Hey there! So, you know how everyone dreams of taking international vacations every year? For many of us, especially those in far-off places like Australia, it’s a pretty common wish. I’ve found some great ways to make this dream a reality, and I want to share one that’s worked really well for me. Most of my international adventures have come through working in different countries.
First off, a bit about me—I grew up in a military family with parents from different parts of the world. My mom is Japanese, and my dad is from the US. Moving around every few years was normal for us, so I got bit by the travel bug early. We lived in places like Japan and Hawai’i, and it was exciting to explore new places. When it was time for college, I moved to California, then to St. Kitts in the Caribbean, and later Canada for further studies. Post-education, I landed a job at a university in Australia, and each move gave me incredible opportunities to explore my new surroundings.
If you follow “Reach Financial Independence,” you’ll understand this concept well: you’re always going to be paying rent, so why not do it in another country? Some manage this by owning property and using the rent to travel. For those of us who don’t own a home, paying rent in a different country can be a fantastic alternative. If you’re going to spend that money anyway, why not use it to live abroad?
Studying abroad is another great twist on working internationally. Many people take advantage of study abroad programs at various educational levels. If you’re thinking about furthering your education, why not do it in another country? Your current location might not be the best place for the subject you want to study. Imagine learning music theory in Austria, technology in California, or Chinese in China! Plus, some places offer student visas for longer stays, so you could study and travel simultaneously. You might even pick up valuable new skills.
Your current skills might also open doors for you abroad. For example, native English speakers can find plenty of teaching opportunities in Japan. Skills like carpentry, jewelry-making, or hospitality jobs can be your ticket to living in another country. With so much remote work available now, you might not even need a local job. Take a look at what you’re good at and see if it can translate into something useful in another country.
Once you’ve settled somewhere new, you’ve got endless opportunities to explore. In Europe, you’re surrounded by amazing food and other countries a quick train ride away. In South America, you can dive into jungles, temples, and oceans. If you crave even more adventure, short trips to neighboring countries are often affordable! Personally, I moved to Australia for its unique wildlife and because it’s so close to Southeast Asia. Short-distance travel and eating locally save money. If you love the food or weather of a particular place, think about moving there temporarily.
If you’re between jobs, that can be a perfect time to squeeze in some travel. Moving from the Caribbean to Canada? Why not road trip through the US? Moving from the US to Australia? Consider a quick stop in Malaysia. Traveling through less expensive countries can also save you money compared to paying high rent in major cities.
Traveling for work has been my go-to strategy for seeing the world without having to pay for multiple international trips. Just remember, you’ll always be paying rent somewhere, and it could stretch further in a cheaper country. If you can find work where you want to go, fantastic! If not, see how your skills might help you find a job abroad or consider traveling on a study visa. Once you’re settled, you can explore your new home without breaking the bank.
A little more about me: I’m Aisha. I run a travel blog called “Travel and Daily.” I was a student for many years and only started working full time at 32. Thanks to my frugal habits, I finished school debt-free and now work hard to make up for lost time. In my free time, I love reading 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.