Work. Travel. Learn. Earn.
Destination Work Programs
For Young Adults, College Students & Gap Year
Ready For An Adventure Where You Travel, Work and Get Paid?
Our work and travel programs are a chance to get paid to gain experience, work, and learn while living in the coolest spots around the US.
Based on your life and career goals, we set you up with the ideal work and travel experience. Explore and have fun while you develop your career and grow personally and professionally.
Live in the coolest spots | Get paid | Gain experience | Learn professional skills | Step out of your comfort zone | Travel with purpose
An Overview of Your Work & Travel Experience
It starts out by applying online (which takes about 2.5 minutes) You meet with your adventure guide, who will get to know you and your goals. You choose the right location and job for you. Programs range from 3 – 12 months. You will travel to your location with housing and a job secured to make money while you travel.
Everything is planned through our program. Enjoy your experience!
Get an in-depth overview of the program here.
Feeling inspired for a new adventure? Get paid to work, travel, and gain experience.
Traveling and getting a new job is an incredible way to explore your interests and aspirations before applying to college or taking that next step in your journey.
The real world is what you make it. There is so much to explore and so much to see and learn.
Our students feel prepared for the real world after an immersive experience where they travel, learn real-life skills at a job, get paid, gain skills, and have fun.
Travel
A structured travel and work experience that allows you to live in exciting new places while earning money and learning valuable skills.
Program Alumni Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are AdventureEXP programs?
Programs typically run 2-12 months with 3.5 months being the average length of participation in a single destination. The length can be flexible depending on your schedule and the season you are traveling. You pick your start date and we help you choose the best destination, job and experience for your goals, timeline and interests.
How does the job placement process work?
After you apply, you’ll connect with an AdventureEXP coordinator to review your goals, interests, and timeline. Once enrolled, you’ll work one-on-one with your coordinator to build your resume, create a realistic travel budget, and complete your program profile — which includes four key pieces:
1. When you want to go (your dates determine which destinations are open)
2. The types of jobs you’re interested in (not every role exists in every location)
3. Your interests and hobbies (so we place you somewhere that fits your lifestyle)
4. Your savings goals (some destinations are more cost-positive than others)
Using your profile, your coordinator curates personalized job opportunities and schedules interviews with our vetted employers. We’ll prep together so you feel confident, and once you find the perfect match… we’re off to the races.
Can I do this on a gap year or semester off?
Yes. AdventureEXP is designed for gap year students, college students taking a semester away, recent graduates, and early-career travelers. We tailor the experience around your school calendar or personal timeline. Because our programs run year-round, there’s always an option that fits — no matter what stage of life you’re in.
Who can participate?
AdventureEXP programs are open to American citizens ages 18–24. If you’re outside that range, reach out — we can often still support you or guide you toward the right option.
What types of jobs are available?
We run programs in seasonal communities across the U.S. and internationally, with roles primarily in hospitality, tourism, and outdoor recreation. You don’t need prior experience — and you don’t need to be pursuing a future career in these industries. Many participants join simply because it’s an affordable way to live in an exciting, beautiful place while building real-world, transferable skills.
Typical paid roles include positions in guest services, retail, recreation, food & beverage, and hospitality. Every job is fully vetted for safety, pay, and housing, so you can focus on growing, exploring, and enjoying your experience.
Does AdventureEXP help with housing?
Yes. AdventureEXP will secure safe, affordable staff housing for the full length of your experience. You’ll know your housing situation before you accept a specific job in a destination.
How much do I get paid?
Pay varies by employer and location, but the average wage is around $19/hour, with opportunities to earn more through tips and overtime. Our programs are intentionally designed to be cost-positive — meaning that after covering your housing, food, and living expenses, most participants finish their experience with more money saved than when they started.
What does AdventureEXP’s program fee cover?
Your program fee is a one-time fee that gives you unlimited access to AdventureEXP — meaning you can travel as many times and to as many destinations as you want without ever re-enrolling.
It includes:
- Access to our accredited Life Skills Foundation Course
- A dedicated program coordinator to help with your resume, budget, destination selection, and job matching
- Curated job options with vetted employers and full interview prep
- Support with housing, travel planning, and on-program guidance
Everything you need to confidently take on destination work experiences, again and again.
Can I travel with a friend?
Yes! Many participants choose to travel with a friend. Just let us know in your application and we’ll walk you through what it looks like to be placed in the same community, share housing if you want to, and go through the full program together.
Do I need previous work experience to join?
No. Most AdventureEXP roles don’t require any prior experience. Employers care far more about your attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn. We’ll help you get ready for the program — including full interview preparation — so you feel confident every step of the way.
Is AdventureEXP safe?
Yes. We vet employers, housing and provide 24/7 support during your program. You’re never truly traveling alone because you have a full team behind you that believes in the power of travel and work.
How do I get started?
Submit your free application — it takes about 5 minutes. After you apply, you’ll be directed to book a call with one of our coordinators. This conversation is your chance to talk through your goals, interests, and timeline, and to ask any questions you or your parents may have (they’re welcome to join!).
No pressure, no commitments — just guidance to help you decide if a destination work experience is right for you.