Want to get under the skin of the place and finance your onward journey at the same time? Get to work with these 10 cool jobs, taken from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Experiences.
1. Leading tours
The best thing about leading tour groups is being paid to sightsee in a foreign country. Working every day with locals also allows you to get under a country's skin. As a tour leader you're responsible for the smooth running of the trip and the satisfaction of your group. Most operators require their leaders to speak a foreign language and to sign up for two or more seasons. You won't be doing this job for the pay, but whatever you do earn will be in addition to free accommodation, return air fare and often free meals.
Companies such as Explore Adventure Holidays regularly recruit for people to lead tours worldwide; most will let you apply online.
2. Teaching English
If you're reading this, then you already possess the prime qualification required for rewarding work overseas. The phenomenal popularity of the English language has created a huge demand for teachers. Those with formal teaching qualifications and experience can make a veritable career out of teaching, feted by foreign schools which pay airfares and look after work permits and paperwork. English teaching can also pay well: it's possible to come home with savings after a year of work in Japan or South Korea.
Most education providers require you to have completed a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course; for more information visit www.onlinetefl.com
3. Au pairing
There are few better ways to get cosy with a foreign culture than to live and work with a local family. Au pairing may not pay well, but most use it as an opportunity to master a language: fluency is priceless. Essentially, you have to love children, but most employers also prefer to employ single people with no dependants, who are aged between 17 and 27. You'll need to prove that you've spent time caring for children - a job that's not short on responsibility.
Check www.bestaupairguide.com for tips on where to find the best agencies in popular au pairing destinations worldwide.