A recent video posted on TikTok by Global Work and Travel raised an important question: Why should you book a working holiday through a company like Global Work and Travel when you can just do it yourself? It’s a valid question, particularly for young adults who are increasingly drawn to the DIY approach in an era where information is readily accessible online.
The video outlined several reasons why using a service like Global Work and Travel could make more sense than going solo. This article will dive deeper into those points, exploring the advantages and potential drawbacks of booking through a travel agency. With so many factors to consider, it’s important to weigh up the benefits before making a decision.
The appeal of going it alone
The first point many young adults might consider is that organising a working holiday independently seems like a cost-effective and liberating approach. From researching visa requirements to searching for jobs abroad, the internet provides an endless supply of resources, giving people the feeling that they can do it all themselves with a bit of determination and effort.
When you plan a trip on your own, you control every aspect. This freedom to choose where to stay, which job to apply for, and how long to work is appealing to those with a spirit of adventure. Some travellers prefer not to be tied down by a pre-arranged itinerary or limited by an agency’s options. They see the ability to fully customise their working holiday as a key benefit of the DIY approach.
For many, the potential to save money is another huge draw. Agencies like Global Work and Travel come with fees for their services, and many believe that by eliminating the middleman, they can keep their costs down. Travelling independently can seem like the more budget-conscious option, particularly for those looking to make their money stretch further during an extended working holiday abroad.
The advantages of Global Work and Travel
Despite the appeal of going it alone, the video lays out a strong case for why booking a working holiday with Global Work and Travel might be a better choice. One of the standout reasons presented in the TikTok video is the guaranteed job match. Finding a job abroad, particularly in a foreign country, can be a daunting task. For many young adults, it’s also one of the biggest stress points when planning a working holiday.
Global Work and Travel argues that with their help, travellers can secure a job even before they leave their home country. This eliminates the weeks of job hunting, stress, and missed income that many independent travellers face. According to their estimates, the average person spends around four weeks finding a job when they try to do it themselves. That’s four weeks of missed earnings, which, in countries like Australia or the United Kingdom, could amount to a significant financial loss. In comparison, starting work right away means you can “hit the ground running,” earning an income as soon as you arrive.
Another major point made in the TikTok video is the network of trusted employers that Global Work and Travel works with. Finding a job abroad comes with several challenges, not least of which is convincing local employers to take a chance on a foreigner. The video highlights that local businesses are often reluctant to hire international workers due to the difficulties in performing background checks and verifying references. By partnering with Global Work and Travel, these businesses know they are getting candidates who have been pre-screened and vouched for. This trust relationship is something an independent traveller would struggle to replicate.
Visa support: A key selling point
The visa process is another area where Global Work and Travel claims to make a significant difference. Navigating the visa requirements of a foreign country can be confusing and stressful, particularly for first-time travellers. While some countries offer relatively straightforward online application processes, others are more complicated, with the potential for mistakes or, worse, scams.
The TikTok video touches on this by discussing how travellers can often fall prey to fraudulent visa websites or submit incorrect information, leading to delays or even visa rejections. Global Work and Travel offers expert visa guidance, ensuring that every application is processed correctly and efficiently. For many young adults, this kind of support is invaluable, saving time and eliminating the uncertainty of navigating visa applications on their own.
Avoiding common pitfalls of independent travel
One of the risks of planning a working holiday independently, as mentioned in the TikTok video, is the possibility of falling victim to scams or being taken advantage of by less-than-reputable employers. When going it alone, it can be difficult to verify the legitimacy of job offers, housing, or even visa information, particularly when dealing with foreign companies and unfamiliar systems.
Global Work and Travel’s partnerships with vetted companies and their background checks on employers provide an added layer of security. This can help travellers avoid the horror stories that many DIY travellers have shared – from being underpaid to having their accommodation fall through at the last minute. With the agency’s support, you have peace of mind knowing you’re in good hands, and that your job placement, accommodation, and visa process have all been carefully managed.
Is the convenience worth the cost?
The services provided by Global Work and Travel come with a cost, and for some, this might be a significant factor in their decision. Travelling independently is, without question, the cheaper option upfront. However, the TikTok video argues that the added cost of using Global Work and Travel should be seen as an investment in a smoother and more secure experience.
The guaranteed job match, visa assistance, and local partnerships mean that travellers using the agency can bypass many of the common pitfalls of planning a working holiday. Additionally, by securing employment and accommodation before arrival, the financial hit of missed income or unexpected costs is reduced.
For those on a strict budget, going it alone may still be the preferred option, but it’s essential to weigh the potential savings against the convenience and security offered by an agency like Global Work and Travel.
Tailored experiences and added perks
Another benefit mentioned in the TikTok video is that Global Work and Travel can provide a tailored experience, helping you find the best locations for your working holiday. Their network of partners often offers additional perks like discounted food, transport passes, and sometimes even free accommodation.
These added benefits are difficult to secure when travelling independently, as they require local knowledge and connections that many first-time travellers don’t have. For young adults looking to make the most of their working holiday experience, these extras can make a significant difference, both financially and in terms of enjoyment.
Final thoughts
The TikTok video from Global Work and Travel highlights key reasons why booking a working holiday through their agency might be a better option than doing it yourself. From guaranteed job matches and visa assistance to the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re working with reputable partners, the agency’s services are designed to eliminate the stress and uncertainty that often comes with travelling independently.
While the DIY approach offers more freedom and may seem cheaper at first glance, it also comes with more risks. For young adults who value convenience, security, and a smooth transition into their working holiday, Global Work and Travel provides an appealing alternative. In the end, it comes down to personal preference: whether you want to control every aspect of your trip or rely on the expertise and support of a company with years of experience in the industry.
Pros and cons of booking with Global Work and Travel vs doing it yourself
By weighing these pros and cons, young adults can decide whether the convenience and security of booking through Global Work and Travel outweigh the independence and potential savings of going it alone.
Pros of booking with Global Work and Travel
- Guaranteed job match: Start earning as soon as you arrive with pre-arranged employment.
- Visa assistance: Expert guidance through the complex visa application process, reducing the risk of rejection or scams.
- Trusted partnerships: Vetted employers and local connections ensure reliable job placements and accommodation.
- Tailored experiences: Benefit from additional perks like discounted food, transport, and sometimes free accommodation.
- Peace of mind: Reduced stress knowing that your travel, job, and visa details are managed by a reputable agency.
- Time-saving: Avoid the lengthy process of searching for jobs and housing independently.
Cons of booking with Global Work and Travel
- Cost: The service comes with fees, making it more expensive than planning everything yourself.
- Limited flexibility: Some may feel restricted by the agency’s job and location options compared to DIY travellers.
- Less control: Travellers who prefer complete autonomy over their trip’s details may find the structured service less appealing.