplish. Are there skills you want to acquire? Experiences you want to gain? Places you want to see? Think as big and as grand as you like before figuring out the logistics. It’s your year to do what you want to do! After you’ve got a list, take into consideration any college plans and plans for after college. Ideally everything will be mutually beneficial to your career goals, but if you just want to have fun traveling during your gap year that’s okay too!

Best Backpacker Companies To Work For

Where to Find Gap Year Jobs Abroad

There are a plethora of resources to help find jobs abroad during your gap year.  Companies hiring right now:

Best Places to Backpack & Spend Your Gap Year

The possibilities for where to travel during your gap year and/or your backpacking adventure are endless. Go wherever interests you! And of course, if you find a specific job type or program that is in a certain location, that may drive where you go as well. Here are a few recommendations for popular backpacking destinations:

  1. Thailand: Thailand is famous for its beautiful temples and shrines, rural life, and tasty, spicy food. Check out smaller, less touristy towns and get to know the locals at bars or cafes. They’ll be happy to recommend local wonders and fun activities.
  2. Australia: Australia offers amazing outdoor activities, incredible landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and kind locals. Experience all the outback has to offer; the beautiful, vast desert and endless, starry skies. Be sure to check out surfing at the beaches, swim under waterfalls, or even swim with sharks!
  3. New Zealand: New Zealand is known for its gorgeous nature reserves, ancient volcanoes, surfing beaches, and other outdoor activities such as kayaking and yoga. You’ll have no shortage of incredible scenery here.
  4. Indonesia: Indonesia offers breathtaking beaches, cliffs, and caves. Swim with manta rays, watch beautiful sunsets, eat cheap and tasty local food, and even travel via moped!
  5. Slovenia: Slovenia is full of medieval buildings and narrow streets, cheap local wine, and friendly locals. The country is the very first to be declared a ‘green destination,’ meaning they commit themselves to supporting sustainable tourism!
  6. France: We all have dreams of French cafes, sipping coffee and snacking on a pain au chocolat! Or maybe sitting by the sea with a bottle of red wine, cheese, and a fresh baked loaf of bread. Do all this and more: France offers plenty of hiking, surfing, and bike riding in addition to their classic delicacies.
  7. Norway: Norway is a great destination for beautiful architecture such as gothic cathedrals and colorful, minimalistic waterfront buildings. Meet locals over a pint of local craft beer and, if you go in between September and March, you can see the Northern Lights!
  8. Costa Rica: We’re all familiar with Costa Rica’s famous, easy-going lifestyle. Visit a small, beach town and rejuvenate with some beach yoga and vegan meals. Take a riverboat out and spot crocodiles, monkeys, and plenty of exotic birds.
  9. Philippines: Often underrated, The Philippines has some of the most exquisite islands on the planet. Experience endless lagoons, waterfalls, jungle, and jaw-dropping beaches. For fans of a good nightlife, it’s also known to have amazing casual bars and parties that last late into the evening.
  10. Spain: Spain is known for its beautiful scenery, laid-back environment, and delicious food. Expect lots of sunshine and friendly locals. Spain has incredible beaches as well as lush-green regions; visit both, consuming plenty of cider and tapas as you go!

What Are The Best Backpacker Jobs?

For finding the best backpacking, gap year jobs or programs, it really will depend on you and what you think will best fit your interests and goals. A med student, for example, will likely seek different gap year jobs or programs than an art major.

Additional Resources for Gap Years & Backpackers

In this section we provide additional resources and statistics for backpackers and taking a gap year. We also have a number of FAQs pertaining to backpacking and gap years to complete this guide.

Backpacking Tips

  1. Pack medication. When traveling for an extended period of time, you are bound to get sick at least once. Obviously you should pack any prescribed medication and supplements you take, but it also doesn’t hurt to bring along the meds you’d normally use when you feel under the weather or have a cold. It may be more difficult than you’d imagine to find the equivalent of NyQuil in a foreign country.
  2. Take advantage of accessible WiFi when you find it. Unless going off paper maps, use WiFi to download ‘offline’ Google Maps for your location. By opening Google Maps when you have WiFi, it will be stored in the app and you can plug in destinations without WiFi. There are other navigation apps that have this ability as well. Note places with accessible WiFi in case you need to come back and look something up.
  3. Let your bank know when and where you are going. If they aren’t informed you’ll be charging the card overseas, your account will likely be suspended until they can get in touch with you and confirm it is in fact you charging the card. You won’t want to end up half-way across the world with no way to purchase food or accommodation.
  4. Your backpacking wardrobe should be different from your vacation wardrobe. Backpacking is about essentials only and simplicity. Keep in mind you’ll be the one hauling everything you bring; pack adaptable clothing that will work for many activities. Plain shirts and comfy pants will be your best friend.
  5. Locate public restrooms early on. Presumably you’ll be spending a lot of time outside your hostel, and therefore for your own comfort you’ll want to know where the nearest restroom is. Shopping centers and markets are normally reliable, and many cities offer a building used only as a public restroom.
  6. Bring some waterproof ‘wetbags’ with you for any swimsuits, wet towels, or wet clothes you need to pack. You’ll also probably want to use them to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes. Plastic bags also work, but aren’t very reusable or sustainable.
  7. Though you don’t have to plan every second of your trip, it doesn’t hurt to do some research in advance for cool sights and fun activities. You can also chat with locals for recommendations that you may not have found online.
  8. Know how much money you have to spend, but don’t be consumed with careful budgeting. Odds are you will spend more than you planned (unless you overestimate on purpose). Don’t blow your money for basic food accommodation, but if you can afford it then welcome any last minute adventures or fancy dinners and enjoy yourself!
  9. Plan for the weather. Look up the average weather for the time of year you’ll be at a certain location so you are able to pack appropriate clothing and plan outdoor vs indoor activities.
  10. Bring items for downtime. Though you’ll be off climbing mountains and swimming with sharks, it’s nice to spend relaxing time, too. Not to mention the time spent in transport (plane, bus, etc). Pack books, games, journals, art supplies, etc.

Backpacking Tools & Resources

For backpacking resources, there are plenty of online sources and helpful books that can help you pack and plan meals. A few top recommended apps and sites for trail maps are AllTrails and Trail Finder. For outdoor clothing and gear, REI is renowned. Check out World Nomads for help with travel insurance. HostelWorld is the top choice for many backpackers when it comes to arranging accommodation. For budgeting your trip, look into an app called Trail Wallet.

Gap Year Statistics

Information taken from Student Conservation Association:

In a 2015 study by the American Gap Association and Temple University, students who had chosen to take a gap year were interviewed about their decision. 92% were looking to grow from the experience, 85% were excited to experience other cultures, and 50% of students mentioned considering future academic options as motivation for the year off from school.

Upon returning, the students were asked about their year off. The responses were overwhelmingly positive. 98% confirmed the experience assisted in personal growth, 96% felt more self-assured and confident, and 93% noticed an improvement in communication skills. A majority also mentioned they believed it aided them in developing skills for their future careers as well as expanding their appreciation for different cultures worldwide.

Research has also revealed that gap-year students seem to outperform their fellow students who went straight from high school to university; research points to gap-years providing increased mental stability. Additionally, 90% of gap-year students do return to college directly after completing their year off. To avoid losing motivation to go to school, consider first getting accepted to your desired college and deferring for a year. Some schools even offer gap year opportunities for students to volunteer abroad, and others consider deferring students for financial aid during their gap year to help them travel.

Backpacker & Gap Year Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do employers like gap years?

Employers like candidates whose gap years show constructive, relevant experience. In fact, according to a study a majority of employers said work experience is just as valuable if not more valuable than a degree. Spending a year of independent travel, volunteering, or working abroad is a great way to improve your sense of self. You’ll come back with more skill and more confidence; potential employees will be impressed with the new you!

How can I get a job at hostel?

Getting a job at a hostel can be a great option for making money while traveling. It is of course convenient if you work at the hostel you’re staying at, but even if it is another hostel nearby you’ll find comfort in working around fellow backpackers. Hostels tend to be relaxed and welcoming, allowing you to make friends and expand your connections along the way.

That being said, hostel positions are coveted. When you apply, be sure to highlight any skills that will stand out. Knowing another language, musical/performance skills, restaurant/kitchen experience, etc. If planning your trip destinations in advance, be sure to look into job availability at hostels in the area to secure a position before you arrive.

How old do you have to be to take a gap year?

A typical gap year refers to an 18+ year old who has graduated high school and is taking a year off before attending college. However, there are some touring companies and volunteer programs that offer opportunities to 17/16 year olds for travel and volunteer work. The ability to do this will of course be dependent on school obligations.

Gap year options for pre-med students?

Good gap year options for pre-meds include clinical research and publication, teaching, being an EMT, working as a medical scribe, being an MA or even volunteering/shadowing at a hospital or medical clinic.

How easy is it to get a backpacker job in Australia?

There are plenty of backpacker/temporary jobs available all over Australia. Just a few examples of possible jobs are working as an au pair for a family, hotel and hostel positions, fruit picking jobs, gardener jobs, jobs at cafes or restaurants, etc.

How to travel the world for a living?

Traveling the world for a living is doable with either a remote job or a job that is benefited by/requires travel. For example, travel vloggers are able to get sponsorships from clients that send them from place to place in exchange for advertisement. Some English tutors are able to book private lessons in different locations around the world in order to have an income while traveling. Take into account what you are good at, what you are passionate about, and let that determine how you can fund your travels.