Working your way around Europe and Japan

DON'T get caught in the London trap. There's plenty of opportunties to travel and work your way around Europe and Japan, says Lee Taylor.

YOU'VE probably heard someone, most probably a whinging Pom, say there's more Aussies in London than in Australia.

ob spots The conquering of Europe

And with most Australians choosing to live and work in London than any other UK city, they're probably right. But as members of the Commonwealth, Australians aged between 18 and 30 are also entitled to work in a whole host of seductive destinations such as: Italy, Greece, France, Sweden, Denmark and Japan.

"Sure, most Aussies go to London but there are plenty of work opportunities throughout Europe that some either don't know about or ignore," says STA Travel branch manager Darren Leckie.

"A popular option with travellers once their UK visa has run out is to head to Ireland, to work in high-end jobs like IT and telemarketing."

And while working behind the bar is a popular pastime in London and Ireland, Australians shouldn't shy away from the service industry in non-English speaking countries such as Denmark and Sweden.

"Everyone speaks English in the Scandinavian countries, therefore anything non-written is fine. Whether you're working in hotels, bars, chefs, anyone working in the service industry does so well," says Mr Leckie.

"A lot of travel agencies around the world, especially the adventure travel agencies, in non-English speaking countries hire travellers and use their local knowledge to help others.

Teaching English is also a popular option in destinations such as Japan and Greece, offering a lucrative private tuition market.

But for the most up-to-date knowledge, there's always the local hostel where a whole network of travel knowledge and jobs await your arrival.

And if all fails, there's always London.

Hot tip: Organisation is everything when you're on the other side of the world, but it doesn't take anything away from the adventure. The International Exchange Programs is a not-for-profit organisation helping Australians on working holidays overseas.

They specialise in finding work, accommodation, social events and setting up bank accounts in a whole host of countries such as Ireland and the UK.

For more information on Working Holiday visas, visit the Department of Immigration.

YOUR SAY: Don't forget to leave your travel tips here.