Working in the travel industry

If you have a real yearning to get out and see the world then you might consider getting a job that involves travel. Some jobs include travel as a requirement others at least allow you to get discounted fares and/or accommodation.

These involve things like:

• Being a member of an airline or ship crew.

• Working in the travel business.

• Volunteer work abroad - see the Volunteering Page

• Missionary work

Studying abroad

Studying abroad or doing voluntary work abroad will almost certainly involve costs to you but often at a discounted rate and the accommodation is often very cheap.

Students can also get travel discounts cards such as this.

Standby Flights

There are bargains to be had with standby flights or 'Last minute' holidays taking advantage of cancellations. Of course this may mean taking your chances with the destinations.

Precautions

Be aware that laws and customs are different in different countries and may even vary from state to state within the same country! Try to avoid causing offence or even falling foul of the law through ignorance. When in Rome do as the Romans do might keep you safe as well as allowing you to soak up the culture.

Check that you have any vaccinations that may be needed.
Check that you have any visas that may be needed.

 

Be prepared, try to find out about the place you are going to, it may save you a lot of problems.

In particular watch out for:

• Language - don't expect everyone to speak english!

• food - don't expect everywhere to serve fish 'n chips!

• currency - know the value of it ... Check here

• Traffic laws - right of way, signs etc.

• Age of consent ... Check here

• Laws related to alcohol ... Check drink-drive limits here

• Laws related to drugs

• Sun burn

• Scams

• Phone Contact

Language

If the language is different, try at least to know the words for yes, no, please, thank you and the numbers.

Age of consent:

this can vary a lot, for example 13 in Spain or 21 in Madagascar. You could be arrested for making love to your partner!
Homosexuality is illegal in many countries at any age, in Iran you can be hung for it!

Alcohol:

Attitudes vary and the law varies. Be particularly careful in islamic countries as even though there are sometimes allowances made for foreigners, it may be unwise to cause offence - especially if they are bigger than you! Be aware of the dangers of mixing alcohol with sun or swimming.

Drugs:

Even non-prescription medication of one country of one country may be illegal in another country. If it is not vital then it may be best to leave it at home and get something equivalent when you get there. If it is vital then it is probably on prescription - take some prescription stubs with you to prove it.

Sun Burn:

'Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun' is unfortunately true all too often. Be sensible and use sun cream. Don't be just another cooked prawn on the beach!

Scams:

Tourists are often targeted for all kinds of scams, be alert for them and not too trusting. If you are on a package holiday with a tour representative then ask them for tips on what to avoid.

Phone Contact:

This can be expensive particularly if using a hotel phone - you may want to check beforehand.
The Country-code for the UK is 44.
If you are planning to use your mobile phone then this can be very expensive and you may even find that your phone doesn't work there!
Have a look at Skype and SIM4travel .

 

Definitely not recommended :

• Joining the armed forces - unless you are prepared to kill and be killed.

• Being a drug courier - stiff penalties and perhaps years in prison just waiting for a trial.

 

 

Have a look at the links from this page and see if any suit you. Remember though that these are just suggested starting points, try using a search engine if you have more specific requirements.

 

BON VOYAGE