Become a Nomadic Bartender
Taste & Trot is all about cocktails, travel and bartender lifestyle. This is where I share tips and tricks on how you can turn your casual bar job into a full career that allows you to travel the world and stay in some of the most beautiful places on earth (sometimes for free).
On this page you will find a collection of my most useful resources for those looking to start a life as a nomadic bartender. Including how to travel the world and how to ensure you get the best jobs in the coolest locations.
If more travel is on your 2026 bingo card, then keep reading, or if you are new to bartending click below to learn more about bartending.
Skills Needed
Before you decide that to apply for that job in the big fancy 5 star hotel, lets make sure you’ve got the skills down first. It’s not a easy job market to break into and you will need to be able to stand out from a sea of 1000 potential employees. Some of the key skills employers are looking for are:
- Good Cocktail Knowledge
- Beer, spirit & wine knowledge
- Great customer service skills
- speed and efficiency
Is Bartending for You?
Before you create your whole new 5-year plan it’s important to make sure bartending (or hospo in general) is the right fit for you. Check out these guides to help you decide:
Is Bartending a Good Career? Yes, it is
5 Essential Things You Need to Know to Be a Bartender
The Ins and Outs of Being a Traveling Bartender & How to Achieve it
Visa Basics
The easiest way to start working and traveling is to do a working holiday visa. The rules and eligible countries depend on where you are from. Some of the most common places people do working holiday visas are:
- U.K
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
Think of the kind of place you want to be – ski hill? tropical island? middle of nowhere? or bustling city?
You may also need certs or licenses to bartend in certain countries. For example, Australia requires an RSA
Working in Australia – How to Get Your RSA Online and What You Need to Know
Funding your trip
For many countries you will need proof of funds to keep you going on your trip. This usually equates too around £2500. So start saving as soon as you can. You will also need to cover your visa costs, travel expenses, insurance and as emergency fund. It takes a lot of saving but once you step foot abroad it will be all worth it.
Once you are working the money starts to flow back in. Check out my article on how much I made as a traveling bartender:
Packing Lists and More
Below are a few guides to get your mind in gear to start planning what to pack:
My Ultimate Packing Guide for A Trip to Australia
How to keep your make-up bag light
What is better, a Backpack or a Suitcase? Travel 101
And as a bonus check out this guide on surviving hostels. There will be no way to avoid them while you on the move – and to be honest they are so much fun!
Featured Article
The Ins and Outs of Being a Traveling Bartender
This is my personal account of being a traveling bartender on working holiday visas. A first-hand account to help you get a better idea of what to expect as you work and travel