Before and after your Working Holiday Visa , accommodation is a major concern. It's simply one of, if not the biggest, expenses for travelers! What are the accommodation options in New Zealand, Australia, or Canada? Is it possible to find affordable housing? How do other Working Holiday Visa holders manage during their stay? Find the answers to all your questions.
Before delving into the details of each accommodation option, let's revisit the first few days of your Working Holiday Visa (or Working Holiday Permit ). These days are crucial for getting off to the best possible start. At VisaVacancesTravail.be, we suggest beginning with a few days (four to be precise) in a hostel. This is what most Working Holiday Visa holders choose for a smooth transition. Another option is to try Couchsurfing for those on a tighter budget, or Airbnb. However, with very few exceptions, hotels and Bed & Breakfasts won't be part of your vocabulary during your Working Holiday (since their prices are generally higher than what you'll earn in a day, unfortunately).
There are countless hostels (the famous "backpackers" you'll find on many sites like Hostelbookers or Hihostels ) in all the countries participating in the Working Holiday program. You'll find all kinds of prices, depending on whether you choose to share a room with travelers of all nationalities in a dormitory or opt for a single or double room. The same goes for facilities (toilet, bathroom): alone or with others. By sharing, the system can be very economical. Some people even stay several weeks or months in the same hostel for the sake of simplicity (yes, it's happened). It's sometimes possible to exchange the cost of accommodation for a few hours of work (cleaning and/or reception).
In any case, throughout your working holiday visa, hostels will always be a viable option. However, be aware of peak seasons in certain destinations (such as Queenstown in New Zealand or Sydney in Australia during the New Year period, as well as the East Coast in spring or autumn) where booking in advance becomes (almost) essential. Generally safe, they are also very convenient for meeting other travelers and sharing tips and experiences. In the vast majority of cases, hostels offer common areas such as a kitchen (more or less well-equipped) and may include a lounge with a television and computers with internet access. Tip: if you don't have a car and/or the winter is particularly harsh, it's worth spending a few dollars in a hostel. They're also an ideal place to stay upon arrival or while in transit.
It's common to try different types of accommodation during a working holiday visa. Staying with a host family is very common, especially in New Zealand or Australia, if you're working on a farm, for example, doing fruit picking. Another option is WWOOFing or HelpX, services that provide room and board in exchange for various tasks, although gardening is often involved. It's a great way to experience local life while improving your English. Tip: If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about their way of life, staying with a host family is the best option.
Those of you who prefer a more settled lifestyle will generally opt for renting a room or even an apartment in the city to stay for a while and work. In this case, shared accommodation allows you to limit costs and meet other Working Holiday Visa holders or local students with similar needs. Sharing an apartment is ideal for getting acquainted with local life (use easyroommate to find accommodation in all three countries, for example). In some cases, it requires a longer-term commitment, although Anglo-Saxons and Canadians are more flexible and used to short-term travelers. They don't always require very long notice periods. However, be sure to do your research. Since emails often go unanswered, it's usually pointless to start looking far in advance of your departure; it's better to contact them by phone. Wait until you're there to get to know the neighborhoods, the city, and also to build a network of contacts. Tip: opt for shared accommodation when you settle in the city to work.
Going on a Working Holiday Visa often means buying a van or car to find work and travel freely (see our article on how to buy a van abroad ). Many people choose a van that they convert into a campervan. While wild camping is prohibited, you can take advantage of the many well-equipped and often inexpensive campsites you'll find. Some backpacker hostels also have tent sites. However, be sure to plan your itinerary carefully, because in Canada and New Zealand, the harshness of winter shouldn't be underestimated. Tip: This type of accommodation is often recommended during the vacation portion of a Working Holiday Visa… as is sleeping under the stars.
Conclusion: We strongly advise you not to limit yourself to just one option! Going on a working holiday visa means embracing the adventure that awaits you and taking advantage of the opportunities. Whether paid or free, all accommodations will leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip! Some personalities are suited to living alone, while others thrive in a community. While it's sometimes necessary to push yourself, it's equally important to know your limits. Depending on your travel plans, finding accommodation also relies on word-of-mouth, where personal connections work wonders, especially when buying a van or looking for a friendly and affordable flatshare.
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
