In the 15 years since we started this blog, we’ve used free Wi-Fi in airports, restaurants, hotels, pubs, public libraries, and even national parks.

How to Safely Use Public Wi-Fi on Your Travels: Navigating the Digital Seas Abroad

Free public Wi-Fi is a traveler’s best friend for staying connected, but it can also be a playground for digital pirates. Public Wi-Fi can be unsecured and vulnerable, meaning that hackers can use these weaknesses to steal your personal information or install malicious software on your devices without you knowing.

But, fear not! We’ve got you covered with a quick guide to safely surf the net abroad.

Your Digital Lifejacket: Using VPNs

Think of a VPN as your personal digital lifejacket. It keeps your online activities encrypted and hidden from prying eyes. Before you even think of logging into that café Wi-Fi, turn on a VPN. Make sure it has encryption and a no-logs policy.

Looking for travel insurance that actually makes sense for nomads?

SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is one of the top options. It’s affordable, flexible, and built for travelers who live and work on the road. You can buy it while abroad, cancel anytime, and pick a plan that fits your needs.

 It’s designed for people living and working on the road, whether you’re bouncing between countries or settling into one place for a bit.

Get a Quick Quote here to see if it’s for you.

Spotting Safe Harbors: Identifying Secure Wi-Fi Networks

Before you connect, let’s talk safety. Not all Wi-Fi networks are created equal. At a bare minimum, look for networks that require a password, which is often a good sign of security.

Beware of Digital Doppelgängers: Evil Twin Hotspots

Evil twin hotspots mimic legitimate ones. These are traps set by cybercriminals to steal your data.

Pro tip: Always ask staff for the official network name and password. This can keep you from accidentally connecting to a copycat network.

Surfing Safely: Best Practices on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi isn’t the place for online shopping or checking your bank account. Save those for a secure connection. And remember, just like you wouldn’t leave your drink unattended in a bar, don’t let your devices auto-connect to networks.

Confused about voltage, adaptors, and converters? Find out how to keep from frying your electronics overseas.

Your Digital Bodyguard: Antivirus and Anti-Malware

Your devices need bodyguards, and that’s where antivirus and anti-malware apps and programs come in.

They’re your first line of defense against unwanted intruders on public networks. Keep them updated, just like you do your travel itinerary.

Guarding Your Treasures: Securing Personal Data

Enable your device’s firewall – consider it the moat around your digital castle. Also, make sure to stick to secure websites that use HTTPS, especially when entering personal information. Think of it like choosing a well-lit path back to your hostel at night. It keeps you more secure from any prying eyes.

Think Wi-Fi in a national park is weird? Nokia plans to launch 4G internet on the moon.

Keeping Your Ship in Shape: Software and App Updates

Outdated software and operating systems are like a leaky boat – eventually, you’ll run into trouble. Regular updates patch up these leaks and keep you afloat in the digital sea. Make sure you apply any software updates your device offers. They’re there to help protect you from the latest vulnerabilities but they can’t do their job if they never get installed.

Do you feel the need – the need for speed? Learn how to get high-speed wi-fi when traveling.

Stay Safe and Keep Exploring

With these safety tips, you’re now ready to navigate the digital waves safely. Remember, staying connected is important, but protecting your digital self is paramount. Keep these practices in mind, and you’ll be as savvy online as you are in your travels.

Stay safe, and enjoy your travels! – Micki

Whether you’re already a digital nomad or just itching to make your living room view a little more scenic, I’ve got you covered. I’ve visited most of the places on this list, working as I traveled the globe in many of them.

Ever thought about typing away in a cozy café in Merida, Mexico, or brainstorming your next big project on the beaches of Huatulco? How about trading your usual office for the historic streets of Seville, Spain, or finding inspiration among the colonial buildings of Penang, Malaysia?

Exploring Less Traveled Digital Nomad Destinations

Yeah, I thought that might grab your attention. These off-the-beaten-path places aren’t just beautiful backdrops for your Zoom calls; they’re where high-speed internet and low living costs meet incredible culture and a buzzing community.

From the charm of Porto, Portugal, to the tranquil vibes of Siem Reap, Cambodia, every spot on my list has something unique to offer. So, why stick to the usual when you can work (and play) in some of the world’s most inspiring locales?

Let’s find your next great adventure.

My top unusual spots for digital nomads:

• Merida, Mexico
• Porto, Portugal
• Seville, Spain
• Huatulco, Mexico
• Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Penang, Malaysia
• Malaga, Spain

Read on to learn more about why these destinations made the cut, and discover eight more bonus places. Where will you log in from next?

What makes a destination good for digital nomads?

The ideal place for a digital nomad starts with reliable high-speed internet, affordable living costs, and coworking spaces. A strong community of like-minded individuals is vital for networking and socializing as well. Generally, that means a community of other expats.

Safety, good weather, and access to healthcare are also crucial, as is a great VPN with a browser extension, like those listed by Techopedia, as this will help you access webpages from anywhere in the world so you can continue working as normal, and even access streaming and gaming services in your downtime.

Top that off with a vibrant local culture, leisure activities, and easy visa processes (or ideally, no visa requirements) and you’ll get a place that’s attractive for long-term workers.

My Favorite Lesser Known Spots for Digital Nomads

Here are a few of my favorite lesser-known spots for remote workers. If you’re just starting out in remote work, they’ll be hidden gems, but if you’ve traveled a bit, you may recognize a few of the names.

Merida, Mexico

I’ve spent a week or two in Merida over the years, and it’s absolutely somewhere I’ll go back to as a digital nomad.

The city’s reliable internet, affordable living costs, and plenty of cozy cafes and coworking spaces (like Conexión60 and Enter_Work) make it an easy place to get work done. There’s even an international airport (MID), and good bus service with ADO buses.

It’s also a fun place to live, with lively markets, bustling plazas, and an ever-growing digital nomad community. Merida is the capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, with plenty of Mayan heritage and colonial history.

Cons of Merida as a digital nomad

If you’re a beach bum, one of the downsides of living here is that Merida isn’t right on the ocean. The closest beach is at the busy, and often windy, seaside town of Progreso, which is about a 45 minute drive. If you go to Progreso, be sure to check out the flamingos and pink salt flats nearby.

Seville, Spain

Ah, Seville! My last stay there was in April, so I missed the iconic sight of trees covered in orange blossoms (blossoms usually end in March). Even so, there was plenty to see in sunny Seville, between taking in enchanting flamenco dancers, the impressive architecture of the Plaza de Espana, and the little things about Seville that you won’t find in your guidebook.

Seville’s growing digital nomad scene includes coworking spaces and a fast internet infrastructure, making it an ideal spot for productivity. After hours, the lively tapas bars and flamenco dance halls invite you to immerse yourself in Andalusian tradition. Make sure to check this Andalusian capital’s many historic landmarks, including the Alcázar palace, the Giralda tower, and the Plaza de España.

Cons of Seville as a digital nomad

Seville isn’t the place for you if you don’t like hot weather. It’s a dry climate here, and can easily hit 40º C (104º F) in the summer (though it is temperate in the winter). Seville can also be pricey, especially for attractions and housing.

Malaga, Spain

I spent over a month with my family in the small town of Nerja, Spain, and while I loved our stay there, Nerja is just a bit too small to make the cut for this list, as it lacks some coworking spaces and easy access to an international airport.

Instead, my pick for the digital nomad is nearby Malaga. Malaga’s a proper city of over half a million people. It’s nestled along Spain’s Costa del Sol, with the allure of Mediterranean beaches, a rich cultural heritage (it’s Picasso’s birthplace!), and wonderful weather.

With high-speed internet, a supportive international community, and plenty of coworking spaces, it’s easy to get work done here. Check out El Centro Coworking and Grow Working, but there are plenty of other great coworking spots and cafes in Malaga.

Cons of Malaga for remote workers

Like any larger city, Malaga can be busy, so it may not be a fit if you’re looking for a quiet vibe. There’s also a bit of litter outside of the main tourist areas, and accommodation can be pricey.

Huatulco, Mexico

Huatulco (pronounced wah-TOOL-coh) is a bit of an outlier on this list. While the town of Huatulco is off the beach itself, nearby La Crucecita, Puerto Escondido or Mazunte is where it’s at. Though there is an international airport halfway between the beach towns and the city proper, it doesn’t offer tons of international flights.

Charles’ nephew made Huatulco his winter digital nomad hub the past few years, inspiring us to check it out ourselves. Charles spent ten days in Huatulco this year, and we’re planning to go back as a family.

What it lacks in coworking spaces, the Huatulco area (Bahías de Huatulco) definitely makes up for it with great beaches and charm. There is decent high-speed internet here (plus Starlink use is popular in the area), and modern amenities.

Huatulco is on Mexico’s Pacific coast, offering a tranquil escape with pristine beaches and untouched natural landscapes. Unlike more frequented tourist destinations, Huatulco prides itself on its sustainable development and relaxed atmosphere.

La Crucecita’s charming center, with its local markets and friendly community, gives a glimpse into authentic Mexican culture. Mazunte gives off chill, hippie vibes with plenty of yoga studios and smoothie stations to give anything in South East Asia a run for it’s money. Puerto Escondido is where the party happens and there’s plenty of things to do when the sun sets and it’s time to put the laptop away.

Cons of Huatulco for digital nomads

Housing in Huatulco is definitely on the pricey side, so be prepared to shell out. It can also be brutally hot, even in the winter, as it’s in Oaxaca state, close to Guatemala and it seems the sun shines all winter long.

Porto, Portugal

I adore gritty Porto. It’s a bit rougher around the edges than beautiful Lisbon, but that’s part of its charm. There’s a vibrant, creative energy here, and a growing digital nomad scene.

There are plenty of great coworking spaces in Porto (to start, try Land Porto Coworking or WOW – Coworking Porto). The internet’s fast, and there are great cafes everywhere.

One of the advantages of being a remote worker in Porto is that it’s more affordable than most other European cities, including Lisbon. You’ll find affordable housing, wonderful bakeries, and you won’t need to spend a fortune on eating out or attractions.

Be sure to visit the Livraria Lello – often called the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Even with the lineups and cost to enter, I think it’s worth it.

Cons of Porto for digital nomads

Porto’s a smaller city than Lisbon, so there aren’t as many networking opportunities here. The center of Porto is busy and gorgeous, but the outskirts are industrial and many sections feel abandoned. The weather can also be unpredictable.

Penang Island, Malaysia

Penang’s capital, George Town, was my base when Charles and I visited Malaysia. I have great memories of exploring colonial buildings, and enjoying affordable freshly squeezed fruit and delicious meals from street vendors.

You can even get local strawberries and apples in Penang, which is unusual for a tropical area. They’re grown in the nearby Cameron Highlands.

The city is a tech hub with reliable internet, plenty of coworking spaces (start with Settlements Penang or Common Ground), and a supportive expat community.

George Town, Penang’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with an interesting blend of colonial buildings, modern street art, and vibrant food scene.

Cons of Penang for digital nomads

Penang is a small island, and it can feel a bit claustrophobic after a week or two. On top of that, the weather’s generally hot and humid, meaning you’ll need to do most of your work indoors in air conditioning.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

I spent a bit of time in Siem Reap as we visited the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. One of the things I noticed right away was that the internet was fast, and the air conditioning was robust.

For remote workers, Siem Reap has an affordable cost of living, a warm climate, and a laid-back lifestyle. There’s also a surprisingly robust internet infrastructure.

The town has developed a cozy café culture and coworking environment (start at the oddly named 1961 Coworking and Art Space), catering to the global community of digital nomads drawn to its charm. Beyond work, Siem Reap’s vibrant night markets, local artisan shops, and serene rice fields are wonderful for exploration and relaxation.

Cons of Siem Reap for digital nomads

There are real downsides to Siem Reap. Public transport is definitely lacking, and there’s an issue with petty crime and burglary. On top of that, it’s a small place, and may not have the opportunities for networking of larger cities. It’s also busy and touristy, and you’ll spend a lot of time dealing with people trying to sell you things, some legal, and some not so legal.

Runner-ups for Lesser Known Digital Nomad Locations

I haven’t visited all of the following areas, but I’ve included them in this article, as they’re mentioned consistently among our traveling friends, and the digital nomad community.

Cuenca, Ecuador

Nestled in the highlands of Ecuador, Cuenca is a colonial city known for its stunning architecture, cultural festivals, and friendly locals.

Remote workers are drawn to Cuenca for its affordable cost of living, temperate climate, and reliable internet, making it an ideal place for creativity and concentration.

The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers peaceful plazas, museums, and cafes where you can work while soaking in the local culture. There’s plenty to do on weekends spent exploring nature, from hiking in the Cajas National Park to relaxing in nearby hot springs.

Chiang Dao, Thailand

Most digital nomads don’t think beyond Thailand’s cities of Bangkok or Chiang Mai, or the crowded island of Phuket. While I visited all three of these, and plenty others, in my three months in Thailand, I didn’t quite manage to make it to smaller Chiang Dao, which is getting a reputation as a solid digital nomad hub.

Quiet Chiang Dao is a town embraced by mountains and forests, with only around 15,000 people. The internet connectivity is unexpectedly good, and it’s easy to access from Chiang Mai. There are waterfalls, hot springs, artist’s workshops, and good food. Just make sure you get the right visa before setting up as a digital nomad in Thailand, no matter which region you choose.

Sibiu, Romania

In the midst of Transylvania, Sibiu offers a medieval old town, but there’s plenty of modern infrastructure beyond the cobblestone streets and the majestic Brukenthal Palace.

Sibiu is known as a tranquil yet inspiring setting for digital nomads, with its excellent internet and charming cafes.

Lesser Known Digital Nomad Locations in the USA and Canada

When I think of digital nomad locations, I always default to Asia, Europe, or even Mexico, but there are plenty of great places to do remote work in Canada and the US.

Astoria, Oregon

I may show my age here, but I first saw Astoria in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedy, Kindergarten Cop.

I’ve since visited Astoria a few times, and the family and I always stop off on any trek down the Oregon Coast.

Astoria, Oregon, USA is a charming and off-the-beaten-path destination on the Oregon Coast, ideal for remote workers seeking scenic beauty, a rich cultural history, and a peaceful environment for productivity. If you want something a bit more beachy, you can also head south a bit to Cannon Beach or even further south towards Lincoln or Newport. You’re also only an hour and a half from Portland.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I visited Portsmouth with the family a couple of years ago, and was instantly drawn to its chill charm and gorgeous coastal scenery.

Portsmouth is a picturesque and historic seaport city on the East Coast of the USA. It offers remote workers a unique blend of coastal beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and rich American history.

There’s a compact downtown area filled with charming shops, galleries, restaurants, and coworking spaces.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

To my undying embarrassment as a Canadian, I haven’t visited Charlottetown personally. It’s at the absolute top of my list of destinations to visit in the Maritimes.

Charlottetown is the charming capital of Prince Edward Island, with a small-town vibe, friendly community, historic buildings, and scenic waterfront. And don’t forget festivals and the renowned local seafood! Charlottetown is an inviting place for remote workers, with reliable internet, quaint cafes, and a burgeoning arts and culture scene.

The city’s relaxed pace of life and natural beauty, from rolling hills to sandy beaches, offer a serene setting if you want to work away from the hustle and bustle and it’s also a fairly affordable area to live in.

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

I’ve lived in Kelowna as our family’s home base for almost 10 years.

Kelowna is in the heart of British Columbia’s wine country, and based around the gorgeous, deep blue Okanagan Lake. Kelowna’s a picturesque setting for remote workers, with stunning lake views, mountain backdrops, and vineyards.

You’ll enjoy Kelowna if you appreciate the outdoors, with kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, boating and skiing easily accessible (at Big White or Silver Star).

There’s also a robust and growing tech scene here, supported by fast internet, innovative coworking spaces (I like Okanagan coLab, but I generally work from home), and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and digital nomads. The city’s mild climate, combined with a rich cultural life and farm-to-table dining, provides a quality of life that’s hard to beat. But I may be a little biased, since I live here and love it.

Kelowna’s not for you if you’re all about exciting nightlife, and designer brands though. There are nightclubs here, but they’re definitely not at the scale of a larger city, and lots of restaurants generally close by 10 (or well before). That said, in the summer there are more festivals here than anywhere we’ve ever lived, a thriving micro brewery scene and literally hundreds of vineyards within an hour of the city.

And there you have it, my sneak peek into the world’s lesser known destinations for digital nomads. Whether you’re craving sun-drenched beaches or bustling city streets, these spots have the perfect mix of work, culture, and adventure.

Who knows? Your next favorite coffee shop office could be waiting in one of these incredible destinations.

Thankfully, from emailing to social media to online banking and even working remotely as we travel, connecting to the online world is just a button press away. That said, these days we all know that with digital convenience comes cyber risk.

10 Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Stress-Free Travel Adventures

Today, let’s dive into the top 10 cybersecurity tips to keep your digital life secure and stress-free while you explore the world.

1. Strong Passwords: Your First Line of Defense

Your accounts are only as secure as your passwords. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Better yet, let a password manager generate and store complex passwords for you. This way, you won’t have to memorize the password for every online shop or booking site you use and if one site gets compromised, the rest of your accounts stay safe.

At the very least, make sure that any password to a primary site, such as your email, remains unique. Since email is often the fallback method to resetting every other sites password, it’s vital that your email account stays protected. Of course, keeping your bank passwords unique needs not be reminded, right?

2. Safe Online Transactions: Be Payment Smart

Whether you’re surfing the web or checking your account balances, use a VPN when making online transactions or when dealing with sensitive information.

A VPN creates a secured connection between your device and the site you’re dealing with. It means that neither your provider nor any of the devices between you and the site can see what information is being passed. Whether it’s personal pictures, banking data or your daily news clips, no one knows what’s being passed except you and the site you’re pulling it from.

Looking for travel insurance that actually makes sense for nomads?

SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance is one of the top options. It’s affordable, flexible, and built for travelers who live and work on the road. You can buy it while abroad, cancel anytime, and pick a plan that fits your needs.

 It’s designed for people living and working on the road, whether you’re bouncing between countries or settling into one place for a bit.

Get a Quick quote here to see if it’s for you.

3. Keep Your Software Updated: Don’t Ignore Those Update Alerts

Yes, those update notifications can be annoying, but they’re crucial for your security. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. While it can be tedious, realize that most of them are for your protection.

4. Mindful Social Media Sharing: Don’t Give Away Too Much

We know it’s tempting to share every moment of your tropical getaway, but oversharing can make you a target for burglars or scammers. Consider sharing after you return, and always review your privacy settings.

This is where some of the biggest dangers of social media can be had. Adding “friends” who aren’t friends or posting information a bit too private such as house address and whatnot to public sites can lead to robbery after you’ve just posted you’re gone. While thankfully it isn’t that common, online scammers are looking for every possible way to profit themselves and they don’t care if you get hurt in the process. If you value your safety, keep private things private.

5. Secure Your Devices: Lock It Up

A simple PIN or fingerprint lock on your phone or tablet can deter thieves. Also, consider using/enabling tracking software to locate lost or stolen devices. Most devices come with it and just need it to be enabled.

Thinking that setting a complicated pin is too much work, I know dozens of people with 0000 or 1111 as their phone pin. All it takes is one pickpocket, a phone left on the table while you momentarily look the other way or a phone left in your bag on the beach while you snooze beside it for it to fall into someone else’s hand.

Those who prey on others misfortune know the most common pins and will try those first. While you rush to lock the phone down (once you notice it’s gone) or try to locate it, the thief is already surfing your phone, copying your pics, stealing your emails, ruining your social media and gathering your information. Don’t let something as simple as setting 4 random (to them) numbers make their job so much easier.

6. Phishing Scams: Stay Alert

Be skeptical of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information, even if they seem legit. When in doubt, contact the company directly through official channels and never respond directly to unsolicited messages in either email or SMS (text) format.

It’s often hard to discern if a message has come from a trusted source. Phone numbers can be spoofed and return addresses can appear legit. However, the only truth in cybersecurity is that it’s a continually evolving landscape and the rules of today might not apply tomorrow.

The easiest way to verify if something is legit is to call the number for the bank or company that’s appearing to make the inquiry and never respond directly to the number or email in question. Even going directly to the site gives you options such as online chat or a callback number to make your life easier.

2. Two-Factor Authentication: Double the Security

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone cracks your password, they still need a second code (usually sent to your phone) to access your account. Activate 2FA on critical accounts like email and banking as well as sites that store your credit card information.

An extra bit of wisdom is to ensure that if you’re leaving the country and don’t have access to SMS text codes that you have an alternate method of 2FA verification such as email or an authenticator app. We use both Google Authenticator and the Microsoft Authenticator apps as they’re free, easy to use and work with most sites.

8. Data Loggers: Don’t Get Tapped

Avoid using public computers for any financial business or anything that you consider needs to remain secure. While a VPN keeps your online connection safe, it’s also good to know that the computer itself you’re using hasn’t been compromised.

We’ve heard of several people over the years who have fallen prey to this scam. You enter an Internet Café, pay for your hour and sit down to use their computer. It even features a VPN so you think you’re safe. After your hour-long session, you get up, ensure you’ve logged out of any sites you logged into and shut down the computer.

The problem is that there was a keylogger plugged into the device or installed in software that has captured every keystroke you’ve just typed. With a bit of work, the hacker can now trace everywhere you’ve been, what you’ve typed in (passwords and IDs as well) and can now use the information to get back in at will. Hopefully you’ve set up 2FA so that when that happens, you get notified but if the device was granted permission, it might still be on the permitted list. Best to avoid that scenario fully and avoid using public computers for anything important.

9. Backup Your Data: Don’t Lose Those Precious Memories

Regular backups ensure you won’t lose important documents or precious travel photos, even if your device gets lost, stolen or corrupt. We’ve always used our rule of 3 for anything precious from pictures to documents to emails.

The first is the device itself, whether it be our phone, a laptop or a camera. If it originated there, it stays there. The second is an online backup solution. They’re quick and easy to set up on nearly any device and as long as you have a Wifi connection, they can be uploaded to the cloud within minutes of being generated.

The third and final is always a hard coded offsite backup. This happens when we return from an extended trip or enough time has passed that we feel it’s necessary. Offsite ensures that it survives anything from a fire to a theft and while online backups are easy, an extra measure of security never hurts either.

10. Research Local Scams: Know Before You Go

Each destination has its unique digital dangers. It never hurts to do a quick search on common scams in the area you’re visiting. This can include everything from credit card skimming (the process of setting up an additional scanner on a bank machine or gas pump that copies the info) to the use of fake Wi-Fi zones with the intent of stealing your data as it passes through their device (that’s why VPNs are essential when traveling.)

Stay Cyber Safe!

Remember, staying secure online is a continuous journey, just like your travels. By following these tips, you can focus more on enjoying your trips and less on digital woes.

Stay safe and happy exploring!

Working as you travel the world is one of the best ways to solve this problem. Not only do you get to explore the globe, but you can also get paid as you go plus you get to experience a different side to a country than just what the tourists typically experience.

The best travel jobs that don’t require experience can still let you earn a good income while you travel the world. Some of these are even jobs abroad with accommodation with no experience required.

How to Get a Job Abroad Without Experience

Not having any experience does make finding a travel job a bit more challenging however, the good news is that there really are plenty of overseas jobs that don’t require experience and also travel jobs that don’t require a college degree.

Whether you’re looking for a chance to work in exchange for accommodation, searching for a job that lets you travel to different countries, seeking work as a digital nomad online, or wanting to become a long-term expat overseas, there are options for you.

What are the easiest jobs to get with no experience?

Here’s a gentle reminder: while these jobs don’t necessarily require experience, that doesn’t mean all of them are easy to get. For some, you may need to be in the right place at the right time, and for others you may need training or natural talent (but no direct experience).

Even for jobs that don’t require experience, you may have an easier time getting the job if you’ve actually had some prior experience, even in a non direct sort of way. That doesn’t mean they’re impossible to get without previous experience, but you may be fighting a bit of an uphill battle, especially if you’re competing with people who’ve worked in that field a time or two.

How can I start working abroad?

There are plenty of different paths to working overseas and earning a living.

Some people buy a ticket, take the flight, and hope for the best. Others don’t want to budget on an irregular income, so they take a more structured approach. These travelers typically line up a job, get an apartment, and organize visas and tickets before they leave.

Your approach to finding a job overseas jobs with no experience really depends on your risk tolerance, the amount of money currently in your bank account, and your ability to deal with uncertainty.

Getting a Visa

While finding a job with no experience is possible, you also need to consider visa requirements when working overseas.

In many countries, you can work illegally (under the table), but there are risks. Working illegally can make you vulnerable to exploitation by your employer, and you also run the risk of immediate deportation if you’re caught.

Some countries are also incredibly strict with their labor laws, meaning that receiving lodging or a stipend for volunteering may fall within the category of working under the table. Definitely find out before you accept any new job overseas if a work visa is necessary and plan your next steps accordingly.

Working Holiday Visa

Many working holiday visa jobs don’t require work experience, or a degree. The working holiday visas are best known for jobs like waiting tables or fruit picking.

If you’re under 35 years of age, your destination country may offer a youth working holiday visa. The working holiday visa is an arrangement between countries that lets youth work on a working holiday visa for up to one year. Check out Wikipedia’s list of working holiday visa programs.

The Best Jobs that Allow You to Work Overseas with No Experience

Do you wish you could travel more, but you’re worried that you won’t be able to work overseas with no experience?

Many of these are jobs that you can get on your own, meaning you can work abroad without experience and no placement fee from a recruiter.

Wait Staff, Bartender, or Cook

In many countries, there’s a huge vacuum in the service industry, as restaurants and hotels struggle to find staff.

Here in Canada, there are help wanted signs in almost every restaurant and shop window. Most of these jobs are at minimum wage, but the lack of staff is forcing some companies to pay higher wages. The bonus with any service job is the chance to make good tips depending on which country you’re working in. It can often help offset the lower per hour wage they tend to offer and if it’s a cash economy, you’re not having a few weeks to wait until payday to have some extra spending money in your pocket.

Housecleaner

Like waiting tables, working as a housekeeper generally pays close to minimum wage. However, housekeepers get minimal tips, while wait staff and bartenders can often substantially increase their take home pay.

The bonus is that housekeeping hours are pretty consistent and if you like your evenings free, housekeepers typically work days.

Field Worker or Fruit and Vegetable Picker

Numerous countries around the world need seasonal field workers and often they hire these people from other countries. From grape picking to coconut harvesting, the available jobs depend on both the country and the season in which you’re travelling. These jobs can be anything from fully sponsored (the hiring company sets up the working visa and provides full room and board plus wage) to daily jobs paid under the table.

Even if it’s not harvest season, plenty of farms and orchards have year round work from pulling weeds to mending fences to planting, transporting and selling their products. No previous experience is often needed however you definitely can’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty. If you’re lucky, there will also be bonuses on top of wage for minimum quantities you process. This is especially true when tree planting where the faster you work, the more you often take home.

Volunteering

The large majority of volunteer jobs, by definition, don’t offer any form of payment, but some do offer basic accommodation and/or meals.

However, the danger here is that many volunteer placements actually charge you, the volunteer, a significant amount of money to volunteer. In fact, some volunteer placements are shockingly expensive.

While even the best volunteer jobs by nature don’t pay, some will provide (often very basic) accommodation or meals, or both. 

Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is one option that covers all expenses. However, you’ll most likely need to be a recent university or college graduate, and be willing to sign up for a two year time commitment, though there are limited six month or one year commitments.

While there can be a bit of danger involved, most often they are sent where work needs to be done. Whether that’s helping out in disaster areas or just helping out those in need, it can be a very rewarding experience for some people and will definitely give you a chance to see another country from a different angle.

WWOOF (Volunteering on Organic Farms)

A more realistic option for volunteering abroad is with WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms). Volunteers with WWOOF get room and board covered, in exchange for a set number of hours working on an organic farm. No previous farming experience is required.

The bonus with WWOOF is that once your set work hours are done, you can often enjoy your time as you see fit hanging with like minded people.

Food Delivery or Ride Share Driver

Getting a job with food delivery (like SkipTheDishes) or ride share services like Uber or Lyft may be an option as a travel job, if you have a driver’s license. You don’t need experience to work as a driver, but you will need insurance, a vehicle, a driver’s license, and proof of ability to work in a country. Your vehicle will likely also need to meet certain criteria, like being under a certain age, and having four doors.

Get $7 off your first SkipTheDishes order!

Caregiver / Personal Care Aide

Working as a caregiver overseas can mean taking care of children as an Au Pair, or caring for elderly or disabled clients. Many countries, including Canada and Australia, offer specialized work visas for caregivers. You may not need previous experience, but you’ll likely need a criminal records check, and letters of reference.

If you get lucky with your placement, you might even get in with a family or group that also enjoys travel thereby giving even more chances to see another country.

Mover

If you’re willing to take on some challenging physical labor, getting a job as a mover may suit you. Generally, little to no experience is required for movers, but a strong back is a solid requirement.

Busking

You don’t necessarily need experience to work as a busker, but talent (or at least an entertaining skill) and a comfort putting yourself out there is definitely a prerequisite for success.

Interpreter or Translator

You don’t necessarily need experience to work as a translator (written language) or interpreter (spoken language). However, you do need to be fluent in two or more languages, and be prepared to prove your skills through a test or on-the-spot assessment.

Many employers want a university degree in linguistics, but some part time and casual gigs don’t require this. Many of these jobs can be a predetermined set of time (for example, until a certain project, book or site is completed) and many can even turn into remote jobs letting you continue your travels in a country while still working.

Tour Guide

If you’re capable of talking about the sights and managing groups of people, working as a tour guide may work for you. Tour guides don’t necessarily require experience, but speaking more than one language is an asset. Tour guides work everywhere from tourist attractions, to wilderness tours, to museums. If you’re an outgoing people person with great communication skills and a flair for spectacle, you might make a great tour guide.

International Resort Worker

International resorts like Club Med offer many jobs, many of which don’t require experience. While many resort workers are locals, resorts often hire overseas workers as well. Speaking several languages can be a huge bonus as well and often food and accommodation can be included.

Transport a Car or RV

Transporting a car or RV may not pay the bills, but it’s a good way to cover transportation across regions. It may also cover accommodation if you luck out and get to transport an RV.

Car rental companies, car dealerships, RV and trailer rental companies and occasionally movers hire people to drive cars to different locations. You likely won’t need experience, but you will need a drivers license.

The bonus with this job is that fuel and often a small stipend for food are included. Occasionally they will also let you take a passenger for free. The bad part is that you often don’t get a huge selection of locations they’ll send you to and sometimes those aren’t the places you’re hoping to see.

Jobs Abroad with Accommodation, No Experience Required

Jobs that offer accommodation range from cruise ship work, to work camping, to yacht crew, to housesitting, and beyond.

Cruise Ship Work

Cruise ship jobs generally top the lists of jobs abroad with accommodation that require no experience.

Cruise ships hire massive numbers of people, with jobs from cooks, to housekeepers, to entertainers and many of these don’t need previous experience to get. Cruise ship work is best for single people without kids however there have been numerous couples who managed to get posted to the same ship.

Earl from Wandering Earl has used cruise ship work to fund a large part of his many years on the road, and wrote a great book called How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship.

Click here check out his book on getting a job on a cruise line.

Sailing Assistant / Yacht Crew

Getting a job as a yachtie can be surprisingly easy, as long as you’re persistent, and have a little luck. Many jobs working on a yacht don’t require any experience; just a great attitude and a willingness to work.

We volunteered as yacht crew for evening cruises at the yacht club in Brisbane, where the captains and club were friendly and easy to work with.

You can find jobs through Find a Crew or Crew Seekers online, or ask directly at a local yacht club. Darwin, Phuket, San Diego and Panama are great places to start.

Work for Your Accommodation

When we were staying at a hostel in Adelaide, we exchanged a few hours of cleaning each day for a cozy, clean double room.

Many hostels may let you stay in exchange for light work, ranging from housekeeping, to small repairs to grounds work. Ask at the front desk if they need any help.

House Sitter or Caretaker

While house sitting may not pay all of your bills, having accommodation for free goes a long way to making travel affordable.

Check Trusted Housesitters job listings here.

If you’re looking for a longer stay, look into caretaking jobs, which often last longer, and have more responsibility. Caretaking jobs often pay a salary in addition to free accommodation. 

Work camping is also an option in Canada or the USA, in private campgrounds and some national parks. Some work camping jobs aren’t paid, but offer only a place to stay, and some offer both a stipend and a place to stay.

Home Swap

You may be able to get accommodation costs covered overseas if you own an apartment or house. All you’ll need to do is swap a stay at your home in exchange for a place at your destination. While you need to be comfortable with someone staying in your home when you’re gone, the bonus is that your new accommodation isn’t costing you anything more that staying at home would.

Best Online Jobs for Travel that Don’t Require Experience

The best online jobs for travelers pay well, don’t require experience, and are flexible. Not all of these jobs hit all of those criteria, but there are some interesting choices below.

Online Customer Service Representative

Online customer service representatives talk with customers on behalf of a company. They answer questions about products and services, respond to customer comments, and process returns.

You won’t necessarily need experience, but you will need a clear speaking voice, and be able to speak the client’s language fluently.

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) is essentially an online assistant who helps clients with tasks like accounting, managing email, personal errands, scheduling, research, and even planning travel.

In the past we’ve hired different online VAs to do research, social media scheduling, marketing, and create graphics for us.

Website or App Testing

While many website or app testing jobs require special skills like CSS or database management, others require no experience at all.

Website or app testing is generally best for earning extra money on the side, rather than as a full time job, but it may fit the bill if you need to supplement your income, or if you’re without work for a short time.

You can find jobs with companies like User Testing or TryMyUI.

Digital Nomad / Online Freelancer

Digital nomads essentially bring their job with them wherever they go. Some digital nomads work a regular 9-to-5 job, but remotely, while others work as freelancers, and still others own their own business.

What’s interesting is that many countries now offer digital nomad visas. Many require that you show proof of income, but others, like Bermuda, don’t require any minimum income.

While there are plenty of jobs around the world for people with zero experience, it’s always easier to show the person hiring you that you did something similar enough that you know their job would be a good fit for you.

If you’re planning to travel in the future and work as you go, now is not a bad time to look into a similar job at home. While no one wants to work 2 jobs, taking an occasional shift doing something you like or think you would be a good fit for isn’t a terrible idea. At the minimum it will give you an idea of what working abroad could entail and maybe help you figure out that maybe you need to look elsewhere in the future.

Work Abroad Articles You Might Like

• The Highest Paying Travel Jobs You Can Get Now
• Our Heymondo Review – Why We Always Get Travel Insurance
• Can You Volunteer Abroad Cheap or Free? The Real Cost of Volunteering Overseas
• How to Travel with a Full-Time Job

The problem is that most of us don’t have the money to travel without working. Sure, you could pick up jobs teaching or waiting tables as you go, but what if you could make decent money online as you traveled?

The world’s changed a lot in the last 10 years, making it entirely possible to travel and make a great living online. We’re not saying it’s easy (don’t get us started!), but it can be done.

If you fantasize about being able to work online as you travel, check out these inspiring and helpful blogs. They just might help you get one step closer to ditching the 9 to 5 lifestyle.

Do you have any favorite websites for digital nomads? Did we leave out anyone great? Let us know!