Working on the road - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

foofiter · 08-30-2005, 02:16 PM

As part of planning my 6 month+ trip on the road next year I am considering working along the way to help fund some of (or more!) travels. I want to hear what you t-punks out there have ACTUALLY done while on the road. I have heard of bartending, working at the hostel, and teaching english but has anyone actually pulled this off?

I read all over that you *can* get work but never any first hand experiences. I will be hitting the road with a 4 year bachelor's in Finance and a 2-year technical degree in Computer Networking. There has to be some work out there. I will be in Europe, Asia, and S. America.

Hit me with all the stories/experiences you got! The more the better!

Thanks,

Foo

foofiter · 08-30-2005, 02:17 PM

Also please try to be specific about location, pay rate, and length of work.

Thanks!

Foo

**space virgin** · 08-30-2005, 03:59 PM

I've done henna on people in hostels.

I charge by the design, anywhere from 10 euros to, oh, I think the most expensive piece I did for someone was 30 euros. It's kind of a specialized thing though, sorry. Several of the hostels I stayed in said that they would let people work under the table but I think they want a solid commitment out of you-- at least 2 or 3 months or so. That's just been my experience though.

**benna2** · 08-30-2005, 04:03 PM

I worked at a hostel in California for about 5 months...it paid my room and board...and I also made a little extra money here and there when I would sign people up for tours. I also worked at a little cafe across the road under the table a few times when the owner was stuck for help. Basically if you have the word out that you are looking for some work, it is pretty easy to find. I worked at a surfing competition one time, registering surfers and made ten bucks an hour. It's all word of mouth really. But my living expenses was paid as far as rent and that was the main thing. I loved working in the hostel...people say its a crap job but I had a lot of fun and met so many wonderful and interesting people.

foofiter · 08-30-2005, 08:36 PM

Wow thanks guys. That is a nice start. 3-4 months is not a problem if I can save at least some money to move forward. I am really looking at the UK since the pound goes further than most currencies. Since I am looking at $14,500USD in student loans with an $80 payment for 20 years I am pretty open to the type of work. Keep the stories rollin'!

Foo

foofiter · 09-01-2005, 07:33 PM

Anyone got any pub/club/restaurant stories? What kind of work did you do in the hostel? Travel Writing? Anything else?