DO WHAT 90% ARE NOT DOING

We know it sounds like one of those cliché motivational speeches on youtube, but doing what the 90 percent are not doing, can dramatically improve your chances of having extraordinary experiences during your work and holiday adventure.

The 90% rule. Makes for great shots, but Hypothermia can happen in minutes.

CITIES MEAN COMPETITION

Unless you truly want to end up serving in that Starbucks at minimum wage, make sure you have some kind of a budget before starting your work and holiday escapade. This will buy you time to figure out all options.

We firmly believe that working remotely is the key to earning and saving up a lot while on a working holiday visa. You’ve got your car and you’re dying to engage in a cross-cultural experience. Companies are always looking for staff in remote areas.

Here in Canada for example, we arrived before the shoulder season, which gave us an edge on finding both housing and jobs in Canmore. Right now it has almost become impossible to do that. You’ll have to wait until it’s the Christmas period. The town will then need all the help it can get to cope with the large influx of visitors.

MACCA’S OR TIM HORTONS?

None of them. There will always be a temptation for fast food, especially if you’re on the road, but once you’re kind of settled, start looking for deals and clearances! Talk to locals and read the local newspapers! Buy bulk and try to buy as much as you can in a wholesale warehouse such as Costco. Some warehouses have a special day on which there is a total of 15 percent discount on everything you buy. Make sure your freezer is fully stocked and prep your meals throughout the weekends so you’re not driving to Macca’s after that hard day’s work! Your latte Machiatto however, is best bought @ Tim Hortons or any takeaway where the wifi is strong. Cheap cheap.

IN THE LONGRUN

You’ll want affordable but decent quality stuff. Buy online. As mentioned earlier people come and go all the time. If you can’t find it secondhand, look at sites like Amazone, Wallmart or Kijiji. Better Prices.

Here in Canmore we have a thrift shop that has amazing quality yet unbelievable low prices. Follow the Aussies to get the most for your cash. Sure looks like they have no clue what money’s worth.

4 WHEELS

Buy something with 4 wheels as soon as you arrive in the new world. In the beginning, don’t waste precious time and lots of cash on accommodation when you can easily sleep in your van year-round in Aussie (only during summer in Canada). We acknowledge camping is not always glamorous, but you’ll make some of the best memories for the rest of your life. And save a tremendous amount of money! Buy your car through online groups. Again, apply the -do what the other 90 percent are not doing- principle. People mostly travel in sunny seasons and leave for bad weather or by the start of a new season. When and where you are buying, is everything! Basic law of supply and demand.

BE KIND

Genuinely kindness is underrated. Life is all about connections and you are in desperate need of that. The magical thing is that when you’re truly kind to people, they will want to help you without you even having to ask for it!

A SHEER AMOUNT OF LUCK

We almost forgot to tell you this one. Life’s a gamble and taking risks is the way to live out of the ordinary. There hasn’t been anyone we know that has regretted quitting their tedious job and going on a working holiday. Trust the universe.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY GOLDEN TRAVEL RULES

Traveling makes you realize the small things. you don’t need a ridiculous amount of money to have an amazing, rejuvenating time on the road. Here are some of the golden rules we live by.

  • Don’t do restaurants, make campfires. Nothing beats campfires, honest chatter and stargazing. With some luck you’ll see the Northern lights. Now that is something people would pay top dollar for!
  • Don’t waste time going to travel agencies. When you’ve just arrived in a new spot, go have a coffee in a local bar and ask around what it is you are looking for. They will be more than happy to provide you with the real intel. The better spots.
  • If there’s two of you, don’t do hostels, go Airbnb. Again, local tips are always included if you are nice.
  • In fact, try to do as few Airbnb’s as possible. Instead, sleep in the car, rise and shine early cause watching the sunrise and sunset are one of the most phenomenal things nature has to offer. Listen to any music that was made before 2000 and you’ll make it even more memorable. Bear fur and your girlfriend will keep you warm during those colder nights. Win-win-win.
  • Meet people, take that early swim in the lake. Smile, cause life can be good. Don’t ever take it for granted.

THE POLAR DIP

Remember: It’s easy to look forward to the next big thing. Next summit, excursion or whatever. Try to enjoy the moment as much as possible. We’re certain you’ll look back at those ‘lesser’ times and think they were just perfect. Here comes another cliché: “It’s about the journey, not the destination.” oh, and the best things in life are free! Reminds me of the polar dip. The great feeling afterwards and zero dollars spent (unless you’ve got bad insurance).

We are all born to run.

Do you have any inspiring work and travel tips or stories? We’d like to hear them.

So long!