BUG - Backpackers Guide to working in Europe

Work is the perfect way to earn money to extend your stay while gaining a more genuine experience than the average tourist. There are a number of work exchange programmes which can be supplemented by under-the-table work and self employment.

Because of the common language and a number of work exchange schemes, most travellers base themselves in either the UK or Ireland, with London hosting a year-round backpacker population of around half a million.

Commonwealth citizens can obtain a Working Holiday Visa through a British Embassy or Consulate outside the UK as long as they are aged under 27 at the date of application and can prove they have funds to support themselves. There are also a number of schemes for non-Commonwealth citizens, such as the working holidays schemes operated by Council Travel in the US and the au-pair visa scheme for nannies and au-pairs.

If you don't qualify, there is plenty of work available as long as you can get past the UK's tough immigration officials. There is usually no problem finding casual work in pubs, restaurants and farms. Look in any of the backpacker oriented publications in London and local press, and you'll find a job in no time.

The situation in Ireland is much the same, although it is harder getting a pub job and jobs are generally much easier to find in the UK. However those with a EU passport and computer or telephone skills should have no problem finding a job.

On the continent, things are much tougher unless you know the local language, however anyone with an EU (European Union) passport may work in any other EU country without having to apply for a work permit. Many English speaking travellers find work in the tourism industry where knowledge of English is often more important than the local lingo. If you know how to ski, try looking for work on the ski resorts in places like Andorra, France, Austria and Switzerland; otherwise head for the beach resorts on the Greek, Spanish and Portuguese beaches.

There is also a degree of work in the expatriate communities in the big European cities. Look for work in the English language press, such as the Paris Free Voice and FUSAC in Paris, the Budapest Sun, Athens News and the English papers on the Costa del Sol.

If you are self-employed, you should be able to work anywhere - just take the tools for your trade, get your mail forwarded and get a mobile phone to keep in touch with your clients. In fact a notebook computer and mobile phone are quickly becoming essential items for the serious working backpacker. If you are a writer, journalist, photographer, musician, hairdresser or virtually any occupation that requires some initiative, then you can go work wherever you want - just don't tell the immigration authorities that you are working.