If you gave up your job to travel the world, you might have a difficult time deciding where to go and what to do; there are a myriad of places to visit and the travel possibilities are endless.
If you plan to travel only part of the world before you take the plunge and quit your job, consider visiting Austria, one of the most beautiful, scenic, and culturally rich countries worldwide. Whether you plan to book cheap ski holidays or volunteer in a city, Austria offers ample opportunities to experience the world’s natural beauty.
Skiing in the Alps
The best deal for your money is Söll’s ski resort. Located in a friendly village straight out of a postcard, Söll is part of SkiWelt, the largest interlinked ski area in Austria. The slopes are easier and north-facing, meaning the snow keeps well. However, the slopes are not beginner-friendly and can crowd due to the area’s popularity.
Alpbach is more beginner-friendly, a quiet jewel resting in beautiful Tyrol. Voted the most beautiful village in Austria a few years ago, Alpbach offers winter hiking in addition to skiing and convenient lifts. Even when visiting in the summer months, you can enjoy a town that’s filled with greenery and fields full of flowers.
Ischgl is Austria’s most popular resort, meaning it has the wildest parties! Ski lessons are held on family-friendly slopes with convenient lift systems, and the town includes upscale restaurants and shopping. If you are more into snowboarding, the Rennstrecke Funpark offers a timed race course, rails, and jumps.
Working in Austria
Planning on visiting for the long-term? Austria ranks highly in terms of quality of life. With excellent transportation systems, Austria has much to offer in terms of music, art, theatre, and history.
Before moving to Austria and if you are not from the European Union, apply soon for a work permit because the process is meticulous and time consuming. It is mandatory to register with the local authorities within three days of your arrival, and you must also complete a Meldezettel form to register for telephone service, the bank, and other necessities. When leaving Austria, you must once again inform the authorities.
Even if English is widely spoken in Vienna and other cities, learning German will facilitate your life in Austria. There are a number of language schools that offer lessons in German, and living in Austria is a sure-fire way to use these skills quickly when practicing with native German speakers.
Volunteering Opportunities
The Austrian Red Cross provides life-assisting care, whether you choose to volunteer as a physician or give blood. You can also volunteer with GeoVision’s Conversation Corps to live with a native Austrian family and teach them conversational English. If you are volunteering in Austria as a non-EU member, however, you would still need a work permit to legally volunteer; apply ahead of time.
Regardless of whether your stay in Austria is short-term or for the long run, you will have a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful, dynamic countries in the world.
