At the risk of being flamed mercilessly [I'm new here and it seems that's all some people do on this site] I'm starting a new thread here... Here's a topic I haven't seen in my short time browsing this site.<BR><BR>I'm thinking about backpacking Europe soon, and would like to go for an extended trip, the same way it seems all 19 year old Australians do. =) The only way I can do that, however, is if I were to make some money on the way to help pay my expenses.<BR><BR>What sort of experiences do Fodorites have on this topic? How easy is it to do this, where are some of the best/worst places to try? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

You would get a better answer to such question on <BR><BR>www.lonelyplanet.com<BR><BR>in the Thorn Tree section. Many of the posters there are younger and in a similar situation.

I had one of the most wonderful experiences of my life 'working' & backpacking solo. Then again, that was 16 years ago & things may be different now. Lonely planet would indeed be a great site for this topic.<BR><BR>I found little trouble (with the exception of England, where I finally ended up telling them I was Canadian)finding odd jobs throughout Europe and Israel, that enabled me to extend my 'one month' trip for so long.<BR><BR>Keep in mind, I did not make much money, but room & board were always included, in addition to the usually small under the table pay.<BR><BR>I just walked into a bar, hotel, hostel, restaurant, etc. & asked if they needed a hand for week or so, in exchange for R & B. I've worked in London, Chamonix, Brugges, Florence, Naxos, and Jerusalem.<BR><BR>I'll bet it's still possible. You'll also get an earful of tips from hostels once you're over there. That's how I got my 'job' in Chamonix.<BR><BR>Good luck to you! andrea

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Wanderlust - out of interest, how would I do something similar in Australia? I'm not 19 (30) but I'd do about anything.<BR><BR>best

tony, sorry about that... I didn't mean for my post to read that I WAS a 19-yr old Aussie, but rather hoped that I could attract attnetion from Aussie in this situation. When I went back and read it it didn't come out that way, did it? Actually I'm a Yank, mid 20s, and met many 19 and 20 year old Australians in my European travels years ago, and they all seemd to be experts on this type of travel.<BR><BR>To answer your question, however, there IS a company that can arrange work opportunities and and permits for your jobs in Oz for up to either 4 or 6 months.. same in New Zealand and UK. Sorry but the name is eluding me, but it May be Council Exchanges / CIEE[www.councilexchanges.org]<BR><BR>And Andrea, great post... just the sort of story I hope to be able to tell to others someday. Thanks.<BR><BR>I'll certainly check out Lonelyplanet.com. Never thought of them and haven't seen their site yet.

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