Margaritas in Mexico, Caipirinhas in Copacabana, Sangria in Spain. There’s no better job than bartending, especially when said job gets you around the world drinking different drinks and experiencing different cultures.
But how to become a traveling bartender?
We cover the ins and outs of being a traveling bartender, including how to become one in 7 steps, how to find bartending jobs, and expert tips from famous bartenders who travel the world.
Read on to find out more.
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Are you in need of a change of scenery? Source: Unsplash
Can you travel as a bartender?
The answer to your burning question is a resounding yes. You can absolutely travel as a bartender. And honestly, we think you should.
Skilled bartenders who know how to mix a good drink are always in demand. The hospitality industry offers plenty of opportunities for bartenders to work in different countries around the globe.
And while a traveling bartending career won’t necessarily get you rich, you have one expensive part of traveling covered – partying. Plus, as a traveling bartender, you get to experience new cultures, and learn to pour local drinks and get to try novel bartending techniques.
Most importantly, “traveling is an opportunity to connect with people who can be key in your professional and personal development for future trips or projects.”, says Jean Trinh, owner of Colombian bar Alquimico and winner of the prestigious Altos Bartenders’ Bartender of the Year award.
The owner of multiple bars and one of the industry’s most influential voices, Nico de Soto’s traveled far and wide. He agrees with Trinh: “Meet as many people as you can.”
“People are inviting you to show you your future, show off their bar, where they eat and where they drink,” de Soto reminds us. “It's very important to meet them, talk to them, and listen to them. It's not all about you.”
Both Jean and Nico have worked what is known as guest shifts. Guest shift bartenders are traveling bartenders that are invited to bars around the world, just like musicians are invited to residencies. It’s a sought-after career reserved for the best.
If you’re interested in earning money while pouring drinks and exploring different destinations, here’s how to become a traveling bartender.
Those Swiss Aperol spritzes don’t serve themselves. Source: Unsplash
How to become a traveling bartender in 7 steps
Becoming a traveling bartender is a great way to use your mixology skills to make the most of your life. But is just being a good bartender enough to work abroad?
“I think that today, making cocktails is not enough to travel,” Trinh tells us. “You have to be professional in all aspects.”
So how to become a traveling bartender? Here's a comprehensive guide on how to turn your bit of bartending experience into a full-time traveling bartending career:
1. Gain experience as a bartender
Got no experience as a bartender? Then get a job.
Begin by gaining some in your local area. Work in bars, pubs, or restaurants – any bartending job involving hard work is good for building a solid foundation.
Just a few months of experience can really up your chances of finding bartending work abroad, but the more the better. If you’re still starting out in the world of mixology, try working bartending shifts at multiple bars across town to get a better shot at finding a kickass job abroad.
In short, get involved in the local scene and get pouring. The more cocktails you master, the more valued your skills behind the bar become – and the easier it will be for you to work on the road.
2. Get the essential hospitality certifications (consider bartending school)
Regardless of where you work, bartenders need to know the basics of hospitality. That means you should be well-versed in customer service, food safety, and responsible alcohol service.
You can learn the hospitality fundamentals on the bartending job – but it’s better to get official accreditation. These certifications are good to have:
ServSafe alcohol certification
ServSafe Alcohol is a program that covers alcohol laws and responsible service, recognizing and preventing intoxication, and dealing with difficult situations.
Food safety certification
Many employers require their food handlers, including bartenders, to have food safety training. ServSafe also offers a certification that covers food safety and hygiene.
Local licensing
Shaking up cocktails on a beach in Greece. Source: Unsplash
3. Get active on social media
In today’s age of Tik Tok trends and viral reels, online visibility is an important way to stand out from the competition. Using social media to promote and market your bartending skills will drastically improve your shot at becoming a successful traveling bartender.
Having a popular account not only enhances your visibility but your promoter/employer’s visibility too, Jean Trinh remarks. “You also have to remember that if the sponsor or the bar chooses you, it is because they are looking for visibility and so you have to create quality content on social networks, promoting everything you are going to experience.”
Here’s how you can use social media to promote your bartending skills:
- Create engaging content that showcases your skills. Post videos of you working, share cocktail recipes and tips, and join the latest social media trends to make engaging content.
- Interact with your followers to increase content engagement. Respond to comments, ask questions, and build a community around your brand.
- Use different platforms to increase your reach. Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, all have different audiences and geographic reaches. Use them all and see which works best for you.
- Collaborate with influencers to increase your visibility. Partner with bartenders, brands, and other players in the bartending scene who can help promote you and your content.
- Share your journey to becoming a traveling bartender. Who knows, someone out there looking for a guest bartender might just see your content.
4. Research and pick your destination
Do you have proper bartending experience, accreditation, and a buzzing social media account? Then don’t ask yourself whether you can get a guest bartending position – but where.
It’s time to decide where you want to go. Consider factors like visa requirements, language barriers in non-English speaking countries, the local bartending scene, and the bartender salary being offered.
Popular destinations for traveling bartenders include Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Southeast Asia. All destinations have their pros and cons.
- Australia has high wages and a good tipping culture. Working holiday visas are available for many nationalities. On the other hand, cost of living (and alcohol!) is high, competition is fierce, and there are strict alcohol serving regulations.
- New Zealand has a great outdoor lifestyle and working holiday visas are available. The job market is, however, smaller than in Australia and the wages are lower, though still good.
- The USA has the potential for big tip earnings (find out where bartenders make the most in the US) and some iconic destinations with buzzing bar scenes. However, visa restrictions can make it hard work legally and you rely heavily on tips for income.
- South America is getting international attention for its bustling bar scene. Working here will help you become a more creative mixologist. Keep in mind that wages are lower than in North America, and you’ll have to speak Spanish or Portuguese.
- Europe has a rich cocktail history and culture, and work-life balance is generally good. However, you’ll often have to speak the local language (especially in France and Germany). Wages vary across countries, as do work permits.
- Southeast Asia is a backpacker’s paradise and has a growing cocktail scene that attracts many digital nomads. And then there’s the lower cost of living plus unique cultures, flavors, and ingredients to inspire your cocktails. The major downside is that wages are lower.
- Japan has a thriving nightlife scene and decent wages. You’ll learn a thing or two about cocktail craftsmanship, attention to detail, and hospitality. Language is a major barrier though, as can be cultural etiquette. You’ll have to master both if you want to be successful here.
Get classy and serve Negronis in Venice, Italy. Source: Unsplash
5. Network and apply
Now that you have decided where to go, it’s time to get your guest bartending spot. Use your social media following and the professional network you built to find job opportunities abroad.
Where else to look? Is there an app for traveling bartenders to help you with that?
While there’s no app dedicated to traveling bartenders, there are online platforms where you can find bartending opportunities abroad like:
- Worldpackers connects travelers with work opportunities, including bartending positions abroad.
- LinkedIn is the hub for professionals in hospitality. Use it to go through job listings and connect to local bar owners.
- Hostelworld often has job postings for hostel bars. Great for the backpacking bartender starting their career.
Tip: don’t just look for bartending jobs in bars. Expand your horizon and look for jobs on cruise ships, in ski resorts, or at international hotel chains.
6. Prepare for the job
Once you land a job it’s key that you get your documents in order. You will need a valid passport, the necessary visas and work permits, copies of your certifications, insurance documents, and vaccination records.
Pack the appropriate clothing for your destination and, more importantly, bartender clothes to meet the occasion. White dress shirts, black pants, and a vest suit most bar settings. Make sure to bring some funky accessories to stand out from the crowd!
Finally, don’t forget to pack your favorite bartending tools. Shakers, jiggers, recipe books, and specialty tools that help you work your magic.
But the preparation doesn’t stop with packing, according to bar owner Trinh. “Whenever we travel, we always try to get to know the place beforehand.” When you arrive at your destination, go around town and get to know the place. “Understand how the [work] is going to be, get to know the people you’re going to work with, etcetera.”
There can’t be too much preparation when it comes to Jean. Guest bartending is a cultural exchange and you want to leave the best possible impression. “When you travel to a new place, you usually have only one night to show and share so you have to give much more than in a ‘normal shift’, because we not only represent the whole Alquímico team, but oftentimes we represent our country and region.”
7. Repeat!
Your first bartending shifts abroad were a success and you caught the travel bug. Now you want more.
Luckily, finding a guest bartending position is going to be easier the second time around. You have your credentials and experience, plus you’re now a tried and tested intercultural mixologist.
Pick your next destination and repeat the success formula, and again, and again. Before you know it, you’re a bar manager at some ritzy joint along a jetset beach in France or Bali. In the life of a traveling bartender, the sky's the limit!
How about a cold lager in Rio de Janeiro? Source: Unsplash
Expert travel tips for bartenders on the road
Following the above guide on how to become a traveling bartender will set you up for success and lots of travels. But beware – traveling can take its toll on you, as seasoned bartenders like Nico de Soto and Jean Trinh will tell you.
Make sure to get enough sleep
When traveling between different time zones, try to keep your circadian cycle. “Pay attention to the time you arrive, sleep on flights, consider taking melatonin, and don’t go crazy before traveling,” de Soto advises. “Sleep is very important.”
Get your workout
Another piece of advice from Nico is to work out during travels. “Don't skip workouts – even if you do a little bit. Traveling is hard on the body.” De Soto recommends to balance food with working out and to “pay attention to your body. Run or do crossfit, like I do.”
Don’t work hungover
Jean Trinh suggests to not go out late and to rest the day before your shift. “It is important to be fresh on the day of the event to be able to give 1000% to the people who are going to see us [and who have] high expectations.”
“Don't get smashed all the time,” Nico advises. “Don't get drunk – especially the night before the guest shift. Because you're getting paid and getting invited. You need to be your best.”
Enjoy your new destination
Make sure you don’t forget to visit while you’re there, de Soto strongly suggests. “It's probably a city you haven't been to, and if you've been, there's probably a lot of things you haven't seen.”
“This is the main goal of being a guest bartender,” Nico points out. “It’s not to brag about it – but to visit places, go to markets, visit museums and take the time to do that.”
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