Isn’t it everyone’s dream to go on an international vacation every year? This is especially true if you live in a remote country like Australia. There are several strategies to turn this dream into a reality, and I’d like to share one that has worked well for me—taking jobs in different countries.
Let me give you a little background about myself. I grew up in a military family with multinational roots; my mother is Japanese, and my father is American. Moving every few years became a normal part of my life, with relocations to places like Japan and Hawai’i. This early exposure sparked my love for travel. For school, I moved to California, then pursued further education in St. Kitts in the Caribbean, and Canada. Later, I took up a teaching position at a university in Australia. These experiences have gifted me with unforgettable adventures, simply by exploring my surroundings wherever I settled.
If you’re a regular reader of “Reach Financial Independence,” you know the idea: you’re paying rent somewhere, so why not make it an interesting place? Pauline’s story shows how she bought investment properties and used rental income to fund her travels—a great strategy for homeowners. But for those of us who don’t own homes, renting remains a constant. So, why not rent in another country and work there?
Studying abroad is another fantastic way to travel. From grade school to college, many people opt for study abroad programs. Thinking of furthering your education? Why not do it overseas? The expertise you’re looking for might be better found abroad. Think music theory in Austria, technology in California, or learning Chinese in, well, China. Some countries offer student visas that allow longer stays than tourist visas. Enroll in a business course or learn a second language; you’ll gain valuable skills while traveling.
You might already have skills that can be your ticket to another country. In Japan, for instance, there are plenty of opportunities for native English speakers to teach English. Carpentry, jewelry-making, and hospitality jobs can also translate into employment overseas. With the rise of online work, you might not even need a job in the country you’re moving to. Assess your existing skills and see if they can be utilized in another country.
Once you’re settled in your chosen destination, the travel opportunities are endless. In Europe, you’ll find amazing local cuisine, and neighboring countries are just a train ride away. In South America, you can explore jungles, temples, and oceans. If you crave more exotic experiences, cheap buses or flights can take you to nearby countries. I moved to Australia mainly to experience its unique wildlife and vibrant birdlife. Besides, living close to Southeast Asia means short, affordable trips and delicious local food!
As an added bonus, if you’re in between jobs, use that time to travel. Moving from the Caribbean to Canada? Why not road trip through the U.S.? Heading from the U.S. to Australia? Consider a quick layover in Malaysia. You might even save money by traveling through more affordable countries rather than staying in high-rent cities.
Traveling for work has been my key to satisfying my wanderlust without the hefty costs of multiple international trips. Remember, rent is a constant expense, and it could stretch further in a cheaper country. If you can’t secure a job immediately, consider your transferable skills or travel on a student visa. Once you’re there, exploring locally can be very affordable.
A bit about me: My name is Aisha. I write for my travel blog “Travel and Daily”. Despite starting full-time work only at the age of 32, I managed to finish school without loans through frugality and hard work. Now, I’m focused on achieving financial independence. In my free time, I absorb as much as I can from financial independence blogs like Reach Financial Independence! Feel free to check out my blog at travelanddaily.wordpress.com or follow me on Instagram at travelanddaily.