Going abroad for a few months at a time or even taking a gap year doesn’t have to be something just for 20-somethings. The top priority for people that choose to do long-term travelling is to gather new experiences. Although as a grown-up it might feel more difficult to find the time, going on an adventure is something many of us crave for and there are plenty of interesting options.
See Europe from a Different Angle
European countries are a dream destination for many people. Some of the reasons for that include its diversity, its transportation systems that make it easy to hop from country to country either by train or by plane, and, of course, its rich history and amazing architecture. The latter is what attracts tourists in particular to unique cities all over the continent.
From the Renaissance architecture that dominated Italy, to the Gothic churches and monasteries of the Czech Republic, Europe is home to the world’s most varied architectural styles. Organising a trip that revolves around its buildings is a one of a kind idea that will enrich your knowledge and will help you understand more about the diverse history of each country.
Look at Germany, for example. You can take in Cologne’s stunning mix of architecture, with its World Heritage Site cathedral, the largest Gothic church in northern Europe. Its twin spires make it the iconic emblem of North Rhine-Westphalia. A stunning building that looms over the city, the cathedral dwarfs some of its more modernist architecture, like the Museum Ludwig and its angular, crashing mix of brick, metal and glass.
Although some of Germany’s most celebrated buildings are also the oldest, the country doesn’t lack modern architecture either. One of its most impressive buildings is the Allianz Arena in Munich, a dazzling glass soccer stadium that is home to Bayern Munich, the 1/66 odds-on favourites in the betting for the Bundesliga, Germany’s elite soccer competition.
Europe is home to some stunning architectural sites.
Volunteer for Various Projects
Travelling as a volunteer or in for paid labour are great options, especially if you haven’t managed to save up enough for a long trip. This doesn’t mean your entire trip has to revolve around working! You could sign up for a few months in a programme and then spend the rest of your allocated time purely for pleasure.
You have probably noticed that there are many volunteering programmes that need to be paid for. However, there are also many free options available and those are the ones you should look into. Signing up for an organisation or a charity is a safe way to volunteer abroad and all you have to do is choose the location and the cause you would like to fight for!
If you want to be even more adventurous, then you should really consider exchanging labour for a room and food. With a quick search, you will find people from all over the world who advertise this type of trade. You can choose to go help someone out with their household work, set up a local business, or even help build a school for a remote area. The sky’s the limit in this particular case.
Earn New Experiences Through Longer-Term Work
Finally, if you would like to mix working with travelling, there are plenty of things you could do to earn money abroad. Skills, such as writing, web designing or software engineering are in demand for freelance work and if you are lucky enough to have any of those, then that is your best bet. You will be able to control your schedule and, as long as deadlines are met, time zones will not matter.
English speakers should also consider the idea of going abroad to teach English as a foreign language. Many countries, especially throughout Asia, are on the look for teachers. Even if you don’t have a teaching degree or a TEFL course diploma, plenty of schools will accept you purely based on your college degree.
Moreover, if you are planning on spending quite a bit of time in one location, you should try to find seasonal work in the hospitality industry. Big travel destinations are always packed with tourists and almost always looking for staff to be able to keep up with the crowds. This would also be a great way to meet new people and have unique experiences.
