10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

These best travel jobs allow you to build a fulfilling career while traveling domestically or internationally.

what careers travel

Getty Images |

Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs.

Getting a 9-to-5 job doesn't mean you have to put your dream of traveling the world on hold. Many professions nowadays not only provide financial stability but offer the exciting perk of frequent travel. Let's explore some of the best jobs that allow you to build a fulfilling career while satiating your wanderlust.

We've taken the top travel jobs from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs rankings. These jobs are described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as having a travel component.

a female logistics worker is organising dispatch of freight on her interactive digital map whilst talking on her headset.

10. Cartographer

Median salary: $71,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Cartographers collect data to create detailed geographic maps. They use advanced tools like geographic information systems, or GIS, for spatial analysis, ensuring accuracy in representing terrain, features and other information. Although cartographers spend much of their time in offices, specific jobs may require extensive travel to locations that are being mapped.

Learn more about cartographers .

what careers travel

(Caiaimage | Paul Bradbury

9. Public Relations Specialist

Median salary: $67,440 Expected job growth by 2032: 6%

Public relations specialists' main job is to generate positive publicity for their clients and help them maintain a good reputation. They can work in various industries, including corporate, government, nonprofit or agency settings. As a public relations specialist, you may travel often to engage with the media, attend events and build relationships with stakeholders.

Learn more about public relations specialists .

Foreman looking at and writing on his clipboard in front of a floor to ceiling window in an empty room at a construction site.

8. Construction Manager

Median salary: $101,480 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, collaborating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects adhere to budgets, timelines and quality standards. Since construction managers often manage several projects simultaneously, they may need to frequently travel among sites.

Learn more about construction managers .

The coach is explaining the tactics to the soccer team. The athletes are sitting on the bench.

7. Sports Coach

Median salary: $44,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 9%

Sports coaches help athletes develop to their full potential and reach maximum performance. The travel frequency for sports coaches, especially in major leagues like the NFL and NBA, is high. These coaches often accompany their teams to away games in different states, which means they spend lots of time on the road.

Learn more about sports coaches .

what careers travel

6. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $63,760 Expected job growth by 2032: 11%

Flight attendants travel wherever an aircraft goes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. They also communicate with pilots regarding flight details and cabin conditions.

Flight attendants' travel frequency depends on factors such as their seniority and the airline's scheduling policies. Junior flight attendants often have less control over their schedules and may work more weekends and holidays.

Learn more about flight attendants .

Business woman study financial market to calculate possible risks and profits.Female economist accounting money with statistics graphs pointing on screen of computer at desktop. Quotations on exchange

(Getty Images) |

5. Sales Manager

Median salary: $130,600 Expected job growth by 2032: 4%

Sales managers are responsible for directing an organization’s sales team. Some of their duties may include setting sales goals, analyzing data, developing training programs for sales representative and addressing any changes necessary to meet customer needs. Depending on the company, sales managers may have to travel to national, regional or local offices and attend in-person customer meetings.

Learn more about sales managers .

Businesswoman working on a tablet in the office.

4. Operations Research Analyst

Median salary: $85,720 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Operations research analysts use advanced techniques, such as data mining and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. They help businesses solve a wide range of problems, including supply chain optimization, production planning and inventory management.

Although operations research analysts typically spend their time in offices, they may travel occasionally to meet with clients.

Learn more about operations research analysts .

Mid adult Chinese man sitting at desk using computer, IT supporter assisting office worker, software developer looking at screen and concentrating

3. Management Analyst

Median salary: $95,290 Expected job growth by 2032: 10%

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are experts who specialize in helping companies improve efficiency and increase profits. How often management analysts travel depends on the company they work for and their current projects. However, those who pursue a career in management consulting can expect to travel quite frequently to meet with clients.

Learn more about management analysts .

Businesswoman brainstorming ideas on whiteboard with colleague. Female business partners having brainstorming session in startup meeting room.

2. Marketing Manager

Median salary: $140,040 Expected job growth by 2032: 7%

Marketing managers gauge the demand for a product and help develop a marketing strategy that fits. Depending on their company’s needs, marketing managers may travel throughout the country or worldwide to meet with clients and attend conferences.

Learn more about marketing managers .

Administrator business man financial inspector and secretary making report calculating balance. Internal Revenue Service checking document. Audit concept

Median salary: $113,990 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks using mathematical and statistical models. They often work in industries such as insurance, finance and retirement planning, determining the likelihood of events and their financial impacts.

Travel frequency for actuaries varies depending on the employer and their specific job role, but some may travel occasionally to attend meetings or meet with clients.

Learn more about actuaries .

RECOMMENDED

what careers travel

You May Also Like

25 jobs that pay $80k or more.

Jamela Adam March 7, 2024

16 Best Jobs for High School Graduates

Jamela Adam Feb. 29, 2024

15 Best Jobs You've Never Heard Of

Jamela Adam Feb. 27, 2024

What Is the 'Act Your Wage?'

Robin Madell Feb. 23, 2024

20 Best Jobs for Work-Life Balance

Jamela Adam Feb. 22, 2024

15 Jobs to Consider for a Career Change

Jamela Adam Feb. 14, 2024

what careers travel

What Is Shift Shock?

Robin Madell Feb. 7, 2024

what careers travel

How We Determined the Best Companies

Jan. 29, 2024

10 Best Part-Time Jobs to Pay the Bills

Jamela Adam Jan. 26, 2024

what careers travel

Best Jobs That Pay $100K or More

Jamela Adam Jan. 18, 2024

what careers travel

Best Jobs That Don’t Require College

Jamela Adam Jan. 17, 2024

What Is Rage-Applying?

Robin Madell Jan. 12, 2024

what careers travel

The Best Jobs in America in 2024

A.R. Cabral Jan. 9, 2024

what careers travel

How U.S. News Ranks the Best Jobs

U.S. News Staff Jan. 9, 2024

what careers travel

U.S. News Ranks the Best Jobs of 2024

Kara Coleman Fields Jan. 9, 2024

what careers travel

Careers With the Most Job Security

Haley Bartel Jan. 9, 2024

what careers travel

What Is Resenteeism?

Robin Madell Jan. 4, 2024

what careers travel

5 Ways to Navigate the Job Search

Geoff Williams Dec. 27, 2023

what careers travel

Hard vs. Soft Skills in the Workplace

Jamela Adam Dec. 22, 2023

what careers travel

6 Work-Life Balance Hacks

Geoff Williams Dec. 20, 2023

what careers travel

Road is Calling

9 Well-Paying Jobs That Will Help You Move Abroad and See the World

27 Seriously Cool Jobs That Require Travel & How You Can Find Them

Last updated on May 1st, 2023

A long time ago I learned one thing about myself. I learned that I can’t live in one place for too long and I need to travel often. But before I realized that, subconsciously I was always looking for various projects and jobs that require travel, pay well, and provide great opportunities to move abroad.

And this is what my life for many years was about.

I would find a job that let me move to another state, allow me to travel and learn something new in between. After a while (like in a year or so) I needed a new challenge and more travel. So I would find another job in another part of the country that also provided an opportunity to travel.

With such a lifestyle, I got to live in five different states (originally I am from Ukraine ,) then in five more countries and then I started an online business that helped me start making money online and travel whenever and wherever I want. 

Throughout all these years I also learned another thing – there are actually a lot of people in this world who are like me. They are also eager to find a job that will either require travel or leave enough time for personal travel and adventures. 

In fact, that time when moving from one place to another was a challenging thing to do has passed. Today we are living in the world when it’s easy to travel and easy to move somewhere new. Alright, it’s not that easy now with all the madness but things will improve for sure, just give it some time.   

If you have a goal to move to a new region, country, city, or state, you need to remember that it’s very possible. You just need to arrange a few things and have a plan. And the most exciting part about a  move to another country  is the ability to travel extensively and see the world at your own pace.

So, in this very long and very detailed post, I would love to share a list of amazing traveling jobs.

Some of them are either jobs that I worked or considered to work myself. Others are careers that involve traveling that are pretty common these days. A lot of these jobs pay well and don’t need any experience. Other jobs require degree and experience but pay even better. More on that below.

NOTE : Since our world recently went crazy, a job market started to experience the toughest times. Obviously, we all know that and we are all in the same boat. Yet, you have to remember that things will get better.

Now, is the best time for you to stay positive and invest time in yourself. I am also giving lots of tips on what you can do today to be able to get one of these jobs in the nearest future and in the midst of the crisis.

Disclaimer:  Some of my posts contain affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Jobs That Require Travel With No Experience

1. hotel professional.

***Yes, these days hospitality business is on hold. But guys, it is going to come back. If you are thinking to enter this field, now is the best time to learn how you can do that. 

best spas in Cyprus

There is a reason why I would like to start my list with hotel professional jobs. The hospitality business has a lot to offer and this is one of a few fields only that you can enter without experience and in many cases degree. Everything that you need is your charisma, ability to work with people, and desire to deliver an outstanding service.

But before I go into details, let me tell you two things:

First of all , a lot of jobs in the hospitality field do not require direct travel (some do and we’ll talk about them later). But! From my personal experience and from the experience of my colleagues, with a hotel professional job you have hundreds of opportunities to move around and explore the world at your own pace. Below I’ll explain how.

Second , the hospitality business is truly an amazing field for anyone who doesn’t have working experience or wants to travel without a degree.

Mark and I have spent years working in the hospitality industry while making a pretty good salary, enjoying benefits that come with it and moving around the United States. If we ever want to go back into this business, our experiences that come from top hotels in the U.S. will help us land a job in many hotels not only in America but outside the country.

After starting our full-time travel  we have been already offered hotel jobs in Vietnam , had set interviews in Kuala Lumpur , capital of Qatar Doha and Europe. We believe it is a wonderful opportunity to see the world while having a meaningful career.

Getting a Hospitality Job – What You Need to Know

There is a wide range of jobs within the hospitality industry . Since hotels are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, you can choose for yourself which shift to work. Choose your own schedule and enjoy diversity.

So many people from different cultures and backgrounds work in hotels. Most of the chains offer amazing opportunities. While most of the jobs require you to stay in one place you can easily move to another country or region within the same brand. And when I say this type of job let’s you travel, I mean you can transfer to a new hotel in a new location every 6-12 months.

Also, this is probably one of a few fields where you can move up a career ladder very quickly . You can start with an entry-level job and become a manager within a year. Or, you can apply for the same position but in a new city or country. The hotel management team who is interested to bring you onboard will always facilitate the visa process. It is one of the best ways to get a work permit abroad .

I am currently working on a few posts on how to get into the hospitality field and what to know before thinking to work as a hotel professional. You are welcome to sign up for my newsletter  to know when the new post is up on the blog.

Courses & Classes to Take to Enter the World of Hospitality:

Yet, at the same time, I would love to recommend you look into a few tailored online hospitality courses (mentioned below) that introduce you to the industry and teach you all the main aspects.

Taking any of the courses does not mean that you will automatically get a job. However, educating yourself is important, plus you’ll get your name out there and understand if this field is for you at all.  

Right now, while the economy around the world is going through tough times, the hospitality business is one of those industries that was hit really hard. Hotels are closed and no one is traveling. However, the time of uncertainty will pass and people will start traveling even more than they used to in the past.

So you have a great opportunity now to use all that time and learn as much as you can. If you would like to become a hotel professional in the nearest future, start investing in yourself today. Start devoting a few hours per week to something that can help you change career in the future.

And what is really great with the hospitality business, for entry-level jobs, you don’t necessarily need to have a degree. All you need is your personality, understanding how this industry works, zest to learn, and professionalism. 

That being said, I highly recommend you looking into a few courses and find free information from hotel professionals who are already in this business.  

I personally have taken dozens of courses. Some of them, at first sight, were offering high-quality online education but in reality, had a lot of information that I could find online for free.

So, among all those courses I took, I would highlight only a few:  

UDEMY COURSES:

I took a lot of Udemy online classes which for the most part were very helpful. At present time, Mark is still going through two of their courses on web development (I am mentioning them below.) 

So, if you are new to the hospitality business or even if you have been doing this for a while, you have a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow. And here what I personally can highly speak of:

  • Customer Service 2.0 – for those interested to work in Front of the Office department 
  • How to Become a Professional Waiter – if you are looking to work in a restaurant (at the hotel or anywhere else.)
  • Improve Your English For Tourism And Hospitality – for non-native speakers who are looking to work in the hospitality business in English speaking country 
  • Hotel Management Fundamentals – a great short course on a career as a hotel manager
  • Social Media Marketing – a social media course that will come in handy in many fields, not just hospitality. But if you are interested to work in the marketing department. 
  • How to Open Your Own Hotel, B&B, or Inn – very helpful course for anyone who is thinking to open his own Airbnb/bed & breakfast/Inn, etc.

OTHER COURSES:

  • HOW TO BUILD A HOSPITALITY BUSINESS – this course prepares for a professional management career in the hotel industry. It consists of four courses and can teach you the fundamentals of hotel demand management, distribution, and revenue management. Learn here if working in revenue management may be for you. 
  • OVERVIEW OF HOSPITALITY SCHOOLS IN THE US – list of the best schools for the hospitality degree.

2. Traveling Housekeeper

rent an apartment in Montenegro

Some people may assume that this job is very similar to a hotel professional job that I mentioned above. Yes and no.

Traveling housekeeper is basically a person who chooses to look for housekeeping jobs anywhere in the world and go when the opportunity arises.  But to tell you the truth, there are plenty of opportunities. Finding a job won’t take much of the time. Although keep in mind, this is not fully one of the jobs that involve traveling. It is that job where you can travel as you wish. 

In nowadays world, when more and more people choose to travel and more new B&Bs and guest houses are popping out, there is a huge demand for people who do housekeeping. Besides that, let’s be honest, the majority don’t want to do this type of job. Finding it will not be difficult to do.

Anyone can become a traveling housekeeper. This is a wonderful job for those who want to travel and work but don’t hold any degree or experience. More than that, if you are thinking about how to get a job abroad without experience, you can always start with a housekeeper job. Also, if you’ve had a career in something else but want to take a break and move around, take a look at this type of job for travelers.

I have never really thought that it allows you to travel the world until I started to meet others who are doing it.

Last year, for instance, in Kotor, Montenegro , I met a guy from the UK who was spending three months there working as a housekeeper in a guest house. Two months ago, when visiting Cyprus , I met a girl from Russia who was spending three months on the island also working as a housekeeper in one of the hotels.

And then just two weeks ago in Braşov, Romania , I met an American lady who was spending two months in the city working at the hostel. She has been traveling as a housekeeper for a few years now while living in different countries around Europe.

Getting a Traveling Housekeeper job

There are many various websites where you can look for this type of jobs in other countries. Depending on a destination, you can work in hostels and guest houses, fancy hotels, and someone’s homes.

If traveling to another country where you are not authorized to work, most likely you will be doing this job in exchange for housing and food only. Although some places are willing to pay a stipend.

If you are interested to check a few jobs, for the beginning, I suggest you take a look at Workaway  or Worldpackers  websites. They are the most known. However, I am writing another blog post on how and where to find housekeeping jobs around the world. So make sure to check it later.

Also, I recommend you checking a few courses in housekeeping ( like this one ,) if you are willing to find a housekeeping job quickly in a hotel or rent your property on Airbnb. 

|| RELATED POST ||

HOW TO FIND WORK IN EXCHANGE FOR HOUSING AND FOOD

3. Member of an Archaeological or Geological Expedition

jobs that require travel

In order to work as an archeologist, you must have higher academic education and at least some experience. However, excavations and geological developments involve not only scientists and archeologists but also unskilled workers who can do some simple work.

If you get a chance to join the expedition, you will be able to travel to a historical place, touch the antiquities, and communicate with highly intelligent people. Some decide to pursue a degree in this field after participating in a few expeditions while others, mainly students, choose this opportunity mainly for traveling.

If you decide to start looking for these jobs, keep in mind a few things. First, you must have good health, stamina, and be physically prepared. The work is associated with archaeological expeditions always takes place in different climates. A person should not have any allergies, especially to materials of organic origin.

This type of work can be done both individually and in a team. Therefore, those who apply should be also emotionally stable, calm, and patient.

For more details on this career, check the environmental science website . For job opportunities in underwater and nautical archaeology, see this website .

There are hundreds of various jobs in geology here . While most of them require a degree in this field, there are still some jobs with pretty basic requirements. 

Jobs That Require Travel And No Degree

4. traveling photographer job.

traveling jobs

Before you jump to the next job, don’t skip this one, thinking that you know everything about a job as a photographer.

Becoming a professional traveling photographer can open a door to endless opportunities if you are ready to invest time and be disciplined. It can go from something as simple as selling or licensing your own photographs and being able to travel to huge photo shoots abroad for the client’s expense. 

However, don’t assume that a desire to travel and the ability to see good potential shots are enough to start this career.

First of all, you’ll need to buy the right type of camera  and have patience – both in anticipation (and creation) for a good shot, and in terms of building a career. You definitely won’t become a star in a month, so expect to study and practice a lot.

Also, you’ll need the stamina to withstand the rhythm of work and business skills to sell your services.

So, if you decide to seriously take up photography, first of all, start studying. Yet at the beginning of your journey, you don’t need any expensive online photographer courses for beginners . Seriously, it’s just a waste of money. These days, there is a huge amount of absolutely free information and you can easily learn the basics with that. YouTube is your friend here .

Later with time, when moving to the next level, you’d probably need to buy a course (also optional.) But on initial stages, there is no need for that.

Here is a quick helpful post on how to become a professional travel photographer  if you are curious. 

5. Traveling Jobs in Agro-Tourism (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Voluntary Organic Farm Workers is a trend that getting more and more popular each year. Organic farms exist in at least 50 countries and you can go to any place you feel like.

The job basically includes 4-6 hours a day of work 5-6 days per week. In exchange, you receive accommodation and food. No one owes anything to anyone – it is some type of exchange without money.

To become a member of the program, the farmer provides evidence of the ecological cleanliness of his farm and pays an annual fee. Volunteers also pay a fee when register on the website.

While this is technically not a job, you still get most of the expenses covered in exchange for work. Today you can be collecting coffee in Brazil, grapes in France or olives in Italy, and tomorrow fly to Australia to pick the peaches.

One of the most known websites for finding jobs in this field is Wwoof organization.  Among others are WorkingTraveler  and Helpx . Although WorkingTraveler besides job opportunities has volunteering and free hospitality projects. 

For paid jobs in agro-tourism in the USA, UK, Australia, read this article . They nailed it and probably provided all sources for finding a farm job. Do your research on other countries since there are a lot of farms around the world. 

6. Tourist Entertainer

Jobs where you travel

Here is another job for people who like to travel. A tourist entertainer is a person who conducts various celebratory and entertainment events and himself acts in them as an actor. The task is to maintain the joyful mood of the audience and participants.

There are 3 different types of entertainers :

– Those who work with children – usually with children under the age of 14. Most in demand at children’s parties. – Entertainers who work on corporate programs – they usually help a corporate leader in hosting games and competitions and participates in promotions and presentations. – Entertainers at the hotel – work in hotels located in resort areas. There, they engage in entertainment programs for people of all age groups.

If you want to travel the world, then you have to look for jobs in the last category. Jobs for entertainers at hotels are seasonal and permanent. The biggest demand is in the areas with all-inclusive hotels.

This job perfectly suits actors and is perfect for cheerful and sociable people . Your chances are even higher if you speak other languages.

You can learn more about this career and browse jobs on this website  or this one .

NOTE : Right now, finding a job as a tourist entertainer is difficult since tourism is on hold. But soon things will start picking up. 

7. Truck Driver 

A career of a truck driver is an excellent option for those who don’t have a degree and don’t see themselves working in the office but who are eager to make good money pretty fast and travel around the country (and abroad.) And this is definitely a job with a lot of travel. 

However, the profession of a truck driver is rather a lifestyle. Despite the apparent simplicity, it is definitely not the easiest and safest job. And it doesn’t fit everyone. This job is difficult and a driver should be in good shape, physically and emotionally.

Still, there are many benefits, a good salary, and ability to travel.

Yeah, I get that you don’t experience a lot from behind the wheel. But you still see different sceneries, cities and smaller towns when driving through them. Also, you may see something while having rest time.

By the law (depending on the country,) a driver can drive a truck for a certain period of time and then have 10-20 hour rest. In the USA for example, the rest time is usually 10-12 hours and driving hours cannot exceed 11 hours. So you decide how to spend your rest time.

Another thing, some truck driving jobs are among the highest paying travel jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor, the salary in America varies from $30,000 to $120,000 a year. It depends on qualifications, experience, the state, and the company you work for. Check this excellent source  for more details. 

How to Find a Job of a Truck Driver 

what careers travel

First of all, the qualifications.

In order to become a truck driver, you do not need to have a degree. In general, education is not important here.

The main thing is to be at least 21 years old (for the US,) pass a drug and alcohol test, undergo a physical exam, attend a truck driving school training which will prepare you for a commercial driver’s license test and knowledge, and then get your license in DMV.

I have never personally thought about becoming a truck driver. So I can’t share much about this job. But I would love to refer you to people who have been doing this for a while and can tell you a lot.  Like this amazing blog  about how to become a truck driver or this website with careers and online education.

American drivers who are looking to work in one of the European countries have such an opportunity too. There is a high demand for private truck drivers in countries across Europe. You just need to check their own set of licensing requirements. 

8. Cruise Ship Worker

This is another wonderful job that includes travel and a lot of it. You literally make a living traveling the world while having free lodging and meals. It is somewhat similar to working in a large resort hotel since the territory of modern ocean liners is quite comparable to the size of coastal hotel complexes.

Nevertheless, job seekers on cruise liners need to understand and prepare themselves for the fact that life on the ship is significantly different from life on the mainland. You need to take into account that most of the time you will be in the open sea or ocean, as well as the fact that working on cruise ships requires hard work and diligence, which requires good health, a lot of strength and patience.

However, the reward for hard work will be very generous. The average salary of a service worker on a cruise liner is $1000-1500 US dollars per month. Additionally to that, you receive free accommodation, 3 meals a day, snacks, and uniforms. Those who are more qualified, like managers, often have doubled salaries and more.

Where to Find Cruise Ship Jobs 

Jobs that involve traveling

In today’s post-virus world, finding a cruise ship job is not that easy. Not many companies are hiring and the competition is big. Still, you should definitely try if that’s your dream. I advise you to look for cruise ship jobs in the luxury travel sector. Rich people continue to travel as they did before. There are multiple (smaller) cruise ships these days in the oceans that keep hiring staff.

One of the easiest ways to apply for this type of job would be through direct application on the cruise line’s website. But besides this option, there are dozens of online job finders and hiring platforms that work better for many people.

Here are the best online job boards to find cruise ship jobs:

FLEXJOBS : One of the best sites for finding a job in general, be it remote work from home, on-site jobs, freelance jobs, full-time or part-time jobs. Cruise jobs are there too. Put “cruise” or “cruise ship” in the search line on the homepage to get access to the most recent postings.

ALLTHINGSCRUISE : Online job board with direct links to the cruise line’s own online employment pages. Through their aggregate, you can view up-to-date openings and apply for jobs directly.

ALLCRUISEJOBS : All types of cruise jobs in one place. This online platform connects you with different recruiters who have lots of recent, up-to-date vacancies.

CRUISEJOBFINDER : Another excellent website with thousands of job openings. Besides cruise vacancies, there are also resort jobs, luxury yacht crewing, and tour operator jobs. This one and the previous one are good for people who look to work in the luxury travel sector.

Besides these online job finders, you can always browse jobs on the cruise line’s official website. The most popular cruise lines are the Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, and Disney Cruise Line. 

9. Au-Pair as One of the Best Travel Jobs For Young People

I wouldn’t be recommending this job if I didn’t do it myself and didn’t know how much it can pay you back. Also, with the au-pair job, a lot of families never ask for any degree. Experience – yes, CPR certificate – yes. Degree – no.

Every time I am thinking about my au-pair years I am getting a warm and comforting feeling inside. I wish I could actually go back in time and replay those moments again.

Some people will say that au-pair is not a job, but an exchange program. That is true, but at the same time, it is a job you do for others. And very often you can find au-pair jobs that require travel and allow you to travel during your free time. You work a full-time schedule and put a lot of effort in taking care of little ones. And yes, taking care of children is a job no matter what other people tell you.

Au-pair salary is not high, but taking into consideration that all your expenses are covered, the pocket money you get from a family is more than enough.

I was able to travel on my monthly au-pair salary, save up for my first car, and buy lots of unnecessary things. Families I lived with were traveling from time to time, so it provided me with an amazing opportunity to see a little bit of the U.S .

An au-pair job is not a short-term job for carefree people who don’t have a plan for their life. It is a very rewarding and enriching experience. It can grow into any other job related to children and their development.

Besides the hospitality career, I had another career in education, and that career began with my experience as an au-pair. This job taught me life, helped me travel, and build a platform for my future growth.

Don’t try to become an au-pair though if you don’t like kids. It should be obvious, right?

Where to Find Au-Pair Jobs

jobs that involve traveling

These days, there are many websites for finding an au-pair job. Some of them serve as platforms that connect host families with au-pairs directly while others are websites of agencies where you need to register and let an agent help you find a family.

During the time when I was an au-pair, I was using many different sites. Some of my favorites are:

AUPAIRWORLD – it is one of the most popular au-pair websites with thousands of families across the world.

GREATAUPAIR – a great platform for anyone who is trying to find a job quickly without too much experience. However, many families offer pay below average and there are a lot of scam postings. So you’d need to spend a good chunk of time finding a good match. I personally worked for two amazing families whom I found on this website.

SCANDINAVIAN AU-PAIR CENTER – this au-pair agency has been on the market for many years. It has offices in Europe and North America but works with families in Scandinavian countries. Some families look for families for a short period of time. It can be a great opportunity for someone who is outside of Europe.

CARE.COM – This website is not an au-pair site but there you can find a lot of live-in nanny positions as well as housekeeping, senior care, pet care, tutoring, and special needs jobs. It covers mainly the USA and Canada. 

  I WANT TO MOVE ABROAD, WHERE DO I START

Remote Jobs That Let You Travel the World

10. blogger (read why).

Honestly, I have never really thought that I would ever recommend blogging as one of those great jobs that pay you to travel. And actually, if you make it as a career, it will pay very well. You don’t have to choose a niche in travel (especially during these times) to start working online and be able to travel (or live) anywhere in the world.

Once you make money online from your own website, you decide where and when to go. You still may need to travel to conferences, meetups, and various events to grow as a professional and learn. Although with a new corona-world, there will be more online events than actual physical ones.

A professional blogger is not really a traveling job that requires travel. It is rather a fantastic job that gives you more freedom and time to travel whenever you want.

I started to blog 2 years ago and today I am making enough from my blog to be able to live in a developing country and cover the expenses of three people. Not enough yet to live a luxury lifestyle in the U.S. but enough not to go back to a cubical lifestyle.

If you click through different posts on this blog, you’ll notice that it’s mainly about travel (which is pretty non-existent now), yet, I mastered the ways how to make money with it. In fact, I am now making the same amount of money that I was making before the outbreak.  

Blogging is tough and very competitive but if you are defined to walk this path and learn how this business works, you will surely have success.

How to Become a Successful Blogger & Turn It Into a Career Where You Can Travel

Becoming a blogger these days is easy and quick. But becoming a successful blogger, who knows how to make money with the website and become location independent, takes true passion and dedication.

If you are now seriously thinking (or have been thinking for some time) to start a blog and turn it into a money-making machine, my number one advice for you is: start investing in yourself. Start investing time, effort, money into learning from people who have already established a successful blogging business. Launching a blog (or any website) and filling it with inspirational content is only one part which, to be honest, won’t get you far.

The most important thing about a successful blogging career is to have a strategy and know exactly what to do in order to make money. To be able to monetize a blog, you need first to learn how to optimize your posts and make them rank on Google, so people notice and click to your site. Next, you have to learn how to market, run social media campaigns, produce valuable content, talk to your readers, and more. 

If you have already started a blog, launching it anytime soon, or planning to launch in the nearest future, I highly recommend you watch this free training from one of my favorite travel bloggers (and one of my teachers) where he is showing exactly what to do to build a successful blog.

There is really a lot to learn and do. But if you learn from people who have already achieved what you want to achieve, you will be there soon too. 

I am also thinking to start a series of posts where I’ll share my experience with blogging, how I make money today, what were my ups and downs when I started out, and what it took me to get where I am. If you are curious to follow along, subscribe to my newsletter to start receiving emails from me, including those about blogging. Until then, check Nick’s video to receive answers to the most important questions about blogging as one of the best travel careers.

travel laptop

11. Social Media Consultant

what careers travel

Social Media Consultant job allows you to travel in that way that in many cases you work remotely. Especially in the nowadays world when more and more companies let their workers work from home.

If you know how to engage with the customers using social media on behalf of a brand and make the audience follow you, think about the opportunity to become a social media consultant.

Yet, this job is not that easy as many people picture it. However, if you master it and enjoy the routine, you can work from anywhere in the world following your own schedule.

With the constant growth of social media users and an increase in online shopping, social media consultants are going to be more and more in demand. And with this job, they can work full-time within the company or online as freelancers.

If you are seriously thinking about how to become a successful social media consultant, take a look at this article .

How to Find a Social Media Consultant Job 

First of all, of course, you need to have a well-written resume with your latest experience in this field. If there is no gained experience yet, consider becoming an intern for a few months. 

The best sources for finding a social media consultant job are:

NAUKRI – just this site alone has more than 10,000 jobs in the social media sector;

LINKEDIN Jobs ,  SHINE , and TIMESJOBS are other websites.

12. Digital Content Creator

A digital content creator is a person who helps small and medium businesses to create and elaborate digital content with a goal to increase sales and get profit. Digital content creators produce articles, photos, videos, movies, and can work in any field.

I am a digital content creator who, first of all, works for herself and, second, has a few side projects. With my side projects, I produce content for travel magazines and other bloggers. While this job does not sponsor my travels, I am capable to work online from anywhere in the world. I choose for myself when to travel and how much time to spend on the road.

With that said, I still want to emphasize that not everyone can be a digital content creator. It sounds like an easy job when in reality it involves a lot of hours of work, research, and creative thinking.

Some of the most famous websites for finding a job as a digital content creator are Fiverr.com , Indeed , LinkedIn , SimplyHired , Freelancer .

13. Virtual Assistant

Consider This Before Starting to Look for a Remote Work

I am strongly convinced that the job of a virtual assistant is a fantastic job that lets you travel, move around a lot, and helps you choose where to live.

The person who is somewhat a universal specialist who helps an entrepreneur conduct business through the Internet. He/she plays a very similar role as a personal assistant but everything is taking place online instead of the actual office. A virtual assistant answers emails, works on a schedule, does some social media work, creates presentations, organizes webinars, arranges mailing services, and does any other task that a person he works for needs.

Depending on previous experience, the assistant may specialize in one field or another. But in general, this is a person who knows how the Internet works, can find the right service, write a request, control contractors and be the “many-armed” multi-worker who knows how to make other person life easier.

It doesn’t matter in which country the entrepreneur lives and where the Virtual Assistant decides to be based. They meet and collaborate on the Internet anyways.

The best sources for finding a job as a virtual assistant are Upwork , Remote , Peopleperhour , Freelancer , WeWorkRemotely , and Flexjobs .

14. Freelance Web Developer

If you are reading this section, it means you are either a web developer or thinking to become one. Those who are just considering an opportunity to enter this field need to decide at first which area they want to learn – front end, back end, WordPress, or other stacks.

Once you decide, the next step is to devote days, weeks, and months to education and actually finding a hands-on experience.

This job is very rewarding but like many other jobs, it is demanding and challenging. The following post answers many questions and tells the truth about beginning freelance web development .

If you make a decision that you want to become a freelance web developer, it is a good idea to start with an online course(s). To help you get started, Mark, based on his experience, can recommend the following courses:

The Web Developer Bootcamp  – a course for beginners created by an excellent instructor from San Francisco Colt Steele. It’s easy to understand for anyone who hasn’t touched web development before.

Web Design For Everybody – the basics of website design and creation. This course teaches how to write correct HTML5 and CSS3, and how to create interactive web experiences with JavaScript.

Becoming a Web Developer – go from no-code to an in-demand junior web developer. Learn the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

The Complete Web Development Bootcamp – if you are thinking to take only one single course, this is the one to choose! It is based on theory and practice, has excellent content, and teaches how to build any website you want. The instructor is using a simple language and thoroughly explains each part. Even if you have zero experience in coding, at the end of this course you’ll feel like a pro! 

Coding for Dummies (Book) – an excellent all-in-one book with a total of 9 books about web development and programming for people who are totally new to this field. With this book, you can learn HTML, CSS, and a few other coding subjects. With it, you will learn everything you need to be able to start working on coding projects of your own.

15. Freelance Bookkeeper

The company that needs accounting services can conduct it in three different ways – to hire a full-time accountant, outsource it, or hire a freelance bookkeeper to help with some basic stuff.

Online accounting is a cloud-based Internet service with a paid set of tools. With their help, you can generate initial documentation, send a report to the tax and extra-budgetary funds in electronic form. It can become an assistant to a simple business.

Bookkeeping is different from accounting . It does not require any special set of skills or any analysis . It is actually a great job for people who don’t have a lot of experience but want to transfer to a new field quickly .

Some bookkeepers work with a high school diploma only. However, to make it easier for you to find a job, I recommend looking into obtaining a certification or licensing through one of the national organizations.

Every company needs some form of bookkeeping. And in today’s world, more and more companies look for online bookkeepers to keep expenses down. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

Learn more about how to become a bookkeeper at home .

16. Software Developer & Other IT Jobs

jobs that require travel

Do you know that a lot of software development jobs can be actually done remotely? And that you don’t really need to have a degree to become a developer yourself?

Software developer jobs are not really among jobs that require travelling, but they can bring you lots of opportunities to travel independently as much as you want. With this job you always have a choice to work in the office or go remote. If you go remote, decide for yourself where to be based and how often to travel.

A software developer job is by no means an easy task. It requires a lot of dedication, passion, and effort. Learning code is not for everyone. You would need to invest a lot of time in self-education and development before applying for jobs in this field and hoping to get a good paying salary.

If you enjoy a lot of challenges and solving problems then maybe software development could be the next job that will enable you to see the world.

See the following page for more tips and courses in this field .

Where to Find a Remote Job as a Software Developer or IT Specialist

There are dozens of various websites with IT jobs. Some may suit one group of people while others will work better for others.

Websites that Mark found helpful when looking for a job are WeWorkRemotely , WorkingNomads , Upwork, and FreelancerMap . 

PowerToFly is a site that helps women to find a tech job.  

HOW TO FIND JOBS IN KUALA LUMPUR FOR EXPATS

Jobs That Require Travel And Pay Well

17. vip flight attendant.

jobs that require travel

This is definitely one of those jobs that require a lot of travel and pay really good money for it.

We all know about commercial flight attendant jobs but not so much about the corporate flight attendants. 

I actually don’t believe you can qualitatively and deeply experience a new destination during your layover, or a few of them. But with flight attendant job you can be based in a new city and/or country, and fly for free all over the world during your days off or vacation.

When you are working as a commercial flight attendant, you usually fly standby. Flying that way is not always fun because it requires a lot of flexibility and adjustment, and you don’t get a free flight every single time. But considering the fact that you are flying for a small fee helps you forget about some inconveniences.

There are so many perks you receive with a commercial flight attendant job, even though it is always demanding and often stressful. However, you’ll get a totally different experience and money when working as a commercial flight attendant.

I would love to share some truly valuable information (from one of my friends) on how to become a corporate flight attendant and make more than $100,000 a year . 

|| READ IT HERE ||

HOW TO BECOME A PRIVATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT & FIND A JOB

18. Professional Nanny

Many people don’t take nanny positions seriously, believing it’s not prestigious to be a babysitter. I’ve heard some people saying that only uneducated and unambitious individuals work as nannies because there is nothing else they can do with their lives. Ouch, hearing that hurts. Because in reality, working as a Nanny is very demanding, rewarding, and joyful at the same time. This job requires a patient, knowledgeable, and loving heart.

And what, if I tell you that as a Professional Nanny you can travel the world and earn up to $200K per year? It is one of the careers that require travel for sure. 

A professional nanny is a relatively new term and gaining popularity among both families and nannies.

There are some distinct differences between this job and a Babysitter or a Nanny.

As a Professional Nanny , you have to be CPR and First Aid certified, hold a degree in any field related to childcare, have more than five years of experience working as a babysitter, au-pair, and/or nanny for a high-profile family.

This job is not a joke and requires a lot of commitment, working hours as well as choosing this profession as your long-term career.

You can’t find professional nanny jobs through a simple search on the Internet or asking neighbors.

On average it takes from three to six months to secure it through the agency. And only if you go through the screening. But if you do get a job, you can make sure your salary will be higher than the one of an average office worker. Plus, you’ll get to travel very often.

Many families usually have homes in different parts of the country, or world, and need a Professional Nanny to travel with them . Additionally to competitive salary your benefits include health insurance, sometimes accommodation, meals, and transportation.

I have been going through a few interviews with families who were ready to pay me more than $100K per year, provide generous vacation time, health coverage, and meals. And I had a chance to work for one of those families in Los Angeles . I am convinced it’s one of the best ways to see the world, make a difference in someone’s life, and enrich your own life.

Where to Find a Job as a Professional Nanny

what careers travel

Unlike au-pair jobs, professional nanny jobs can be found only through elite placement agencies. To be able to apply you need to have an almost perfect resume, have a few certifications, experience, and in most cases education.

If you are just starting out as a nanny, there is no point in spending your time on professional nanny applications. In most cases, the agency will turn down everyone who doesn’t have any solid experience. So for that situation, it would be much better to start looking for a regular nanny position.

Keep in mind that competition is very high and only the best of the best applicants get a job. 

In regards to agencies, there are a lot of them in America and Europe. For the most part, they have offices in different parts of the world, so you can apply with the closest to your location branch.

When searching, put in google ‘nanny for a high profile family’, ’professional nanny positions/jobs’, ’nanny for celebrities’, or ’VIP nannies’. Some of the agencies I worked with were British American Household Staffing  and The Nanny League . 

19. Traveling Nurse

If both of us were not fainting at the sight of blood, we would definitely go back to school to get our nursing degree.

If you love helping people, adding value to someone’s life, having a flexible schedule, and enjoy working in healthcare then this profession can help you make your dream come true.

Nurses make really good money and have a lot of room for growth. The demand for nurses is extremely high and going to increase in the future.

What is particularly great about this job is the length of contracts. Some of them are as long as 13 weeks. After the contract is over you are free to take a break or sign a new contract to move to another place. Also, traveling nurses are given a choice where to live, work, and how long to stay in one area. That’s a great benefit additionally to a competitive salary.

Travel nursing is not only a rewarding career that can help you travel around and move abroad. It will fill your life with constant adventure. Also, it is a very diverse and flexible opportunity.

This post on how to become a travel nurse answers all important questions points you in the right direction. 

20. Event Planners

what careers travel

Event-Planner is a specialist who organizes business and entertainment events for companies and individuals. This person works closely with a client to decide where an event will take place and where to hold it. He or she is responsible for thorough planning and organization.

Recently, on my trip to Vilnius , I met a girl, who was organizing our trip, who was an event manager. She shared how she was traveling around Europe and arranging events for her company at least once a month. Her company was participating in various trade shows and travel conferences, so her task was to organize everything.

If you are looking for entry-level jobs that require travel and if you have at least some relevant experience , then look for jobs in event agencies, especially those that are related to travel in one way or another. Some of the examples are companies that participate in large business forums, event agencies that organize a wedding in an exotic place or a master class in a foreign land, etc.

Despite the popularity of the profession, there is no such major as event management or event planning in any university. The event industry employs people with the most diverse backgrounds, but more often those who are psychologists, journalists, and philologists.

This profession also intersects with marketing, PR, and sales. Therefore, if you have a marketing or management degree and at least some experience, your chances of getting this job are high.

21. SAP Consultant

SAP consultant job is one of those jobs that can literally take you around the world.

The term SAP software stands for Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing. This software was developed by a German company and helps many companies around the world to manage business operations and customer relations.

SAP consultant is basically a person who knows everything about SAP software and can give advice. In many cases, he or she is an expert, project manager, and programmer at the same time.

There are two areas in this field where SAP consultants can work: Technical or Functional . Technical stands for software development and programming . Functional is all about the knowledge of tariffs, commissions, revenue shares, interfaces, and more. It is really impossible to describe this job in a few paragraphs only. You can read more about it here .

This job is amazing for those who want to live a travel lifestyle. First of all, even if you go to the actual office, you often have to be with a customer who can be located in another city or often country. Second, there are a lot of opportunities to work remotely since you can access the customer’s system from anywhere. And third, since many companies hire for a few months or a year, you are free to apply in different countries.

I have two friends who work as SAP Consultants. One friend is working remotely and occasionally travels to meet with her customers. And this friend is saying that working as an SAP consultant is one of the best IT jobs that requires travel, literally. 

Another friend’s husband is working physically in the office. I have the impression that he signs a new contract every year because they are always on the move. With this job, both of them have already lived in Brazil, Sri Lanka, in a few states in the United States and recently they moved to Germany.

This job is also challenging and requires certification. But it pays very well and helps you live a life of travel. One of my friends, who does it, has never even been to college. She has taken a few courses and dedicated a lot of time to self-education.

As with any other profession, there is no easy job and free money. You have to work and study hard. But if others can do it, you can too.

22. Luxury Travel Advisor

jobs that require travel

A luxury travel advisor is not the job of a travel agent that you may think of. Travel agents usually book tickets, hotels, or transfers. They sell cruises and all-inclusive resort getaways. Sweet. But.

Luxury travel advisors’ job is kind of similar and different at the same time. These people also make lots of reservations and travel arrangements, yet they work on a totally different level. They usually have access to world-class events, private islands, resorts, and hotels, and work with only a special caliber of a traveler. Not like us, kind of budget travelers who are trying to get the most out of a dollar.

Luxury travel advisors offer luxury, organize everything in the blink of an eye, and always deliver the highest service. To give you an example: they provide their clients with access to the Monaco Formula 1 , Millionaire’s Row at the Kentucky Derby , help them walk the red carpet of a fashion week, sing on stage with a favorite band, and even travel to space. Those kinds of experiences.

At some point in my life, I was aiming at this job at Virtuoso – a network of the best luxury travel agencies . I didn’t get it but if I did, my job would include lots of travel and my starting salary was going to be 55K per year (in Los Angeles.) At the same time, full health insurance was provided along with all the perks and discounts on travel, and lots of room for growth.

A luxury travel advisor job is very demanding. It is not all glitter but this traveling career provides an opportunity to travel the world and be able to make six figures within a few years (after lots of hard work, of course.) Here is more information on this job, if you are curious.

23. Geologists

Among all the jobs for travelers, the job of a geologist is probably the least known one. Geologists are specialists who study the structure, composition, and patterns of Earth’s development. They examine minerals, sedimentary rocks, what’s happening in the earth’s crust, analyze earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the historical sequence of geological processes, and much more.

There are a few different specializations in geology. Some geologists work for oil and gas exploration companies, others for civil engendering firms, or government agencies. Petroleum and engineering geologists most of the time travel to various distinct areas with a goal to locate gas and oil deposits.

In addition to conducting laboratory analyses, developing documentation and recommendations, such specialists from time to time go to faraway regions. They search for mineral deposits, assess the possibility of building various structures in new territories, from factories and power plants to the metro.

On the one hand, the profession of a geologist makes it possible to visit both the remote corners of the Taiga and lesser-visited hot African countries. On the other hand, you need to be prepared to live in various (often challenging) conditions, so for working in the field, in addition to the necessary knowledge, you will need good physical preparation and endurance.

24. English or Any Other Subject Teacher

jobs that require travel

Nowadays everyone is writing about English Teaching jobs as a perfect opportunity to see the world and make pretty good money. And this opportunity is awesome indeed. But what about other teaching jobs?

I have been tutoring kids in math, science, and social studies as well as the Russian language . My friend, who is from Hungary, moved to Sweden because she was offered a job as a piano instructor. My other friend is teaching Spanish in South America. The list goes on and on.

Mark and I have been also teaching English while living in Vietnam  and were offered a job in Thailand and China. Salary, accommodation, and working conditions were so appealing that we almost signed the contract.

The reason why we changed our minds was that we wanted to concentrate on remote work and invest time in our blog. But chances are still high enough that we may reconsider this option in the nearest future.

What interests us more though is online teaching . No obligations to be at a specific place or country. We can be teaching outside of the classroom while exploring the world on our own terms. So can you.

You don’t have to be an English teacher for securing a good teaching job. Nowadays, you can be teaching so many other things and subjects. Choose what you know well, what you love teaching, and pursue your dream.

If you need more advice on teaching English around the world, read tips from Kate and Kris. These guys have been teaching for many years and accumulated a lot of knowledge. Also, many other bloggers write about their English teaching experiences.

Where to Find a Job as an English Teacher? 

Before you even start looking for a job, the first thing to do is to get certified. Most schools will ask for TEFL/TESOL/CELTA teaching certification, so get ready for that in advance.

There are many different online teaching courses where you can study and get a needed certificate. I personally completed a course with i-to-i company . Later, when my legal name changed, they had no problem sending me a new certificate for a very symbolic payment.

Some of my favorite resources for finding a job as an English Teacher are Dave’s ESL Cafe , EslBase , and TEFL . For teaching English (and other languages) online, I had success with Tandem , Italki , 51Talk , and EF Education First . But there are many more agencies out there that connect teachers with schools and students. 

WORKING NOMADS: HOW DOES IT REALLY FEEL TO BE A REMOTE WORKER?

Jobs that Require International Travel

25. auditor.

At first glance, the work of an auditor has nothing to do with travel. It seems that auditors never travel abroad but only work long hours in their offices. It is partially true. As an auditor, you work crazy long hours that sometimes it feels you live where you work.

Nonetheless, many times working as an auditor grows into a career that allows you to travel. Auditors often leave for inspections to different cities and even countries. Often they spend weeks and months in one place.

I have been working for Deloitte and one Private Equity in Ukraine and remember how many times my colleagues were away. They were gone to work on projects in many countries in Europe and in Central Asia.

Working as an auditor provides many travel opportunities but also a lot of challenges. Of course, it is not always possible to see exotic places. But you can often spend several weeks in different cities and countries which means you’ll have time to get acquainted with the local culture and lifestyle.

Working as an auditor is a very, very intense job. It requires a diploma and at least a few years of experience in a smaller company.

You should check these fundamentals of audit  to get an understanding if a career in auditing is right for you.

Other Jobs Where You Can Travel a Lot & See the World

26. seasonal jobs to see the world.

jobs that require travel

Two years ago when we were in Alaska we took a tour to Denali National Park. Our bus driver was a 30-something lady from Texas, whose job as a bus driver was seasonal and lasted less than 6 months.

She shared details of working this job during the summer months and then heading to Colorado to work as a ski instructor during the winter . This young lady loved both of the states and kept coming to each of them every year. Besides the opportunity to enjoy her favorite places she was earning a salary and living the dream.

There are many stories like this one.

Our friends have traveled through Europe while working on farms, picking up berries, and being lifeguards at the pool. Some of our neighbors were diving instructors and camp leaders in Central America.

We personally have been offered seasonal jobs in hotels across the U.S. and Canada. Opportunities are endless and the sky is the limit. If you are looking for any possible way to move abroad or travel in slow mode while earning money, take a look at seasonal jobs.

Of course, you can’t make a fortune working those jobs. However, you can definitely have all your travel expenses covered and even save some money for the future. It really depends on the job and how much time you are willing to work.

To give you an example, there was a time when I secured one seasonal job in a resort in Utah. My salary was going to be around $1,600K per month before taxes with included accommodation and lunches. It was an entry-level job that required 40 hours of work per week. Not bad for someone in transition or traveler like me.

We are not implying that this is the amount of money you are going to get for your next seasonal job. You may get more, or you may get less. Some of the jobs require prerequisites and qualifications, but there are many others where you don’t need to have any specific experience. You’ll go through training and will learn what to perform.

Where to Find Seasonal Jobs?

It all depends on the field of work you are looking to do. Some of my favorite websites are:

Seasonal Jobs in America – offer jobs in farming, forest and conservation, production, restaurant business, and more.

Coolworks – a fantastic website with a wide range of jobs around the USA. On this resource, you’ll find jobs in sales and retail, in state and national parks, in maintenance, jobs with horses, RV spaces, fish, in healthcare, hospitality, farms, gardens, and much, much more.

Fruit picking jobs – vacancies for seasonal and harvest jobs in New Zealand and Australia.

Berry picking jobs – seasonal berry farm vacancies in the UK.

Amazon  – this company always has vacancies in all countries where it operates. 

Back Door Jobs  – worldwide short-term job opportunities.

27. Theater, Drama and Dance Performer

This field is a bit competitive to get into, but if you have experience and zest then don’t fret.

We meet more and more people who work as dancers and actors worldwide. They work on cruise ships, in summer camps and amusement parks. Jobs in this field exist across all borders and there are so many variations of them. You don’t need to be on the way to Los Angeles just to express yourself. Opportunities are ample worldwide and you have to spend some time searching for them.

Today you can be performing on the stage in China and in a few months fly to Turkey or Greece. Spend a few years in this field or make it a career. The choice is yours.

A lot of people travel the world and get paid while doing there hobbies. You can be the next one who’ll do the same. 

Are you thinking to see the world at a slower pace ? Consider one of these jobs. They will open up a lot of possibilities in regards to life, work and travel around the world. Do you have any other jobs where you get to travel to add to this list? Share your thoughts!

If you are looking for ways how to travel one year with only $10K in your pocket, this step by step guide will help you make it happen.

9 Well-Paying Jobs That Will Help You Move Abroad and See the World

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

Similar Posts

How to Become a Corporate Flight Attendant & Find a Job

How to Become a Corporate Flight Attendant & Find a Job

Last updated on January 29th, 2024Are you looking for a job that would let you travel the world on a private jet and get you the 6 figures salary a year? Do you love to…

Working Nomads: How Does It Really Feel To Be a Remote Worker?

Working Nomads: How Does It Really Feel To Be a Remote Worker?

Last updated on April 26th, 2023Less than a week ago, in one of the cutest coffee shops in Nha Trang, Mark and I had an engaging conversation with one couple from Russia. They have…

How to Find Jobs in Kuala Lumpur for Expats (Personal Experience)

How to Find Jobs in Kuala Lumpur for Expats (Personal Experience)

Last updated on June 11th, 2023Are you looking for jobs in Kuala Lumpur for expats? I would love to share my personal experience and knowledge and hope it will come in handy. With each…

31 Comments

I loved your article,very inspirational ideas!Thanks for sharing!

Very valuable article! Thanks for the time dedicated! It’s really worth it guys!

Thank you, Mike, for your comment! I am so happy to hear that! 🙂

Hi, I absolutely loved this post!! I am so eager to start a new career and one I truly love.

I really liked the Luxury Traveler Assistant.

I have 0 experience and I’m curious what would your first steps be to start climbing the ladder and make dreams my living! Thank you for this.

Best wishes,

Hi Tyler, to be able to become a luxury travel advisor, your first step is to build up your resume and show at least some experience in tourism, particularly the one when you need to book travel for clients or arrange various events.

Jobs that you’d need to have before applying for a luxury travel assistant are a travel agent, events manager, concierge in a luxury hotel, a variety of roles on a cruise ship where you are responsible for shore excursions, providing exceptional customer service to each guest, assisting guests with account inquires, resolving customer service issues, and answering telephone calls, and other jobs with similar responsibilities.

The most important is to start with something and have some experience to show. With 0 experience, your chance of getting a luxury travel assistant job is equal to 0 too unless you know how to network and have great connections.

This us a great article. Thank you for renewing my passion again for travel. Event Planning or PR would be my avenue.

Your article is very nice and informative. Thanks for sharing it!

Great article. I’ve always wanted to travel. Comfortbility restraint, fears and just life dramas held me back. I recently made the leap to Colombia from US. I have a H.S. diploma and 2 years or so of college so I have some credits. Questions is what to do now. I was injured and had surgery. I also have a dog but I don’t want to further let life pass me and just stair at walls or basically nothing. I just want to travel and experience different culture and indulge in sceneries. My background is mostly mechanical (automotive) and IT although I don’t hold certifications I mostly did repairs for all peripherals and smart devices but nothing long term. I was think of finishing school for medical probably nursing if not something with IT. As to how to make passive income from my research most of it requires investment. But again great piece and any response would well be appreciated.

Hi William, You are absolutely right, in order to make a change and especially passive income, you do need to be ready to invest money and your time. Without investment, you can’t move forward, no matter which field you choose. It’s difficult for me to recommend anything on this matter because everything depends on what you enjoy doing and either you are ready to devote time to education or not. But I can guarantee, if you don’t give up, you will succeed. For me personally, it took almost 3 years to reach my financial goal (it would be faster if not for covid), for other people it takes less time. So it is very relative. Just don’t hesitate and wait for better times, start today.

Thanks for the post!

Thanks for sharing this article with us it looks very interesting

Anya: Thank you for all the informative articles on your website. Your website is great!

Are there *local* websites or places within Ukraine to list for a teacher/nanny when we relocate to Ukraine? My needs are a bit different (I think) than an au pair. Our children will be attending online school and while I am working, I need help with an English speaking teacher/nanny to assist with their schoolwork most days of the week and most months of the year – I would need someone who can speak English and Ukrainian (or Russian). I know some Russian and a little Ukrainian but I don’t even have a cyrillic keyboard (cannot make my chromebook to do this) so I can search for such things on the internet.

Hi Jeanne! Thank you for your kind words! I noticed also another comment from you under my other post but I haven’t responded yet. I will shortly! And here is, for now, my answer to this question:

Yes, there are local agencies that help with finding a nanny and any other staff member for the family. Off the top of my head, I can recommend Sincere Heart agency and VIP Service. The 2nd company’s website is in Russian only but I know they help with finding English speaking nannies too (I was applying through their agency) and here is their contact page . You can send them a message directly or through the WhatsApp. All cell phone numbers and email are mentioned there as well. These agencies usually connect nannies with families in big major cities but they may be able to help to find someone in a smaller town too. Don’t hesitate to send them a message and get in touch!

I hope this helps! If you email me the date (approximate) when and where you need a nanny, I can ask around and see who else is offering this type of service.

This is an amazing article with so many great links, I really appreciate it! I work with kids at risk of not graduating high school here in West Virginia and my focus is on the post-residency placement. Basically career counsleing, placement and mentorship. I am researching jobs that may be a good alternative to the military. One thing a lot of people joining the military value is travel, so I’m hoping that sharing this will help broaden their ideas of work outside of West Virginia. To be honest, if I didn’t like this job so much I’D JUMP on some of these!!

I subscribed to your newsletter and can’t wait to share this with my students – Zoe

Hi Zoe, yay, I am so glad to hear this post is helpful! I am going to update a few things and add more jobs soon. And speaking of the military.. oh my gosh, at some point in my life, I was applying for Airforce and Navy jobs subconsciously believing that I could travel with one of them. To be honest, that was the only reason why I wanted to join, definitely a wrong decision!

Love this! And am 100% the same way. Thanks for sharing 😂

I really enjoyed reading your article. My husband and I both have the travel bug as well. I can relate to what you opened with – a long time ago; you learned you couldn’t be in one place for too long—looking forward to reading more of your articles. Thanks for the job inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by, Ashlee!

I am very grateful to you Anya, since this article has helped me a lot to clear my doubts regarding my JOB, since I actually did not know much about careers that offer great travel and a decent salary too. Once again thank you so much Anya, Since I don’t know your IG Id you can find me on IG as @more_than_mystery I have a few more questions for you.

Thank you for stopping by, Bunny. I am glad to hear this post was helpful! If you have any questions, you can contact me through this blog through my ‘contact’ form. As for Instagram, my handle is below on each page in the footer together with other social media accounts I have.

Just found your site. Love it, super informative and fun to read!!!!

Thank you, Bogdana!

Thank you for this post. I have also tried to live and work overseas as an American and it’s been a disaster. I don’t even know how to tell you how bad it’s been. Now that the pandemic has settled, I’m considering trying again. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction to learn more about hotel front desk jobs that require travel and the career path and anything about that. Any information helps, as I’m just looking into this.

And thanks again for your post and information. I hope you both are well.

Hi Mike, hotel jobs are great for people who look to explore new places at a slow pace. There are not really jobs where you need to travel. Instead, with hotel jobs you can transfer between properties within a relatively short period of time, in this way staying in one place 6-12 months. And that’s when you can travel on your own during days off and spare time.

The best jobs in hospitality where you can work up to 1 year and then transfer to a new property (or start looking for a new job in the same field) are in front office (reception, front desk agent, concierge, social media marketing receptionist, bellman, van driver, night auditor which by the way is always in demand), housekeeping, dining, maintenance, and spa.

Your have a very nice post and I really want to thank You for sharing it as it has been very helpful

Thank you so much for this article and the links! I’ve been looking for years. A small correction for you on Number 27, “their” not “there”. A traveling editor job? Do those exist;)

Thanks again!

Thank you for pointing that out, I am going to update it!

Thanks for sharing this well researched and informative article on jobs that require travel. Can you also do an article on good paying jobs for 18 year olds with no experience ? I am an 18 year old boy who will be graduating very soon. This will be very helpful to me any many others who want to start working once we are done with school.

Good guide Jobs ! thanks

hey i really liked your article , im 18 and just got my senior certificate and i was looking into this au pair thing and its something i know ill love doing ,do you maybe have any tips ?

Hi Malikah, I could give you lots of tips depending on a country where you want to go, your preferences and vision for this job.

But my number one tip – it is relatively easy to get au-pair job even without needed experience or education in child care, the main thing to stay professional and show all your intelligence. Also, make sure all your social media profiles have professional photos and you don’t post anything that shows you drinking/smoking/doing crazy things. Families are always doing research on every potential candidate trying to find more information about the person who applied, so you want to be sure you have an impeccable profile, not just resume and application form!

If you have any specific questions – please ask me, that will allow me understand how exactly I can help you. And good luck!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • EN - English
  • PT - Portuguese
  • ES - Spanish
  • How it works
  • Become a Host
  • Download the app

Top Destinations

  • United States
  • United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

  • Non-Profit School
  • Permaculture project
  • Eco Village
  • Holistic Center
  • Guest House
  • How Worldpackers works

what careers travel

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

  • Using Worldpackers
  • Work exchange
  • Social impact

Plan your trip

  • Women traveling
  • Budget travel
  • Solo travel
  • Language learning
  • Travel tips
  • Get inspired
  • Digital nomads
  • Travel jobs
  • Personal development
  • Responsible travel
  • Connect with nature

Top destinations

  • South America
  • Central America
  • North America
  • More destinations
  • WP Life WP Life
  • Exclusive discounts Discounts

Jobs that require travel: 25 amazing careers that let you see the world

A list of super cool jobs that require travel or can be done remotely and tips to get free accommodation abroad and live the life of your dreams.

what careers travel

Worldpackers Worldpackers

Jan 25, 2024

Jobs that require travel

Ever felt a pang of envy for those who seem to live out of their suitcases, collecting passport stamps like badges of honor? Ever wished your job would let you explore different corners of the world? Luckily, there are many jobs that require travel. You could soon be globetrotting as part of your work!

In this article, we’ll explore 12 amazing careers that call for travel and 13 professions that allow you to work remotely as you globe-trot . Plus a special tip on how to volunteer in exchange for accommodation as you travel around the world.

The allure of jobs that require travel

Jobs that require travel are more than just a way to earn a living. They give you a chance to have thrilling experiences, encounter new cultures, and cultivate oneself. Take a look at some of the advantages of this lifestyle.

Exposure to different cultures

By engaging in a job that requires travel, one can gain an immersive experience of diverse cultures. Beyond simply visiting new places, these jobs often demand interaction with locals, which adds another layer of cultural experience. It's like having the world as your classroom.

Opportunities for networking

Journeying far and wide gives you access to networks beyond your home base. Meeting professionals from other countries can open doors for future opportunities - think global collaborations or even job offers. Effective networking, after all, plays a significant role in career advancement.

Skill development

Navigating through foreign lands can hone important skills such as problem-solving abilities and adaptability . You may face challenges along the way – language barriers or unfamiliar customs – but overcoming them helps develop resilience.

Personal growth

Besides professional development, travel-related work fosters personal growth too. " Travel broadens the mind " - this adage rings true when you step out of your comfort zone and venture into unknown territories.

Adventure and exploration

Travel jobs often equate to an adventurous lifestyle. You might have the chance to explore uncharted terrains, meet diverse people, and taste exotic cuisines. These experiences make your life a continuous adventure.

Enhanced creativity

Last but not least, travel stimulates creativity. Studies suggest that exposure to different cultures can spark creative thinking. This newfound inspiration can translate into more innovative ideas at work and more passion for life.

In essence, jobs that require travel are a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, cultural immersion, and exciting adventures. But how can you put all that into practice in your own professional life? Let's take a look at some interesting jobs that require travel.

You might also like to read:

  • Is it possible to work remotely from another country?
  • 10 easy and creative ways to make money while traveling
  • Get paid to travel: 9 ways to make money on the road

12 examples of traveling careers

1. flight attendant.

Have you ever imagined visiting different cities across the globe as part of your daily routine? As a flight attendant, you can experience traveling to several destinations in the same week. This exciting job requires travel and makes your daily life far from boring.

A flight attendant's role is more than just serving snacks at 30,000 feet. They are tasked with guaranteeing traveler security, giving client assistance, and making each voyage feel like an energizing experience. From demonstrating safety procedures to assisting passengers with their needs – it’s all in a day’s work.

flight attendant is one of the most known jobs that require travel

2. International aid worker

A career as an international aid worker is both fulfilling and adventurous. You'll provide crucial support in areas hit by natural disasters or conflict . Organizations like Doctors Without Borders are often on the lookout for committed individuals ready to make a difference.

Keep reading:  7 careers in healthcare that allow you to travel as a volunteer

3. Travel writer

Fancy yourself with words? A travel writer crafts engaging articles about various destinations worldwide. They explore local culture, cuisine, attractions while capturing unique stories. 

Effective communication skills paired with an insatiable curiosity towards diverse topics can lead to opportunities across different industries including tourism, marketing agencies and more.

Got excited? Read our articles on how to become a freelance writer  and how to become a travel writer.

4. Photographer

In an era where visual storytelling reigns supreme, the role of a travel photographer has become a coveted profession that seamlessly blends passion, adventure, and creativity. 

Beyond the excitement of the journey, the role of a traveling photographer helps document important facts,  immortalize fleeting moments and preserve the beauty of diverse landscapes, ensuring that the stories of different cultures and places endure.

travel photographer

5. Cruise line worker

A cruise line worker's life can be one grand adventure at sea. From chefs to entertainers, these roles offer an exciting opportunity to work while exploring beautiful oceanic vistas and spending time with coworkers and guests from different cultures.

You'd be surprised at how much more there is to this job than just sailing through azure waters. While it's indeed exciting, it can also be demanding with long work hours and high expectations for customer service.

But don't let that deter you; the benefits are plentiful too. You’ll likely be able to save all the money you make during your time at sea, since you won't be spending money on accommodation and food, besides getting the chance to explore amazing destinations during your breaks.

6. International tour guide

If you're seeking a job that requires travel, becoming an international tour guide might be your ticket. Imagine leading excited tourists through travel destinations worldwide. It's like being the master of ceremonies for adventure.

Being a guide is not just about reciting facts and figures; it’s also about sharing stories and experiences that make each place unique. You become the bridge between cultures , helping travelers see the world from different perspectives.

Apart from showcasing attractions, part of guiding adventures involves handling logistics behind-the-scenes such as coordinating transportation and managing group dynamics while ensuring everyone has fun.

This isn’t your typical 9-to-5 desk job - far from it. Your office changes with every new destination. One day you could be exploring ancient ruins; the next, navigating bustling cities.

tour guide

7. Sales representative

A sales representative might need to travel frequently, meeting clients and attending trade shows. It's an excellent opportunity for those who excel in communication and negotiation skills while enjoying the perks of traveling.

8. Foreign Service worker

Embarking on a career in foreign service is like stepping into an international whirlwind. You'll find yourself navigating complex relations between nations, often requiring travel to embassies worldwide. 

Becoming a diplomat or other foreign service worker isn't just about globetrotting; it's also about making real changes and building bridges across cultures.

Your day-to-day tasks could include everything from handling visa applications to negotiating treaties - all while adapting to different customs and languages.

foreign service worker

9. Truck driver

Imagine yourself in the driver's seat of a big-rig, windows rolled down and tunes playing. You get to see different parts of the country while delivering shipments - sounds like a dream job for travel lovers.

A truck driver's life is filled with exploration and adventure. Sure, it's not your typical tourist destination experience, but truck driving lets you soak in natural landscapes that many never get to witness.

10. Scuba diving instructor

Becoming a PADI certified scuba diving instructor is an exhilarating journey into an underwater world. You'll meet unique marine life up close and discover stunning underwater landscapes all while sharing your passion with others.

A career in this field isn't merely confined within the bounds of teaching; it opens doors for exploration too. A regular day at work means delving into beautiful coral reefs or exploring forgotten shipwrecks - adventures that most can only dream of.

As this role can require travel, you'll also get to learn from diverse communities across different countries.

scuba diving can be a job that requires travel

11. Retail buyer

This profession involves navigating through diverse markets, exploring international trends, and building relationships with suppliers, all while curating a compelling assortment of products for consumers.

Whether scouring bustling marketplaces in Asia or attending trade shows in Europe, the journey often entails immersing oneself in the vibrant energy of different cultures and gaining firsthand insights into the nuances that shape consumer behaviors and preferences worldwide.

12. Consultant

Whether you’re hired by a specific company or not, working as a consultant is another great job that might require travel. From finance whizzes to HR experts , consultants offer valuable insights and strategies tailored for each client's needs. Depending on what you already work on now, you might be able to turn it into a traveling career by acting as a consultant.

The world of remote work

Landing a job that requires travel isn't the only way to make money while you see the world. If you've got a knack for self-management, discipline, and a love for freedom from office constraints , then freelance or remote work might be your ticket to a thrilling career.

One such avenue is becoming a digital nomad . These tech-savvy individuals redefine the traditional workplace by making any location with internet access their office . But it’s not just beachfront cafes or hip co-working spaces they frequent – think airport lounges, public libraries or even road trips. A strong sense of adventure and adaptability helps them overcome challenges like time zone differences and occasional Wi-Fi woes.

If you need or want more stability, you can also be a remote worker with a home base – “ location independent ”, as people often call it. That way you get to have a place to come back to, but also have the freedom to travel anytime you want.

There are plenty of jobs that require travel or can be done remotely

There are plenty of jobs that you can perform as a remote worker. Here are some examples:

13 jobs that you can do while traveling

  • Software Developer: Developing software and applications for various clients or companies.

Web Designer or Web Developer: Creating and designing websites, user interfaces, and web applications.

  • Graphic Designer: Designing visual concepts using computer software, working on projects such as advertisements, brochures, and logos.
  • Content Writer or Copywriter: Writing articles, blog posts, website content, and marketing materials for businesses and clients.
  • Social Media Manager: Managing social media accounts, creating content, and engaging with audiences.
  • Virtual Assistant: Providing administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, including tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and customer service.
  • Online Teacher: Teaching or tutoring students in various subjects or languages.

Digital Marketing Specialist: Implementing marketing strategies, managing campaigns, and analyzing data for businesses and clients.

  • SEO Specialist: Optimizing websites to increase their visibility on search engines.
  • E-commerce Store Manager: Managing online stores, overseeing product listings, and handling customer service.
  • Video Editor : Editing and producing videos for clients and companies.
  • Translator or Interpreter: Providing translation services for documents, meetings, or conferences remotely for clients in different languages.
  • Customer Support Representative: Providing customer service and support to clients or customers remotely via email, chat, or phone.

Keep reading :  Complete guide to digital nomad jobs

you can be a digital nomad

Work exchange: travel the world as a volunteer

Want to start taking on the world but still haven’t found a job that requires travel and meets your skills? Or do you feel like trying it out as a digital nomad, but want to make this a cheap journey? 

If you're looking to explore different cultures, build meaningful connections , and make a positive difference on your travels, a work exchange is the perfect opportunity. But what is it exactly? Work exchange or volunteering abroad allows you to offer your skills and time to hosts around the world in return for accommodation and other benefits.

Worldpackers , one such platform that facilitates these exchanges, connects eager travelers with host businesses, NGOs and non-profit projects worldwide. From helping out on an organic farm in Italy to teaching English classes at a school in Thailand, there's no limit to where this adventure can take you.

The process is straightforward. You browse through various listings on the website until something catches your eye; each listing details tasks expected from volunteers and perks offered by hosts.

Keep reading: How to balance working and traveling the world with Worldpackers

Jobs that require travel

Tasks that open doors to new cultures

You may ponder what sort of assignments are accessible. While they vary widely depending on the host’s needs and location, common roles include receptionist duties at hostels, gardening work at eco-villages, or even social media management for local businesses. 

These tasks let you interact closely with other travelers and with locals—giving invaluable insights into their way of life—which beats any typical tourist experience hands down.

The perks are more than just free lodging

But let's not forget about the perks, which go beyond free accommodation. Hosts often include other benefits like meals, free laundry and access to an equipped kitchen . This means less money spent on necessities so more budget left for exploring attractions nearby.

In some cases, hosts may also provide language lessons, cooking classes, or local tours , enriching your travel experience further.

A work exchange is also a chance to forge ties with locals and fellow travelers worldwide. These bonds might persist even when you're back home, establishing an invaluable global network in our highly connected world.

There are thousands of work exchange or volunteering positions available all around the world. 

Just to have an idea, look at some of the top hosts in different continents:

  • Meal with toucans: cook watching all kinds of birds in Goiás, Brazil
  • Help create a great hostel while exploring Edinburgh, Scotland for free

volunteering in Scotland

  • Create content to promote a beautiful project in Tamaulipas, Mexico
  • Put your creative helping hands to use in amazing Jaisalmer, India
  • Learn about gardening with typical local tools in Tagounite, Morocco

see the world with free accommodation

  • Contribute with an animal care and vet volunteer program in Kampala, Uganda
  • Help with housekeeping in a tropical paradise in Roatán, Honduras
  • Live a remote off grid life and volunteer at a farm in Havelock, New Zealand

find volunteer jobs that require travel

Ready to start traveling for a living?

If you've ever dreamed of jobs that require travel, the world's your oyster. As you've learned, there are plenty of opportunities out there. You can immerse yourself in different cultures and gain new skills while exploring exotic locales.

Work exchange programs like Worldpackers even let you volunteer across the globe - a fantastic way to see the world without breaking the bank. And remember: your career doesn't have to be stationary. It's all about uncovering what suits you best. Have fun!

If you like this article, follow us on social media for more travel tips and inspiration. We're on Tiktok and Instagram .

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Worldpackers Editorial

Worldpackers.

The safest community to travel, volunteer and make a positive impact in +140 countries.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

what careers travel

Nov 30, 2023

Interesting and adventures jobs

what careers travel

I hope this comment finds you well! I've been following your blog for a while now, and I must say, I always look forward to your insightful and informative posts on traveling. Your content is not only engaging but also incredibly valuable.

I recently started my own blog focusing on traveling, and as someone I admire in the blogging community, I would truly appreciate it if you could take a moment to check it out. I value your opinion and would love to hear your thoughts on whether there are areas I can improve or any suggestions you might have.

Here's the link to my blog: sammadblogs.blogspot.com/2024/01/jobsthatletyoutravel.html

Thank you so much for your time, and keep up the fantastic work with your blog! Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards

More about this topic

what careers travel

7 careers in healthcare that allow you to travel as a volunteer

How to make money with your phone while traveling, what is location independence and how can you get it.

what careers travel

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

Trade Schools, Colleges and Universities

Join Over 1.5 Million People We've Introduced to Awesome Schools Since 2001

Where do you want to study?

What do you want to study?

What's your {{waterMark}} code?

Trade Schools Home > Articles > Jobs That Involve Traveling

33 Jobs That Allow You to Travel and Reap Exciting Benefits

By Publisher | Last Updated July 23, 2020

Getting paid to see other parts of the country—or even the world—is more than just a possibility. It's a reality for millions of working professionals.

In fact, jobs that allow you to travel are often easier to find than you might realize. You just need good examples of what to look for while exploring your career options.

Some paid positions feature business travel for meetings, conferences, or incentives. In a May 2022 report , the U.S. Travel Association says that although there was significantly less business travel in 2021 than in 2019, there were still about 720,000 business trips taken. Those travelers spent $126 billion compared to $306 billion in 2019.

Jobs That Involve Traveling

Jobs that involve traveling are fairly abundant. And they can enable you to experience a lot of the appealing benefits that are often associated with taking trips away from home. For example, careers with travel opportunities frequently allow people to:

  • Make new friends they never would have met
  • Check out interesting restaurants they've read about or seen on TV
  • Explore fascinating museums and heritage sites
  • Go on unique recreational or sightseeing adventures
  • Learn about different cultural customs
  • Improve their overall adaptability
  • Network with potential future employers, clients, or work partners

Get ready to feel inspired by the following examples of careers that involve travel for many of the people who have them. Some of the highest-paying travel jobs are at the top of the list, which is ranked by average yearly wages. Each example also includes information about the length of post-secondary education or training that is typically required for getting started.

(Note: Where mentioned, employment growth projections are based on estimates for the period from 2018 to 2028. And yearly wage information is based on May 2019 data from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program unless indicated as being from (1) PayScale or (2) Go Overseas .)

1. Film or Video Producer

Making movies, TV shows, commercials, and videos often requires traveling to particular locations that offer the right scenery or settings. So being a producer in this field can involve taking trips to check out potential locations before filming starts as well as traveling during the actual production.

  • Average yearly income: $93,940
  • Top-end yearly income: $173,680 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary education: 4 years

2. Management Analyst or Consultant

Companies often bring in outside consultants to help them analyze their businesses and form new strategies for growth or cost saving. So a lot of business management consulting firms employ professionals who get to take trips to visit clients in locations all over the country or the world. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 14 percent.

  • Average yearly income: $95,560
  • Top-end yearly income: $154,310 or more

3. Corporate, Commercial, or Airline Pilot

Just like flight attendants, pilots are always traveling as part of their everyday work. So they're often able to visit cities all over the nation and, as they advance, all over the world too. And, of course, airline pilots generally receive the benefit of being able to fly as a passenger in their off time at no cost.

  • Average yearly income: $102,870 to $174,870
  • Top-end yearly income: $179,440 to $208,000 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: 2 to 4 years

4. Traveling Auditor

Whether for the government or private organizations, many financial auditors travel from place to place to conduct thorough inspections of their various clients' accounts. That's why an education in accounting can eventually lead to appealing opportunities that help you see a lot of the places you've never been.

  • Average yearly income: $79,520
  • Top-end yearly income: $124,450 or more

5. Traveling Registered Nurse (RN)

Hospitals and other medical facilities often experience temporary shortages of registered nurses because of vacations, maternity leaves, retirements, and other issues. As a result, a whole industry exists for the placement of RNs who want to travel to different locations and help employers fill those gaps. Typically, they are given multiple-week assignments for each new location and also have all or some of their housing and meals paid for. Plus, the employment of RNs, in general, is projected to rise by 12 percent.

  • Average yearly income: $77,460
  • Top-end yearly income: $111,220 or more

6. Market Research Analyst

Finding new markets and figuring out what people are likely to pay for requires a lot of skilled investigation. But it also frequently requires traveling to trade shows or interesting places where new trends are starting to happen. Plus, many marketing consulting firms pay research analysts to travel to the locations of their different clients and help them find and tap into profitable markets. Job opportunities in this field are projected to rise in number by 20 percent.

  • Average yearly income: $71,570
  • Top-end yearly income: $122,630 or more

7. Travel Writer

Tourism agencies and travel publications, both in print and online, need a steady stream of useful and fascinating stories to share with their readers. And some people have achieved great success with their own travel blogs. Either way, becoming a reputable writer in this niche can enable you to receive free or discounted trips to many fun and distinctive places around the world.

  • Average yearly income: $73,860
  • Top-end yearly income: $122,450 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary education: 2 to 4 years

8. Traveling Makeup Artist

Many entertainers, as well as theatrical and film production companies, hire talented makeup artists who are willing to travel from city to city. That way, they're assured of having a consistent level of makeup quality for each show or on-location film shoot.

  • Average yearly income: $81,600
  • Top-end yearly income: $145,420 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: 2 years or less

9. Music Producer

Bands and solo musical artists usually need or prefer to have professional guidance when it comes time to record new music. Producers give them somebody more objective to help shape their ideas and their sound based on their project goals. Many producers even take on some audio engineering and mixing duties. As a result, being a music producer with a good reputation can mean receiving offers involving travel to various studio locations (both foreign and domestic).

  • Average yearly income: $95,390

10. Sales Representative

Selling is one of the most valuable business skills you can have. And, in many industries, sales representatives are frequent travelers who meet potential or established clients and customers in all kinds of exciting locations. In some cases, they even have special budgets that allow them to take those people out to nice dinners or other fun outings.

  • Average yearly income: $66,760 to $92,980
  • Top-end yearly income: $120,460 to $158,580 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary education: 1 to 4 years or less

11. Surveillance or Security Manager

Large retail chains often employ security specialists to help oversee and coordinate theft-prevention efforts. And that can involve tasks such as setting up and maintaining surveillance equipment as well as training loss-prevention officers at stores in multiple regions. Plus, most large touring acts and sports teams hire security managers with the same types of skills to prevent equipment theft and help ensure the safety of entertainers, roadies, athletes, and coaches in each new city.

  • Median yearly income: $68,095 1
  • Top-end yearly income: $123,000 or more 1

12. Retail Buyer or Purchasing Manager

Retail chains conduct a lot of research before deciding which products to offer for sale. So their buyers and purchasing managers often get paid to travel to various trade shows in search of new and profitable products that customers might like.

  • Average yearly income: $69,680 to $128,400
  • Top-end yearly income: $107,510 to $193,400 or more

13. Hotel Manager

Many global resort and hotel chains provide management and hospitality training for their employees in locations other than where they work. Plus, advancement opportunities often include regular travel in order to check up on different properties—which are frequently in some of the most beautiful or culturally rich regions of the world.

  • Average yearly income: $63,570
  • Top-end yearly income: $105,720 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: from less than 1 year to as many as 4 years

14. Traveling Medical Technician or Technologist

The first two examples listed above aren't the only careers involving travel in healthcare. All kinds of other roles in the allied health field can provide the same benefit. With the right qualifications and experience, cardiovascular technologists, medical laboratory technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and many other health professionals can get paid to travel. Jobs that require their services exist in new and interesting places. And a lot of them are in real demand. For instance, the employment of cardiovascular techs and medical lab techs is expected to increase by seven percent and 11 percent, respectively. And for medical sonographers, the projected growth rate is 20 percent.

  • Average yearly income: $54,780
  • Top-end yearly income: $81,530 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: from less than 2 years to about 4 years

15. Executive Assistant

Corporate executives, especially at the senior level, tend to do a lot of traveling. And many of them are involved in major international business dealings, meaning that they often take trips overseas to exotic destinations. That's why a lot of executive assistants have jobs requiring travel. Their high-powered employers see them as vital contributors who help make their business trips go as smoothly as possible.

  • Average yearly income: $62,920
  • Top-end yearly income: $91,330 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary education: from less than 1 year to 2 years or more

16. Live Sound Engineer

Live events like big concerts and other stage shows rely on good sound quality for their impact. So skilled sound engineers are sought for all kinds of touring productions. They usually travel from city to city with many other skilled roadies and help ensure that each show leaves the audience satisfied.

  • Average yearly income: $67,090
  • Top-end yearly income: $121,320 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: from less than 1 year to as many as 2 years

17. Commercial Diver

Many of the world's man-made structures are partially or fully under water—by design. They include things like bridges, deep-sea oil drilling platforms, shipping docks, and pipelines. So constructing, maintaining, or repairing them requires scuba divers with special skills, including in underwater welding and underwater photography. A lot of commercial divers get to travel for their work since each new job is often in a whole new location—sometimes even overseas. And demand is strong. Employment in commercial diving is anticipated to rise by seven percent.

  • Average yearly income: $67,100
  • Top-end yearly income: $119,830 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: less than 1 year

18. Restaurant Manager

Like hotel managers, many people who work in restaurant management get the chance to take frequent trips for job-related reasons. That's particularly true for those who help manage national or multi-national restaurant chains.

  • Average yearly income: $59,820
  • Top-end yearly income: $93,040 or more

19. Private Investigator

Clients approach private investigators with all kinds of cases, from suspected adultery to missing persons to corporate fraud. As a result, travel is frequently a necessary aspect of the job. After all, clues can lead to a lot of exciting and unexpected places.

  • Average yearly income: $57,000
  • Top-end yearly income: $89,760 or more

20. Millwright

When companies need to set up large industrial machines on new job sites, they need tradespeople with specialized skills and expertise. Millwrights help assemble, move, calibrate, or take apart heavy equipment used in industries like manufacturing, electrical power generation, and construction. And they typically travel from work site to work site, spending a few weeks at each one. For some of them, that means being able to see and experience lots of different places throughout the course of a career. The projected rate of employment growth in this trade is nine percent.

  • Average yearly income: $57,050
  • Top-end yearly income: $81,080 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: 2 years or less (or 4-year apprenticeship)

21. Event Planner

From destination weddings to international business conventions, special events are often a major generator of jobs that include travel. After all, event planners might consult with their clients in one city but end up needing to help oversee the final arrangements in an entirely different one. The number of job opportunities in event planning is projected to rise by seven percent.

  • Average yearly income: $54,880
  • Top-end yearly income: $86,390 or more

22. Fashion Marketing and Merchandising

Determining which clothing and accessory lines to sell—and how to promote them to potential customers—often involves taking fun trips to scout ideas. And fashion shows take place in many of the world's most colorful and happening cities.

  • Median yearly income: $49,057 1
  • Top-end yearly income: $98,000 or more 1

23. Flight Attendant

Working for an airline can have great travel benefits, especially if you're a flight attendant. That's because the job, by its very nature, involves traveling far from home on a regular basis. And that often means being able to explore a different city between your shifts. Plus, many airlines allow their flight attendants to fly for free during their personal time when space is available on under-sold flights. That frequently even applies to international flights, which can help minimize vacation costs.

  • Average yearly income: $56,230
  • Top-end yearly income: $80,940 or more

24. Journalist

Our world is full of important and entertaining real-life stories just waiting to be told. It's why we need journalists who have heart and integrity. Whether reporting from the front lines of a foreign revolution or the sidelines of a big sporting event, many talented journalists get to travel to lively places both near and far.

  • Average yearly income: $62,400
  • Top-end yearly income: $117,170 or more

25. Traveling Surgical Technologist

Just like traveling RNs, many experienced surgical techs also have the opportunity to work in a variety of locations on an interim basis. They help out in the operating rooms of hospitals and ambulatory surgical clinics across the country. And some of them even get the chance to travel the world with surgeons who provide operations for disadvantaged people in developing nations. The expected growth rate for overall surgical technology employment is nine percent.

  • Average yearly income: $50,110
  • Top-end yearly income: $71,400 or more

26. Massage Therapist

A lot of qualified massage therapists are able to travel and work in exciting or exotic places, both in America and abroad. In fact, it's possible to build a fun and adventurous career by pursuing opportunities on cruise ships, in destination resorts, or even with professional sports teams. And employment in the massage therapy field is expected to increase by 22 percent.

  • Average yearly income: $47,180
  • Top-end yearly income: $80,630 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: from a few months to as many as 2 years

27. Commercial Truck Driver

Many long-haul truck drivers enjoy rolling through a variety of scenic locations from coast to coast. Some of them even regularly cross borders and get to experience different cultural customs while taking breaks along the way to their final destinations. You can find training for this career at truck driving trade schools .

  • Average yearly income: $46,850
  • Top-end yearly income: $66,840 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: 3 to 6 months

28. Racing Team Mechanic

Racecars obviously don't fix themselves. They get tuned up by highly skilled auto technicians who specialize in working on high-performance vehicles. And, of course, professional racing circuits involve a lot of built-in travel. Each race is usually in a different location, meaning that a qualified mechanic can see a lot of the country—and sometimes foreign cities—while getting paid to do what he or she loves.

  • Average yearly income: $44,890
  • Top-end yearly income: $68,880 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: 6 months to 1 year or more

29. Photographer

Whether it's taking photos for destination weddings, commercial advertising, or journalism, the work of a professional photographer can include a lot of travel. It really just depends on your area of focus and the reputation you've established. Photojournalists and commercial photographers, especially, tend to get a lot of different jobs that require travel and pay well.

  • Average yearly income: $45,440
  • Top-end yearly income: $79,440 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary education: from less than 1 year to as many as 4 years

30. Dancer or Choreographer

From touring musical acts to traveling theatrical shows, many job opportunities open up every year for dancers and choreographers with dedication and talent. In fact, a total of 3,600 jobs are projected to become available each year, on average, between 2018 and 2028.

  • Average yearly income: $47,653 to $53,590
  • Top-end yearly income: $90,293 to $101,710 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary education: 4 to 6 years

31. Tour Guide or Travel Agent

If you're into taking repeated trips and guiding people through enticing places, the tourism industry has some intriguing jobs. You could go to foreign sites of historical significance or to places offering recreational adventures. You could also work on staking out potential destinations that can be recommended to clients who prefer professional and personalized trip-planning services.

  • Average yearly income: $30,670 to $44,690
  • Top-end yearly income: $45,850 to $69,420 or more
  • Typical length of post-secondary training: 1 year or less

32. Spa Practitioner

Beauty professionals are employed in exciting locations all over the globe. As a result, having talent and skills in cosmetology or esthetics opens up opportunities for careers that travel the world. You could work in exotic settings like destination spas or luxury resorts and cruise ships. Plus, in a lot of areas of the industry, demand is quite strong. For instance, the projected employment growth rate for nail technicians is 10 percent. And for skincare specialists, it's 11 percent.

  • Average yearly income: $27,390 to $47,180
  • Top-end yearly income: $36,730 to $80,630 or more

33. International Teacher

English-speaking teachers are in big demand in many foreign countries, and not just for teaching English. In fact, many of today's opportunities are for teaching anything from math and science to the arts. Typical contracts are for at least two years, and employers frequently pay for your travel, housing, and insurance. So you can save a lot of money while getting paid to live and work in a country you've always wanted to explore. Then, once your contract is up, you can seek out an entirely new location and keep repeating the process. It can be an extraordinary way to see the world.

  • Typical yearly income (in the highest-paying countries): $16,800 to $78,000 2

5 Appealing Benefits of Jobs With Lots of Travel

Jobs That Involve Traveling

1. New friendships

The social aspect is one of the best features of many traveling jobs. (No experience is more enriching than meeting other people that you really connect with.) A lot of traveling professionals are able to start and maintain long-lasting friendships with people from all kinds of different places. As a result, they often discover more about themselves and feel more stable and grounded.

2. Memorable dining and recreational experiences

You don't necessarily need a high-paying travel job with a large expense account in order to enjoy fun and interesting adventures when you're away from home. Even many entry-level travel jobs provide opportunities for experiencing memorable attractions. For instance, a lot of professionals come home with good stories about eating at cool hole-in-the-wall restaurants, walking through scenic parks, watching crazy street buskers, or visiting unique historical sites. The recreational possibilities are frequently extensive, regardless of how much money you're able to spend.

3. Heightened creativity

Jobs that Travel

4. Heightened empathy and cultural awareness

This benefit isn't necessarily a feature of all travel-related jobs. (Where you travel—and what you do when traveling—has a significant impact on whether or not you gain a richer understanding of other cultures.) But if you truly immerse yourself in a culture that is different than your own, then you may begin to feel much more connected to all of humanity. And that can help you feel more optimistic and capable of seeing problems from a variety of different perspectives.

5. More confidence, resilience, and adaptability

Even traveling jobs that pay well introduce professionals to distinctive challenges and small mishaps from time to time. From flight delays to language barriers, the challenges that you face and overcome can help you become more confident and resilient in all areas of life. And being adaptable can be very valuable when it comes to landing good job opportunities and succeeding in your career over multiple decades. After all, change is always happening.

Get a Head Start on Your Own Journey

Clearly, jobs that allow you to travel are plentiful. And the above examples represent only a few of the possible options. So don't hesitate to begin pursuing your travel-oriented future in a field you enjoy. Discover relevant training programs in your area by searching with your zip code today!

"I recommend using Trade-Schools.net because you can find the program that you are interested in nearby or online. " Trade-Schools.net User

Related Articles

Careers in Food

what careers travel

25 Best Travel Jobs to Make Money Traveling the World (2024)

Where have you always wanted to go? 

Perhaps Egypt? How about Peru? Or maybe Paris? Wherever it is, jobs that allow you to travel can take you there.

But which travel jobs are best for you?

If you’re wondering how to travel and work abroad, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore 25 jobs for people who like to travel.

But first, let’s take a quick look at four types of travel jobs.

what careers travel

Start selling online now with Shopify

what careers travel

4 types of travel jobs

There are many different ways to travel while working. All of the travel jobs listed in this article fall into one of the following categories:

Digital nomad jobs

Jobs that pay to travel

  • Expats working and traveling abroad

Backpacker jobs

Some types of travel jobs require a high level of expertise, and some aren’t as flexible as others. However, they all give you the means to cover some (or all) of your travel expenses.

So, what’s the difference, and which one’s best for you?

→ Click Here to Launch Your Online Business with Shopify

1. digital nomad jobs.

Digital nomads are people who travel while working online. As a result, digital nomad jobs provide an enormous amount of flexibility and independence when traveling.

Examples of digital nomads include freelance developers, graphic designers, and dropshippers .

With this type of travel job, all you need is a reliable internet connection and a laptop. You can travel to the best digital nomad cities and work from coffee shops, hotels, or coworking spaces. The jobs are often fully remote.

2. Jobs that pay to travel

This type of job encompasses traditional travel jobs, typically in the hospitality and tourism industries.

Examples of jobs that pay to travel include cruise ship workers, flight attendants, and tour guides.

These jobs often dictate when and where you get to travel and often provide free accommodation. So while there’s less freedom than in digital nomad jobs, these jobs may be easier to get if you have prior experience working in hospitality.

3. Expats working and traveling abroad

The term “expat” stands for “expatriate.” It refers to people who are citizens of one country but decide to live and work in another country.

Examples of expat travel jobs include English teachers, au pairs, or government workers.

Expats might live in other countries for just a few months or years at a time. So, if you’d prefer to work outside your home country and sink your teeth into a new culture or language, this may be the dream job for you.

4. Backpacker jobs

Let me give it to you straight: Backpacker jobs are probably the least glamorous, requiring you to work long hours for a minimal wage. 

Examples include bartenders, hostel workers, and surfing instructors.

Still, this type of travel job has a lot of benefits. These entry-level travel jobs don’t usually require a computer or college degree. 

They also provide plenty of flexibility so you can travel at your own pace. Plus, finding local work while traveling is one of the best ways to meet interesting people and experience different cultures.

25 best travel jobs to make money while traveling the world 

Now that you understand the types of travel jobs available, let’s dive a bit deeper. Here are 25 of the best jobs for people who like to travel. 

Let’s start with jobs that you can do with just a laptop and an internet connection.

1. Web design/development

A common job for digital nomads is web design and development. To start, learn how to create a website . Or try searching for jobs on sites like GitHub Jobs and Upwork . 

These days, it’s possible to make money writing about virtually anything. Look for jobs on sites like FreelanceWriting , Blogging Pro , and Problogger .

Freelance Writing: Jobs

3. Graphic design

Do you love graphic design? Why not turn your passion into a job that covers your travel costs? You can find graphic design traveling jobs on sites like Freelancer and Dribbble .

Dribbble: Graphic Design Jobs

4. Travel blogger

Many people make money with travel blogging. However, it can take time to build a sustainable income from this source. To find out more, check out How to Start a Travel Blog .

5. Dropshipper

Dropshipping might just be the best job to travel the world. It’s a hands-off approach to selling physical products online. You manage your store and promote products to your target market . Then, your supplier will ship the products to customers on your behalf. To get started and gain experience, read How to Start a Dropshipping Business .

6. Online teaching/tutor

Teaching online is one of the best travel jobs, thanks to its low barrier to entry. If you’re a native English speaker and love to teach, you can be up and running in no time. To learn more, check out our full-length guide, Online Teaching: Everything You Need to Know .

7. Online translator

If you’re fluent in more than one language, consider becoming an online translator. This job makes it easy to travel while working. Plus, there are plenty of websites out there to help you find potential clients, such as  Translators Base .

8. Digital marketer

Countless businesses need help with digital marketing. Like many of the best travel jobs, digital marketing isn’t something you can learn in a week or two. However, there are plenty of free resources online to help you become a digital marketer and make big bucks while traveling! Get started with this article: Digital Marketing Made Simple: The Complete Beginner’s Guide .

9. Programmer

If you know how to code—or you would love to learn—you could travel the world while working as a computer programmer. There are plenty of websites out there that teach programming, such as Free Code Camp , Code.org , and Code Academy .

Code Academy

10. Virtual assistant

Many businesses and individuals hire people to help them with administrative tasks, like scheduling and responding to customer inquiries. These people are known as virtual assistants. To learn more, check out How to Become a  Virtual Assistant .

11. Customer service agent

Are you great with people? Do you have plenty of patience and a genuine desire to help? Tons of businesses hire remote customer service agents. To find customer service jobs, check out remote job boards like FlexJobs , JustRemote , and We Work Remotely .

We Work Remotely

Do you want to travel for a living? Here are some jobs with travel opportunities.

12. Yacht worker

This travel job almost sounds too good to be true. You can travel for a living on some rich person’s luxury yacht—you just have to earn your keep as a deckhand or steward! The yacht is like a free house because you don’t pay rent. Look for yacht travel jobs on sites like Yacrew and Bluewater .

13. Cruise ship worker

If you’d rather sail on a bigger ship, consider working on a cruise ship. This type of travel job provides plenty of work opportunities. For example, you can work as a waiter, bartender, cleaner, lifeguard, or musician. Try searching for jobs on websites like All Cruise Jobs , Indeed , and Cruise Job Finder .

Jobs That Pay to Travel: All Cruise Jobs

14. Flight attendant

Working as a flight attendant provides plenty of opportunities to travel different countries, with airline and hotel discounts to boot! However, the hours can be long, and jet lag is a common occurrence. You can find flight attendant opportunities on Indeed and  AirlineCareer .

15. Photographer

Photography could be your round-the-world ticket. It’s not easy to turn this hobby into a career, but many people achieve it every year. Make sure to specialize in a niche geared for travel, such as destination weddings or travel photography. To learn more, check out this guide on How to Start a Photography Business .

If you want to immerse yourself in a different culture, consider living abroad long term with these travel jobs.

16. English teacher

To become an English teacher, it’s likely you’ll need a TEFL (teach English as a foreign language) certification. Find out more on TEFL’s website or look for jobs on Go Overseas .

Jobs Related to Travel: TEFL

17. Scuba diving instructor

Do you love scuba diving? If you get qualified, you could teach scuba diving all over the world, from India to Iceland. To learn more, check out the Professional Association of Diving Instructors or look for jobs on Divezone and Go Abroad .

18. Au pair

Are you great with children? If so, why not become an au pair? Many families hire live-in babysitters from foreign countries because they want their children to grow up speaking a foreign language. You can search for au pair careers on Go Overseas , Go Abroad , and AuPairWorld .

Jobs with Travel Opportunities: Go Overseas

19. Foreign service travel jobs

If you’re looking for a more serious travel career, consider working for the foreign service or an intergovernmental organization (IGO). These jobs are usually only open to people who have relevant degrees and experience. Here are some links to find out more for citizens of the United States , the United Kingdom , and Canada .

20. Peace corps/NGO work

If you want a unique and potentially life-changing trip, try volunteering with the Peace Corps or a non-governmental organization (NGO). The pay isn’t great, but these jobs can provide a rich travel experience.

Finally, let’s take a look at some entry-level travel jobs.

21. Hostel worker

Hostels often hire travelers for temporary positions in exchange for free food, accommodation, and sometimes a small wage. You could become a receptionist or housekeeper to make your travel dreams a reality. Visit sites like Hostel Jobs and HelpStay to find your first travel job as a hostel worker.

Helpstay

22. Bartender

Most countries have bars, clubs, and restaurants—and the work is pretty much the same wherever you are in the world. Still, it helps to speak the local language. Sites like HelpX and HelpStay are highly recommended for bartender work search.

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. This organization helps to connect budget travelers with organic farms in need of workers around the world. In return for working 20 to 30 hours per week, you’ll be given free food and accommodation—although, you won’t be paid, so this isn’t a real travel job. However, it’s a great way to cut travel expenses while you’re on the road.

24. Yoga/fitness instructor

If you have the experience, you could travel the world as a freelance yoga or fitness instructor. Many instructors find work with local gyms, hotels, and fitness studios. To find such travel jobs, visit Yoga Travel Jobs , Health and Fitness Travel , and Yoga Trade .

Yoga Travel Jobs

25. Ski instructor

If you’re a keen skier, you could fund your skiing adventures by working as an instructor. This travel job is similar to scuba instructing, but it can be easier to find short-term work. Some jobs involve training clients on ski resorts, which could be a fun way to explore new places while earning a living.

Start making money while traveling the world

If you want to start working and traveling, there are plenty of travel jobs out there. From digital nomad roles to entry-level positions, you have many ways to generate income. Consider getting a job that fits your experience, so you can excel and progress faster than people usually do.

In summary, here are 25 of the best travel jobs to make money while traveling the world:

  • Website designer/developer
  • Graphic designer
  • Travel blogger
  • Dropshipper
  • Online teacher/tutor
  • Online translator
  • Digital marketer
  • Virtual assistant
  • Customer service agent
  • Yacht worker
  • Cruise ship worker
  • Flight attendant
  • Photographer
  • English teacher
  • Scuba diving instructor
  • Foreign service travel jobs
  • Peace Corps/NGO work
  • Hostel worker
  • Yoga/fitness instructor
  • Ski instructor

What do you think is the best travel job? Have we missed any? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Travel jobs FAQ

How do i get a job while traveling the world.

  Keep an eye on job boards and career websites where companies post travel-friendly jobs. These days, you can work as a digital nomad or do entry-level jobs in most countries worldwide while enjoying all they have to offer. 

What is the best job to have while traveling?

The best travel job for you is one that suits your experience and skills. If you’ve been working as a translator for a while, consider applying for online translation jobs. If you don’t have any prior work experience, you can consider entry-level positions such as hostel worker or bartender. 

Want to Learn More?

  • How Much Money Can You Make With an Ecommerce Store?
  • 23 Inspirational Videos That Will Completely Blow You Away
  • 7 Habits of Successful Digital Entrepreneurs
  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Read This If You Feel Like You’re Not Good Enough

how to make money online

How to To Make Money Online: 35 Reliable Ways (2024)

Here are 35 ways how you can make money online today from the comfort of your home. Just a laptop and internet connecti…

what careers travel

What Is Entrepreneurship? Definition, Meaning, and Tips (2024)

While the definition of entrepreneurship has stayed constant for decades, the possibilities for aspiring entrepreneurs …

what careers travel

How To Motivate Yourself: 11 Ways To Find Motivation (2024)

Developing self motivation can be tough. To help you, here are 11 ways to motivate yourself so that you can achieve you…

Oberlo uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and improve your experience. By using our website, you agree to our privacy policy.

  • Meet the Team
  • Work with Us
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Work and Travel » 35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

Do you wish you could travel more but don’t have enough money?

Then this guide is for you! It will tell you all about the types of epic travel jobs that you can do. Ultimately, this post will help you find work and travel the world… FOREVER.

There are a surprising number of jobs that involve travelling, a few canny ways to make money travelling abroad, and even some jobs where you actually get paid to travel… (The best kind!)

From freelancing to affiliate marketing, travel blogging, tending the bar at a hip hostel–there are seriously all kinds of awesome – and some terrible – travel jobs you can get to make ends meet and prolong your travels.

The life of a working traveller is varied and complex: there are countless tools in your arsenal! In today’s post, I’m giving you the lowdown on some of the best travel jobs for backpackers, expats, and aspiring digital nomads. And realistically, for nearly all of them, you don’t need no tertiary education.

Ditch your desk, amigos: the world is waiting and the only thing you need to SUCCEED is  grit.

Nic working on a laptop in Bohinj, near Bled in Slovenia.

  • Making Money Travelling the World:Types of Travel Work

The 35 Best Travel Jobs in 2024

Did you find your dream travel job, making money travelling the world: types of travel work.

There are lots of different types of travel jobs out there, and they can roughly be broken down into three categories. Let’s take a look at them before we delve into the jobs themselves…

There are some jobs that will pay you to travel the world. This might sound very glamorous at first, but you have to bear in mind you may not get as much of a chance to actually explore as you will be working. These could be travel jobs or potentially even travel careers , but they still generally require the level of input from you that any regular ol’ boring job would.

Jobs that require travel and pay well, such as being an airline pilot or foreign service travel jobs, will offer you a chance to save up mega-cashola and to hopefully see parts of the world during your downtime. But to be honest (and in my opinion) these travel careers don’t have the same kind of freedom as being a digital nomad.

Personally, I’m a big believer in making money through a digital nomad job as these jobs allow you to work from literally anywhere in the world, on your own schedule, and often as your own boss.

It takes time to set up a career as a digital nomad career… But it’s easy to get started now and to begin your journey!

All you need is a laptop plus a few other of the digital nomad essentials , and idea of WHAT you want to do, and a place in the world that you’re content to get some work done from. Well, that and playlist that gets you in the zone!

Beccoming a digital nomad changes how you travel , so for backpackers that want to retain their backpacker-roots, you need a job for backpacker. These travel jobs are job-jobs.

They could be wicked jobs, they could be shitkicker jobs. They could, potentially, also progress into careers, but they wouldn’t be travel careers. You’d just be an expat with a regular ol’ job.

Many of the best travelling jobs for backpackers are super casual affairs – seasonal work or temporary labour gigs. I’ve found paying work on goat farms, behind bars, in hostels, on construction sites, on beaches, and in many other places whilst backpacking around the world. It’s usually very easy to find some casual work as a backpacker.

All you need is a good smile, good work ethic, and maybe the willingess to be paid under the table for less than minimum wage! (Oops, did I say that? You do you.) 😉

what careers travel

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Let’s look at how to work and travel like a BOSS (or self-employed hustler). Ideas range from online trading to teaching yoga to consulting. Don’t Work Another Day ; we have something for every CV!

1. Make Money Blogging

Starting a blog is one of the best travel jobs out there. You can travel whenever you want and make money out of your adventures to keep you going! However, blogging is not easy and it’s not one of those jobs to make money quickly.

Blogging offers a great introduction to many different digital nomad careers. You’ll learn more about SEO, copywriting, web design, social media management, marketing and PR… the list goes on! All you need to get started is a decent laptop for travel blogging and loads of patience!

If you want to get a taste of blogging before launching your own, you can look into becoming a virtual assistant or if writing is more your thing becoming a freelance service provider , like Sofie Couwenbergh is also a viable option. Working for a blogger is the best way to learn the tricks of the trade!

Full disclosure: The travel blogging industry is competitive, cutthroat, and, honestly, oversaturated. DO expect a long road to the top.

How Much Can You Earn?

  • From $0 – $50,000 per month!

Digital Nomad in Malta

Finding a work-friendly atmosphere is important – check out Tribal Bali …

Having a job is one thing, but being able to sit down and get some work in is a whole other story. Luckily there are amazing coworking spaces all over the globe. But what if you could combine working and a place to live? Say no more…

what careers travel

Introducing the best Coworking Hostel in the World – Tribal Bali!

A unique coworking and co-living hostel for those that want to travel the world while working from their laptops. Make use of the massive open-air coworking spaces and sip on delicious coffee. If you need a quick screen break, just take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or grab a drink at the bar. Need more work inspiration?

Staying at a digital nomad-friendly hostel is a really smart way to get more done whilst still enjoying the social life of travelling… Mingle, share ideas, brainstorm, make connections and find your tribe at Tribal Bali!

2. Teach English Abroad

Nic and Shorty playing with a kid in Bagan, Myanmar/ Burma.

For backpackers looking to settle somewhere for a year or more to save up some serious cash, teaching English abroad is one of the best jobs for nomads.

These days, you can teach English in most countries in the world while seeing all the goods they got to offer at the same time! This is probably one of the best travel careers out there: there’s a low barrier to entry and most native speakers can get a travel job teaching English.

Being a native speaker gives you an obvious advantage, but it’s also possible for non-native speakers to get work teaching English too.  You don’t even really need a degree to teach English in many countries, however, nabbing a TEFL certificate through an online course first will help you hit the ground running. (And hopefully will mean you won’t be a crap teacher too ?)

It’s a small investment that will help you score more gigs AND better-paying gigs in the long run. Plus, think of the children! Won’t somebody think of the children!?!?

  • $1500 – $3000 depending on the country.

3. Teach English Online

a girl working on her laptop in a cafe with a view of rice fields in Bali behind her

Thanks to the power of the internet, the world of teaching English online has opened doors to English speakers everywhere! You can work from anywhere! (Provided you have a solid internet connection.)

What’s the best part? Depending on the company you work for, you can choose your own schedule and commitment level. Whatever works for you!

Teaching English online is fast becoming one of the best ways for backpackers to make money online without a doubt. Online teaching platforms connect prospective teachers with keen students. Set your pricing, choose your hours, and market yourself to potential clients.

The money isn’t impressive, particularly in the early days, but this is a job that you can grow and literally do anywhere. Nothing beats a location independent gig!

  • About $1500 per month.

4. Dropshipping

remote worker doing some work at a cafe in Seminyak, bali

Dropshipping is when you ship products to customers, usually in Europe or the USA, from somewhere cheap (usually China). Essentially, you manage the online storefront while a third party handles the logistics of storing and shipping products.

Now, dropshipping CAN be profitable. It can also be a major headache: you have been warned.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Digital nomad in Portugal. Coffee, laptop and work in Lagos.

Affiliate marketing is very simple. It means that you recommend a product or service to your audience, and if someone on your website uses or buys that product or service, you get a commission!

Affiliate marketing is basically being a middle man and is one of the most popular, proven, and sustainable ways to create income online.

If you are interested in online jobs travellers can easily utilise, learning effective affiliate marketing strategies is the holy grail. Passive income is fucking POWERFUL.

  • Oodles but you need the traffic to earn it. But then, it all flows in passively. 😉

6. Crytocurrency and Day Trading

A large sculpture of a Peseta coin, Spain

The exciting world of cryptocurrency investment has come a long way. You can HODL, stake, mine, generate interest (yup – totally a thing now!), and, of course, trade.

Day trading is a really exciting – but very nerve-wracking – way to make money while travelling. I have no experience trading stocks, but a lot of people I know have been trading cryptocurrency for a while now and have seen rather delectables return on their investments (with some losses along the way).

If you have money that you can afford to lose (seriously, this shit carries risk), then day trading is one of the most exciting travel jobs out there right now.

  • The sky’s the limit!

7. Volunteering

shirtless man volunteering in rural india with two kids swinging on his arms

Okiedoke – volunteering! Now, clearly, volunteering ISN’T a travel job, however, it’s functionally the same. You work (hard), you greatly reduce your travel costs, plus you’ll have some life-changing experiences while you’re at it. So it fits the bill!

Now, while voluntourism has received some flak over the years (and the trade has only become stickier in the COVID-times ), volunteering still remains one of the most meaningful ways to travel. A free feed and bed is certainly a win, but it’s the experience and the knowledge that you’re actually making a difference is what makes it, honestly, one of the best travel jobs for backpackers.

You have a lot of good options for volunteering abroad:

  • WWOOF – An organisation primarily concerned with connecting working travellers with volunteering gigs on organic farms and agricultural projects.
  • Workaway (and its numerous alternatives ) – As well as agricultural projects, these guys tend to also connect you to volunteering gigs around the board. Hostel work, translation and copywriting, building skate ramps, building backyard dunnies: it’s a wide net.
  • Worldpackers – Our personal fave platform for this bizz.

Worldpackers is a smashing organisation. They’ve got more of a community focus than many of the alternatives and they run a tight ship too!

We sent one of our tried and true broke backpackers on a volunteering mission to Vietnam and the results were stellar. So stellar, in fact, that we happily partnered with them to bring Broke Backpacker readers a discount on the signup fee!

Just enter the code BROKEBACKPACKER at the checkout when signing up or do the clicky-click below!

what careers travel

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

We’ve also got a review of Workaway you can peruse if Worldpackers doesn’t float your boat. They’re a bit more stuffy (a natural caveat for being the lead of the pack), but they have volunteering gigs coming out of the ears!

And as one brief little sidenote, it’s worth noting the skills you pick up volunteering can go a LONG way to aiding you in your career as a working traveller. The more you know, the more backpacker jobs open up to you.

8. Become A Freelance Travel Photographer

what careers travel

If you love taking pictures, why don’t you make the most of your skills and be paid for it? Breaking into freelance photography is no easy, feat but it’s totally possible if you have perseverance and work at honing your craft every day.

You can travel the world forever by snapping away… If you get really good at your craft, you can even land a job that pays you to travel as a professional photographer for either the media or, the dream, National Geographic.

  • $0 – $5000
  • BEST Cameras for Travellers
  • GoPro Alternatives to Make You  Whoah
  • Top Camera Bags – Buyer’s Guide!
  • Essential Camera Accessories You NEED

9. Teach Yoga

a girl going a yoga handstand on a beach

Yoga continues to grow in popularity around the world, and yoga instructors are in high demand. While not the highest paying job for travellers, finding work as a yoga instructor is one of the more assured ways to work and travel.

Travellers love yoga and are keen on lessons just about anywhere in the world. Combine that with hostels, cafes, and community centres (among a million other venues) always being on the lookout

Getting a yoga certification CERTAINLY helps you stand out from the crowd but it necessarily isn’t needed. Talk to other guests at your hostel, or people around any beach, hippy, or traveller town and see what you can rustle up. Start off with a sesh at a world-class yoga retreat to learn a few Asanas and limber up first and the rest will be easy.

Alternatively, head over to Yoga Travel Jobs Directory and see if there are any worthwhile postings. The beauty of this one is that the informality allows you to find work on the road in most places without the added red tape.

  • $5/hour or even less in developing nations. Bounce on over to the northern beaches of Sydney though, and activewear soccer mums eat that shit up for $50+ a pop!

10. Fitness Instructor

Similar to yoga, if you’re in shape and know how to break a sweat, you can get paid to help others do the same! I love finding creative ways to stay in shape while travelling and you’ll find plenty of other travellers who will share this interest.

Will's first fitness competition in Sydney.

See if your hostel wants to organise any activities or events which you can market by word of mouth or by putting a flyer up. Head to a park or the beach and BOOM! You’re a certified fitness instructor… sort of.

Certifications are for losers without glorious, rippling muscles.

11. Tour Director

photo of a tour group led by will having dinner in lahore pakistan

Directors accompany a tour group for the entirety of the itinerary and basically make sure people are having a good time. If it’s a twenty-one-day culture tour through Central America, the tour director is there the entire time, leading the group, answering questions, communicating with the bus driver, and, most importantly, creating solutions when shit goes wrong.

This is one of the travel industry careers that require the most work, but if you think you possess the qualities, there are thousands of amazing adventure tour companies looking for new leaders worldwide.

This industry is very competitive, but once you get your foot in the door you’ll be offered work left and right. I’ve got some experience leading adventure tours myself and this is a solid choice of job that involves travelling… You just need to have endless amounts of energy.

These are maybe the best jobs for travel and adventure for those that seek the high life and the pay ain’t too shabby either!.

  • $1000 – $3000

grayl geopress filter bottle

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

12. Travel Tour Guide

Eating Okonomiyaki in Osaka Japan on a street food tour.

As opposed to a tour director, a tour guide usually does shorter tours (think three-hour walking tours). Ideally, tour guides are experts in their niche, but sometimes just a bit more knowledge than the average Joe will suffice

If you have experience or certification, getting tour guide work will be easy. If you travelling in the EU , you can also find tour guide work within Europe relatively easy (free walking tours, etc.) without certification.

Otherwise, there are lots of people on the web tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit and starting their own tour jobs while on the road.

  • $500 – $1500

13. Work on A Boat

A person sitting on a wooden boat with blue sea and jungle covered islands in the distance.

Unfortunately, the days of being a pirate are kinda over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still work and live on a boat!

A traveller’s job on a boat is certainly easier to get with experience, but sometimes it’s as easy as just walking onto a dock and asking around. Teach yourself to tie knots first and you’ll be golden.

Want to significantly increase your chances of getting hired on a superyacht or boat? Consider taking a course at the Super Yacht School – an online training company that educates people on everything they need to know regarding how to land a job on a superyacht as a crew member.

Alternatively, become a cruise ship worker and live the party-working-travelling-life on the high seas. Drugs, booze, and nights of wanton hedonism – excellent!

  • $1200 – $2500

14. Boat Delivery

Rear view of a boat with views of mountains in the background

More boats! This one is a bit difficult to get into as a newbie, but if you have some experience working on the high seas, boat delivery has some serious work and travel potential. Typically the pay won’t be very high (if at all) but you’ll get your experience up and get to sail the seven seas for free!

Getting into this travel career could lead to more lucrative gigs in the future too, so it’s worth considering if the goal is simply finding jobs that let you travel.

Head over to Crewseekers.net or cruisersforum.com for some killer job leads!

15. Making and Selling Jewellery

handcrafts on the beach working with silver and precious stones

Screw travel jobs – be a travel entrepreneur! While you can make and sell anything, jewellery is certainly the backpacker artisans staple, and I’ve met lots of people who make and sell jewellery whilst travelling .

Some critics of budget backpacking might have a go at you for – ahem – “begpacking” , but to those critics I say… get a job, ya hippy! If you’re wheeling, dealing, and hustling on the road, you are the literal opposite of a begpacker. It’s fun too!

The materials can be cheap and light to carry, it’s an artsy and fun thing to do, and you can set up shop (busking-style) in most places in the world that are kind to street merchants (i.e. not Malaysia). Selling handmade jewellery on the street isn’t the path to becoming a billionaire, but if you can make a decent product, it’s a great way to bring in enough to cover a day of gallivanting.

It isn’t strictly one of the easiest travel jobs out there if you genuinely care about your craft. Sourcing ethical materials, making the jewellery, and haggling for a fair price can all be a real battle. But damn you’ll have some ten-outta-ten adventures along the way!

  • $300 – $1000 per month

16. Importing Stuff to Sell

backpacking-new-zealand-takaka-hippy

A personal favourite of mine, this is what I sometimes refer to as the ‘ stuff your backpack’ method. It’s an easy w ay to make some money back after quitting your job to travel .

When in exotic countries, you will find awesome trinkets and doodads that people back home will go crazy over! Think hippy stuff: chillums, trousers, jewellery, festival belts, etc. These items will be authentic and dirt cheap.

Then, when you are outside that country and back in the good ol’ inflationary West, you can sell the authentic handcrafted Indian peace pipe that you paid $.75 cents for in Mumbai for $15 at festivals or online! It’s a great way to make 1,000% or more on your investments.

To make the most money though, you’ll have to frequently hit the road and stuff your backpack (a big hiking backpack is good for this) as well as have a good eye for stuff to take back home. If you can somehow inject something about chakras into the marketing spiel you’ll give to sell it, it’s a winner.

  • $500 – $2000 per month

Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

17. Busking

buskers station in wanaka

Another of the world’s oldest professions that now catches some flak from the world’s newest crybabies: busking. If you have a talent, you can flaunt it for some cash in the street AND – better yet – make a bunch of people smile too!

You doen’t have to be a wandering musician with a travel-sized guitar either; magic, acrobatics, juggling, flow, dance – anything that’s impressive enough to score a tip is worth the shot, and you can score some mean tips! (Believe it or not.)

If the artisti di strada chooses the right location and is talented (or smiley) enough, there’s a pretty good chance they are making some dough! Enough to cover a day’s cost at least… You just need to know how to busk !

Also, if you are a musician, you should look into giving lessons for work while travelling or even playing some low-key gigs at bars or hostels. It’s a good way to score a feed, and it’s certainly not a bad payoff for a few hours of jammin’!

The resident in-house dirtbag busker on The Broke Backpacker team had this to say:

“I’ve had $5/hour days, I’ve had $50/hour days; busking is large part luck, however, there is a hidden art and science to the craft.”

18. Scuba Diving Instructor

Two people taking a selfie whilst scuba diving.

Get paid for adventure. Underwater adventures no less!

Becoming a certified scuba diver and instructor takes a bit of investment, but it can be one of the most fun ways to work and travel the world simultaneously. You need a handful of courses and certifications, as well as having logged in a certain amount of hours underwater yourself, and then the world is your… oyster. (Huehuehue.)

If you are already certified, get excited! If you aren’t, you can do it at home, or take advantage of many (significantly cheaper) programs that exist in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. Hands down this is one of the best ways to get paid to travel PLUS you can pick up paying work in lots of different countries around the world.

Plus, y’know, dive for a living. Not bad, ‘ey?

  • $1000 – $4000 per month.

19. Surf Instructor

A person surfing

Similar to a scuba instructor but without all of the need for certifications. You just need to be a badass surfer! Surfing instructors can do well for themselves by travelling, surfing, meeting people who are interested and want to learn, and then offering their services.

Plus, let’s be real… you’ll get laid. A lot.

You won’t earn as much as a scuba instructor, but you’ll be getting paid to surf and travel at the same time which is probably the coolest thing ever! I’m a big fan of surfing and hoping to spend a year or two getting a hell of a lot better in the future. If you are looking for cool jobs you can do while travelling, this may be for you.

There are lots of resources for finding potential gigs. Surf Travel Jobs is an excellent starting point.

  • $500 – $1500 per month.

what careers travel

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

20. Buy A Place and Rent It

An old cottage covered in rose bushes and a tin roof near Queenstown, New Zealand.

If you have been working for a while, you may have some savings. Rather than blowing it all on a couple of fast-paced years of travel, invest it into buying a property at home and renting it out whilst you travel (thus living off the rent money).

You can advertise your place on lots of different websites including Airbnb or one of the many excellent sites like Airbnb , and it can very easily turn into big bucks! Pretty soon, you’ll be making money while travelling; so much so that some of my friends don’t even stay at their own place when they return to their hometown.

  • $600 – $2000 per month.

21. Housesitting

Will chilling on the terrace with two white dogs

Sort of a work-exchange-meets-job, housesitting while travelling is HAWT right now. Typically you pet-sit for an extended amount of time, and in return, you are given free rein over an entire house. Housesitting gigs rarely pay, but you can’t really complain as their still jobs that allow you to travel near-indefinitely.

You’ll be getting free accommodation, a big ass kitchen, and the privacy of your own house! This is one of the best ways to travel!

As with all good things, it’s challenging to crack into, but once you gain experience and a resume, you’ll have your choice of gigs. As far as travel work goes, this one comes highly recommended – it barely counts as working!

  • A free house!

22. Work as an Au Pair

People meeting locals kids whilst hitch hiking in El Salvador, Central America

Au-pairing is one of the oldest travel careers around and is still a great option to save some money and see the world. Personally, kids ain’t for me, but if you are bubbly, happy, smiley and don’t mind cleaning up the misdirected poopoos, then there are plenty of little ones who need a lovely person like you to help take care of them.

It doesn’t always pay… and if it does pay it’s not always much. But you can earn up to 5k a month if you’re happy to travel for work (which, you should be) to teach in some more far-flung lands.

You’ll get free lodging and food and likely some pocket change for the weekend if you’re volunteering in Europe. Being an au-pair is a pretty solid way to get paid to travel and live in a new country.

  • $0 – $5000 per month.

23. Hostel Work

danielle cooking in a hostel

Hostel work is one of the best-kept not-so-secret-secrets of the budget backpacking trade . Once upon a time, it was hush-hush, but now not so much. So let me tell you – finding hostel gigs is SUPER simple and hostel work is one of the best travel jobs for backpackers.

Hostel work is one of the easiest travel jobs to get – just ask the hostels you are staying at if they are looking for any help. They will know exactly what this means. “Help” means manning the front desk graveyard shift, sweeping the floors, or most likely minding the bar, all in exchange for free accommodation.

If they are looking for any “help” , they miiight pay a bit of cash, but more likely, you’ll get a free bed and some food out of it. Hostels are one of the staples for travel work and are a phenomenal way to save money while travelling – not to mention free entry into the hostel life shenanigans is a pretty sweet dealer for a lone ranger looking for some buds.

…And bud. 😉

  • Usually just a free stay. Maybe some weed money (or weed) if you’re lucky.

24. Bar Work

Two guys working in a bar as bartenders.

Similar to hostel work, bar jobs have kept the backpacker going since basically the dawn of time. Often the bar work will be in a hostel bar (mentioned above) but just as legit is finding work at standalone bars.

This is particularly true in seasonal European cities (but I’ve seen it in South America, Australia, Asia… basically everywhere). Alcoholics are everywhere and they need a charming face with a winning smile to pour their drinks dammit!

The best way to find a bar job is just to walk around and ask if the bars are looking for any help. Or, if you’re having a pint somewhere, strike up a conversation with the bartender and get the scoop. A simple inquisition can lead to a lot of opportunities.

Full disclosure though: the booze and babes of the graveyard shift are fun for a while, but a few too many staffies a few too many months later and you’ll find yourself stuck right in a classic backpacker trap. And hungover.

  • $800 – $2000 per month

what careers travel

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

25. Become a Party Promoter/Brand Ambassador

a big group of people at maya beach in thailand, gathering for a group picture acting like pirates

If you are a fun-loving party animal with some social media/writing/promoting skills, then you could be a candidate to score a job as a brand ambassador for a tour business specializing in party-based tours. I’ve met someone who did this for a period; while the money wasn’t always hella tight, the nights of debauchery sure were!

A good option to break into this field is Stoke Travel . Every year, Stoke Travel gives 100+ regular travellers the opportunity to work and travel by volunteering at events or doing internships in their Barcelona and Byron Bay Office.

That’s right. Three square meals per day and unlimited booze. You’re basically travelling for free !

For the right individual, this job promises to be helluva of a lot of fun. (Possibly, too much fun…? )

  • Free drinks – $1200

26. Seasonal Jobs

two girls smiling holding snowboards on a snowy mountain

This is a large category that encompasses many different travel jobs. Restaurants, construction, hotels, cruise ship jobs, ski resorts, mining, deep-sea Alaskan fishing gigs, the list goes on! While a lot of these jobs are covered elsewhere in this post, seasonal jobs are worth noting.

You can literally travel the world working, chasing the season (which by the way usually equates to amazingly beautiful weather) and making money when jobs are in demand and at their highest paying…

Depending on the industry, you can end up both in some pretty off the beaten path destinations as well as touristed ones. Or both! The ski resorts in the summer trekking season is usually a much more peaceful vibe once all the loquacious Aussies have packed up shop.

  • $1000 – $5000 per month

27. Construction

Construction Work or English Teaching in Vang Vieng

You can find construction work basically anywhere in the world, however, the right destinations (eg. Australia and New Zealand) pay a mean wage. If you’re operating above board that is.

Otherwise, asking around for something more informal is usually the way to go. If you have construction experience, jump on those work exchange platforms for some cheap volunteering gigs .

Many hostels, farms, and everything in between will advertise their needs in hopes of finding a qualified working traveller. You’ll get food, lodging, and (depending on the project) a bit of money as well. It’ll get you networked too – word of mouth carries!

If you have experience as a plumber or electrician, you can make bank and even land a job where you are paid to travel to and from different world projects. Also, insider tip: traffic controllers Down Under get paid an ungodly amount for literally doing nothing. They usually pick the cutest girl to man the stop sign though – yay, sexism!

  • $1200 – $3000 per month but hugely variable depending on your trade and skillset,

28. Transport a Car or RV

Will with a car on the beach in New Zealand

Car and RV dealerships or car rental companies sometimes hire people to drive cars to different destinations. Rental companies often find themselves with too many cars in one destination and want to move them to an area where rentals are more in demand. Car dealerships may need a specific car, with specific options or colours, that they arrange to get from another dealer.

While most companies work with full-time professional drivers, there may be some opportunities for one-time trips. The trick with these jobs is getting a car that’s going where you want to go at the right time. You’ll need a clean driver’s license and may need a specialty license to drive RVs, but it’s worth it for a free and rocking RV road trip !

Some transport companies that you may be able to score some delivery gigs with include:

  • Imoova is one of the biggest search platforms for relocations.
  • Jucy has some nice opportunities on RVs.
  • Cars Arrive Auto Relocation is USA based and has some good options.
  • HitTheRoad.ca is a well-known Canadian company that offers mostly long-distance, one way, one trip driving contracts for cars.
  • A free road trip!

29. Professional Chef

Man cooking food on the grill using his hands.

If you have some cooking abilities or some legitimate kitchen experience, you can find a job by asking around at kitchens in hotels, cruise ships, boats, or retreats. Also, take a look into Worldpackers and Workaway as you can certainly find some cook-work opportunities for a free place to stay.

The downside is that you’ll have to work in close proximity to chefs. Chefs are primadonnas. Get in and out of the hospo industry as quick as possible, amigos.

If thou gaze too long into an abyss…

  • $1500 – $3000 per month

30. Travel Nurse

guy with road rash after crashing moped in jungle

Stop right now and listen to me. If you are a nurse, or if you are thinking about becoming a nurse, becoming a travel nurse is one of the single most amazing careers you can get into.

Travelling nurses are usually hired for thirteen to twenty-six weeks in whatever location they choose and all of your travel expenses are usually paid. Housing is usually covered, and due to the high demand and urgency, travelling nurses are paid more than regular nurses. It’s one of the best ways to travel, work and save a stupid amount of money.

Plus, you know, saving lives and all that jazz.

  • $1500 – $4000 per month.

31. Flight Attendant

Two girls walking towards a plane at sunset in Mexico

An oldie but a goodie, being a flight attendant isn’t as glamorous as it once was, but in terms of travel friendly jobs , this is a fantastic travel career. It’s really the OG travel job (right after busker AKA a wandering minstrel).

Free flights, long stopovers to explore, and the ability to tweak your schedule to have a few weeks off a month – there’s a lot to like! This is one of the best careers that involve travelling, and if you get hired by a quality airline, this is a job that not only requires travel but can also pay well.

  • $1800 – $2500 per month

mockup of a person holding a smartphone in white background with Holafly logo

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

32. New Zealand/Australia Work Visa

A person jumping in front of the Sydney Opera House in New South Wales, Australia

Not strictly a top travel job so much as a top place to find a job. Yes, the rumours you’ve heard are true: Australia does have an obscenely high minimum wage (as does New Zealand, albeit not as high).

Depending on where you are from and if you are able, New Zealand and Australia are two excellent countries to get work visas for. The visa allows you to be employed in most industries, but you’ll most likely find jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and agricultural fields. Come Down Under where you can travel and work for a year or maybe two!

However, both New Zealand and Australia’s cost of living is high, so finding a job that provides you with both a room and food will net you some huge savings. The more remote you go, the better you will earn too. (Sheep shearers make BANK… and then blow it all on cocaine and meth…)

Watch out though: not all Ozzies and Kiwis subscribe to the “mateship and fair go for all” mentality they’re known for. It’s not uncommon to get paid a fraction of that obscenely high minimum wage.

  • $1800 – $3500 per month
  • Backpacking Australia Travel Guide
  • Where to Stay in Australia
  • Backpacking New Zealand Travel Guide
  • Where to Stay in New Zealand

33. Ski Resort Jobs

a snowboard in the snowy mountains of park city utah

While I mentioned resorts and seasonal gigs before, skiing deserves its own holler(back girl). Ski resorts are notorious for hiring travellers and often under the table. Ski resort gigs can be the best seasonal jobs for travelling.

As an “unofficial” ski resort worker, you won’t get paid much (and you will likely be overworked), but it’s a great way to work hard, play hard, and make some travel friends along the way! Plus, there will always be the skiing/snowboarding perks which are obviously EPIC.

You don’t have to be an instructor though. Many seasonal jobs in lodges or working the lifts are widely available. Oh, and the snowbum life is pretty hedonistic – it’s basically working, partying, and picking up Insta-brand vacayers between your shifts.

  • $1000 – $2000 per month.

34. Tattoo Artist

Man topless with tattoos looking at a list.

Backpackers love to get tattoos on the road , so there is always a demand for talented artists. And I’ve met some amazing tattoo artists travelling the world and paying their way through freelance work in hostels and backpacker hangouts. Talk about a creative travel job!

The better you get at your craft, the more doors that will open up to you. You don’t even need a gun! I’ve met and befriended some phenomenal stick-and-poke artists who earn money working while they travel.

Plus getting paid by people to inflict large amounts of bodily harm on them really isn’t too bad either!

  • $500 – $15000 per month (be prepared to adjust your rates to reflect the country you’re in – ain’t nobody stupid enough to pay $100+ an hour in Mexico).

35. Join the Peace Corps

peace corps - a travel job and lifestyle

This is certainly one of the noblest travel jobs on this list and it deserves a mention! Providing a different work and travel experience, the Peace Corps is no joke and essentially makes you an international aid worker in a foreign country.

It’s a two-year commitment, you have very little influence on where you are stationed, and you only get two days off per month.

You don’t get paid much but, hell, you will be earning and you will get paid to travel to somewhere new. And what’s more, is relevant work experience can take the place of a college degree.

Check out:  This Peace Corps volunteer’s blog all about her experiences volunteering in Vanuatu.

Do You Need Insurance as a Working Traveller?

If you are going to be living and working outside of your home country, you really do need to think about getting health insurance. If you have an accident or get sick, then those hospital bills are going to completely nullify any money you’ve earned and saved.

For long term cover, we recommend SafetyWing . They specialise in covering digital nomads and those working outside of their home country. It’s basically a subscription model – month to month payments – on international health insurance without the need to provide an itinerary.

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

what careers travel

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to work! Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are so many ways to work and travel; sometimes you just gotta get a bit creative! As long as you are cutting the costs of travel and picking up a job where and when needed, you’ll find a way.

Not every traveling job needs to be a career. Covering your living costs is a fantastic start, and all the skills and confidence will take you soooo much further in life than one simple job ever could.

Taking a leap of faith on a new vocation on the road is fantastic. It’s a step outside of your comfort zone and right into the growth of travel. In many ways, that’s what it means to BE a broke backpacker .

You don’t have to be broke to be a broke backpacker. Nay, being resourceful, willing, and kind-hearted with a good work ethic – that makes you more of a broke backpacker than holes in your undies and lack of consistent showering ever will.

So get out there and work on the road! Start with a shit-kicker job. Then once you’ve levelled up appropriately (and with some ingenuity), you’ll find a job that involves travelling and where you get paid to travel and live in a new country. Maybe you’ll even live in a mini-campervan conversion and start rockin’ the super nomad life. Then, you’re not just hunting for the best travel jobs anymore.

No, that’s a travel career: a whole new adventure!

will hatton working in chiang mai

Updated November 2022 by Samantha Shea

what careers travel

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

Elina Mattila

Best Travel Jobs Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

promotional sidebar image for booking.com

Travel Stories

what careers travel

Mar 10, 2024 • 6 min read

From off-season travel to finding cheap food, these money-saving tips can help you stretch your budget further in Cappadocia

what careers travel

Mar 10, 2024 • 8 min read

From staying safe and avoiding scams to local etiquette and how to stay on budget, here are 16 top tips you need before visiting Panama City.

what careers travel

Japan's seasons offer an incredible range of natural and cultural wonders that draw huge numbers of visitors. Here's how to pick the perfect time for you.

what careers travel

Norway has efficient and comfortable public transport but its challenging landscape can make for tricky journeys. Here's how to get around Norway.

what careers travel

Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read

London is a world city with so much to see – here are our top tips for navigating the capital and doing as the locals do.

what careers travel

Mar 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Here's what you need to know about health, safety and etiquette before traveling to Singapore.

what careers travel

Mar 9, 2024 • 11 min read

Colombia attracts record numbers of visitors with its incredible landscapes, vibrant cities and warm welcome. These are the top 14 things to do in 2024.

what careers travel

Hilltop villages, ancient ruins and baroque cities await your discovery on the best road trips in Sicily.

what careers travel

Mar 9, 2024 • 4 min read

Memphis is a city that knows how to enjoy life. Pick the perfect time for your visit with our guide to what's happening in Bluff City in 2024.

what careers travel

Mar 9, 2024 • 5 min read

Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, but the seasons will impact the type of trip you'll have. Read on for the best times to visit.

what careers travel

Mar 9, 2024 • 7 min read

What’s the best way to get the best of the natural beauty and famous charm of Ireland? Hit the (rural) road on these top road trips. 

what careers travel

Mar 8, 2024 • 6 min read

Experience the best of Singapore as a family with this guide to traveling the Lion City with kids.

what careers travel

Mar 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Hotels companies worldwide are transforming grand railroad stations into glamorous hotels. These are the most magnificent.

what careers travel

Mar 8, 2024 • 9 min read

Abu Dhabi attracts visitors with sites that emphasize heritage and culture, as well as family fun. Add these essential experiences to add to your list.

what careers travel

Mar 8, 2024 • 19 min read

Hotel credit cards are a great add to your wallet: earn more on hotel spending and get elite perks. Here are the best.

what careers travel

Mar 8, 2024 • 5 min read

While prices in Singapore are akin to most other major international cities, there are plenty of ways to explore Singapore without breaking the bank.

what careers travel

Mar 8, 2024 • 10 min read

Dive in and soak up the world-class vibes: 10 of the most incredible hotel pools worth traveling to for an ideal dip.

what careers travel

Mar 8, 2024 • 17 min read

Travel Europe like a pro, maximizing your points and miles to stretch your dollar the furthest. Here's the expert guide.

what careers travel

Get around like a local in Singapore with this guide to its extensive public transport system.

what careers travel

With boats, beaches, delicious food and friendly locals, the Amalfi Coast has plenty to offer families with children.

what careers travel

No landscape is as iconically associated with Arkansas as the Ozark Mountains. Here are the best things to do there.

what careers travel

Mar 7, 2024 • 7 min read

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning once again, these tips will help you plan the perfect trip to Ghana.

what careers travel

Advertisement

10 Careers for People Who Love to Travel

  • Share Content on Facebook
  • Share Content on LinkedIn
  • Share Content on Flipboard
  • Share Content on Reddit
  • Share Content via Email

what careers travel

Some people's idea of a vacation is visiting their in-laws on the other side of town. Others want to get away at any and every opportunity -- the farther away the better. If given the chance, they'd climb Mt. Kilimanjaro one day and compare Impressionists at the Louvre the next.

These intrepid travelers will brave any terrain or climate. They'll even repeatedly subject themselves to airport security just for the chance to go somewhere new.

If you get twitchy staying in the same place for too long, why settle for a few measly vacations a year? Satisfy your wanderlust on every one of those 365 days by embarking on a career that will have you really going places -- and not just up the corporate ladder.

When you think about travel jobs, the travel industry (pilot, flight attendant) probably jumps to mind, but there are also many not-so-obvious career options for people who like to get around. We've searched the globe and found 10 of the best careers for people who love to travel. So update your resume, pack your bags and get ready to explore.

  • Travel Nurse
  • Athletic Scout
  • Civil Servant
  • International Aid Worker
  • Archaeologist
  • English Teacher
  • Field Service Technician
  • Professional Yacht Crew

10: Travel Nurse

These days, good nurses are in high demand and short supply. That nursing shortage can work to your advantage if you're trained and capable.

You could always get a job at your local hospital, but then you'd be dealing with the same responsibilities and working with the same people every day. Or you could travel around the country going from one hospital gig to another and caring for people in many different cities.

Travel nurses temporarily fill open positions wherever they're needed. You might tend to a jellyfish sting in Hawaii one day and nurse a broken leg in Aspen the next. Labor and delivery nurses, emergency room nurses, and operating room nurses are just a few of the positions that are in constant high demand around the country.

As a travel nurse, you'll work for a company that will provide you with accommodations (often a furnished home), a travel stipend to help you get from one hospital to another and a very competitive salary that is usually higher than what permanent nurses earn.

9: Athletic Scout

what careers travel

How do basketball players make the leap from the high school court to the NBA? How does a football player go from the college bowl to the Super Bowl? Athletes wouldn't be able to achieve their dreams without the help of athletic scouts.

Athletic scouts work for colleges and professional sports teams, or they can freelance for several different teams. Their job is to seek out the best and brightest young athletes and recruit them onto the teams they represent. To find those players, scouts scour newspaper and TV reports for stories of gifted athletes. They also have to sit through a lot of high school or college games around the country, and sometimes abroad.

To make an effective athletic scout, you need to know your sport inside and out from playing it, coaching it or watching it incessantly. You also need to have a knack for spotting young talent on the field and court. Pro teams and colleges shell out a lot of money for scholarships and contracts, and they want their investment to pay off with winning players. That means athletic scouts are under a lot of pressure to find good talent.

Who hasn't dreamed of going out on the road with the Rolling Stones or U2? How many music fans have imagined traveling from gig to gig and hanging with their favorite band? If the touring part of being in a road crew weren't exciting enough, there's also the thrill of working with some of the biggest names in the music and entertainment business.

Road crew members -- affectionately known as roadies -- are the folks who handle the stage productions for touring acts. Lighting and sound engineers, riggers, stagehands and instrument technicians are all considered roadies.

As with most jobs, you've got to pay your dues to make it in the roadie business. You'll probably start out lugging around lighting and sound equipment at a small venue or theater to start. Once you've learned the ropes, and with a little luck, you can work your way up to touring with the major music acts.

7: Tour Guide

what careers travel

One of the most obvious career choices if you love to travel is to become a tour guide. In what other job can you spend your days exploring cities like Athens, Rome or London -- and get paid for it?

Every city that attracts tourists needs tour guides. Some guides work for a particular location (such as a museum), while others lead themed tours (like ghost tours or historical bus tours). If you're particularly good at your job, you can eventually work your way up to become a director or even owner of a tour company.

To be a tour guide, you not only need to know your city inside and out -- its history, culture and hidden secrets -- but you also need to relate well to people. You've got to make your tour group feel comfortable in a city that's unfamiliar to them. Depending on the type of tour, you may also need to help them handle small emergencies that arise, from getting medical care to finding lost luggage.

If you're planning to be a tour guide abroad, it helps to speak another language (or two, or three) and to have a solid education in the history and culture of the area.

6: Civil Servant

If you want to work for the U.S. government and see the world at the same time, check with the U.S. Department of State. This government agency has hundreds of different job opportunities available for people who want to represent U.S. interests abroad. The government has 265 different embassies around the globe, as well as many other offices where people can work in civil service jobs.

Whether your background is in engineering, security, accounting, healthcare, management, IT or operations, there's probably a civil service position related to your skills. Civil service jobs not only give you the chance to travel, but many positions pay well and offer relocation, cost-of-living allowances and excellent benefits.

One caveat: If you haven't paid your taxes in a few years or you've broken the law a couple of times, you'll have to satisfy your wanderlust in a nongovernment gig. The U.S. Department of State requires all civil service applicants to undergo a rigorous security clearance process that can take two to four months. They might even interview your friends, family members and neighbors.

5: International Aid Worker

what careers travel

While civil service employees represent America's interests in other countries, international aid workers export some of our abundant goodwill abroad. People who work for aid organizations like USAID and the Peace Corps work to improve the health, economic outlook and education of people living in developing nations.

International aid workers help countries that are struggling or recovering from economic crises, natural disasters, war, famine and despotism. Depending on their experience, aid workers might teach in Afghanistan, organize relief convoys to combat areas in Somalia, or introduce new heat-resistant crops to nations throughout Africa.

The desire to help others is a plus if you want to be an international aid worker -- but it's not the only prerequisite. You also need to have a background in a relevant area, like agriculture, engineering, private enterprise, education, health or crisis stabilization.

Becoming an international aid worker has its rewards -- and not just the gratification of helping people in other countries. Some international aid workers earn salaries well into the six figures.

4: Archaeologist

Imagine discovering the world's oldest known tool, or unearthing the skeleton of one of our very first ancestors. Every day, archaeologists are discovering the kinds of buried treasures that give them a glimpse into life thousands -- or even millions -- of years in the past.

The typical image of an archaeologist is a khaki-clad adventurer, up to his or her neck in dust on a dig. In movies and TV shows, archaeologists are typically found in countries like Egypt and other ancient civilizations.

Archaeologists do more than just dig, though. Once they make a great find, they have to identify and analyze their discoveries so they can be catalogued, restored and displayed by collectors or museums.

Some archaeologists don't dig at all. They conduct research for museums or governments, or teach archaeology at universities. Other archaeologists are in charge of protecting historic sites, excavating them for relics before construction crews can dig there and accidentally destroy an important piece of history.

3: English Teacher

what careers travel

English is one of the world's most spoken languages. It helps connect diverse cultures and bridge the gap between countries that want to connect for trade or diplomacy. Many people in non-English-speaking countries have the desire to learn the language, so there's always a need for people who can teach English-as-a-second-language (ESL) classes abroad.

As an ESL teacher, you'll get paid for the privilege of being immersed in a different culture. Many English teachers are provided with free accommodations while they're working abroad. You'll also get the satisfaction of knowing that you're teaching a valuable skill.

You can either teach children from kindergarten through high school, or work with adults. Most positions require you to have at least a bachelor's degree, but you'll earn more if you also have a master's. Depending on the program, you might need to be certified to teach as well.

English teaching positions are available through the U.S. Department of State, as well as with companies that place teachers internationally. Asia and Eastern Europe are two of the biggest markets for English teachers today. You can work in private international schools and universities, U.S. military bases or with an organization like the Peace Corps .

2: Field Service Technician

Many jobs that allow you to travel also require you to have a four-year college degree -- and often an advanced degree. If you don't have that kind of education but you still want to travel, consider working as a field service technician. These mobile repair techs travel wherever they are needed to perform equipment maintenance and repair.

Field service technicians are like equipment doctors making technical house calls. They might go to a construction site to fix a broken crane , a big-city high-rise to fix an elevator , or a remote train track to bring a disabled engine back to life.

Field service technicians can work for the government, equipment manufacturers, computer repair companies or construction and transportation businesses.

You don't need a four-year degree to be a field service technician, but a two-year associate's degree and some technical training are helpful. Many companies offer on-the-job training, so after a few years of working in this industry, you should be highly qualified.

1: Professional Yacht Crew

what careers travel

Everyone dreams about what they'd buy if they hit the lottery . For a lot of people, a superyacht tops that lottery wish list. Superyachts are like floating mansions, packed every possible amenity that can fit on a super luxurious oceangoing vessel.

Instead of just dreaming about floating away on a private yacht, why not actually do it? A seven-figure salary isn't a requirement. You don't even need to have sailing experience.

Thousands of superyachts are floating around the world, from Sydney to Singapore. And most of those yachts need crews to keep them afloat. (Did you actually think Jay-Z and Beyonce sailed their own $40 million chartered superyacht on the French Riviera last summer?)

Yachts need captains to drive them, deckhands to maintain the exterior, stewardesses to dust and polish the interior, engineers to keep the engines running and chefs to satisfy the dining pleasures of the yacht's well-heeled occupants. Speaking of the occupants, yacht crews have the chance to meet some of the biggest names in business, politics and entertainment while they're sailing around the world and getting paid for it.

Lots More Information

Related articles.

  • 10 Careers for People Who Can't Sit Still
  • 10 High-paying Dirty Jobs
  • 10 Most Stressful Jobs in America
  • Curiosity Project: How do you determine if a job is a green-collar job?
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers." (Accessed Dec.1, 2010)http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos251.htm
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics." (Dec. 3, 2010)http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos197.htm
  • Luxlist. "Jay-Z and Beyonce Charter $40 Milion Superyacht." (Accessed Dec. 3, 2010)http://www.luxist.com/2010/08/25/jay-z-and-beyonce-charter-40-milllion-superyacht/
  • Medical Solutions. "What is Travel Nursing?" (Accessed Nov. 30, 2010)http://www.medicalsolutions.com/travel-nursing/info/travel-nursing.shtml
  • National Scouting Report. "Careers." (Accessed Dec. 1, 2010)http://www.nsr-inc.com/careers/
  • Onet. "Tour Guides and Escorts." (Accessed Dec. 2, 2010)http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/39-6021.00
  • Society for American Archaeology. "Questions About: Archaeology as a Career." (Accessed Dec. 2, 2010)http://www.saa.org/ForthePublic/FAQs/ForAdults/QuestionsAboutArchaeologyAsACareer/tabid/975/Default.aspx
  • University of Michigan. "Teaching Abroad for Qualified Teachers." (Accessed Dec. 3, 2010) http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/swt/work/options/qual_teach1.html
  • USAID. "Careers." (Accessed Dec. 2, 2010)http://www.usaid.gov/careers/
  • U.S. Department of State Careers. "Civil Service." (Dec. 2, 2010)http://careers.state.gov/civil-service/faqs.html#QAA

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:

what careers travel

  • Things to do

Explore > Interests > Adventure > 20 jobs that let you travel the world

20 jobs that let you travel the world

If you can’t remember the last time you went on vacation and refused to check your inbox, you’re not alone. American workers leave millions of paid vacation days unused year. Of these workers, many reported feeling guilty about taking vacation time and worrying that doing so would be perceived negatively by their employers.

Of course, work makes the world go round, and it’s important to have dedicated employees, but it’s a shame to think that with all that hard works comes no play. That got us thinking, just because you’re a hard worker doesn’t mean you ought to forgo the opportunity to travel—what if there was a way to keep your job and see the world?

That’s all it took for us to start our search for the best kind of jobs for people who love to travel. By monitoring conversations across social media and interviewing experts with these positions, we soon found that we weren’t the only ones talking about this topic. In fact, there has been a spike in travel job discussions over the past three years. From this, we discovered that there are countless travel job opportunities that let you explore the globe, without missing a single paycheck. From our interviews with worldwide travel job experts, we gathered some major insight about these positions, including which U.S. cities are the best for exploring your travel job dreams.

Some of these positions require that you travel for work, while others give you to the freedom to travel while you work. Whether you enjoy leading expeditions in nature or typing away in the comfort of a coffee shop in a faraway land, we picked 20 of the coolest travel positions that will have you wanting to quit your desk job. Warning: Once you’re traveling for work, every day just may feel like a vacation.

Job title: Rafting guide

what careers travel

Job title: Translator

what careers travel

Job title: Travel teacher

what careers travel

Job title: Travel chef

what careers travel

Job title: Scuba instructor

what careers travel

Job tile: Festival worker

what careers travel

Job title: Yacht stewardess

what careers travel

Job title: Flight attendant

what careers travel

Job title : Seasonal worker

what careers travel

Job title: Travel performer

what careers travel

Job title: Bartender

what careers travel

Job title: Au pair

what careers travel

Job title: Travel blogger

what careers travel

Job title: Scuba instructor and business entrepreneur

what careers travel

Expert scuba instructor and business entrepreneur: Mia, Dive With Mia What dives sites have left a lasting impression? International: The exhilarating thrill of cavern diving in Mexico’s cenotes; the clear blue waters and colorful walls of Turks & Caicos Islands where I live; the seahorses of St. Kitts… Stateside: [Canada’s] West Coast. I completely fell in love with the diving off of Vancouver Island. Although it is cold water diving, underneath, the view is an emerald green and the animals are so spectacular! How did your job as a scuba instructor lead to your work as an entrepreneur? Everything I do has been related to scuba diving and it has even inspired me to design, produce, and sell a scuba diving wetsuit specifically for women: Truli Wetsuits . These days, while running my own business, I also continue to work for the scuba liveaboard company, Explorer Ventures. Do you have any tips for earning additional money? Often there are commissions if you sell courses and excursions… The dive industry is also categorized as the service industry and therefore, depending on the culture, gratuities are often given. Receiving tips is one of the best ways to earn extra money, even though it’s not guaranteed. Recommended resources: DiveWithMia YouTube and Linked Scuba Divers

Job title: Volunteer

what careers travel

Job title: Hostel worker

what careers travel

Job title: Digital nomad

what careers travel

Job title: Yoga instructor

what careers travel

Job title: Freelance writer

what careers travel

Job title: Camphost

what careers travel

What are some jobs that require travel and pay well?

More Articles With Adventure

The global impact of coronavirus is affecting travelers everywhere. Here's how you can prepare and what to expect if you booked travel with Expedia.

We've rounded up some of the best forest bathing spots around the globe where can combine your newfound houseplant obsession with breaking free from your home's four walls.

25 Great Jobs for People Who Love to Travel

Table of contents.

what careers travel

Best jobs for travel lovers

Working eight hours every day behind a computer screen isn’t for everyone. Some people love to travel and want to use that passion to make a living.

If you’re constantly planning your next vacation, consider finding a career that fits your lifestyle. Instead of spending all your PTO and hard-earned money traveling once or twice a year, you could get paid while seeing the world. Here are 25 potential career paths to consider.

Disclaimer: The following items provide ideas and inspiration for potential career paths . These are not open job listings, and Business News Daily is not hiring or recruiting for these positions. We advise conducting your own research before pursuing any of these occupations.

1. Athletic recruiter

graphic of a recruiter watching baseball players

Colleges and professional sports organizations employ athletic recruiters to travel to schools and sporting events across the country to scout new talent. Of course, you’ll need to know the game inside and out, and the specific skills an athlete would require for certain team positions. If you’re an avid sports fan, though, this part of the job could be easy for you.

Do you work well with children and know a second language ? If so, becoming an au pair might be a good option for you. Au pairs live with a host family in a foreign country and provide child care services, such as babysitting and schoolwork assistance.

You’ll receive a small salary on top of your room and board, but you also get to immerse yourself in another culture as an extended member of the family. 

3. Construction manager

graphic of a construction manager talking to a employee

Construction managers not only make good money, but they also get to travel. Sometimes, they relocate to different areas and stay for several months to oversee a project.

Even if you don’t have the qualifications to be a project manager, construction companies are worth checking out – many hire support staff to relocate too.

4. Consultant

Companies hire consultants from a variety of fields to fix problems. Because their knowledge is so specialized, a consultant’s client base is often spread over the country – or even around the world.

Additionally, maintaining a positive relationship with clients requires regular on-site visits, making it a perfect job for people who love travel.

5. Cruise line worker

graphic of a cruise line worker holding drinks

Working on a cruise ship is a travel lover’s dream gig. You make a living seeing the world while receiving free food and accommodations.

Whether you’re a restaurant server, a shop clerk or a performer in the cruise’s entertainment lineup, there are opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to work on one of these floating resorts. 

6. Engineer

For many industries, jobs are going remote and engineering is following suit. Consequently, you can work from virtually anywhere with a computer science or engineering degree.

Travel the world developing software or flexing your technical graphic design skills . There are currently over 12,000 remote engineering jobs available through LinkedIn alone.

7. ESL teacher

English as a second language (ESL) teachers are in high demand both at home and abroad. When you take a job as an ESL teacher in a foreign country, you’ll get to help students understand your native language while immersing yourself in that country’s culture.

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree, ESL training and a special license to get hired. ESLteacherEDU.org offers a step-by-step guide to becoming an ESL teacher.

8. Event coordinator

graphic of an event coordinator pointing to a wall chart

Event coordinators might work on local events such as parties and weddings, but orchestrating large-scale events like festivals and trade shows could be the golden ticket for travel lovers.

In this position you would meet with potential vendors from across the country, then travel to the event location to oversee everything from setup to breakdown. A search for “trade show coordinator” on LinkedIn returns more than 20,000 jobs in various cities.

9. Flight attendant

It may be the most obvious travel-related job, but it’s also one of the most accessible. You don’t need a specialized degree to become a flight attendant, and most major airlines only require prior customer service experience and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The hours are frequently erratic and the work isn’t always easy, but you’ll get a glimpse of hundreds of cities across the globe during this career. A bonus perk? Free or discounted flights for you and your family.

10. Foreign Service worker

If you want to combine your love of travel with your love of your country, a career as a Foreign Service officer or specialist could be the right gig for you. The best-known Foreign Service job is a U.S. diplomat, but there are plenty of other career tracks that allow you to meet and interact with foreign governments.

The U.S. Department of State has details about these jobs listed on its website . With more than 250 embassies around the world, there are plenty of travel opportunities.

11. International aid worker

If you want to travel for a living while making a real difference in people’s lives, consider working for an international aid organization like USAID .

While working for USAID, you can visit struggling countries and help residents recover from dire situations, such as natural disasters and famine. You’ll need a background in a related field – such as health, agriculture or education – and a strong interest in social work.

12. International tour guide

graphic of a tour guide giving a tour

Imagine spending your days guiding fellow travel lovers through a bustling European metropolis, or perhaps a small village is more your style. Wherever you want to go, popular travel destinations always need friendly, knowledgeable guides to lead tourists through city sights and cultural excursions.

13. Massage therapist

If you want to visit popular tourist destinations, you should consider gaining skills in massage therapy. You can work for hotel chains, spas, cruise lines or become self-employed.

Licensed massage therapists are always welcomed to soothe and de-stress travelers and locals alike. Although you may start at rookie rates, you can consistently raise them as your clientele and skills grow. Plus, massage therapists generally have a flexible schedule to work full or part time.

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) can help you find training programs, business tools and even discounts on supplies.

14. Peace Corps volunteer

As the title “volunteer” might indicate, you won’t exactly be making six figures working with the Peace Corps. But if you don’t mind living on a budget, you can become part of a worthwhile organization that lets you travel the world and make a difference in others’ lives at the same time.

Assignments typically last two years and involve advancing education, healthcare, and economic and agricultural development in a community abroad. The Peace Corps also provides housing and health benefits, not to mention an excellent resume talking point .

15. Photographer

graphic of a photographer taking a couple's picture

If you’re skilled with a camera, consider becoming a travel photographer. While news organizations such as the Associated Press need staff photographers, you can also make a living by freelancing .

Travel photographers are needed at a variety of locations, including tourist attractions, local events and high-end resorts.

16. Retail buyer

For the fashionista with wanderlust, a career in retail purchasing might be the ultimate dream job. In addition to monitoring in-store inventory, retail buyers attend vendor meetings, trade shows and conferences across the country – or even the globe, depending on where the company sources its products. The employee in this position identifies industry and consumer trends, and decides what products the company should sell.

Of course, it’s not just clothing stores that hire purchasing agents; most large retail companies employ buyers to help them select and negotiate merchandise deals across various categories.

17. Scuba diving instructor

There is a whole other world beneath the ocean’s surface, and you can live it by traveling and teaching the essentials of diving.

Scuba instructors have the opportunity to see parts of the globe that are often hidden. A great way to get started is with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) , which offers training courses and diving guides.

18. Ski instructor

graphic of two people downhill skiing

If you love snow sports and traveling, consider combining your passions to become a ski instructor. There are openings at ski resorts worldwide, including in the United States, France, Switzerland and Canada.

You can look for other seasonal work when the ski season ends; many places stay open throughout the warmer weather for outdoor activities and still need staff. 

19. Stagehand/roadie

Theater productions and musicians go on tour all the time – and they take busloads of roadies and stagehands with them. While theaters and venues may have their own stagehands, some still travel with each act.

You can begin your search for stagehand jobs on the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) website by finding your local union.

20. Translator

Are you fluent in multiple languages? If so, you could become a translator and travel the world, helping people communicate. Translators must speak at least two languages.

According to Day Translations, other useful expertise includes computer and business skills. While becoming a translator requires education, the job can offer the chance to visit many countries.

The countries with the most language service providers (LSPs) include the United States, Great Britain, France, China, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for translators is expected to increase by 24% between 2020 and 2030.

21. Travel agent

graphic of a travel agent sitting at a computer

Some people may think that the professional travel agent is a dead career in the age of Google searches and travel price comparison websites. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a slow growth rate in this occupation over the next decade, it’s still a rewarding job for anyone who loves to travel.

Travel agents often visit popular destinations to get firsthand experience of the resorts and restaurants they recommend to offer honest, helpful advice to clientele. Whether your clients are business or leisure travelers, they’ll thank you for your insider insight into local sights and activities.

Plus, travel agents can increase their income by starting a YouTube channel, writing a blog, and building relationships with travel products and related brands.

The five highest-paying travel agent jobs are tour consultant, travel sales consultant, vacation sales advisor, corporate travel agent, and reservation clerk, according to ZipRecruiter .

22. Traveling nurse

Traveling nurses move around the country from hospital to hospital, bouncing from one temporary position to the next. You’ll be sent to areas where nurses are needed most, and your housing, travel expenses and benefits are often covered .

As with any nursing position, you’ll need credentials from a nursing program to become a registered nurse.

23. Travel writer

graphic of a person lounging at a beach between palm trees

It might not be the easiest way to make a living, but if you’ve got a knack for writing you can share your knowledge about popular travel destinations. Though full-time travel writing positions exist, most of the work you would get is freelance, as publications typically want individuals who can submit firsthand accounts of the location they’re writing about. You can search for and bid on freelance travel writing assignments on sites like Freelancer.com and Upwork .

You can also supplement your income by starting a YouTube channel or social media account like Instagram. Providing your travel-hungry fans with visuals can help you connect with your audience, and even build an email list to promote travel services or other products.

24. Truck driver

Long-haul trucking is an ideal job for those who prefer the open road to an office cubicle. Because of the extended time you’ll spend driving solo, it’s also a great career option for introverts.

You’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license to start working in this field, but once you have it, you’ll be able to see the country as you deliver shipments from one destination to the next.

25. Virtual assistant

As many companies move their business online and employ remote workers, virtual assistants are in high demand.

Becoming a virtual assistant is enticing because the job can offer a flexible schedule in various niche markets. Workers might even have multiple clients, which will increase spontaneity – and income – in their lives.

Did you know? Hiring a virtual assistant can decrease a company’s costs by 78%, because the position only requires the company to provide an hourly rate, not office space, equipment, or benefits. Plus, if you have work experience, you may not need a college degree to snag a VA career.

Virtual assistants can do an assortment of activities, including proofreading articles, providing content or social media strategy, and offering customer support. Some virtual assistants keep their clients organized by making appointments or travel arrangements, and even doing personal shopping.

Julie Thompson contributed to the writing and research in this article .

thumbnail

Building Better Businesses

Insights on business strategy and culture, right to your inbox. Part of the business.com network.

Careers in Travel

A comprehensive overview of the dominant career paths in the travel industry..

CareerExplorer is a free career test made for success seekers and the curious minded.

Do you find yourself daydreaming of far away places? For people with a sense of adventure and a love of new experiences, a career in travel can be incredibly rewarding. But with the rise of new technology and a constantly changing economy, jobs in this area look almost nothing like they did just a couple of decades ago.

What does a career in travel look like today? Here, we’ll explore some of the most common professions in this area and how they can help you see the world.

A photo of flight attendants serving passengers.

Flight Attendant

Also known as in-flight crew member, cabin crew member, cabin attendant, air host(ess), and airline steward(ess).

Of all the careers in travel, flight attendant is probably one of the most people-focused. These friendly professionals are the face of the airline industry, responsible for ensuring passengers are safe and comfortable for the duration of their flight. You may remember them from the last time you traveled—perhaps more for the drink cart in front of them than for their personality.

But flight attendants do much more than people assume. In addition to providing basic customer service, they also secure the plane during takeoff, landing, and bouts of turbulence, and assist in emergency situations when they occur by leading evacuations, administering first aid, and even doing some firefighting. Maintaining a pleasant disposition is important in this career, but it’s really only the tip of the iceberg.

What are the perks of being a flight attendant?

Many people enter this career because they love to travel. And, for those with wanderlust, that’s probably the best part of the job: flight attendants literally get paid to fly. Airlines provide staff with free accommodation on long haul flights, plus, in most cases, a daily food allowance, so long-haul flights can essentially become mini all-expenses-paid vacations. There may only be a little bit of extra time to explore the destination between landing and takeoff, but it’s still an incredible way to see the world.

Other perks include the downtime. Although the work itself can be intense, it also involves a lot of leisure. On lengthier trips, flight attendants even get to sleep on the job! They also have more control over their schedule than people in more “typical” careers; every few weeks, attendants “bid” on all available flights to decide who flies when and where. Shifts are assigned by seniority, which means that, with enough time and experience, flight attendants can craft their dream schedule.

These perks, plus the fact that it’s possible to get hired right out of high school, makes flight attending an appealing line of work for many.

How much time do flight attendants spend away from home?

A career as a flight attendant isn’t all fun and games. Full-time attendants usually spend between 75 and 100 hours a month in the air, and another 50 hours on the ground, doing paperwork, waiting for planes, and preparing for flights. This can translate to a lot of time away from home, often working long, variable hours.

Perhaps because of the bizarre schedule, about one in four flight attendants work part-time. This option is obviously less lucrative than working full-time, but can make it easier to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle and raise a family.

Flight attendants are paid to see the world…sort of

Not only does flight attending require a lot of time away from home, it also involves a lot of unpaid work. Salaries are completely dependent on the number of hours spent in flight, so flight attendants aren’t compensated for the time they spend boarding, taxiing, or commuting to and from the airport. If a flight gets cancelled or delayed, so does the attendant’s pay.

In the US, the average salary is about $45,000. But depending on the airline, as well as the attendant’s schedule and level of experience, that number can range anywhere between $23,000 and $80,000.

A photo of a travel agent working at her computer.

Travel Agent

You’ve probably seen her before in an old movie: a smiling woman in a headset, stationed at her computer against a backdrop of faded tropical posters. But the day-to-day of today’s travel agents looks very different from what it did even ten years ago.

What do travel agents do?

At the most basic level, travel agents help simplify the trip planning process for their clients. They research fares and schedules; book flights, tours, and hotels; and advise clients on how to make the most of their time away. The specifics of their day-to-day vary a lot depending on where and for whom they work. But no matter what their focus, all travel agents share a common goal: customer satisfaction. This is a people-focused profession, committed to ensuring clients have the most pleasant, safe, and rewarding travel experiences possible.

There are two kinds of travel agents…

....each with very different lifestyles:

  • Leisure travel agents work primarily with individuals, organizing everything from family vacations to honeymoon getaways. Although some of them work independently, most choose to work under a host agency. These businesses “employ” home-based agents through independent-contractor agreements, offering them services like marketing, training, and technology in exchange for a cut of their commissions.
  • Corporate travel agents , on the other hand, primarily work with businesses, booking accommodation and flights for employees attending sales meetings, conferences, and more. Whereas leisure agents often work remotely on their own schedule, those in corporate positions tend to work in offices. It’s a standard 9-to-5 job, or something similar.

How do travel agents make money?

Travel agents earn their income in three ways, through commissions, service fees, and salary. Typically, vendors pay a 10-15% commission whenever an agent books a car rental, hotel, or cruise for a client. They also pay about 20-30% on travel insurance sales, though all of these rates can vary depending on the vendor, the agent, and how the booking was made.

In addition to commissions, some travel agents also charge clients a service fee for the time spent researching and creating their itinerary. These usually range somewhere between $75 and $200, but can be as high as $500 for more complicated trips.

Finally, many agents who work for an employer—either a host agency or a corporate sector company—also earn a salary on top of their commissions, adding a bit of stability to their income.

How much do travel agents make?

Not surprisingly, there’s a lot of variation in how much travel agents make. The average annual wage for US travel agents is just shy of $40,000 , but agents can earn as little as $23,000 or as much as $68,000.

Do travel agents get to travel themselves?

The bulk of a travel agent’s time is usually spent indoors: either at home, if they work remotely, or in an office. Most of their day is spent on the phone or the computer, talking to clients, airlines, hotels, and other vendors or preparing itineraries.

That said, many do spend some time visiting the destinations they promote in order to make better-informed recommendations to their clients. While away, they might visit restaurants, resorts, or hotels, or even try a guided tour.

Plus, many agents are able to use their connections to travel at a discount price. So seeing the world may not always be part of the job—but it definitely can be.

Is travel agent a doomed profession?

Online booking is only getting easier, and travelers are increasingly choosing to organize their own flights and accommodation. Although many travel agents are still running successful businesses, employment opportunities are expected to decrease by 12% in the next 10 years. For the right person, a career in this industry is still possible—but staying afloat will take dedication, adaptability, and a healthy dose of optimism.

A photo of a tour guide leading a group of tourists.

People skills, local knowledge, and a sense of adventure—these are just some of the traits that make for a stellar tour guide. For extraverted explorers, a career in this field can be fun, varied, and rewarding.

Do tour guides get paid to explore the world?

At the most basic level, tour guides help travelers make the most of their trip by providing cultural, historical, or environmental information about their local surroundings. Working on foot, bus, bicycle, or even riverboat, they guide their clients through some of the most stunning destinations on earth, offering safety tips, expert knowledge, and helpful advice along the way. From the calm Tuscan countryside to the busy streets of Tokyo, tour guides really can work anywhere.

However, the life of a tour guide isn’t always full of novelty and excitement. While some tour guides do travel on the job, many work primarily in a single destination, showing visitors around a particular city, cultural site, or museum.

What are the different kinds of tour guides?

Tour guides can look dramatically different depending on where they work and what kind of travel experience they offer. Some of the most common tour guide variations include:

  • Heritage Guides provide historical, archeological, or architectural information about ancient sites such as tombs, temples, and museums.
  • Culture Guides offer knowledge about the lifestyle, religion, or cuisine of the local population. They might focus on one particular city, specialize in certain sites (like vineyards or ancient temples), or cover an entire geographical region.
  • Adventure Guides lead clients on active, experience-based tours of the destination. Guides typically focus on one or more sports, such as trekking, skiing, or scuba diving, and have undergone some form of outdoors and first aid training.
  • Nature/Eco Guides help visitors enjoy the local wildlife and landscapes, offering tours or safaris of deserts, gardens, forests, and more.
  • Special Interest Guides play a similar role as adventure guides, offering targeted experiences such as golf, shopping, or wedding tours.

There are different roles available within each of these areas. Tour guides simply offer commentary about the destinations they visit, whereas tour directors are also responsible for planning the itinerary, coordinating the logistics, and trouble shooting any complications that arise along the way.

Do tour guides actually get paid?

Tour guiding is a fun gig, but not a particularly well-paid one. The average tour guide salary punches in just under $24,000 US , although experienced tour guides earn about $35,000 per year. Of course, this can vary depending on location, specialization, experience, and clientele.

Luckily, it’s also a relatively low-barrier career, usually requiring little more than a drivers license and an eager attitude. You may need to pass a first aid course or some other form of professional training for certain jobs, but you probably won’t be paying off any major student loans.

A photo of two travel bloggers and their dog in a custom camper van.

Travel Blogger

Equally low-barrier and adventurous is the world of travel blogging. Requiring little more than a laptop, a strong internet connection, and an entrepreneurial spirit, this exciting career can open doors all across the globe.

How do travel bloggers make money?

It may not look that way from their websites, but travel bloggers do a lot more than just write and explore. That’s because, like most bloggers , they rarely make money from the posts they produce. Instead, travel bloggers rely on a mix of advertising, sponsored campaigns, freelancing, and affiliate linking to generate income, using their blog primarily as a platform to attract potential partners. Many even sell related products, such as books, travel guides, podcasts, or public speaking services, on the side to make extra cash.

Because of this, the finances of travel blogging can look extremely different from one person to the next. While there are some bloggers who report making as much as $150,000 a year, others are barely able to break even. According to a survey of more than 1000 bloggers, only about 17% are able to sustain their lifestyle on their blog salaries, while more than 80% never make more than $100.

But although it’s a tough industry, it is possible to succeed. By diversifying their income and investing enough time and effort, well-established travel bloggers can make a stable $2,000 to $5,000 a month.

How do I become a travel blogger?

One of the reasons so many travel bloggers fail is because it’s so easy to become one. The real question isn’t “How do I become a travel blogger?” but “How do I become a successful one?”

To get started, aspiring travel bloggers will need a laptop, a working website, a passport, and enough cash to live and travel for at least two years. That’s because building a large enough audience to monetize takes time. Those who don’t have the savings required will likely need to take on additional part-time work while they get started.

Next, most new bloggers dedicate their time to posting lots of high quality, interesting, and useful content. The content itself can be about almost anything—travel tips, photography, hiking recommendations, etc—as long as it’s relatively frequent (one-two times a week) and provides real value to readers. Many bloggers also pitch stories to major media outlets, write guest posts on popular blogs, or invest in digital advertising to gain further attention. But no matter the strategy, the goal for any beginner travel blogger is the same: get readers first, revenue second.

A photo of a yacht crew member aboard the bridge.

Super Yacht Crew

Celebrity clients, a luxurious lifestyle, months and months on the open ocean: could any career sound dreamier? Jobs on a super yacht may not look quite like they do on Below Deck , but there’s no denying this is a fabulous way to see the world.

What is a super yacht?

Super yachts are massive, luxury boats measuring anywhere from 24 to 100 metres long. Expensive to buy and even more expensive to maintain, they are usually owned by the extremely rich and famous and their families. While some super yachts never make it out of the harbor, others will travel to some of the most exclusive destinations on earth, making them one of the most attractive work settings for those with wanderlust.

What does a super yacht crew do?

No matter what its size, almost every super yacht is manned by a group of skilled professionals: the super yacht crew. These personable and hard-working individuals live on board the vessel during long journeys, assisting with everything from cleaning to navigation.

Roles are varied, and can differ from yacht to yacht, but the most common positions include:

  • Captain and First officer
  • Mate and Deckhand
  • Chief and Junior Steward(ess)
  • Chef and Sous Chef
  • First and Second Engineer

Some of these positions, like first engineer, are more technical, requiring extensive mechanical or seafaring knowledge. Others, like junior steward, are primarily service based. But no matter what their role, all members of the super yacht crew share a common goal: ensuring their employers and their guests are comfortable and safe for the duration of the voyage.

What’s the best thing about working on a super yacht?

For most people in this profession, the top attraction is the travel. Although real vacations are rare during the yachting season, most captains will try to give staff an occasional day off whenever possible. It may not offer a lot of time for sight seeing, but it does provide an opportunity to explore some of the world’s most exotic destinations—all expenses paid.

Is the super yacht life as glamorous as it sounds?

Many people are attracted to a super yacht career because of the lifestyle involved, but the daily reality of the super yacht crew is a little less glamorous than you’d expect:

  • Living Conditions: Crew members live, eat, and work together closely for the duration of the voyage, which can be weeks or even months long. Accommodations are usually small and simple—either solo cabins or shared bunk rooms—and although privacy is possible, it’s usually rare. If you need a lot of alone time, this probably isn’t the career for you.
  • Food: Meals aboard are usually prepared by the crew chef, which means they tend to be delicious, extremely high quality, and—best of all—free.
  • Schedule: Super yacht crew live and work in the same space for months on end, which can make it difficult to maintain any real separation between work time and down time. Crews tend to be small and the clientele are often demanding, so working 12- to 14-hour shifts isn’t unusual.

Do super yacht jobs pay well?

Depending on the crew member’s experience and the size of the vessel, super yacht crew salaries can vary significantly. But in general, this is a very well-paid line of work—especially relative to other travel careers. Chief stewards can expect to make anywhere from $3000 to $8000 a month, and it’s not uncommon to see salaries as high as $90,000 on larger vessels.

Corporate Travel Careers

Got the travel bug but looking for a something more stable? Don’t fret—there are a plethora of corporate jobs in the travel sector. Providing all of the benefits of more “traditional” work, these exciting options offer a chance to see the world and plan for the future.

What kinds of travel companies offer corporate careers?

Corporate travel careers exist in a wide array of settings, each of which comes with its unique set of opportunities, perks, and drawbacks.

Because of the diversity of options, it can be hard to know where to look for a corporate travel job. But some of the most common work settings include:

  • Airlines and airports
  • Travel agencies
  • Tour organizations
  • Tourism offices
  • Cruise companies (boat, bus, rail, etc.)
  • Hotels, resorts, and hostels

What corporate jobs can I get in the travel industry?

Finding the right travel career isn’t just about deciding where to work; it also involves choosing the right kind of position. Corporate tourism jobs come in all shapes and sizes—too many to cover here—but here’s a quick list of some of the most popular ones:

  • Marketing and publicity: From buying ads to writing website content, there are lots of ways to get involved in the promotional side of travel. Tasks might include crafting blog posts to boost an airline’s SEO, pitching news stories to travel magazines about an edgy new adventure tour, or designing an email newsletter to encourage signups for an upcoming cruise.
  • Sales: Sales jobs in travel can include everything from cold calling potential customers to encourage tour signups to managing an entire sales department at an airport. Some standard duties in this line of work include creating sales plans, identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), training sales staff, providing customer service, and more.
  • Finance: Even train companies need accountants! There are a variety of financial jobs in the travel industry, which can include everything from managing a hostel’s A/R and A/P processes to working as an in-house auditor at a major resort.
  • IT: As the travel industry becomes more and more digital, a career in IT can be a lucrative option. Whether it’s building online booking software or creating a new tourism app, there are lots of opportunities for technologically savvy wanderers.

What are the benefits of a corporate travel career?

Although corporate jobs may not be as hands-on as others travel careers, they do offer many of the same perks. Many hotel chains offer discounted (or even free) accommodation to their employees, making it easy to travel on a budget. The same is true for many airlines, tour companies, hostels, and travel agencies. In the right career, you can expect to travel at low cost almost anywhere in the world.

At the same time, corporate careers often come with advantages that other travel jobs can’t provide: excellent benefits, a flexible work schedule, an impressive salary, and a high level of job security. This added stability can make the corporate route an appealing option for travellers with children, mortgages, or other responsibilities at home.

A writer, researcher, and occasional spoon carver, she knows that the "right" career sometimes looks nothing like what you expected.

Careers in Psychology

Unlock the future you.

Say hello to CareerExplorer, the personalized assessment that helps you find your dream career.

  • Take the 30-minute free apititude test
  • Discover your unique traits along the way
  • Get career matches tailored to your personality

11 jobs that actually let you travel — and where to find them

Katherine Fan

Editor's Note

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

"Someday. That's a dangerous word. It's really just a code for 'never'" said Tom Cruise's character, Roy Miller, in the action movie, "Knight and Day."

We've all dreamed of making a big life change — someday. Perhaps you've always wanted to quit your corporate job to spend more time in nature, or you want a career that will help you keep your elite status . Maybe you just can't stand sitting behind a desk for one more minute, and you want summer Fridays to be, well, every day.

For those of you who study job listings with the same desperate eagerness generally reserved for late-night restaurant menus, we spoke to road warriors from 11 different industries to shed light on how they landed their dream job.

While this list is by no means comprehensive, we hope it inspires you to stop saying "someday" and find a dream job that helps you travel the world while doing work you love.

Want to see more tips, news and guides like this one? Sign up for our daily newsletter

1. Virtual teacher

Time on the road: Varies

what careers travel

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) may conjure memories of that post-college gap year you took ages ago, when you traveled to a remote village in South Korea or Japan and taught middle schoolers English for 25 hours a week. But these days, teaching doesn't necessarily require you to physically be in the same location as your students.

Former Montessori teacher Melissa W. began working for VIPKid , a virtual language-education company, soon after her second child was born. The company's online scheduling platform allows Melissa, a mother of two young boys, to set up secure one-on-one English language video lessons with children in China, whose parents book tutoring sessions directly through the VIPKid scheduling platform. In turn, Melissa is able to make her own hours and maintain complete control of her income while staying home full-time with her kids. Teachers are paid out monthly via direct deposit, based on the number of classes they taught.

"Making the transition to one-on-one teaching online took a little time, but it wasn't too bad," Melissa said. As a result of her career flexibility, Melissa has even been able to bring her toddlers to Taiwan, California, Portland and even Walt Disney World without taking time off.

TPG tip: If you're curious about pursuing something similar, sites like My VIPKid Journey offer in-depth information, guidance and even personal coaching for interested candidates.

Related: Why you should travel with your kids now, even if they won't remember it later

2. Entrepreneur 

Becoming your own boss is pretty boss -- as shown by our own Brian Kelly of TPG. (Photo by Eric Helgas for The Points Guy)

Serial entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Gary Vaynerchuk, once said, "There has never been a better time, in the history of time, than right now to start a business." Entrepreneurship isn't exactly a walk in the park, but it does come with the undeniable freedom of making your own hours from anywhere in the world.

Interested in being your own boss, but not sure what exactly you should do? A number of entrepreneurs, including TPG CEO and founder, Brian Kelly , got their start by expanding and formalizing an existing hobby, interest or area of expertise.

Asian Efficiency CEO and speaker, Thanh Pham, built a robust coaching business by simply talking about the year he managed to read 35 books, listen to 21 audiobooks, earn a promotion at his day job and also drop to 14% body fat. "People kept asking me how I did that so I decided to start a blog," Pham said. This, eventually, morphed into a full-time productivity system, coaching business and speaking engagements .

An Amex Membership Rewards fan, Pham puts all of his business expenses onto his American Express® Business Gold Card, and uses the points to fund personal trips in first class on Singapore Airlines, ANA, Cathay Pacific and other premium airlines. His travels have actually benefited the business in many ways, Pham told TPG.

"The more I travel and see the world, the better storyteller and teacher I become. I've noticed I do some of my best and most creative thinking on the plane. My team constantly tells me to keep traveling, because some of our best ideas have come from me being 35,000 feet up in the air ."

Pham isn't the only one who benefits from being his own boss. His company is 100% remote, and his global team of employees work from wherever they call home: "Anywhere [with] a laptop and an internet connection," Pham said. "A few months ago, I was in first class on Singapore Airlines on my way to Asia, and I did a company meeting on my laptop while we were up in the air. Never ever did I think I would start a business around my passion for effectiveness, but I'm very fortunate to do what I love while traveling the world."

TPG tip: If you're looking to start your own business, make sure you get your finances straight from the get-go. Learn how to maximize points and miles when starting a business, discover the five steps to building business credit and figure out which business credit cards are right for your company.

3. Hotel management

(Photo by Chuttersnap via Unsplash)

Hotel employees — yes, even the ones who stand behind the front desk all day — often enjoy significant travel perks as part of their job benefits.

Chris C., a former director for W Hotels , doesn't hesitate to talk about how he fell in love with Taiwan. "You have the great metropolis [of] Taipei, inspirational landscapes like Taroko Gorge and the flawless beaches like Hualien and Xiao Liu Qiu. And the people are just as beautiful as the land, on the inside and outside."

Knowing that hospitality was one of his best options for getting paid to move to Taiwan, Chris worked his way through the hotel's corporate chain to apply for — and land — the coveted position of managing one of Taipei's most exclusive hotels. And the island's central location and generally affordable airfares made it very easy for Chris to spend his weekends traveling around Asia .

In fact, working in hospitality landed Chris not just one, but two dream jobs. A couple years after Chris moved to Taiwan with his company, he was offered a senior management position in Hong Kong with one of the world's most popular technology companies. "Being a hotel manager allowed me to break into many other industries and job opportunities I never otherwise considered," he said. "Hospitality teaches you the universal language in the current job market: the ability to handle a high-stress environment while remaining a people leader."

TPG tip: If you're itching to move overseas and try the expat life, the credit card game changes a bit. Make sure you read up on the best cards and awards programs for expats, and how taxes work when you live abroad .

4. Information technology consulting

Time on the road: Between 70 and 85% per week during busy times.

(Photo by Rawpixel via Unsplash)

One of the best-known career paths for road warriors these days? Consulting. But while many people are familiar with the travel perks of management consulting, information technology (IT) consultants often travel just as much. IT consultants advise corporate clients on how to effectively use technology in a hands-on capacity, and can log hundreds of travel hours per year traveling to their clients.

TPG reader Justin M. earned United 1K status six years in a row from his weekly travels in healthcare IT. "It's important to be onsite during the project cycle, especially in the early phases," Justin said. "Most often, it's at least twice a month, up to every week."

While Justin made it clear that he's in this career because it's right for him — not just for the perks — the benefits are sizable. "I book all of my own travel and use my personal credit cards," he said . "I get the benefit of racking up all the points. I also get to choose the airlines and hotel chains, which is important for the loyalty game, but also for comfort and convenience."

Justin also gets a weekly per diem, which essentially subsidizes his food expenses for the week. "I only pay for meals when I'm in my home city," he said. Perhaps best of all, Justin can take as much time off as he wants, as long as it's OK with the client or if he's between projects. "Since we're paid based on the hours we bill, we don't get paid time off," he told TPG. "No billable hours means no paycheck, but that's worth the tradeoff for me. I prefer to take longer trips, and traditional corporate PTO doesn't often allow for that."

And no, you don't necessarily need to be an engineering whiz or computer expert to work in this field. "I studied economics in college," Justin said, "So no direct use of my degree. I suppose you could say that I use my critical thinking and problem solving skills, but that's probably just being generous."

TPG tip: If you aren't already, make sure to familiarize yourself with travel-enhancing tools such as AwardWallet , ExpertFlyer and SeatGuru if you expect to travel for work on a regular basis.

Related: Everything you need to know about points, miles, airlines and credit cards

5. Outside sales executive

Time on the road: Between 25 and 70% per week, depending on industry.

(Photo via LinkedIn Sales Navigator/Unsplash)

You've probably heard that people in sales get to travel a lot. But not all sales jobs are created equal, so be sure to do your research before signing an offer on an inside sales job that will keep you tied to a desk cold-calling all day.

"There is no 'one size fits all' for how much you travel in a sales role, but if you're applying for an 'outside sales' role, you're all but guaranteed consistent travel," said Katie Z., a senior sales executive for a Fortune 500 company. In addition to employee perks such as unlimited vacation, subsidized childcare and six months of maternity leave, Katie's role also calls for her to fly across the country to wine and dine top-tier clients.

"My company and management believes that spending time face-to-face with our customers is very important, so I can take my customers anywhere I'd like to — steakhouses, concerts, sporting events , wine tastings — any place that can allow me to build good relationships. I also receive a generous per diem amount that I can spend on food and drink, and all of the airline miles and hotel points that I accumulate from my business trips are mine to keep."

If you're interested in exploring a career in sales, you're in luck: successful sales executives come from all types of backgrounds. "It's the motivation, the drive, the hunger and determination that make a good salesperson," Katie said. "I've worked with extremely successful reps that have a high school degree, and with sales reps that have their MBA from an Ivy League university. If you're willing to put in the time, face plenty of rejection and wake up and do it all over again, you'll be great."

Katie's employer also offered one additional perk that really helped her ease back into the road warrior workforce after her son was born: "My company pays for Milk Stork , a company that overnights breast milk home in a package with a 72-hour cooler, if I'm on long trips away from home."

TPG tip: Many tech companies hire entry-level associates for inside (desk-based) jobs first, only promoting successful employees to outside sales roles after consistent, proven success. But many employers don't mind inside sales representatives meeting clients face-to-face if they can find the opportunity to do so. So, if you're working in inside sales and have the points and miles to spare , you could make a strong impression by taking the initiative to visit your clients on your own dime (or points stash). Just make sure to clear it with your higher-ups first.

Related: Your ultimate guide to upgrading with miles

6. Journalist

(Photo by Andrew Neel via Unsplash)

A number of TPG staff members have started their careers by pursuing assignments, internships and other opportunities that helped them build their portfolios. Credit cards editor Benét Wilson has been an AvGeek since her first flight at age six from New York to London on a Pan Am Boeing 747. "But I didn't know I could be paid for my hobby until 1982, when I saw a classified ad for a job as an aviation journalist," she said. "I never looked back!"

TPG tip: If you're interested in travel opportunities with your company, make it clear to leadership that you'd love to embrace them. "Many people detest travel or have family scenarios that prevent them from traveling, so confessing that you love travel you may fill a huge void for a company," said Darren Murph , a former contributor for TPG. "Proving yourself while on the road is also great for paving the way to a fully remote role, where you're able to travel and work."

And if you don't see people who look like you in newsrooms, don't let it deter you: This is your time to shine. "I've been a long-time advocate of media diversity in newsrooms," Benet said. "Travel and aviation are both areas that could use diversity in the broadest sense. My advice to young people interested in this segment of journalism is to do your homework. Freelance for travel publications, ask to be informed when jobs are open, keep up with travel trends. If you go on an unusual trip, pitch it to travel outlets like The Points Guy — get your name out to those who are already doing the job (like me ), and ask questions."

Interested in working for The Points Guy? We're hiring!

7: International education

Working in higher education administration can lead to domestic and international travel opportunities. (Photo by Vasily Koloda via Unsplash)

The last time you thought of travel and higher education may have been on your study abroad semester to Prague or Paris. But just because you're no longer focused on graduating doesn't mean that college is no longer your ticket to travel. With more than one million international students currently matriculated in higher education in the U.S., universities are competing hard to recruit potential candidates — and their tuition — from overseas.

Travel journalist Oneika Raymond earned more than $100,000 a year teaching abroad in several different countries. And TPG reader Chris T. serves as the director of international enrollment for a public university, flying across the globe to build relationships with prospective students and alumni, and to represent his employer at education fairs and expos.

"International education is a big focus at many colleges and universities," Chris told TPG. "By far, the biggest perk of my job is getting to travel so much and to so many interesting parts of the world. My work has taken me to more than 30 different countries so far and has allowed me to meet amazing people, experience different cultures and eat some really delicious food ."

Despite the glamor of traveling to some of the world's most exciting cities, the job does take its toll. "I have some colleagues at other institutions [who] travel for more than three months at a time," Chris said. "My longest trip so far has been five weeks; that was too long for me , and I now try to keep any work travel to two weeks or less."

TPG tip: Requirements for these types of positions vary. But as a general rule, most universities look favorably upon candidates with previous international work or travel experience, fluency in at least one additional language, good intercultural communication skills and a relevant master's degree.

8. Flight attendant

Time on the road: Between 30 to 70%, depending on the airline and role.

(Photo via Shutterstock)

Being a flight attendant is one of the ultimate careers for scratching that travel itch — and they inspire plenty of wanderlust along the way, too. Linette T. , a five-year veteran flight attendant for Emirates , said that her childhood dream was always to be a flight attendant.

"A zillion years ago on a family holiday from Singapore to Los Angeles, I looked at the flight attendants and asked my mum if they were all going to LA with us as well. She said yes, and at that time, I thought their lives must have been great, getting paid to go on holidays for a living."

Once Linette landed the coveted position, she found plenty of perks to enjoy. "Staff travel, flexible work schedules, international colleagues, exploring the world while at work, discount tickets for your family and friends — work never gets boring! At one point in my life, I flew home to Singapore from Dubai on my days off so often that I was practically living out of a suitcase, flying back to Dubai only to catch the next work flight out again."

TPG Tip: Airlines often post open hiring calls for new flight attendants. While the requirements and training programs are rigorous and demanding , a number of resources are available online, including in community groups on Facebook .

9. Tour operator

Time on the road: Up to 80 to 100% per week, during the busy season

(Photo by Arthur Poulin via Unsplash)

After a number of years spent in the corporate grind, Megan "Lundy" Lundquist took the plunge and launched a group travel company with her best friend. "We had both traveled a ton in our lives and studied abroad in different countries, and wanted to share the unique opportunities we had had with everyone we could."

Their company, Legit Trips , specifically serves young professionals in their 30s whose social circles may have shifted after friends drop out, get married, have children and otherwise stop traveling.

"[It's] an environment where [travelers] don't have to think of anything," Lundy told TPG. "We plan every detail of the trip from start to finish, from arrival at the airport, to activities and hotels. The travelers show up, already have a group to hang out with and just enjoy the trip."

Lundy has even been able to take advantage of her small business expenses by booking every company expense onto various Chase credit cards. "We earn over 20,000 points a month on our prebooking expenses, which we use for our personal travel as well as our work flights for some of the trips we lead."

TPG tip: Sign up for a dedicated business card for this type of work, even if you simply need to invest in a better computer or cell phone. A number of the best cards offer purchase protection, baggage insurance , car rental protection and other benefits that can help you protect your investments.

Related: Best business credit cards for 2020

Remote jobs

(Photo via Shutterstock)

You don't have to commit to slinging drinks or working a hostel front desk in order to get the lifestyle flexibility you crave. A growing number of companies allow their employees to work where they please, as long as they stay on top of their responsibilities.

Audrey L. was approached with a job offer after a travel company discovered her through her travel blog and product website, and asked her to help develop its Los Angeles community base. Now the full-time head of community marketing for an airfare search engine , Audrey has the flexibility to do her job while making her home anywhere in the world.

"My company has offices around the world, and my own team spans several different cities, so there are definitely opportunities to travel for work as well as for personal choice," Audrey told TPG.

If you, unlike Audrey, don't already run a successful blog that may lead employers to proactively offer you your dream job, don't fret. FlexJobs.com offers a database of employment opportunities that are fully remote, while AngelList , a resource for tech startup job listings, offers a filter for employers who are "Remote OK." If you have a marketable skillset, try bidding on projects via Freelancer.com or Fiverr .

TPG tip: Since working alone can quickly feel isolating, consider creating a sense of community by utilizing coworking spaces or programs like Remote Year . In fact, if you like WeWork, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers complimentary global WeWork access for a year, or Platinum Global Access, to travelers who enroll before Dec. 31, 2019.

Related: Want to travel the world without going broke? Try destination coworking

11. Use your PTO

(Photo by Toa Heftiba via Unsplash)

OK, so maybe you don't need to quit your day job to travel. Instead, perhaps you should take advantage of a perk you might already have: generous paid time off .

"Most folks I know, even with unlimited vacation, don't take advantage of the policy," said Victor Y., a full-time software engineer who travels the world averaging more than six weeks of paid time off each year.

While Victor used to travel to Europe and Asia to collaborate with coworkers from time to time, his current job is headquartered just minutes away from his home. "I do get to travel sometimes for customer visits and conferences, but it doesn't move the needle too much." Instead, Victor focuses all of his attention on personal travel these days, taking ample advantage of his tech company's "open" vacation policy, which Victor says isn't specifically defined. "You can take time off as long as you get your stuff done , let the team know and have contingency plans."

TPG tip: Many companies with unlimited vacation policies are proud to say so directly on their website hiring pages — and if they don't, make sure it's one of the first questions you ask human resources.

Tailwind on every ride? – See e-bike trips

Book your fall training now – see Ride Camps

European Classic booking fast – see the trips

  • Request a Catalog
  • 866-464-8735

Select Date Range

Modal title, popular searches.

...

California Wine Country Bike Tour

...

Croatia and The Dalmatian Coast Bike Tour

...

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour

...

Tuscany Bike Tour

Join Our Team

Our goal at Trek Travel is to offer unforgettable experiences, provide exceptional hospitality, have fun, and inspire a passion for cycling and traveling. We are dedicated to the global explorers, the fun-loving risk takers, the road warriors, those who relish discovering new places, families who love traveling together, and all those who believe that the world is best explored by bike.

What We Value

Our dedication to providing unparalleled hospitality, crafting unforgettable moments, and consistently surpassing expectations drives us to excel in all we do. Explore the core values that define Trek Travel:

Be a Learn-It-All

Thinks beyond the current situation. Constantly strives for improvement. Has a strong desire to learn and grow personally and professionally. Welcomes new ideas. Is an excellent listener.

Get Stuff Done, Fast

Assumes responsibility. Develops and implements a plan. Sets high standards and holds others accountable. Works with a sense of urgency. Achieves excellent results.

You consistently deliver excellent work. You are a top performer and always assemble a top-notch team. You set high standards and never settle for mediocrity. You consistently surpass expectations.

Have a Fun, Sparkling Minibus

Fosters a positive work environment. Brings joy, motivation, and positive energy to others. Communicates openly, honestly, and clearly. Is adaptable and always has a backup plan. Offers assistance and proposes solutions.

WOW Through World-Class Hospitality

Ensures the success of internal and external customers. Creates extraordinary experiences. Delights every day. Recognizes and rewards.

Interested in Becoming a Guide?

Benefits of working at trek travel.

  • Work with supportive coworkers
  • Weekly Bike Rides
  • Picnics and Celebrations
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Trek Discount
  • Access to Trek Trails
  • Downtown Madison on the lake
  • Platinum Bicycle Friendly Business
  • Career Growth Within Company
  • BCycle Membership
  • Industry Pro Deals
  • Colleagues Worldwide
  • Office Lunch Incentives
  • Happy Hours
  • Travel Worldwide
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
  • Volunteer Time Off

Job Openings

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

I'm an NYU student who commutes from New York to Florida every weekend for my internship. I've spent nearly $10,000 on travel.

  • I'm an NYU student who landed a dream internship in Florida.
  • Every weekend, I super commute from New York to Florida to work my internship all weekend. 
  • I'm making a lot of money but I'm spending nearly $10,000 on travel during my super commute. 

Insider Today

In high school, I ran my own travel agency. From that experience, I developed an appreciation for customer service and luxury hotel brands. When I enrolled at New York University last year, I decided to pursue an internship in the hospitality industry as a freshman.

However, given the relative scarcity of internships at luxury hotel companies in New York City, I broadened my search to opportunities nationwide. I got three interviews in three cities: Scottsdale, Arizona ; Las Vegas; and Naples, Florida — all during midterm season.

Undertaking these interviews was a massive gamble, requiring me to invest over $1,500 in plane tickets and fly to and from each city on the same day. But, I knew I had to bet on myself.

I received two offers: one from The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and another from a corporate office in Las Vegas for a different hotel chain. Having admired The Ritz-Carlton my entire life, choosing the former option was a pretty easy decision.

However, navigating the logistical challenges of super commuting —coordinating flights, securing accommodations, and managing my full-time studies — has been anything but easy.

My schedule has been the most difficult part

I am incredibly fortunate to have a manager who has accommodated my unique schedule, allowing me to work exclusively on weekends. This arrangement makes my super-commute between New York and Florida feasible — albeit invariably tight.

My classes run from Monday through Friday — starting at 11 a.m. on Monday and ending at 12:15 p.m. on Friday. After class, I head to the airport, boarding either the subway or a train. Travel time often doubles as study time — whether in-flight or waiting at the gate . I typically take an Uber or a shuttle to my hotel after landing.

Generally, the total travel time from my dorm to my hotel ranges from five to eight hours, door-to-door, depending on the airport and hotel locations. However, flight delays, such as one that resulted in my arriving at 1 a.m., can extend this timeline significantly.

Thankfully, the Ritz-Carlton provides highly competitive compensation — particularly due to the extensive hours required.

After finishing on Sunday, I head straight from the property to the airport to catch my 9 p.m. flight, arriving in New York around midnight. I then take a train or subway back to NYU, ultimately returning to my dorm between 2 and 3 a.m. on Monday.

This may not be feasible for everyone

I will acknowledge that achieving this particular feat was largely made possible by a unique set of circumstances. First, residing in New York City offers access to almost unlimited flights , ensuring flexibility in timing and competitive pricing. I have five airports within a train ride's distance to choose from.

On the accommodations front, being a Marriott associate has granted me significant discounts at Marriott hotels, keeping me profitable even amid Naples' sky-high winter prices. This benefit — combined with a supportive manager who has been very accommodating of my schedule — offers a level of flexibility that would have been unattainable under any other circumstances.

Plus, money certainly is certainly an issue. I use almost all of my pay to afford this travel. In all, I've spent just under $10,000 on hotels, flights, and cars. That means I will not have much money left over when this internship is over.

Even though it's difficult, I don't regret it

The transformative experiences and incredible lessons I'm learning at The Ritz-Carlton are preparing me for the future, instilling in me the values of diligence, adaptability, and a deep focus on customer satisfaction.

Despite the challenges of traveling thousands of miles monthly, the rewards have been immeasurable. Plus, the connections I have made, both within the company and in the broader community — many of whom come from backgrounds different from mine — have significantly broadened my perspective. I have encountered dozens of fascinating individuals simply by sitting next to them on a flight.

I'm often asked how I juggle my role at The Ritz-Carlton, coursework, and various other projects without feeling overwhelmed. My answer is simple: I don't see all of this as work but as the pursuit of my passions. Each task I embark on is driven by sincere interest and ambition, making every day an opportunity for discovery, learning, and personal growth.

Watch: This couple takes a more practical approach to the "quit your job to travel" ethos

what careers travel

  • Main content

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

  • Side Hustles
  • Power Players
  • Young Success
  • Save and Invest
  • Become Debt-Free
  • Land the Job
  • Closing the Gap
  • Science of Success
  • Pop Culture and Media
  • Psychology and Relationships
  • Health and Wellness
  • Real Estate
  • Most Popular

Related Stories

  • Millennial Money 48-year-old American who quit teaching now   lives in Mexico, works 15 hours/week
  • Millennial Money This 41-year-old mom bought an   affordable house in Italy for $62,000
  • Work This in-demand side hustle for 2024 can pay   up to $6,000 per month—here’s how
  • Save and Invest 36-year-old quit her job to write   novels—how she and her husband make it work

34-year-old quit her 6-figure tech job to go to pastry school in France: 'What would I want to be doing that would bring me joy?'

thumbnail

Valerie Valcourt is living what some might consider the dream life: The 34-year-old former executive assistant quit her tech job over a year ago and now makes pastries in the South of France.

She recently went viral on TikTok for posting her experience of changing careers in her 30s: "Don't let society try to trick you into thinking that it's too late to start over or that you have to choose one set path," she says in the video.

Valcourt lives by that mentality: Back in 2020, Valcourt was working her Big Tech corporate job in Seattle earning just over $100,000 after bonuses and equity but feeling "at a really low place" and wondering: "What would I want to be doing that would bring me joy?"

She'd always wanted to go to culinary school abroad and, after some online research, submitted her application to a French school on a whim. She got accepted in October 2020 and resigned from her day job soon after. But, she now admits, she wasn't ready to make such a big life change.

"I ended up kind of falling on my face," Valcourt tells CNBC Make It. "I didn't have enough saved, and I didn't realize the mental toll it would take to quit my job at the time." So, she put culinary school on the backburner and rejoined the corporate world to sort things out.

More research, savings and a second attempt

Valcourt realized she would need to double her savings to roughly $20,000 to live off of while in school. To accelerate her savings, she took on a new executive assistant job and moved from Seattle to New York and finally to Connecticut to live with her family.

By the spring of 2022, she was feeling renewed.

She spent more time researching schools that would help her learn French as well as cooking techniques through an internship placement. She landed on a school in the south of France called Gastronomicom and reached out to a former student on Instagram to get a feel for the experience.

Tuition ranges from 4,300 euros ($4,666) for two months of just cooking lessons, or up to 18,700 euros ($20,290) for a year-long program with cooking lessons, pastry lessons, French lessons and an internship.

Valcourt says she didn't need any prior culinary knowledge to enroll — "they just want people who are enthusiastic."

She officially moved to France in January 2023 and began her accelerated three-month program of intensive pastry courses and French lessons, followed by a four-month internship. All in, she paid about 10,000 euros ($10,850) for tuition and another 1,800 euros ($1,953) for housing.

A future in France

Valcourt sailed through classes. Her first internship got extended to six months, and then she got hired to work full time as a pastry assistant at the restaurant Maison Chabran in Pont-de-l'Isere, France.

She earns roughly 20,000 euros ($21,705) a year, and her employer covers her seasonal housing (at least until April, when a new intern class starts). When she eventually finds her own apartment, Valcourt expects to pay roughly 300 euros ($326) per month for a studio or 500 euros ($543) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Valcourt says the best things about her pastry job are learning new skills and working with her hands. Looking back, she's grateful her first try at culinary school didn't pan out. She needed more time to build her mental confidence, "because being in a kitchen is no joke."

While she and her French colleagues work hard, Valcourt says she's surprised by their mentality around rest.

"The French are very adamant about not working overtime," she says. "When it's time to stop, it's time to stop. Go home and rest."

Valcourt says she doesn't have a five-year plan but generally wants to learn as many cooking and pastry techniques as possible, and see as much of France while she can. Her next goal: saving up for a car to drive around the countryside.

She feels fortunate her school and employers have helped her with the necessary visas to stay in the country, and she currently has a permanent employment contract with her company, which employs many foreign and seasonal workers.

Her advice to daydreaming career-changers

These days, Valcourt often hears from other corporate U.S. workers who want to quit and start a new career. Her best advice to them: Explore what you like to do day-to-day, and separate what you want to do as a hobby versus working for yourself or under someone else as a profession.

Consider, what is it you like about your current line of work? What about your previous work? What do you not like about work? Can you find a new career that doesn't include that aspect, or will you have to work through incompatibilities?

Finally, she adds, don't put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out. One big help is having a good support system of friends, family and colleagues when things get tough.

"If you're in that kind of place where you're trying to figure out what you want to do, take it as an opportunity to be able to explore," Valcourt says. "Don't see it as something that's negative. Looking at it with curiosity, being open to what excites you and focusing on that is a really good way to start."

Conversions from euros to USD were done using the OANDA conversion rate of 1 euro to 1.09 USD on March 5, 2024. All amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Want to land your dream job in 2024?  Take  CNBC's new online course How to Ace Your Job Interview  to learn what hiring managers are really looking for, body language techniques, what to say and not to say, and the best way to talk about pay.

How much it really costs to buy a $1 home in Italy

what careers travel

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

what careers travel

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

CBP Seal, circular, Eagle with shield and Globe behind, Department of Homeland Security written below.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection written above.

  • National Media Release

Statement from Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy A. Miller on Helicopter Crash and Death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Texas

We are heartbroken by the devastating loss of Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, as well as National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia, in Friday’s helicopter crash near Rio Grande City, Texas. 

 We mourn alongside Agent Luna’s family, including his wife and two children, parents, and brother. We will continue to provide them with strength and support from their CBP family. We will forever honor Chris’s service, and we will never forget his and family’s tremendous sacrifice. 

 The thoughts and prayers of the entire CBP workforce are with the U.S. Border Patrol and the National Guard, with the National Guardsman who is recovering from serious injuries, and with all impacted by this tragedy.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

IMAGES

  1. 23 Jobs with Travel

    what careers travel

  2. Top 5 Career Opportunities in the Travel and Tourism Industry : OPT Nation

    what careers travel

  3. 40 Best Travel Jobs To Make Money Traveling (They Really Exist!)

    what careers travel

  4. 23 Jobs with Travel

    what careers travel

  5. The 12 Most Popular Travel Industry Careers

    what careers travel

  6. Why Pursue a Career in Travel and Tourism

    what careers travel

COMMENTS

  1. 10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

    Sports Coach. 5 / 12. Credit. 7. Sports Coach. Median salary: $44,890. Expected job growth by 2032: 9%. Sports coaches help athletes develop to their full potential and reach maximum performance ...

  2. 24 of the Best Jobs That Let You Travel (With Salary Info)

    18. Muralist. National average salary: $88,000 per year (artist) Job duties: Muralists create paintings or pictures of large public spaces, such as walls, ceilings or the sides of a pedestrian tunnel. They also work with clients to create murals inside of buildings and homes, from museums to a new baby's nursery.

  3. 15 Jobs that Allow You to Travel

    8. Yoga or sports instructor. This is perhaps one of the most exciting jobs with flexible hours and travel potential. Teaching yoga, sports, or recreational activities like diving, skiing, ziplining, surfing, or soccer can be a fun way to live in a new place.

  4. 27 Seriously Cool Jobs That Require Travel & How You Can Find Them

    Another thing, some truck driving jobs are among the highest paying travel jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor, the salary in America varies from $30,000 to $120,000 a year. It depends on qualifications, experience, the state, and the company you work for. Check this excellent source for more details.

  5. Jobs that require travel: 25 amazing careers to see the world

    Sales representative. A sales representative might need to travel frequently, meeting clients and attending trade shows. It's an excellent opportunity for those who excel in communication and negotiation skills while enjoying the perks of traveling. 8.

  6. 20 Jobs for People Who Like To Travel and Earn Money Doing It

    Divers often travel to where they are needed, making this a good job for people who love to travel and the water. 13. English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. National average salary: $55,365 per year Primary duties: Teaching English abroad is a great way to travel and make an income at the same time.

  7. 14 Positions That Require Frequent Travel

    7. Travel nurse. National average salary: $1,669 per week Primary duties: Travel nurses perform all duties regular nurses perform, including observing patients' vitals, administering medication and maintaining patient records. Travel nurses work temporarily in hospitals and clinics that have a shortage of staff.

  8. 23 Best Jobs for People Who Love to Travel (2024 Update)

    Top Travel Jobs. Here's our picks for the best jobs for people that love to travel. 1. Airline Pilot. People choose to become airline pilots for many reasons. Some love flying, others want to visit different locales every day. Scheduled commercial and cargo airline pilots can be sent anywhere in the world.

  9. 33 Jobs That Allow You to Travel and Reap Exciting Benefits

    26. Massage Therapist. A lot of qualified massage therapists are able to travel and work in exciting or exotic places, both in America and abroad. In fact, it's possible to build a fun and adventurous career by pursuing opportunities on cruise ships, in destination resorts, or even with professional sports teams.

  10. 40 Best Travel Jobs To Make Money Traveling The World

    5. Freelance Travel Photographer. Becoming a professional travel or adventure photographer selling your images from around the world is a dream job, but takes a lot of work too. You can upload photos in bulk to micro-stock sites or sell images to clients directly for use in magazines, books, brand campaigns, or websites.

  11. 25 Best Travel Jobs to Make Money Traveling the World (2024)

    24. Yoga/fitness instructor. If you have the experience, you could travel the world as a freelance yoga or fitness instructor. Many instructors find work with local gyms, hotels, and fitness studios. To find such travel jobs, visit Yoga Travel Jobs, Health and Fitness Travel, and Yoga Trade. 25.

  12. 35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

    These could be travel jobs or potentially even travel careers, but they still generally require the level of input from you that any regular ol' boring job would. Jobs that require travel and pay well, such as being an airline pilot or foreign service travel jobs, will offer you a chance to save up mega-cashola and to hopefully see parts of ...

  13. The best careers for travelling the world

    Although you'll have to travel on spec in most cases, there are job opportunities from Delhi to Dubai, as well as on luxury liners and in holiday villages worldwide. You'll need a recognised qualification and salon experience before you travel. Take a look at hairandbeautyjobs.com for an idea of what's available.

  14. 10 Careers for People Who Love to Travel

    We've searched the globe and found 10 of the best careers for people who love to travel. So update your resume, pack your bags and get ready to explore. Contents. Travel Nurse. Athletic Scout. Roadie. Tour Guide. Civil Servant. International Aid Worker.

  15. 20 jobs that let you travel the world

    Providing transportation, registering guests, bartending, preparing meals, and selling merchandise are just a number of the tasks that may need covering. Coolest U.S. cities for this job: New Orleans, Louisiana, knows how to party and with 130 festivals a year, you're bound to find consistent festival work.

  16. Best Jobs for Travel Lovers

    Tip. The five highest-paying travel agent jobs are tour consultant, travel sales consultant, vacation sales advisor, corporate travel agent, and reservation clerk, according to ZipRecruiter. 22 ...

  17. Careers in Travel ‐ CareerExplorer

    What kinds of travel companies offer corporate careers? Corporate travel careers exist in a wide array of settings, each of which comes with its unique set of opportunities, perks, and drawbacks. Because of the diversity of options, it can be hard to know where to look for a corporate travel job. But some of the most common work settings include:

  18. Jobs that free you up to travel

    So, if you're working in inside sales and have the points and miles to spare, you could make a strong impression by taking the initiative to visit your clients on your own dime (or points stash). Just make sure to clear it with your higher-ups first. Related: Your ultimate guide to upgrading with miles. 6. Journalist.

  19. 40 Popular Jobs That Travel

    Tour guides can travel internationally by applying for jobs based overseas or with cruise lines. 2. Actor. National average salary: $49,087 per year Primary duties: An actor plays a role in an advertisement, television program or movie. Actors often travel to international shooting locations. 3. Travel agent.

  20. 13 Popular Travel Industry Careers (Plus Salaries)

    A travel industry career is a profession that can allow you to travel or facilitate the travel of others. It can also involve roles that provide fun experiences for travelers once they arrive at their destination, including lodging and local excursions. Professionals may seek these careers because they're interested in seeing new places or are ...

  21. 12 travel jobs (with national average salaries and duties)

    12 jobs that involve travel. Here's a list of 12 jobs that involve travel, with their national average salaries and primary duties: 1. Sports writer. Find sports writer jobs National average salary: £20,568 per year Primary duties: A sports writer researches a selection of stories in their sport of choice and pitches initial drafts to an editor.

  22. Apply Today for a Career at Trek Travel

    Develops and implements a plan. Sets high standards and holds others accountable. Works with a sense of urgency. Achieves excellent results. Roll 5's. You consistently deliver excellent work. You are a top performer and always assemble a top-notch team. You set high standards and never settle for mediocrity. You consistently surpass expectations.

  23. American Express remote jobs & what they pay: Customer service rep

    Check out the jobs at American Express : As one of the largest and best-established financial services companies in the world, American Express employs over 60,000 full-time and part-time workers ...

  24. Expedia is cutting 1,500 jobs as travel demand slows

    The cuts, which amount to nearly 9% of its 17,100-strong global workforce, come amid slowing travel demand following a post-pandemic boom and a broader shakeup at the company, including a new CEO ...

  25. NYU Student Travels From NYC to Florida Every Weekend for Internship

    I've spent nearly $10,000 on travel. Essay by Vincent Campanaro. Mar 3, 2024, 4:14 AM PST. The author super commutes from New York to Florida every weekend. Courtesy of Vincent Campanaro. I'm an ...

  26. 30 In-Demand Travel Jobs (With Salaries and Duties)

    Some travel jobs require minimal travel, while others require employees to travel regularly. Knowing how much you want to travel and the locations you feel comfortable in doing so is an important step when searching for a travel-related position. 21 in-demand travel jobs

  27. Want to Be An Astronaut? NASA Opens Rare Job Posting

    Astronaut candidates will spend about two years in training on basic skills including spacewalking, robotics and teamwork. The job is based in Houston, pays around $152,000 a year and requires ...

  28. 34-year-old quit her 6-figure tech job to go to pastry school in ...

    Valerie Valcourt is living what some might consider the dream life: The 34-year-old former executive assistant quit her tech job over a year ago and now makes pastries in the South of France.

  29. 20 High-Paying Travel Jobs

    High-paying travel jobs to consider While travel jobs are more commonly associated with the hospitality industry, there are many other careers given to traveling both nationally and internationally. The following list includes high-paying opportunities that allow you to explore the world as part of the work you do. For the most up-to-date ...

  30. Statement from Senior Official Performing the Duties of the

    We are heartbroken by the devastating loss of Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, as well as National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia, in Friday's helicopter crash near Rio Grande City, Texas. We mourn alongside Agent Luna's family, including his wife and two children, parents, and brother.