I’ve never understood why more people don’t take advantage of Working Holiday Visas. They give young people the chance to go abroad, earn a (temporary) living, and explore new countries.

In essence, Working Holiday Visas allow you to travel while you’re already traveling.

How can you say no to that? (Unless, of course, you aren’t eligible for a WHV, in which case, I’m really sorry and you should stop reading right now.)

Then I thought back to my first experience on a WHV in Ireland. I had just turned 22 and had absolutely no idea what to expect. My only experience with visas had been swiping them at the mall. Hostels were a completely foreign concept, and I was convinced they were full of people who wanted to steal my stuff.

Moving overseas is scary. Finding a job is scary. Being alone is scary.

But quit trying to talk yourself out of it. I’m here to tell you why you should do it anyway.

1. It seems so complicated. Do I really need a visa?

Look. Life is complicated. Do you want to travel or don’t you?

If you’re not confident filling the application forms out on your own, I can personally recommend the BUNAC program. It costs a little bit more, but in return you get assistance with your working holiday visa application, a helpful handbook, and an orientation once you arrive.

Red tape is an unavoidable part of working abroad, but it’s not a reason to avoid it altogether.

And YES. You need a visa.

2. I’d love to take a working holiday, but it’s expensive.

A mortgage is expensive. Vacations are expensive. That daily Starbucks habit is expensive.

Traveling is all about priorities. Yes, the initial outlay for a WHV can be pricey. You need to pay the visa fees, airfares, and bring enough money to survive on until you find work. But if that’s what you really, truly, want to do, it’s worth it. Remember that you’ll be working once you arrive, so it’s not one long vacation. There is a paycheck in it for you.

Just between you and me, though – it can feel like one long vacation. Especially if you’re working in Australia.

3. What if I don’t find a job?

This was the number one question I got from people before I left. It’s legitimate, but extremely unhelpful. The real question you need to ask yourself is, “What if I don’t find the job I want? What kind of work am I willing to do?” If you’re open to fruit picking, bar work, and retail, relax. You will find a job. If you refuse to take a job that isn’t explicitly linked to your degree, sit down and reconsider.

The key thing to remember is that this is a working holiday. It’s not a career, even if some of us *ahem* pretend that it is. You must be flexible and persistent in your job search. Do something different. Don’t take yourself too seriously.  Have fun.

4. What if I don’t find an apartment?

Finding an apartment in a foreign country is surprisingly like finding an apartment at home. All you need is a little bit of patience and a cash deposit.

Okay, a lot of patience. Of course, I can’t guarantee that you’ll find a place; but I did it! In Galway, London (four times!), Coffs Harbour, Auckland, and Christchurch.

And if I did it, you can do it. Look in the papers. Talk to people in your hostel. Get on Google. You might share a studio apartment with someone else. You may share a house with strangers. You could find your own place. There’s no knowing how it will turn out, but don’t stress. It works out in the end.

5. What if I don’t meet anyone?

At first it was tough. I can be pretty introverted and had to force myself to start conversations with strangers. My friends at home actually told me afterwards that they’d been worried I wouldn’t talk to anyone.

But it got easier and easier. Suddenly, I was living with people I’d just met, going for drinks after work, and, well, making friends. I’m not going to lie – travel can be lonely, especially if things aren’t going smoothly. But give it time. You won’t be alone for long.

So what are you waiting for?