🏖️ Picking the Right Resort for Your First Season: What to Consider

If you’re thinking about working abroad, choosing the right resort can make or break your experience. It’s not just about the weather or nightlife — where you go shapes who you meet, what kind of work you do, and how easy (or hard) your season is.

Here are some things to think about before picking your first destination.

🎉 Big Name vs Small Scene

Places like Magaluf, Ibiza, or Malia are known for being loud, busy, and non-stop. If that’s what you’re looking for, great. But they’re also competitive, and it’s easy to get lost in the crowd.

Smaller resorts like Zante or Ayia Napa still have a buzz but might offer a better sense of community — especially if it’s your first time away.

💬 Language & Local Culture

English is widely spoken in many tourist resorts, but you’re still in a different country. Some areas are more welcoming to seasonal workers than others.

Check how reps are treated in your chosen resort. Do locals generally support the scene, or is there tension? A bit of research (and reading honest experiences) goes a long way.

🛏️ Accommodation Standards

Some resorts have a reputation for poor worker housing — overcrowded flats, broken fans, no locks, etc. Others are better organised, especially where there’s a stronger rep community.

If decent accommodation is a priority, look into the typical living conditions in the resort before you commit. It’s not always the same across the board.

💰 Earning Potential

Some resorts are tipped-based. Others rely heavily on commission. And in some, you’ll struggle to make more than your rent.

Ask around — especially in forums or honest guides — to get a feel for what workers actually earn. Don't assume it’ll be easy money just because it’s a busy resort.

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle Fit

Some resorts are high-energy and intense. Others are a bit more chilled. Knowing your limits and what kind of environment you thrive in is key to picking a place that actually suits you.

🚩 Know the Reputation

Every resort has a reputation — some fair, some exaggerated. While it’s fine to ignore the gossip, don’t ignore warning signs. If a place is known for bad treatment of workers, constant staff turnover, or dodgy employers, ask why that is.

✅ Final Thought

There’s no perfect resort — just the one that works best for you. Think about what you want out of your season and match your destination to that, not just the biggest name.

Wherever you end up, go in with your eyes open and your expectations in check. That way, you’ll get the most out of it — whether it’s your first season or your fifth.