There are a myriad of reasons to visit Europe. It is the second smallest continent – after Australia/Oceania – and it is just slightly bigger than the USA. It goes without saying that its size is an advantage for those who want to visit each of its countries: just hop on a plane (or a train) and in as little as one hour you could be in a different country!
Don’t let its small size deceive you. Although Europe covers just 2% of our planet’s surface, around 11% of the global population live there. With over 50 countries, more than 100 ethnic groups, 24 official languages, and thousands of years of civilisation, Europe is a melting pot of cultures, with its rich history, varied landscape, and a passion for good food.
If you are interested in exploring urban areas rather than the countryside, in Europe you will be truly spoiled for choice – from the most renowned cities, like Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona, and Athens, to the inconspicuous hidden gems, like Riga, Zagreb, Warsaw, and Prague, to name but a few.
While cities offer a vibrant and exciting atmosphere, they are also known for being more expensive to visit than smaller villages. If you are planning to travel long-term, you might be also considering ways to finance your lifestyle while abroad. Here are some ideas on how to earn some money while travelling across Europe.
-
Au pair
This job is very popular for either short or long-term positions. It is ideal if you enjoy working with children. Typically, you will be required to do the school run, prepare dinner for the kids, help them with their homework, and do some fun and interesting activities with them. You will probably live with the family, so you won’t have to pay for accommodation or food. In addition, you will be given a salary, which will allow you to travel the country on your days off.
-
Blogger
There’s more to it than just writing. While your posts should always be engaging, informative, and captivating, in order to monetise your blog you should consider different types of marketing (e.g. email marketing) and selling products. With so many blogs out there, the market has become highly competitive, but finding your niche will give you an advantage and credibility.
-
Content writer
If you are passionate about writing and language and enjoy writing creatively, content writing could be the job for you. As long as you have a laptop and internet connection, you can write for blogs, social media platforms, and websites from anywhere in the world.
-
Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Another job that allows you to travel around while making money is teaching English as a foreign language. While you could work for a language school in the city you are based, you could also teach online. This will allow you plenty of flexibility if you want to spend only a few days in each city.
In this way, you could teach English in Poland one day, and teach in France the next. This is possible with the help of online schools who hire teachers to deliver lessons through their online platform. They organise your timetable depending on your availability and find the students for you. They often provide you with teaching materials, so you don’t have to worry about anything else apart from teaching.
-
Seasonal worker
You might have heard of the ‘slow food movement’. It is a celebration of lovingly homemade food that nourishes the body and the soul. A similar principle could be applied to travelling. If you want to take your time when visiting a new destination and don’t want to rush your journey, think about joining thousands of workers that change their job depending on the season: ski instructor in the Alps in winter, vegetable picker in the UK in Spring, lifeguard on the Emerald Coast in Summer, and farm assistant in Autumn/Fall.
One final thought
Whatever your reasons for travelling to Europe, you will discover a world full of art, history, and passion for all the beautiful things in life. Think about what your strengths and interests are and go for it. If you are passionate about a topic and enjoy writing, become a blogger! Do you enjoy helping others in their career opportunities? Teach English as a foreign language! Is the outdoors your happy place? Become a seasonal worker. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something suitable for you.
