To really get under the skin of a place, and to finance the onward journey, why not consider a working holiday? Quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to see the world, here are ten suggestions for how to wisely spend your time while traveling.

Leading tours

The best thing about leading tour groups is being paid to sightsee in a foreign country. Working every day with locals also allows you to get under a country’s skin. As a tour leader you’re responsible for the smooth running of the trip and the satisfaction of your group. Most operators require their leaders to speak a foreign language and to sign up for two or more seasons. You won’t be doing this job for the pay, but whatever you do earn will be in addition to free accommodation, return air fare and often free meals.

Companies such as Explore Adventure Holidays regularly recruit for people to lead tours worldwide; most will let you apply online.

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 More: www.explore.co.uk

Teaching English

If you’re reading this, then you already possess the prime qualification required for rewarding work overseas. The phenomenal popularity of the English language has created a huge demand for teachers. Those with formal teaching qualifications and experience can make a veritable career out of teaching, feted by foreign schools which pay airfares and look after work permits and paperwork. English teaching can also pay well: it’s possible to come home with savings after a year of work in Japan or South Korea, for example.www.i-to-i.com/tefl

Most education providers require you to have completed a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course.
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Au Pairing

There are few better ways to get cosy with a foreign culture than to live and work with a local family. Au pairing may not pay well, but most use it as an opportunity to master a language: fluency is priceless. Essentially, you have to love children, but most employers also prefer to employ single people with no dependents, who are aged between 17 and 27. You’ll need to prove that you’ve spent time caring for children – a job that’s not short on responsibility.www.bestaupairguide.com

Check au pair websites for tips on where to find the best agencies in popular au-pairing destinations worldwide.
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Working in ski resorts

Working in a ski resort is less a job, more of a lifestyle. You’ll likely end up skiing all day and partying all night. Though competition is stiff , there are loads of opportunities to work in resorts: from instructing on the slopes to working behind the scenes in a chalet. You’ll need international instructor qualifications to work as an instructor, where the pay is modest but the cool factor’s high. Chalet staff cook and clean and though this work carries less kudos and cash, there is usually a great camaraderie among workers.www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Top resorts like Whistler hold recruiting sessions overseas for quality staff; check your fave snow spot online and carve up an opportunity.
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Writing

Apart from heading to some exotic destination for inspiration to write that best-selling novel, journalism is probably the best known of the ‘proper jobs’ in which you can ensure some money dribbles into your account. If you’ve got a nose for news and can write, pitch a story to the editor responsible for the relevant section of an appropriate newspaper or magazine. Essentially, you need to be contactable and have the capacity to deliver on your pitch.

Pitch your travel stories to major newspapers or magazines, as these will have a budget for freelance stories.

Waiting/working in a bar

Whether you’re working the floor taking food orders in a bustling cafe or pulling pints in a village pub, this is people-focused work: it’s not known as the hospitality industry for nothin’. Though the hours can be long and the pay a pittance, you’ll likely come across a lot of locals, and tips can plump out an average earning. Most establishments require that you have some experience, particularly for working in a bar (changing kegs and mixing cocktails).www.newyorkbartendingschool.com

Make sure you have the skills and qualifications required, available from places like the New York Bartending School.
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Cooking/working as a kitchen hand

If you’re a maestro on the burners (and you’re qualified), you could secure work as a chef in a restaurant or a hotel. Those without qualifications can still get in the kitchen: prepping food, flipping burgers or doing the washing up (affectionately known as ‘dish pigging’). Working in restaurants and hotels often puts you in touch with other travellers, and offers a casual environment in which to earn a bit of cash. While washing up might not make you wealthy, it will give you soft hands.www.gumtree.com is the best site for kitchen-hand jobs in major Western cities.www.wwoof.org

Farming work

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty there is loads of labour that allows you to work outdoors – improving your tan while you work. You might pick up work fruit picking or planting crops; in all cases long hours and physical exertion are involved. Farm wages are generally low, but accommodation is thrown in and you’ll have few opportunities to fritter away your earnings. You don’t need any particular skills, just endurance and determination.

Get inspired on where to go by browsing the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms website.
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Volunteering

Get that warm and fuzzy feeling from doing something positive for someone or something you care about while gaining an insight into a foreign place and chalking up experience. Volunteering opportunities are many and varied, and can include professional placements, joining an expedition and administration for a non-governmental organisation. Costs to the volunteer also vary according to the activity and length of stay, but bank on contributing to food and sundry expenses.www.volunteerabroad.com lists hundreds of volunteering opportunities around the world
 

Yachting Crew

Working for your passage can certainly put the wind in your sails. Getting on board a yacht will likely get you into nooks and crannies that most of us only dream about, particularly around the islands of the Aegean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean. Apart from some nifty knot tying, you need to work well in a team and under pressure. Tasks vary according to the vessel, but generally involve rigging, cleaning and maintenance. It’s common for crew to contribute a small amount of cash to cover food and sundry expenses.www.globalcrewnetwork.com

This is an edited extract from LONELY PLANET’S 1000 ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES, (c) Lonely Planet, 2009.

With so many cheap flights, Vacation packages, and  Airline tickets available for International Travel deals, The Single guy should consider the following Cities when making his next Vacation Decision.

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We have researched the opinions of world travelers as well as the internet community in bringing you the Top Ten Cities of the World With The Most Beautiful Women. Each city on this list contains a copious supply of beautiful women you may want to urge your parents or your wife to visit for the next family vacation, just for the scenery of course. All cities throughout the world were considered and determinative factors included: 1) Quality of women, 2) Amount of Women per men ratio and 3) Ease of talking to women. Please enjoy the list and we look forward to your comments.

Dutch Girls

10. Amsterdam, Holland

 Of course Amsterdam must make the list. This city has women more beautiful riding past on bicycles than other cities have going by in chauffeured cars. Dutch girls are amazing in so many ways, they’re trendy, as well as cool, they’re fun, and they are exceptionally beautiful. They’re the kind of girls that you just want to date for a very long time. Find Girls in Amsterdam

9. Tel Av iv,  Israel

8. Montreal, Canada

The exquisite taste of France but with the convenient location of Canada, Montreal is truly one of the world’s best cities filled with beautiful women. So many universities and colleges and so many women with fashion sense and a desire to take care of their bodies. One of the best parts is that the women all speak French commonly known as the language of love. I highly recommend you take a trip to Montreal, and find a beautiful leather trench coat wearing beauty that will serenade you in French all night long. Find Girls in Montreal

7. Caracas, Venezuela

 Caracas is the capital of Venezuela. For the record, Venezuela is the country with more Miss Universe Pageant titles than any other nation, therefore you know it’s capital is going to be teeming full of beautiful women. The women of Caracas are so beautiful that they make Brazilian women look like trashier counterparts. I speak honestly when I tell you that these women are exceptionally easy to talk to you and know how to have a great time. I can also attest to the amount of fun you will have when you take a trip to Venezuela.

 Find Girls in Venezuela

6. Moscow , Russia

Mother Russia is home to some of the world’s finest women, the Moscow subway alone has more beauties than most of the United States alone. It’s not only the regularity of tall, blonde hair, blue eyed women that make it so great, it’s also the amazing level of friendliness that you will find. It’s a definite unique experience when what seems like the world’s most beautiful woman is staring your way only to find that she is staring your way, and yes at you! Then she approaches you! Sure the first time, you will mess up, but don’t worry there will be many more on your trip! Find Girls in Moscow

5. Los Angeles, California

 How much can be said about L.A. girls, well I think you will find upon arrival that so much can be said you’ll find yourself at a lack of words. The women of L.A. are on a level unlike most any other kind you may have ever seen. All the beautiful people from across the United States flock to this mecca, this is where the cool people come to live, to work, & to try to “make it”. This is what the Beach Boys had in mind when they sang the song California Dreamin’. Find Girls in Los Angeles

 4. Varna, Bulgaria

Many of you may not have heard of Bulgaria, most of you may not know where to find Bulgaria on a map, but you have all experienced Bulgaria in day dreams, night dreams or just drifting off at work. Bulgaria is a land of no drug laws, cheap vodka, mechanical bulls on the beach, waterslide and some of the most uninhibited natural beauties in the world. This land has cafes with inflatable furniture, thongs and g-strings everywhere you turn your head, see through pants on every corner and topless sunbathing on every beach. What’s more, these women retain a certain level of class and sophistication and take great care of their bodies. The most important part of Bulgaria is the charm and beauty that you will find in these stunning women. Plan your trip today!

3. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a city unlike any other. It is truly one of the most extraordinary cities in the Western Hemisphere. The city has an enormous wealth of beautiful women on a scale unlike nearly any other city. The women of Buenos Aires are beautiful, natural women who are comfortable in their amazing bodies. Nearly every women in Buenos Aires is a model waiting to be found, by you of course! The parties are legendary and the clubs and events are overloaded with beautiful, approachable, and fun women.

Copenhagen Girls

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s women are probably some of the most approachable you will ever meet. Also, these women are much more liberated sexually than most other cities throughout the world. They are all over, working in all places and always ready to head to the local bar for a drink or two. The environment runs at a much slower pace and the women enjoy a wide variety of situations. In Copenhagen, during your trip, you will find yourself catching the eye of several women. Just remain cool, calm and collective and this will be a phenomenal trip.

Sweden Girls

1. Stockholm, Sweden

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Surf N’ Sun   :                 Surfers Paradise, Australia.

With a swimming pool and open courtyard, the Surf N’ Sun packs the young, the wild, and the alcoholic. Bar Crawls take place every night and the hostel offers punch and free club entry. Boxes of goon start flowing late afternoon when people come back from the beach.

The Clown and Bard   :      Prague, Czech Republic

With a 36 person dorm room, this place is always hopping. There’s a bar downstairs with a two for three happy hour beginning a pillow lounge, the Flying Pig is the spot for those looking to channel their inner Bob Marley. There’s a constant cloud of smoke seeping out into streets at all hours of the day and night. Don’t worry if you run out- there are two coffeeshops across the street!

Base  :                                  Melbourne, Australia

Base features a downstairs club that pumps out music every night. You won’t get any sleep as the music filters up the floors and entices you to come down and party until dawn. The young and the restless fill the dance floor after drinking pitchers of beer and cheap, colorful shots. There’s usually theme and karaoke nights that let you embarrass your self all night long.

Loki   :                                        Cusco,  Peru

Located in a 450 year old building, Loki is known throughout South America for its parties. With regular events, an open lounge, and theme nights, I wouldn’t expect any sleep here either. The bar is regularly packed so tight, you’ll be practically grinding against your neighbor.

#11 Happy Guesthouse : Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Why: Located by the lake in Phnom Penh, #11 Happy Guesthouse features a huge patio, two big screen TVs, a pool table, and one dollar beers. Always packed, this hostel is filled with the party seekers who spend their days sightseeing and night drinking beer before heading to the infamous Heart of Darkness.

St. Christopher’s Inn  :                London, England

A bar, karaoke, cheap drinks, and a license to go until 4am all means that this hostel is bursting with partygoers and one the busiest in London. After you drink it down, you can take it off at the rooftop hot tub. People here know where the action is and if you play your cards right, it just might be your room.

Kabul   :                                     Barcelona, Spain

Located in the center of Las Ramblas, Kabul has a very open second floor where all parties happen. Happy hour officially begins at 7, which is usually a few hours after everyone wakes up. With a reputation for partying, this place keeps drawing those who start partying at 2 a.m. and sleep until 2 p.m. This place gives new meaning to the term “late night.” I was called a quitter for sleeping at 5 a.m.

The Rising Cock  :                      Lagos, Portugal

The Rising Cock is infamous for its parties and it’s well deserved. Two things happen at the Rising Cock: drinking and drinking.

Start your day with the hostel’s booze cruise on which the majority of people get naked, and then keep the partying going with drinking games at the hostel. If you can’t handle 24 hour partying, this hostel is not for you.

The Pink Palace     :                         Corfu, Greece

The Pink Palace is one of the world’s most famous party hostels in the world and with good reason: toga parties, cheap shots of ouzo, happy hours, and theme nights. After a day at the beach (which is just minutes away) or their booze cruise, you’ll be spending the night dancing at their club, Palladium, until the sun comes up. The hostel has over 300 beds- there’s a good chance, you might not end up in yours!

The Treehouse    :                        Ko Chang, Thailand

Every night is a bucket night at the Treehouse, and it’s the perfect blend of a relaxed hippy vibe and partying with a very active dance floor and a lot drinking. This place has all the ambiance you need and you don’t have to stay there to party there. People trickle in from all over to have fun, making this a hotspot on Lonely Beach.

The Yellow Location  :          Rome, Italy

With a bar downstairs and semi-nightly pub crawls, it’s pretty easy to meet people at the Yellow. It’s not a huge hostel either making the close quarters also convenient for meeting fellow travelers.

Ostello Archi Rossi   :        Florence, Italy

This place has been popular for a long time as evident by the walls covered by the names of past guests. A big courtyard and common dining area keep people mingling and drinking vino rossi. There are some clubs down the street and, when they close, you can move back to the courtyard to keep the party going. The rooms are a little away from the action so you can actually get some sleep if you want.

Wombats    :                                    Berlin, Germany

Known for its partying, Wombats rarely sees anyone over 25. With an ultra-chic bar, everyone breaks out their best attire and pickup skills here. Cheap drinks keep travelers mingling all night long. If you can’t meet anyone here, you can’t meet anyone anywhere.

The Jazz on South Beach  :   Miami, Florida USA

Located right near the beach, The Jazz on South Beach has an excellent bar that hosts the bold and beautiful of South Beach. This is the place to stay if you’re looking to be seen in South Beach.

Carnival Court  :  Capetown, South Africa

There’s no chance of a good night’s sleep at Carnival Court. Located near a lot of bars (there’s also a bar in the hostel), this place is a hangover waiting to happen.  It’s wild here and everyone is looking to break a new drinking record. The staff will point you in the direction of the parties but you just might have trouble walking there as the fun here starts well before the sun goes down.

Millhouse Hostel :                     Buenos Aires, Argentina

The music is on 24-hours a day at the Millhouse and the atmosphere is extremely social! Each night has a different activity such as dance party, karaoke night, and tango lessons. Definitely a hostel for those that want non-stop fun and excitement right at home! Most commonly heard line: “Were those moans from the porno shop next store or did you get lucky last night?”

Auckland Central Backpackers     Auckland, New Zealand

Located right down town, this hostel draws upon the fact its part of the Base chain. That means all the craziness of Melbourne spills over with people getting down and dirty all night long. It will give you another reason to keep staying longer in Auckland.

India House  :  New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

A funky converted house that was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, the India House features eccentric local characters and travelers who just can’t leave. Maybe it’s Bourbon St. Maybe it’s the jazz. Maybe it’s the beer vending machine in the kitchen. Whatever it is, people here know how to have a good time.

Tina’s Backpackers  :             Caye Caulker, Belize

Located right on the beach, Tina’s Backpackers keeps people in close quarters. Everyone here is into island living – sun by day, drink by night. Though the crowd tends to be a bit older (30ish), you wouldn’t know it by the way people party here. It is way off the beaten path but it’s worth it.

Backpacking Safety Tips