Looking for work while you travel? Eager to find a site that has real articles from people that are actually working overseas? We've found it, for you, in the Working Traveller. We've talked with Shane Donovan, founder of both the Working Traveller and the Overseas Job Centre, about finding work overseas - now we're happy to chat with him about the Working Traveller, getting the most out of working overseas, tips for working overseas, and more. Here's what Shane had to say...

WE: Please tell us about your site, the Working Traveller...

SD: We're a mixture of backpacking and independent budget travel, ways to earn money to stay on the road and reduce costs by volunteering.

WE: What was the genesis of your site?

SD: We've been writing about working your way around the world for many years on our main website, the Overseas Job Centre, but were finding keeping a traditional website up to date a little sluggish. We also wanted an easier way to keep writing when we are on our own trips and be more involved with our readership. A magazine style blog seemed to be the way to go.

Mekong, Laos

WE: Who is involved with the Working Traveller? Are you both working and living overseas?

SD: We both live in Turkey and work on our sites. Deirdre has worked in France, Belgium, Peru and the UK. Shane took one look at working for a living and has tried to avoid it ever since.

WE: How can travelers get the most out of working overseas?

SD: There is a lot being written in around the world and long term travel blogs about how travel can be less expensive than staying at home and working for a living; how anyone can take an extended trip if only they are brave enough. While it's true that travelling to Bangkok can be cheaper than staying in Brooklyn the claims of the long term brigade can be a little erroneous once we leave our means of earning a living behind. Not everyone has the skillset or desire to make a living on the internet.

The jobs we cover are generally entry level and are aimed at shortening the amount of time needed to finance a dream trip or to replenish a depleted travel fund while abroad. Travellers willing to do anything will always find a way to stay away. Where work visas are going to be a problem (North Americans are going to encounter this far more than EU citizens) consider volunteer work, WWOOFing or other ways to work for your keep.

Cusco Festival

WE: What are your top tips for people starting to think about working overseas?

SD: Be serious about it. Though we tend to concentrate more on the results of working abroad, such as the options it can give for replenishing travel funds or as a means to living abroad, employers will expect you to work hard and professionalism. Tour operators, for instance, sell the lifestyle aspects of living and working in a resort but they make no bones about how long the days are and how your enjoyment will be second to that of the paying customers.

WE: How do you suggest travelers give back, while traveling or living and working abroad?

SD: Not everybody is on board with paying to volunteer but a lot of good NGOs fund their work by accepting contributions from volunteers, either directly or by offering slightly inflated board and accommodation. While many gap year companies set aside some of their profits to charity and serve a worthwhile purpose by offering unique, often resume enhancing, experiences to travellers, a greater contribution will reach grassroots NGOs that are contacted directly. Travellers who can pass on in demand skills are even more welcome.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

SD: The Working Traveller is about experiences, tips and ideas but for real jobs abroad posted by employers, whether paid or voluntary, we also publish the Jobs Abroad Bulletin.

WE: Thanks so very much, Shane. We highly recommend the Working Traveller to our readers!

For more information, please see:

http://www.the-working-traveller.com/