Working in resorts and holiday parks abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in resorts and holiday parks abroad like?

• At resorts or holiday parks, you're part of a large-scale tourism organization where everything revolves around guest experience, seasonality, and teamwork.
• No small-scale B&Bs or hostels, but sometimes hundreds of guests at a time, with fixed schedules and clear roles.
• Resorts and holiday parks can be found on beaches, islands, in mountainous areas, and around popular holiday destinations.
• The work is often seasonal and attracts an international team.

• Responsibilities:

  • Reception and front office work.
  • Hospitality (restaurant, bar, kitchen).
  • Animation, sports, and activity management.
  • Children's clubs and entertainment.
  • Cleaning and housekeeping.
  • Technical maintenance and facilities management.
  • Guest relations and complaint handling.

• Working conditions:

  • Paid work is common, often with a contract.
  • Working weeks are usually full-time and tightly scheduled.
  • Accommodation and meals are often (partly) provided.
  • Seasonal contracts range from a few weeks to several months. Working in shifts, including evenings and weekends.
  • The workload often varies with the seasons – a high workload during peak season.
• You often live and work on the same property, with plenty of social interaction and little privacy.

What are the reasons for working in resorts and holiday parks abroad?

• To learn to collaborate: You learn to function in international teams where good cooperation is crucial for a smooth daily routine.
• To become stress-resistant: Busy check-ins, full restaurants, and last-minute problems create a rapid learning curve.
• To practice being service-oriented: Guest satisfaction is paramount, and you learn to manage expectations, complaints, and diverse cultures.
• To be results-oriented: Everything revolves around planning, staffing, and quality within tight timelines.
• To build self-confidence: Working with large groups of guests and colleagues requires clear communication and a strong sense of self.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in resorts and holiday parks abroad?

• Collaboration: Virtually no position stands alone. Communicating: With guests, colleagues, and managers from different cultures.
• Stress-resistance: Busy work is not the exception, but the standard.
• Being service-oriented: Hospitality is not a side issue, but the core of the job.
• Flexibility: Working hours, tasks, and schedules can change quickly.

What are the best countries and locations to work at resorts and holiday parks abroad?

• Countries with many international resorts: Spain, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Dominican Republic.
• Countries with large holiday parks and seasonal work: France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada.
• Popular regions: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Alpine regions, coastal regions, and islands.

What are the risks of working at resorts and holiday parks abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working at resorts and holiday parks abroad?
  • High workloads are common: Long days and few rest periods can lead to fatigue or stress-related issues. Physical demands are common: Frequent standing, lifting, cleaning, or sports coaching can cause injuries.
  • Medical care is often expensive: Especially in popular tourist destinations, healthcare costs can quickly rise.
  • Standard insurance policies often exclude this type of work: Paid work, entertainment, or sports coaching are often not covered by basic coverage.
  • Evacuation is often necessary in extreme circumstances: Think of hurricanes, forest fires, or earthquakes in tourist regions.
• Are you insured while working at resorts and holiday parks abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.