Holiday work abroad
Unlock the World: 2026 Working Holiday Programs
If you are dreaming of a global adventure or want to fund your travels while exploring new cultures, a Working Holiday is your ultimate ticket! Whether you want to surf in Australia, explore the neon streets of Japan and South Korea, or trek through the mountains of New Zealand and Canada, working abroad turns a simple vacation into a life-changing journey.
Our latest working holidays programs
To succeed in a Working Holiday, you need to choose a role that balances decent pay with the flexibility to actually travel. Unlike a standard 9-to-5, these roles are often seasonal, communal, and high-energy.
Based on the most popular global programs (like those in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand), here are the primary categories of work you’ll encounter:
1. Hospitality & Service
This is the “bread and butter” of the Working Holiday world. Because turnover is high and seasonal peaks are predictable, businesses are always looking for international staff.
Bar & Pub Staff: Especially popular in the UK and Australia. You’ll need a local alcohol service certificate (like the RSA in Australia).
Barista: If you have latte art skills, you can find work in any major city from Melbourne to Vancouver.
Hostel Staff: Often done as a “work-for-stay” arrangement. You work a few hours a day in exchange for a free bed, which is a great way to save your cash for tours.
2. Adventure & Tourism
If you want your “office” to be a beach or a mountain, this is the sector for you. These jobs usually come with incredible perks like free lift passes or tour discounts.
Ski Resort Staff: Roles include lift operators (“lifties”), rental shop techs, and hospitality in mountain lodges. Peak seasons are Dec–Mar (Northern Hemisphere) and June–Sept (Southern Hemisphere).
Surf & Dive Instruction: Common in Australia, Portugal, and Greece. Requires certifications, but offers an unbeatable lifestyle.
Tour Guiding: Ideal for those with high energy and great storytelling skills. You might lead city walking tours or accompany youth travel groups across Europe.
3. Agricultural & Farm Work
This is the “backbone” of many Working Holiday programs. In Australia, for example, doing 88 days of “specified work” (usually farming) allows you to apply for a second-year visa.
Fruit Picking: Hard physical labor (think cherries, grapes, or apples) but can be lucrative if you are fast, as many places pay “piece rate” (per bucket).
Station/Ranch Hand: Working on massive cattle or sheep stations in the outback or the Canadian prairies. This often includes free room and board.
Vineyard Maintenance: Pruning and harvesting in world-class wine regions like Marlborough (NZ) or Mendoza (Argentina).
4. Childcare & Summer Camps
Perfect for those who want a structured environment and a built-in community.
Summer Camp Counselor: A rite of passage in the USA and Canada. You’ll lead activities, live in cabins, and mentor kids for 8–10 weeks.
Au Pair: Living with a host family. You get a small stipend and free housing in exchange for childcare and light housework. This is one of the best ways to achieve full cultural immersion.
Popular Working Holiday Destinations
Whether you are looking for high wages, mountain peaks, or a total cultural reset, our featured destinations offer the best Working Holiday frameworks in the world.
🌏 Oceania: The Land of High Wages & Epic Landscapes
Australia 🇦🇺 is the “gold standard” for Working Holidays. It offers some of the highest minimum wages globally, making it the best place to save a significant amount of money.
The Vibe: Surf, sunshine, and a laid-back “no worries” attitude.
Top Gigs: Hospitality in Sydney, construction in Perth, or “Farm Work” in the Outback to unlock a second-year visa.
New Zealand 🇳🇿 The ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers. While wages are slightly lower than in Australia, the lifestyle is unbeatable for those who love hiking and the outdoors.
The Vibe: Breathtaking scenery (Lord of the Rings style) and compact travel.
Top Gigs: Working at ski resorts in Queenstown, fruit picking in Hawke’s Bay, or vineyard maintenance in Marlborough.
🏔️ North America: The Great Outdoors
Canada 🇨🇦 offers the perfect mix of vibrant, modern cities and wild, untouched nature. It is the premier destination for anyone dreaming of a “Winter Working Holiday.”
The Vibe: Extremely friendly locals and world-class mountain culture.
Top Gigs: Ski lift operators at Whistler or Banff, hospitality in Vancouver, or corporate “temp” roles in Toronto.
🏰 Europe: History, Sun, and Seasonal Adventures
United Kingdom 🇬🇧 The perfect hub for those who want to build a professional network.
The Vibe: Historic pubs and world-class music scenes.
Top Gigs: Office “temping” in London or classic pub work in Edinburgh.
Spain 🇪🇸 The king of the summer working holiday. Spain offers an incredible balance of work and social life, with a focus on the “fiesta” culture.
The Vibe: Mediterranean sun, tapas, and a high-energy nightlife.
Top Gigs: Promoters in Ibiza, water sports instructors in the Costa Brava, or hotel animation in the Canary Islands.
Greece 🇬🇷 If you want to spend your summer on a boat or a white-sand beach, Greece is calling. It’s the ultimate destination for “Live-in” hospitality roles.
The Vibe: Island hopping, ancient history, and endless blue horizons.
Top Gigs: Resort entertainment, snorkeling guides, and hospitality staff in Crete, Mykonos, or Santorini.
France 🇫🇷 is unique because it is a top-tier destination for both summer and winter. Whether it’s the beach or the Alps, France has a role for you.
The Vibe: Sophisticated culture, world-class cuisine, and diverse landscapes.
Top Gigs: Summer camp counselors, “Chalet Hosts” in the French Alps, or campsite staff on the Côte d’Azur.
🏮 Asia: Deep Cultural Immersion
Japan 🇯🇵 & South Korea 🇰🇷 These are the fastest-growing destinations for Working Holidays. Travelers come here not just for work, but for a complete lifestyle shift.
The Vibe: A fascinating blend of ancient traditions and futuristic technology.
Top Gigs: Teaching English, working in ski resorts (Hokkaido), staff in themed cafes, or international hostels in Tokyo and Seoul.
The Hook: It’s an incredible opportunity to learn a new language and experience a culture entirely different from the West.
Key Benefits of a Working Holiday
1. Professional “Resume Gold”
International experience is one of the most effective ways to stand out in a crowded job market.
Adaptability: It proves you can thrive outside your comfort zone.
Soft Skills: You develop cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.
Global References: Having a manager from London, Sydney, or Tokyo on your CV signals that you are a high-value, reliable hire.
2. Financial Freedom to Explore
The “Working” part of a Working Holiday is what makes the “Holiday” possible.
Fund Your Travels: Instead of draining your savings, you earn local wages to pay for your next adventure.
High Wages: In countries like Australia or Canada, minimum wages are high enough to allow for significant savings after your living expenses are covered.
3. Radical Independence
Nothing builds character faster than moving to a new country where you have to set up a bank account, find housing, and start a job from scratch. You’ll return home with a level of self-reliance and confidence that will serve you for the rest of your life.
4. Cultural Immersion vs. Tourism
Tourists see the sights; Working Holidaymakers live the life.
Deep Connections: You’ll make friends with locals and other international travelers, giving you a much deeper understanding of the culture than someone just passing through.
Language Skills: If you choose a destination like Japan, South Korea, or France, daily life is the fastest way to achieve fluency.
Holiday work abroad by age
Holiday work abroad at 16
Most jobs abroad require a minimum age of 18. However, there are sometimes exceptions; certain sectors, such as hospitality or entertainment, offer opportunities for young people aged 16 and older. It is advisable to search specifically for jobs that are suitable for your age and to carefully check the specific requirements of each employer.
If you are already looking for holiday work as a 16-year-old, you could consider exploring opportunities in your local area, such as babysitting or doing small jobs for family and friends. Not only can this be a valuable experience, but it also allows you to earn some pocket money while you wait until you are old enough for jobs with a minimum age requirement of 18.
Holiday work abroad at 17
Are you 17 years old and would you like to do holiday work abroad? Then the same applies as for a 16-year-old; most jobs abroad require a minimum age of 18. Sometimes there are opportunities to start working at a younger age, such as in the hospitality or tourism industry. If you are looking for holiday work abroad, we recommend that you carefully consider which jobs are suitable for your age so that you meet the employer’s requirements.
Holiday work abroad at 18
If you are 18 and looking for holiday work abroad, there are many opportunities. Think of cool gigs in hospitality, tourism, or agriculture. Hotels, resorts, campsites—they are all looking for young, energetic people to strengthen their teams. Check out our vacancies abroad.
Practical information about holiday work abroad
Holiday work abroad and taxes
Are you planning to work abroad during your vacation? Then it’s good to know exactly how this works from a tax perspective and in which country you have to pay taxes.
If you live in another EU country for more than 6 months (183 days), you are liable for tax there. Holiday work is often a temporary (full-time) job lasting 3-6 months. This means that you will most likely pay tax and social security contributions in the Netherlands/Belgium. You must also declare your income from abroad in the Netherlands/Belgium.
In some cases, the country where you work may also tax your income, resulting in double taxation. Fortunately, most EU countries have agreements in place to prevent this double taxation.
Where can I find vacancies for holiday work abroad?
Would you like to work abroad temporarily during the summer or winter? Then take a look at our vacancy page and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed of new opportunities. Whenever we post new holiday work vacancies here, we also post them on social media.
Even if you are looking for a temporary full-time starter position or a full-time job where you will be working and living abroad for a longer period, Anywork Anywhere is the right place for you!
Do I need to take out insurance if I’m going to do holiday work abroad?
If you’re going to work abroad for a short period of time, you can simply keep your Dutch or Flemish health insurance. However, it is advisable to take out travel insurance. Ask your health insurance provider about the options.