travelling jobs that pay well

10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

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

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.

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 .

(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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

(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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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The 23 Top Traveling Jobs That Pay Well

By Ammar Ahmed

Published: January 16, 2024

Occupations & Careers

Ammar Ahmed

Writer & Career Coach

Ever dreamed of working while exploring new places? You’re not alone. Nowadays, many are searching for jobs that either involve travel or allow them to work from any corner of the world. With the shift in the job market, working remotely and living a travel-filled life is becoming more common. In this article, we’ll explore 23 top traveling jobs that pay well and let you see the world.

Benefits of Traveling Jobs

Traveling jobs are more than just an opportunity to earn while exploring new places. They offer a blend of experiences that can shape your personal and professional journey in ways you might not have imagined.

Consider the following benefits:

• Personal Growth and Cultural Exposure : Traveling jobs offer a unique window into different cultures and ways of life. This isn’t just about tasting new cuisines or hearing new languages; it’s about understanding diverse perspectives and growing as an individual. With each new place, you learn to adapt, overcome challenges, and gain insights that stay with you long after the journey.
• Opportunity for Adventure and Exploration : Forget the monotony of a 9-to-5 desk job. Whether you’re witnessing a breathtaking sunrise on a remote beach or navigating the bustling streets of a vibrant city, these jobs ensure life is packed with exciting stories and memories.
• Networking and Career Advancement : Traveling jobs often bring you in contact with a varied group of people, from local experts to international professionals. These interactions can foster valuable professional relationships, leading to collaborations, partnerships, or even new job opportunities. Simply put, the world becomes your networking platform.
• Financial Rewards and Special Compensation : Some traveling jobs come with added financial perks. Beyond the regular paycheck, there can be allowances for accommodation, daily expenses, and even bonuses for overseas assignments. These benefits not only offset travel costs but can lead to a more comfortable and lucrative professional life.

Our Criteria for the Best Paying Traveling Jobs

Before we delve into our handpicked list of traveling jobs that pay well, it’s essential to understand the criteria that influenced our selections.

• Average Salary : Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we’ve centered our selections around professions that consistently offer salaries above the annual mean wage ( $61,900 ). 
• Skills Required: The demand for specific skills can influence the pay scale. We’ve highlighted roles where the skills required can command better compensation and where training can lead to increased earning potential.

With that groundwork laid, let’s explore the traveling jobs that can make your dream lifestyle a reality.

The Top Jobs That Let You Travel

1. traveling physician.

For those passionate about health care and driven by wanderlust, being a Traveling Physician strikes the right balance. These doctors journey from one location to another, often serving in regions where medical care is scarce or specialized.

• Primary Duties: Providing patient consultations, diagnosing and treating illnesses, offering preventive care advice, collaborating with local health teams, sometimes training medical staff, and ensuring proper medical documentation for every patient attended.
• Skills Required: Comprehensive medical expertise, adaptability to various healthcare settings, exceptional interpersonal skills to interact with patients from different backgrounds, cultural sensitivity, and a knack for quick decision-making in diverse environments.
• Average Salary: The annual median salary of Travelling Physicians is around $229,300 per year, according to the BLS. However, variations can arise based on experience, the regions they serve, and the terms of their assignments.

2. Commercial Pilot

If flying high and visiting new destinations sounds like a dream, then a career as a Commercial Pilot might be the right fit. Commercial Pilots have the unique job of flying people and goods all over the world.

• Primary Duties: Operating the aircraft safely from takeoff to landing, planning flight routes, communicating with air traffic control, checking weather conditions, and ensuring the overall safety of passengers and crew.
• Skills Required: Strong flying skills, clear communication, ability to handle unexpected situations calmly, understanding of aircraft systems, and good teamwork to coordinate with the cabin crew and ground staff.
• Average Salary: Commercial Pilots can expect a median annual wage of around $148,900 , but this can increase with experience, the size of the aircraft, and the routes flown.

3. Construction Managers

Construction Managers are the backbone of any building project. They’re the ones making sure everything comes together just right, from the foundation to the finishing touches. Traveling from one site to another, they ensure projects stay on track, within budget, and up to code. 

• Primary Duties: Overseeing construction projects from start to finish, coordinating with architects and engineers, managing budgets, ensuring safety regulations are met, and liaising with clients to provide updates.
• Skills Required: Strong organizational and planning abilities, understanding of construction processes, good communication and negotiation skills, and knowledge of safety standards and regulations.
• Average Salary: Construction Managers can expect to earn an annual median salary of $101,480 . Benefits like travel allowances or bonuses might also be included, especially if the job involves managing multiple sites in different locations.

4. Physical Therapist

For those keen on healing and rehabilitation but also itching for varied experiences, becoming a traveling physical therapist could be the answer. These therapists work in different locations, from urban clinics to remote areas, offering specialized care to patients. 

• Primary Duties: Assessing patient conditions and needs, designing personalized therapy plans, guiding patients through exercises and treatments, monitoring progress and adjusting treatments as necessary.
• Skills Required: Proficient knowledge of therapeutic techniques and treatments, strong interpersonal skills to build trust with patients, adaptability to varied work environments, keen observational skills to track patient progress, and effective communication to instruct and motivate patients.
• Average Salary: Physical Therapists earn an annual average salary of around $97,720 . Factors such as location, specialization, and contract specifics can influence this range, with some roles offering additional benefits like housing allowances or sign-on bonuses.

5. Truck Driver 

Truck driving isn’t just a job; it’s an adventure on wheels. As a truck driver , you hit the road, transporting items from A to B, discovering new places along the way. 

• Primary Duties: Safely transporting goods from one location to another, maintaining a clean and functional vehicle, planning the best routes for timely deliveries, and keeping accurate records of cargo and delivery timings.
• Skills Required: Good driving skills, understanding of road safety, ability to manage long hours on the road, knowledge of basic truck maintenance, and effective time management to meet delivery deadlines.
• Average Salary: Truck drivers can typically earn an average salary of $97,198 a year. However, long-haul drivers who cover more distance or transport specialized cargo can earn more. Many companies also offer bonuses for safe driving and timely deliveries.

Being a model means more than just looking good in pictures. It’s a job that can take you all around the world!

• Primary Duties: Posing for photoshoots, walking runways, promoting brands and products, attending fittings and rehearsals, and collaborating with photographers, designers, and stylists.
• Skills Required: Good physical fitness and grooming, understanding of fashion trends, ability to take direction well, adaptability to different environments and aesthetics, and strong interpersonal skills for networking and collaboration.
• Average Salary: Models’ earnings can vary wildly. However, they earn an average annual salary of around $91,173. Factors such as the type of modeling (runway, print, commercial), the prestige of the brand or publication, and individual reputation in the industry influence their earning potential. 

7. Cruise Director

For those who love the idea of life at sea combined with hosting and entertainment, the role of a cruise director is an appealing choice. These individuals are the heartbeat of the ship’s entertainment world, ensuring guests have an unforgettable experience on board.

• Primary Duties: Overseeing all entertainment and activities on the ship, coordinating with various departments to schedule events, hosting shows and events, and addressing and resolving guest concerns.
• Skills Required: Strong organizational and planning abilities, excellent public speaking and hosting skills, adaptability to cater to a diverse clientele, interpersonal skills to manage and collaborate with teams, and a problem-solving attitude to address any onboard challenges.
• Average Salary: Cruise directors can typically earn an average salary of $88,119 annually. This range can vary based on the cruise line, ship size, and overall experience. Many cruise directors also enjoy benefits like free accommodations and meals, and the chance to travel to exotic locations as part of their work.

8. Travel Nurse

For nurses with a sense of adventure and a desire to make a difference in various communities, becoming a Travel Nurse is an exciting option. These nurses move from one hospital or clinic to another, often filling in where there’s a high demand.

• ications, monitoring patient health, collaborating with doctors and other medical staff, and adjusting to the protocols of different medical facilities.
• Skills Required: Solid nursing skills, adaptability to different healthcare systems and practices, excellent communication, cultural awareness, and ability to work independently or with new teams frequently.
• Average Salary: Travel Nurses can expect an annual median salary of $81,220 , with variations depending on the location and specialty.

As an actor you get to play different roles and travel to many places across the world to shoot scenes.

• Primary Duties: Memorizing and delivering scripts, understanding character motivations, attending rehearsals and readings, collaborating with directors and fellow actors, and promoting films or shows during press events.
• Skills Required: Strong emotional and expressive abilities, adaptability to portray various characters, keen listening skills for reacting in scenes, dedication to craft and continuous learning, and the ability to handle both praise and criticism.
• Average Salary: The earning potential for actors can be highly variable. While the median annual wage might hover around $67,575 , many actors, especially those starting, earn less. However, top Hollywood stars can rake in millions per movie or episode.

10. Singer/Musician

Becoming a Singer or Musician isn’t just about hitting the right notes; it’s a journey filled with songs and tours. Singers and musicians often travel to different cities, or even countries, performing for fans and experiencing new cultures. 

• Primary Duties: Creating and practicing music, performing in front of audiences, recording in studios, collaborating with other musicians or producers, and promoting music through interviews or events.
• Skills Required: Strong vocal or instrumental skills, understanding of music theory, ability to work with others, dedication to practice, and connecting emotionally with audiences.
• Average Salary: The earnings for singers and musicians vary. According to the BLS, singers and musicians earn a median hourly wage of $39.14. However, successful artists can earn much more, especially with hit songs, tours, or merchandise sales.

11. English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

If you love the idea of teaching and traveling, being an ESL teacher might be perfect. This job lets you travel to different parts of the world and help people there learn English. 

• Primary Duties: Planning and delivering lessons, assessing student progress, adapting teaching methods for different learners, and promoting language practice outside of class.
• Skills Required: Strong command of English, understanding of teaching methods, patience, adaptability to different learning styles, and good communication.
• Average Salary: An ESL teacher’s earnings can range from $31,247 to $94,226 per year, depending on the country and institution they work for. In some places with high demand, like parts of Asia or the Middle East, salaries can be higher, and benefits like housing or flight reimbursements might be included.

12. Field Engineer

Being a Field Engineer means you get to mix technical work with travel. This job takes you to different sites where you fix problems or set up systems. 

• Primary Duties: Visiting various sites to install or repair equipment, diagnosing technical issues, working with teams to complete projects, maintaining records of work done, and ensuring safety standards are met on-site.
• Skills Required: Solid technical and problem-solving skills, understanding of the equipment being handled, ability to work in different environments, good communication to liaise with clients and teams, and a keen eye for detail.
• Average Salary: The annual median salary for Field Engineers is around $67,763 . However, those with specialized expertise or who work in high-demand industries might earn more. Travel allowances and other benefits are often included, especially if the job requires frequent relocations or long stays away from home.

13. Marine Biologists 

Marine Biologists dive deep into the world of water, studying the mysteries of ocean life. It’s not just about looking at fish in a lab; it’s about exploring the vast oceans, traveling to different shores, and sometimes even venturing into the deep blue unknown.

• Primary Duties: Researching marine organisms, collecting samples from various water bodies, analyzing marine ecosystems, conducting experiments, and publishing findings to contribute to scientific knowledge.
• Skills Required: Understanding of marine life and ecosystems, diving skills (in many cases), analytical abilities for conducting research, and effective communication skills for sharing findings and collaborating with peers.
• Average Salary: Marine Biologists earn an annual average salary of $54,759 . However, those with specialized expertise or working on significant projects might earn more. Funding, research grants, and fieldwork opportunities can also influence their income.

14. Geoscientists 

Geoscientists are like the Earth’s detectives. They dig into the ground, travel to different terrains, and uncover clues about our planet’s past and present. Whether it’s studying rocks, analyzing soil samples, or predicting natural disasters, they’re always on the move, finding answers and making new discoveries. 

• Primary Duties: Investigating the Earth’s composition, studying natural processes, collecting and analyzing rock or soil samples, and using equipment to detect natural resources.
• Skills Required: Good observation skills, understanding of earth processes, ability to use scientific equipment, and analytical thinking for data interpretation.
• Average Salary: Geoscientists can expect to earn an average of $87,480 a year. Those working in oil and gas extraction might see higher salaries.

15. Environmental Scientists  

Environmental Scientists study the environment and find ways to protect it. From testing air quality in busy cities to tracking pollution in rivers, their work takes them to various places. 

• Primary Duties: Conducting research on environmental issues, collecting samples of air, water, and soil for testing, analyzing data to understand environmental challenges, and proposing solutions to mitigate environmental problems. 
• Skills Required: Strong research skills, knowledge of ecological systems, ability to use scientific equipment, analytical thinking to understand and interpret data, and effective communication to share findings and recommendations.
• Average Salary: Environmental Scientists earn an average annual salary of $76,480 . 

16. Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives  

Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives are the bridge between drug manufacturers and healthcare professionals. They travel from one healthcare center to another, introducing new medicines and explaining their benefits. 

• Primary Duties: Promoting and selling pharmaceutical products to doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, understanding and conveying complex scientific information, providing product samples, and keeping track of sales targets.
• Skills Required: Strong communication and persuasion skills, understanding of the pharmaceutical products being sold, and good organizational abilities to manage schedules and client databases.
• Average Salary: Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives can expect to earn $78,288 annually. However, commissions and bonuses based on sales performance can push earnings even higher.

17. Journalists

Journalists chase stories, interview people, and travel to places where events unfold. Whether it’s covering a local festival, a political rally, or an international incident, they’re always on the go, bringing news to people’s doorsteps. 

• Primary Duties: Researching stories, interviewing sources, writing articles or creating media content, ensuring accuracy in reporting, and meeting tight deadlines.
• Skills Required: Strong writing and communication skills, an inquisitive mind, the ability to think critically and verify information, and adaptability to work in various conditions.
• Average Salary: The annual median wage for Journalists is around $55,960 , depending on their experience, location, the size of the media outlet, and their specialization. 

18. Cybersecurity Specialists

Cybersecurity Specialists keep computer systems safe, tackling threats and ensuring data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. While much of their work is done behind screens, they often travel to various organizations, helping Cybersecurity Specialists fortify their digital walls. 

• Primary Duties: Monitoring systems for security breaches, investigating violations when they occur, installing and using software to protect sensitive information, and conducting penetration testing to find vulnerabilities.
• Skills Required: Deep understanding of IT and security protocols, problem-solving skills, keen attention to detail, and staying updated with the latest cybersecurity threats and prevention measures.
• Average Salary: Cybersecurity Specialists can typically expect to earn between $81,000 to $138,000 annually. Those with advanced certifications or working in high-stakes industries, like finance or defense, might see higher salaries.

19. Photographers / Videographers

Photographers and Videographers capture moments, telling stories one frame at a time. With every assignment, they’re exploring a new place, meeting new faces, and weaving stories through visuals. If you’ve ever wondered how these professionals turn their passion into profit, learn more about making money as a photographer .

• Primary Duties: Taking photos or shooting videos, editing and enhancing images or footage, collaborating with clients to understand their vision, and managing equipment.
• Skills Required: A keen eye for detail, understanding of camera techniques, proficiency in editing software, good communication, and creativity to bring a unique perspective to each shot.
• Average Salary: Photographers and Videographers can earn between $41,000 to $69,000 annually, depending on their expertise, type of assignments, and clientele. Those working with renowned publications, media houses, or specialized industries like weddings or fashion might earn more.

20. Event Planners 

Event Planners bring dreams to life. They travel from venues to suppliers, piecing together the perfect setting for celebrations, conferences, and gatherings. Whether it’s a grand wedding, a corporate seminar, or a cozy birthday bash, they handle every detail, ensuring everything goes off without a hitch. 

• Primary Duties: Meeting with clients, selecting and booking venues, coordinating with vendors, managing budgets, ensuring timely setups, and overseeing events to make sure they run smoothly.
• Skills Required: Strong organizational skills, an eye for detail, good communication and negotiation abilities, and the capacity to handle stress.
• Average Salary: The annual median wage for Event Planners is around $52,260 . Those specializing in high-end events, corporate functions, or destination weddings might see higher earnings.

Traveling Jobs That Pay Well With No Experience

Travel and work need not be mutually exclusive. There are roles that allow individuals to explore new horizons while earning a steady income, even without prior experience. This section introduces jobs that combine the thrill of travel with the promise of a decent paycheck, making them ideal for those with wanderlust and a desire to start afresh.

21. International House Sitter / Traveling Housekeeper 

Stepping into new places and experiencing the comfort of a home while ensuring it remains in perfect condition—that’s the life of an International House Sitter or Traveling Housekeeper . This job doesn’t just pay; it often provides free accommodation in beautiful locales from sprawling villas in Italy to cozy apartments in Tokyo.

• Primary Duties: Taking care of a home while the owner is away, which may include tasks like feeding pets, watering plants, general cleaning, collecting mail, and ensuring overall security.
• Skills Required: Trustworthiness, good organizational skills, adaptability to varying home environments, basic knowledge of household tasks, and the ability to handle unexpected situations, like a plumbing issue or a sudden power outage.
• Average Salary: While the exact pay can vary, many international house sitters or traveling housekeepers may earn between $18,000 to $43,000 annually. A significant perk is often free accommodation in the houses they look after, which can lead to considerable savings on living expenses. 

22. Au Pair

For those who love children and are keen to explore a new culture, becoming an Au Pair offers a unique blend of work and travel. Au Pairs live with host families, often in different countries, and help with childcare and light household tasks. 

• Primary Duties: Assisting with childcare, which can include tasks like helping with homework, driving kids to activities, preparing meals, and playing or doing fun activities. Light household chores might also be part of the role. 
• Skills Required: Genuine affection for children, patience, adaptability to different family dynamics, basic childcare skills, and the ability to handle unforeseen situations calmly.
• Average Salary: An Au Pair’s salary can vary based on the host country and family, but typically ranges between $40,000 to $61,000 annually. In addition to the pay, Au Pairs often receive free room and board.

23. Translator or Interpreter

Translators and interpreters bridge communication gaps, turning language barriers into gateways of understanding. If you’re already fluent in another language, these roles are fantastic to leverage that skill, often with no additional experience needed. The nature of the job also provides the freedom to travel or work remotely.

• Primary Duties: For translators, it’s converting written text from one language to another while maintaining the original meaning. Interpreters, on the other hand, focus on translating spoken words in real-time during events, meetings, or conversations.
• Skills Required: Proficiency in at least two languages, strong listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to convey concepts and tone accurately between languages.
• Average Salary: Interpreters and Translators earn an annual median wage of $61,730 . Those with proficiency in less common languages or specialized fields (like medical or legal interpretation) might earn more.

The Nomadic Freelancer

What is a digital nomad.

A digital nomad is someone who utilizes technology to work remotely, freeing them from the constraints of a fixed location. They often blend the boundaries between work and travel, turning cafes into offices and beaches into boardrooms.

The Rise of the Remote Freelancer

Thanks to the internet, the way we perceive ‘work’ has undergone a transformation. Many jobs these days don’t tie you down to a physical location, making it possible to live a life that seemed like a far-fetched idea not too long ago. 

Here are some positions that are thriving in this new landscape:

• Writers: From bloggers to novelists, writers can pen their thoughts from anywhere, needing just their creativity and a laptop.
• Photographers: Traveling to capture moments, photographers can then sell or showcase their work online, reaching global audiences.
• Travel Bloggers/Vloggers: They turn their journeys into content, sharing experiences and tips with their followers.
• Social Media Assistants: Managing online profiles, scheduling posts, or engaging with followers, all from a beach in Bali or a bistro in Paris.
• Graphic Designers: Crafting designs for clients worldwide, their studio is wherever they choose it to be.

Considering a shift towards this lifestyle? Discover how to find remote jobs with these 16 tips from a recruiter .

Why Choose the Nomadic Lifestyle?

Being a digital nomad isn’t just about the freedom to choose your workplace. It offers unparalleled flexibility—no more 9-to-5, just work when and where you’re most productive. Plus, the potential for earnings is significant. By tapping into global markets, freelancers can optimize their rates based on the demand and their expertise. 

Moreover, by living in places with a lower cost of living but earning at international rates, many nomads manage to save more than they would in traditional roles.

However, the most captivating benefit is the enrichment of the soul. You get to learn about different ways of life, try tasty foods, and make friends from all over. Many people dream of this kind of life, but only a few actually do it. If you’re pondering about the possibilities of remote work , here’s a guide on the best jobs that can be done remotely to get you started.

Challenges of Traveling for Work

While traveling for work promises adventure and novel experiences, it also brings unique challenges that aren’t often discussed amidst the glamorous tales of jet-setting professionals:

Work-Life Balance and Family Considerations

Traveling frequently can mean missing out on important moments at home, from birthdays to school events. It can also strain relationships, as partners or family members adjust to one’s sporadic presence.

Health and Safety Concerns

Different places can mean new health challenges. Maybe the local street food doesn’t agree with your stomach, or there’s a bug going around that you’re not immune to. Additionally, every city or country has its own safety rules. In some places, it might not be safe to wander around late at night or visit certain areas, so you’ll always be on your toes, learning and adapting.

Obtaining the Correct Insurance and Licensing

Think of it like this: every time you set up shop in a new location, there’s a set of papers waiting for you. Maybe it’s a work visa, a local permit, or just the right insurance coverage. For example, nomad insurance isn’t just a fancy term; it’s a type of coverage made for people who move from place to place, ensuring they’re taken care of health-wise wherever they go.

Loneliness and Isolation

You might struggle to make deep connections if you’re always on the move. Plus, there’s the challenge of language barriers or just understanding local customs and jokes.

Travel-Related Stress and Time Zone Differences

Picture this: you’ve just finished a long day of work and meetings, but instead of heading home to relax, you’re rushing to catch a red-eye flight. This juggling act between time zones, coupled with the general chaos of travel – delays, jet lag, or even just finding a good place to eat – can be pretty tiring.

While the challenges of travel can be daunting, many professionals and freelancers find the experience rewarding. If you’re considering a more flexible work lifestyle, understanding both its advantages and disadvantages is crucial. Dive deeper into the world of flexible careers and see if freelancing is worth it . By being aware, you can find ways to tackle challenges head-on and make the most of your travel experiences.

About the Author

Read more articles by Ammar Ahmed

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.

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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?

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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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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.

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 .

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. 

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15 High Paying Travel Jobs [2023]

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Traveling for work can be an incredible and amazing opportunity. There are plenty of jobs that allow people who consider money and travel to be the two most pertinent goals in their lives. Below are 15 high-paying travel jobs to consider.

Key Takeaways:

When traveling for work, you might not get a lot of choice in where you go, how long you stay, or what you do there, but you will get the opportunity to see more of the country and the world than the average person does, and you’ll get paid to do it.

Jobs such as airplane pilot, flight attendant , and cruise director are jobs that require you to travel.

Becoming an international house sitter can be an easy way to trave to new places without much experience needed.

15 High-paying travel jobs

Jobs that require travel and pay well faq.

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Airline Pilot

Average Salary : $67,120 Job Openings: 1,098

Airline pilots carry people from place to place as they embark on family vacations, and incredible adventures, and return home. They operate aircraft to travel short and long distances safely and efficiently.

The daily journeys of an airline pilots will take them to a multitude of new cities and countries. Being an airline pilot is one of the few jobs that pay well and definitively requires traveling every time they clock in.

Their responsibilities include:

Providing flight plans

Going through maintenance checks and ensuring there is enough fuel before take-off

Filing reports of any mechanical issues with aircrafts

Communicating effectively with air traffic control, support staff , and passengers

Using the equipment properly to fly planes and land them at their destinations on time

Find Airline jobs near me

Director Of Sales

Average Annual Salary: $127,012 Job Openings: 1,763

A director of sales is responsible for managing the sales operation of the team, ensuring that members comply with the sales strategies and procedures in meeting sales goals. This means traveling to clients and potential customers to close deals and keep sales coming in.

Because of the importance of the role, a high salary is commanded. A sales director must have excellent leadership and decision-making skills to support and acknowledge the team’s best efforts.

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Senior Product Manager

Average Annual Salary: $134,508 Job Openings: 3,713

A senior product manager oversees the workflow and workforce involved in product and service development, ensuring a high return for its investments. They are primarily responsible for assessing and providing recommendations, producing review and reference documents, and obtaining feedback from consumers and high-ranking company personnel.

Senior product manager must lead a group of product managers, motivating and supervising them in their joint effort to accomplish goals according to the company’s standards and policies.

Find Senior Product Manager jobs near me

Cruise Director

Average Annual Salary: $43,237 Job Openings: 5,103

Being a cruise director is an excellent option for people who enjoy customer service interactions and want to travel to new locations while working. While aboard the cruise ship, directors get to explore unique routes through the sea to tropical lands and alluring attractions.

As a cruise director, you are responsible for running the passenger entertainment and activities portion of the experience while on the boat. Cruise directors act as the liaison between happenings on the vessel and the passengers who are looking to let loose. You also do a lot of work to manage the safety of all passengers on board.

It’s a great position if you are someone who wants to see the world and spend a lot of your professional time on the ocean.

Find Cruise Director jobs near me

Event Planner

Average Annual Salary: $44,411 Job Openings: 15,981

Event planning can take you to exciting places where client parties are set up or the materials for their functions are located. Depending on your exact niche of event planning, you can travel anywhere to both nearby cities and distant countries.

Your responsibilities as an event planner are to conceptualize, coordinate and execute the ideal soirée for any occasion because an enormous amount of planning goes into spectacular events like weddings, product releases, and fundraising functions. The duties of an event planner demand advanced organizational skills and a knack for networking.

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Location Scout

Average Annual Salary: $47,112 Job Openings: 633

A trained location scout often seeks out the brilliant places that movies, television, and photographers manage to capture on film. Location scouts often start as production assistants before making their way up the ranks.

Finding the perfect place to shoot the commercial for a new beer product or the ideal location to secretly capture the authenticity of a proposal involves a decent amount of research.

There’s trial and error to the detective work that a location scout must do to discover the unique place they’re seeking. They must communicate effectively with other production team members to find what they’re looking for too.

As the name entails, the job of a location scout involves traveling to different places in search of an ideal spot. A scout will work on a wide variety of projects throughout their career, and each will take them to different types of locations.

Sometimes it might just bring them to an interesting location within their city, but occasionally, it can take them as far as different continents.

Find Location Scout near me

ESL Teacher

Average Annual Salary: $48,320 Job Openings: 37,225

While being an ESL teacher isn’t necessarily a job that requires travel, it’s very common for people in this occupation to teach abroad. Many professionals who go into a career as an ESL teacher find that their services are mainly required outside of the United States.

An ESL teacher helps to build students’ knowledge of English when it is their second language. This involves preparing materials, assigning homework, and designing effective lessons that encourage fluency of English in non-native speakers.

ESL teachers must also evaluate students’ performance over time to ensure they’re hitting milestones that lead toward fluency.

As of 2021, there are approximately 250,000 native English speakers who work abroad as ESL teachers. These teachers work at 40,000 language institutes and schools from around the globe [1].

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Truck Driver

Average Annual Salary: $51,066 Job Openings: 352,358

Truck drivers can make stops closer to home, but most of their work is completed with long-haul drives. This involves driving to different states or even opposite coastlines to carry materials where they need to go.

A truck driver is responsible for transporting goods to various locations in a safe and timely manner. This requires strong communication with dispatchers, adhering to all traffic and driving laws, and paying attention to any potential mechanical issues that could arise during the journey.

While the travels required for a truck driving position aren’t as glamorous as other jobs, it still involves a great deal of exploration across the open roads.

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Executive Recruiter

Average Annual Salary: $57,170 Job Openings: 62,329

While it might not seem like it has much to do with being an executive recruiter , the position often requires some level of travel. Potential employees for major companies aren’t always located conveniently in the same city.

An executive recruiter will be expected to travel to various locations to get familiar with promising candidates or sell them on a particular job.

Executive recruiters help to identify promising prospective hires and assess their skills. Companies hire these recruiters because the hiring process of a new employee is expensive to accomplish, and they want to make sure they get it right the first time.

This includes discussing in detail the organization’s hiring needs and customer base, conducting a lot of research into the industry, and tracking potential candidates in various ways.

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Environmental Scientist

Average Annual Salary: $58,036 Job Openings: 29,804

Though environmental scientists spend a decent percentage of their career in labs, they also conduct much fieldwork. To find the information that their job requires, many environmental scientists must travel for work to various types of locations.

Environmental scientists conduct research that assists them in identifying potential hazards to humans and our home planet. Their job is also to help hypothesize solutions to imminent risks, like pollution. They usually work for the government or independent programs in pursuit of environmental knowledge.

Some of an environmental scientist ’s duties include:

Deciding on the proper way to collect data

Analyzing samples of materials like soil

Writing reports to detail findings

Outlining plans to control environmental damage

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Travel Writer

Average Annual Salary: $59,197 Job Openings: 11,069

Travel writers travel around and create content on unique spots, restaurants, and sites for the huge audience of people who are curious about faraway places and attractions.

Travel writers are often self-employed or freelancing professionals who write about the industry of travel in general and particular locations of interest that the public might want to know more about.

This could be anything from a detailed exposès about the quality of an upscale restaurant in Paris to information about the best natural wonders to visit in Vietnam.

Unsurprisingly, writing reviews and guidelines about incredible destinations does demand a lot of travel. Travel writers are commonly required to travel to various exciting locations that they write about to gather firsthand accounts and information.

Most writers in this niche are also full-time travelers to ensure that they always have a generous amount of material to work with.

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House Sitter

Average Annual Salary: $61,729 Job Openings: 6,811

House sitters give homeowners peace of mind that their houses are taken care of while they are away for an extended period of time. An international house sitter travels around the globe to stay in people’s homes and take care of them.

International house sitters are masters of organization and communicating from a distance. They relay all information to homeowners to ensure that they can enjoy themselves without worrying while they’re away.

There is a huge market for international house sitters who are willing and ready to travel abroad at a moment’s notice because it’s more difficult to find an abundance of clients when staying local. Many people who become international house sitters get into the industry for its perks of consistent travel opportunities.

Some of their general professional tasks include:

Maintaining proper security on the premises

Household cleaning duties, lawn care, and pool maintenance

Caring for plants and animals

Forwarding phone calls and mail

Contacting home service providers like plumbers when needed

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Marine Biologist

Average Annual Salary: $61,804 Job Openings: 1,767

Travel is required for multiple facets of a marine biologist ’s job. Marine biologists must travel to attend various conferences related to their studies and conduct their hands-on research.

There is an entire world of activity lurking under the surface of the ocean that humans know very little about. Marine biologists work towards building a greater understanding of the ocean and the creatures that reside in it.

There are many science-related activities that go into a career as a marine biologist , but there’s also a fair amount of exploration too. If you’re planning on a career as a marine biologist who mainly does field research, you’re likely in for a lifetime of traveling to exotic locations.

The days of a marine biologist consist of:

Researching the ocean and marine life

Data collection

Monitoring the populations of ocean animals

Studying the impacts of humans on the ocean environment

Examining the feature of marine animals

Writing up research reports of findings

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Entertainer

Average Annual Salary: $61,892 Job Openings: 169

Another position that comes with its fair share of traveling is being an entertainer . Entertainers showcase their particular artistic talents like dancing, singing, or theatre to capture an audience’s attention.

The occupation requires a great deal of commitment to the craft and above-average teamwork skills. It is also common for the job of an entertainer to require traveling. Many entertainers go on tour to different cities or even counties for greater exposure. They’ll also often work in resorts or on cruises that take them to distant lands.

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Traveling Nurse

Average Annual Salary: $70,233 Job Openings: 265,800

A travel nurse fills the same role as one who stays in the same location, but their job also requires them to travel. This could involve traveling between various healthcare facilities to provide their services or acting in short-term roles because a particular location lacks staffing.

These types of nurses will also be dispatched to other countries that are in need of medical services to provide a helping hand.

Depending on the location that they’re working in, a travel nurse must have special training. For example, if they’re headed to a foreign country to assist with a disease that’s wreaking havoc, they’ll need to be trained in the treatment of this affliction.

While being a travel nurse is a time-consuming and difficult job, it’s extremely rewarding and gives you the chance to make a difference in various places while traveling.

Find Travel Nurse jobs near me

How do I get paid to travel?

Yes you can get paid to travel. You’ll need to find a job that requires you to travel. People often immediately think of corporate jobs that require employees to take regular business trips when they think of jobs that require you to travel, but there are some occupations that are actually designed around travel instead of just needing you to take a trip every once in a while.

For example, a position as a cruise director, truck driver , or airline pilot has traveling in the job description. You might not get a lot of choice in where you go, how long you stay, or what you do there, but you will get the opportunity to see more of the country and the world than the average person does, and you’ll get paid to do it.

If you care more about quality than quantity, a career as a travel writer , a travel nurse, an ESL teacher, or a news reporter might be enjoyable for you. Yes, you’ll have to go where you’re assigned, but you’ll usually get to spend a significant amount of time in the location rather than a day or two at a time.

There are a number of other careers that involve a lot of travel as well. Working in a scientific research field such as marine biology or environmental science, for example, will also often come with a significant amount of travel as you conduct research, meet with other scientists, and attend conferences.

How do I live a travel lifestyle?

You live a travel lifestyle by making travel a priority. That means choosing a job that either requires you to travel or gives you the resources to travel, and it means keeping travel as a priority as you choose how to allocate your time, money, and energy.

One of the first steps to doing this is by setting up a travel fund that you add to each month. This may mean giving up some other non-essential items you’d like to purchase, but it’ll be worth it, and you’ll be surprised by how fast those little expenses add up in your travel fund.

Many people also choose to downsize their homes so that they have less to worry about while they’re on the road and more money to put towards travel, and others work to build reward points by using just one airline and one hotel chain.

To live a travel lifestyle, you’ll also need to be creative about how you travel and take opportunities as they come to you. You likely won’t be able to take elaborate, month-long trips regularly, but you can take advantage of your three-day weekends by planning a quick trip to the mountains or nearby city.

Make your travel funds stretch farther by looking for opportunities to visit friends who live in interesting places and visiting places during their off-seasons. Subscribe to email lists that send out travel deals, and keep an eye on flights as they go on sale throughout the year.

What job allows you to travel the world?

A job as an airline pilot, cruise director, or flight attendant allows you to travel the world. In these jobs, your workplace is moving you from one location to another, so you’ll by default get to travel the world.

You won’t necessarily get to choose your destination or have an extended, leisurely stay at each place you visit, but you’ll be exposed to a wide variety of locations across the globe. In addition, these jobs usually come with perks such as deeply discounted airfare or cruises, allowing you to travel where you want to go on your off time.

If none of these roles interests you, there are other jobs that allow you to travel the world as well. A role as an ESL teacher, for example, can give you the opportunity to work in other countries teaching English to students.

If you’re more interested in short stays in a variety of places than in teaching somewhere exotic full-time, working in a role such as a travel agent or writer will also require you to travel for work.

Do travel agents travel?

Yes, travel agents travel. In order to be able to give their clients good advice, travel agents need to be familiar with the properties and locations they’re recommending, so they often go on “familiarization trips” to accomplish this.

On these trips, travel agents will visit and test hotels, restaurants, and activities so that they can confidently make recommendations and itineraries that their clients will enjoy. This makes for a trip full of long, busy workdays rather than a leisurely vacation, but it will allow you to explore the nooks and crannies of some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Many new hotels and resorts will even ask travel agents to come to stay with them for free so that you can recommend them to future guests – this can be a glamorous and fun perk, especially since you can sometimes invite a guest as well.

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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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.

• 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.) 😉

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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!

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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
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• Top Camera Bags – Buyer’s Guide!
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9. Teach Yoga

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.

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

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

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12. Travel Tour Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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17. Busking

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

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

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.

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20. Buy A Place and Rent It

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

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

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

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

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

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25. Become a Party Promoter/Brand Ambassador

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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32. New Zealand/Australia Work Visa

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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20 Highest-Paying Jobs That Let You Travel the World

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It’s everyone’s dream to quit their job and travel the world, but what if you didn’t have to? While it may sound too good to be true, there are those rare unicorn jobs where extensive travel is required or plentiful time off is just part of the package.

If you’re an aspiring globetrotter, these lucrative careers are the best for maximizing your vacation days  without sacrificing a steady paycheck.

Data is accurate as of March 27, 2019, and is subject to change.

Last updated: Nov. 25, 2020

Photographers

Average income: $41,940 Average paid time off: 14.8 days

One of the quintessential dream travel jobs, who wouldn’t want to see the world, camera in hand? For those who have managed to turn it from their hobby into a full-time gig, captivating imagery is used by virtually every company’s marketing and communications department.

Beyond being employed full-time by a brand, there are a number of ways to make money by being a photographer. You could sell stock photos or prints, signup for a gig as a flytographer (personal vacation photographer), or even moonlight as a real estate or wedding photographer to fund your travel.

Average income: $51,790 Average paid time off: 17.3 days

For businesses with international operations, translators or interpreters are often necessary. A higher paying gig than just being an ESL teacher overseas, when you’re a translator you can work anywhere, from a corporate communication department to bilingual hospitals. Obviously, language skills are huge so if that’s not what your degree is in, enroll in a continuing education course to obtain certification.

Private Detectives and Investigators

Average income: $55,080 Average paid time off : 10.9 days

If you’ve watched enough cop shows, you probably thought being a PI sounded pretty cool at one point or another. Hired by individuals or attorneys in civil or criminal disputes, the job could take you anywhere on the planet investigating persons of interest. You never know where the rabbit hole may lead.

Millwrights

Average income: $55,290 Average paid time off: 11.4 days

While not one of your stereotypical sexy or cool jobs, millwrights — better known as industrial mechanics — do have a lot of flexibility in the projects they take. A high precision tradesperson who installs, dismantles, repairs and assembles machinery for factories, power plants and construction sites, you could work wherever machinery is required — so, just about anywhere in the world.

Conservation Scientists

Average income: $64,850 Average paid time off : 14 days

Conservationist isn’t one of the first jobs that comes to mind when you think of travel, but it’s a super important one given the effects of massive overtourism and the population boom. The people that manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands and other natural resources, it’s a job that ensures our most sensitive habitats are protected.

Locomotive Engineer

Average income: $65,980 Average paid time off: 11.4 days

One of the dream jobs for little boys, if they didn’t want to go to space, they wanted to drive a train. If you’re looking for a job outside the cubicle which doesn’t follow a typical 40-hour work week, working on the railroad might be a good option. But it’s not a lifestyle for everyone as you’re expected to be on call much like a pilot.

Zoologist/Wildlife Biologists

Average income: $66,250 Average paid time off: 14 days

Scientists who study animals in their natural ecosystems, wildlife biologists actually travel quite a bit, observing habitats and conducting field research. As they say, it’s a jungle out there.

Travel Writer

Average income : $70,760 Average paid time off: 14.8 days

The most obvious of the traveling jobs, people assume that travel writers are barely scraping by. But if you’re scrappy and good at what you do, there’s a never-ending Rolodex of outlets to pitch and bylines to snag. You can be a full-time salaried contributor to one website, magazine, or newspaper, but the majority of writers freelance full-time for a variety of publications so they can set their own schedule and be their own boss.

Market Research Analyst

Average income: $71,450 Average paid time off: 9.8 days

Market researchers help companies understand what people want, need and their buying behaviors. The job can be located anywhere for virtually any industry and is especially critical during product launches.

Travel Nurse

Average income : $73,550 Average paid time off : 10.4 days

The demand for care around the world is extremely high (especially in developing countries), which means nursing is one of the most flexible location-independent jobs. Travel nurses generally have 13-26 week assignments before moving to another country, and most have some say in which location to base themselves.

Average income : $77,920 Average paid time off : 17.3 days

An auditor is a form of accountant who helps ensure operations are running efficiently and assesses a company’s financial records. They can be full-time internal employees or consultants performing analyses on businesses around the world.

Ship Engineers

Average income: $77,970 Average paid time off : 11.4 days

Those who build and maintain ships, this specialized type of engineering requires knowledge of propulsion, electrical, refrigeration and steering systems. They can work in either the private or private sector with the militia.

Average income : $87,500 Average paid time off: 11.4 days

Commercial and residential architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings and other structures. Largely project-based, it’s not hard to justify spending extensive time in the field assessing building progress.

Film or Video Producers

Average income: $90,770 Average paid time off: 8.6 days

The person responsible for bringing a writer’s vision to life, video producers manage all aspects of a film’s pre-production, production and post-production. This includes planning, scheduling, editing, managing the budget, location scouting, securing permits and sourcing talent. Depending on the script, it can be set anywhere in the world.

Agents (Sports and Performer)

Average income: $90,870 Average paid time off: 8.6 days

Assumed to be exciting jobs surrounded by A-listers, agents represent celebrities and those in the public eye. The job may require travel to negotiate contracts and deals with potential partners on behalf of the client.

Environmental Engineer

Average income : $91,180 Average paid time off: 11.4 days

Environmental engineers use biology and chemistry to solve problems related to recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution. They play an important role in sustainability initiatives.

Marine Engineer

Average income: $96,910 Average paid time off: 17.3 days

Similar to a naval architect who specializes in ship design, marine engineers ensure a ship’s systems are operating and well-maintained. Some work on shore, but you can also be stationed on the ship itself.

Construction Manager

Average income : $101,000 Average paid time off: 8.5 days

Construction managers supervise all aspects of building projects from planning to budget. They typically have an office but are largely based in the field overseeing the construction team.

Geological Engineer

Average income: $103,710 Average paid time off: 11.4 days

It’s no secret that the majority of the highest-paying jobs are in specialized STEM fields and geological engineers are no exception. The people who design mines and extract minerals like coal and precious metals, they are largely based near quarries and small rural towns.

Airline Pilot

Average income: $161,280 Average paid time off: 5.3 days

Perhaps one of the most obvious jobs that requires travel is the person flying the plane. Commercial pilots do have variable and rigorous schedules and despite much time off, they often have overnight layovers that allow them to explore the city they’re stopped in. Private pilots do have significantly more flexibility. Another perk: This so-called working-class job pays well.

How to Find High-Paying Traveling Jobs

If you’re looking for a job that lets you travel the world, think about the skills and interests you have which can be applied to these different industries. If you aren’t looking to develop those or get a new certification, do a Google search for remote work. There are resources like FlexJobs and Remote.com that have companies open to different types of arrangements for freelancers, contractors and full-time remote positions.

If you’re secure in a salaried position and don’t want to become a digital nomad or travel full-time, vacation days are a negotiable part of your benefits package. It may be a valuable bargaining chip when starting a new job or during an annual performance review. Instead of immediately asking for more money, consider what that paid time off is worth to you.

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Methodology: GOBankingRates generated its list of jobs from Glassdoor’s “Companies That Will Pay You to Travel the World” and Business News Daily’s “Jobs for People Who Want to Travel.” From there, GOBankingRates analyzed 40 jobs that made the list in terms of  (1) the average salary of each job based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2017 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates report and (2) the average vacation/paid time off (PTO) for the industry sourced from the October 2018 report by Zenefits. These two factors were scored and then combined for an overall score and then ranked with the top twenty being presented.

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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

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

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

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7 travel jobs that pay over $100,000 — plus you get free trips 

Want to travel the world but you're stuck in a 9-to-5 with two weeks of vacation? There are jobs for which you can travel on your employer's dime that pay over $100,000 a year.

1. Travel publicist (VP or higher)

Average salary: $116,000

A publicist establishes and maintains positive relationships with the media, getting their clients placement in various outlets, from TV to magazines. A travel publicist works for a hotel (or hotel chain), cruise line, airline or with an agency that represents travel-related clients.

The longer you stay with an agency, the more you can make. The median salary for a senior level vice president is about $116,000 a year, according to jobs website Payscale.com.

Most travel publicists are required to travel for their job to pitch new clients, familiarize themselves with properties they represent, take journalists on press trips or to participate travel trade shows and conferences.

2. Luxury travel advisor

Average salary: $100,000

Before the internet, travel agents (as they used to be known) could do as little as book someone an airline ticket. Now, travel advisors not only put together your trip, but they also provide a high level of service and advice, and manage your vacation time.

Travel advisors are constantly on the road, especially those who specialize in luxury travel, where clients with big budgets want the advisors to really know the product via first-hand experiences.

A travel agent's salary is about $36,654 a year, with an extra $6,000 for bonuses and commission. However, a luxury travel advisor (someone who only works with five-star travel and affluent clients) gets commissions for bookings by most every company in the industry, from airlines and tour operators to hotels and often restaurants. They can make $100,000 annually after working for about two years, according to Jim Bendt, CEO of Pique Travel Design , especially if they have already traveled extensively and know luxury and have a personal network of high-paying travelers.

3. Hotel manager

Average salary: $105,000

The hotel manager ensures everything about the hotel is running smoothly. They manage all aspects of the property including operations, staffing and customer satisfaction, and they're mostly responsible for operational efficiency and profitability.

While the median salary for a hotel manager is about $105,000, those who work at a large, high-end hotel, especially in large, metropolitan cities, can make close to $200,000 a year. Jobs website Glassdoor shows a manager position at Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, a five-star hotel chain, has an average salary of $114,000 from $95,000 to $129,000.

Hotel managers are traveling often for meetings and conferences, hotel openings within the same brand and various events. With bigger companies, general managers are given the flexibility to change properties every few years, which can include international relocation.

4. Director of sales

Average salary: $108,737

A sales manager at a hotel is responsible for developing business through direct sales, marketing, direct mail and tours of the hotel, also driving sales revenue, which can be booking large-scale events and conventions at the hotel. They travel with the hotel by representing them in various events and exhibitions across the globe. Eventually, they can get promoted to director of sales, which manages the sales staff and works with revenue management while spearheading marketing strategies.

The average salary of a director of sales at a hotel is $88,116, with the additional cash compensation (including bonus and/or commission) of $20,621 per year, which comes to $108,737.

If you're managing business sales for an entire region, like all the hotel company's hotels in one city or region (ie: all the Marriott hotels in New England), you can expect a higher salary averaging $117,440 a year with $56,729 additional compensation.

5. Airline pilot

Average salary: $137,330

If you've ever dreamed about being the pilot of a plane, know it comes with a great salary: over $100,000 a year (up to $208,000 a year for major airlines). The median annual wage is a nice $137,330, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Clearly, pilots get to travel, and they have opportunities to explore the places they fly into. The airline they work for provides the pilot hotel accommodations, transportation to the airport and an allowance for meals and other expenses when they're on assignment.

6. Creative or art director

Average salary: $133,000

The medium annual salary for a creative director in the U.S. is $133,839, but it can go up to $200,000 on the higher end for those who have more experience and nab jobs at large companies.

Directors who work in travel, like a hotel chain, for example, get the perk of traveling for their job, traveling to new hotel openings to determine the overall vision, working with designers, artists, copywriters and marketers. Based on their knowledge of trends, design and advertising, they plan the advertising, oversee the creative process and, in most cases, they dictate the general ambiance and look of a hotel's public spaces, like lobby and hallways, and often the guest rooms.

Creative directors can also work for cruise ships, airlines, bus companies and more.

Traditionally, an art director executes on a hotel's strategy, concept or idea that the creative director implemented.

An art director can earn up to $104,000 (average base salary is $69,665), according to Salary.com.

7. Cruise ship director

Average salary: $136,000

Being the cruise director onboard a cruise ship is not only fun, you can rake in about $136,000 a year on a large cruise ship, like Royal Caribbean.

The cruise director takes charge of activities, entertainment, recreations and events for all ages of a cruise ship, for both kids and adults, whether it's games and scavenger hunts or happy hours and themed nightclub events. They help produce performances, live bands, lecturers, deck parties and more. They're also the "face" of the cruise ship, and quite literally as most guests get to see them emcee events, meet them at functions and they often make public announcements.

Like passengers and crew, cruise line directors can hop off the ship when it's docked. Cruises are known to travel to many destinations in one itinerary, so directors will get to visit plenty of places.

Many assistant directors work their way up to director. Experience depends on the cruise line. Some require a bachelor's degree and proven history working in hospitality; others may want two or more years working in a luxury hotel or resort.

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What are you looking for?

20 best travel jobs in 2024 [that anyone can do].

Depending on where you live in the world, you might only get between 15-30 annual leave days per year. 

Some countries don’t even offer paid vacation time which sucks!

If, like us, you’ve got a huge bucket list of amazing places to visit around the world , then it’s impossible to prioritise where you’d like to visit during your limited time off each year.

But what if you could work remotely and explore the world as you go?

Luckily, that’s not only possible but is actually extremely common as there are plenty of awesome jobs that you can travel with! 

This article is going to dive into the best travel jobs out there and take a look at the income range and requirements for each one. 

Travel and work don't have to be mutually exclusive , so let’s see which option suits you the best!

First up ...

Travellerspoint

How can I work and travel the world at the same time?

Many people think it’s impossible to work and travel around the world at the same time - but we’re living proof that’s just not true! 

Understandably, having the freedom and flexibility to travel whilst making an income is high on many people’s agenda.

Especially after the past few years (which I’m not going to mention how awful they’ve been), people are really starting to reconsider their careers and alternative job possibilities.

This is because many jobs have now switched to remote whereas beforehand, these positions were only ever deemed possible as an on-location position - so for example, office work etc. 

Now, however, there are plenty of remote jobs out there which allow you to travel whilst making an income. 

They all require the same things - determination, work ethic, and commitment. 

You also need to be prepared to upskill yourself and of course, have a dream so you’re passionate about this way of life!

Our story (briefly)

Cazzy and I graduated university back in 2016 and immediately set off on a whirlwind 4 month trip of South America .

It was amazing, but once we returned home, we had spent almost all our savings but now had this burning desire to continue traveling.

Over the next 6 years, we have done a number of online jobs, mostly based around freelance copywriting in order to fund out travels around cheaper destinations in Asia.

All the while growing Dream Big, Travel Far into the site it is today.

It's now one of the world's largest travel blogs, offering us the freedom and flexibility to travel constantly all whilst working as remote digital nomads .

But our story is not unique in any way, and along our travels we have met countless people (both online and in person) living nomadic lifestyles that involve large amounts of travel each year.

And the following showcases just how diverse these jobs can be.

I would certainly not say everyone should start a travel blog, and neither is it the only way to make money traveling.

Types of Travel Jobs

So, there are three main types of travel jobs that can help support your travels.

I’m going to dive into each one here and break down the differences so you’ve got a rough idea of which type suits you the most! 

1. Digital Nomad travel jobs

A digital nomad is essentially anyone who works from a computer and requires access to the internet. 

This could be anything from teaching English online to being a virtual assistant , so there’s no limit to what you can do. 

In my opinion, digital nomad travel jobs offer the ultimate flexibility as you can work from anywhere in the world. You can literally choose your own travel itinerary like we’ve done with our epic road trips .

Not only that, but you can work on your own schedule and as little or often as you’d like. Many of the popular digital nomad destinations like Bali and Thailand also offer co-working spaces, working cafes, and shared hostel areas with fantastic Wi-Fi.

For these types of jobs, it’s essential you have a great-quality laptop but don’t worry as there are lots of excellent options out there. 

We’ve actually already detailed the best travel laptops on our blog if you want to take a look!

2. Jobs that literally pay you to travel

If you’d prefer to not work on a computer then this option may be more suited to you! 

Believe it or not, there are actually jobs that PAY you to travel which sounds like a dream right?

This includes working as a flight attendant or on a cruise as a bartender, entertainer, or cabin steward.

You’ll essentially work throughout your dedicated working hours, and then once you’re finished you’re able to explore the area you’re travelling in. 

Many people prefer this type of work as it offers a salary, FREE hotel and cabin stays, and is more ‘secure’ than freelancing or being self-employed.

However, just keep in mind it’s still the same principle as a 9-5 but you can explore during your downtime. 

These job positions don’t offer nearly as much flexibility as digital nomad travel jobs, and still require a lot of time commitments. You also won’t have much time off either! 

Though, if you're simply looking for jobs that let you travel these types of careers are still a fantastic option.

3. Local travel jobs for travellers/backpackers

Many travellers like to get jobs as they travel to offset their costs. 

This often includes positions like bartending, working at a hostel, or being an Au Pair in a specific location. 

Seasonal jobs are also a great option if you’re travelling on a budget and include fruit picking, ski resorts, and working on the fishing rigs. 

These positions often don’t require any previous experience and are temporary which makes them perfect for travellers that are always on the road. 

Just keep in mind that this is typically only effective when travelling through cheap continents like Asia, Central America, and South America . 

The pay for these positions often isn’t great although many do pay cash in hand (shush).

This isn’t a problem if you’re paying $5 a night for a hostel in Thailand but becomes an issue if you’re trying to pay for accommodation in more expensive countries like Australia. 

The Best Digital Nomad Travel Jobs

1. freelance travel writer/copywriting.

Job Income: $0.01 - $1.00 per word

Requirements: Laptop, can write in the English language (depending on the employer), great writing skills, knowledge of SEO (in some cases), WiFi

This is without a doubt one of the easiest ways to become a digital nomad ! It allows plenty of flexibility as you can take on as much work as you want (or as little), leaving plenty of time to explore the destinations you travel to.

This is actually how we actually funded our travels before the blog took off!

Similarly, you can also choose to be a travel writer for other publications which is HIGH in demand right now. 

Not only can you travel yourself, but you’ll also get to write about other destinations and add these places to your ever-growing bucket list. 

As you can see above, there’s a wide range of pay as what you earn depends heavily on several factors; such as experience in that industry. 

The best way to get started is often writing articles on your own blog for the experience (if you have one), or creating a portfolio that you can show to clients.  

Now, you can find your clients on Facebook groups like DNW - Making Money from Blogging and Make Traffic Happen - SEO & Social Media Support , as you’ll find plenty of listings from bloggers who are looking for a ghostwriter! 

Another way to find work is to check some of the relevant job boards including Freelancewriting.com , Problogger.com , and Freelancewritinggigs.com .

Pros of Freelance Copywriting:

• Can work to your own schedule so is VERY flexible
• The ability to take on as little or as much work as you like

Cons of Freelance Copywriting: 

• You don’t have a guaranteed income each month
• Many of the job roles in this guide pay much more! 

Helpful Resources: 

• How to become a copywriter : an in-depth guide!
• How to become a travel writer : This article offers various examples of travel writing. 
• An example: Elen Turner is a content creator and copywriter that has now written for Lonely Planet, Huffpost, and Tripadvisor! 

2. Travel blogging

Job income: $1,000 - $20,000 per month

Requirements: Laptop, writing experience, knowledge about SEO and websites, a camera/phone for taking images, WiFi

Being a travel blogger is a dream for many, and it’s not hard to see why!

Although we may be biased - we absolutely love being travel bloggers as it’s allowed us to see so much of the world whilst working a job we adore ! 

However, it doesn’t appeal to everyone and understandably so as it requires years of hard work. You’ll also need to be prepared to put in the time to learn, as there’s a lot to know about. 

Being a travel blogger allows you to earn passive income through advertising and affiliate marketing if you’ve got plenty of monthly viewers.

This is why there’s such a HUGE range of income, as it all depends on how many readers your travel blog has. 

Some travel bloggers will also get invited to destinations by tourism boards and can make money from sponsored posts and photography too.  

There are plenty of awesome companies out there where you can start your own blog including Wordpress , Squarespace , and Webflow . You can work with the templates already there or create your own depending on who you use!

Of course, if travel blogging itself doesn’t appeal to you then the same goes for being a mommy blogger, or a food blogger.

This can be one of the highest-paying travel jobs out there if you've got the right audience but it's not easy! 

Pros of travel blogging:

• You’ll often be paid by tourism boards to visit a destination
• Can earn money through passive income

Cons of travel blogging: 

• Can take years before you make any kind of liveable wage
• Takes a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears
• How to start a travel blog : an in-depth guide of where to start! 
• Tips for becoming a successful travel blogger : written by the iconic Nomadic Matt
• Is it okay to just say ... well ... us?

3. Teaching English online (TEFL)

Job Income: $1,000-$3,000 per month (depending on the country)

Requirements: Laptop, TEFL certification course, WiFi, speaking fluent English, some companies require a degree

One of the most popular ways to make money whilst travelling is by teaching English online.

You can do this from anywhere in the world as long as you’ve got a very strong WiFi connection, and many of the lessons are only 30 minutes to an hour long. 

All you need is a laptop, which is where you’ll teach English to children over zoom or skype calls.

If you’re looking to teach online there are endless TEFL companies available to help you start your journey including Cambly , Tutor.com , and English Hunt .

Just keep in mind that each company may have a specific set of requirements like being a U.S citizen or a minimum amount of work hours.

Pros of teaching English online:

• The pay is relatively good, especially as the start-up costs aren’t high!
• You can work anywhere in the world

Cons of teaching English online: 

• Time zones can be challenging
• You’ll need extremely good WiFi for video calls
• The best TEFL companies : an in-depth breakdown of the top options out there
• TEFL certification courses
• An example: A first-hand experience of teaching English online.

4. Online Translator

Job Income: $20 - $80 per hour

Requirements: laptop, WiFi, fluent in other languages, a degree (in some cases)

If you’re looking for jobs where you can travel, have you ever considered being an online translator?

For this type of work, you’ll need to be fluent in at least one other language, with the most profitable language translations being Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese to English.

If you are, there are endless opportunities for an online translator ranging from books to websites, so there’s a HUGE variety. 

The most popular ways to get started include starting your own website, working with traditional agencies, or signing up with online agencies such as Gengo !

Pros of being an online translator:

• Demand for online translators is constantly increasing so there’ll always be work
• You have control over how many projects you want to take on

Cons of being an online translator: 

• You’ll sometimes be working under strict deadlines
• Some translation companies may require a degree
• How to work as an online translator : an in-depth guide
• Top websites for freelance translator jobs : Where to look for online translator positions
• An example: Maria runs her own blog called ‘ Latina Abroad ’ and works as a Spanish translator too!

5. Virtual Assistant 

Job Income: $15 - $40 per hour 

Requirements: Laptop, WiFi, software programs (depending on what you do)

Another great option if you’re looking to make money whilst travelling is to become a virtual assistant or VA for short. 

There’s no specific skill set for this job position, as it could include a variety of different roles. 

Essentially, you’ll be providing a service to a company from a remote position whether that is social media management, email management, or content creation.

Even if you have no experience, many of the tasks VAs do are often things you’ll do for yourself anyway like checking emails and finding the best hashtags for an Instagram post. 

The best way to get started is by checking Facebook groups like DNW - Making Money from Blogging and Make Traffic Happen - SEO & Social Media Support .

You can also take a look at freelance websites such as Upwork and Flexjobs !

Pros of being a virtual assistant:

• There are a HUGE variety of roles you can do as a virtual assistant
• Lots of flexibility when it comes to working schedules

Cons of being a virtual assistant: 

• You’ll often need to learn new skills over time to keep up with the demand
• For many of the tasks, you’ll need to be incredibly organised!
• How to become a virtual assistant : a step-by-step guide
• The ultimate list of virtual assistant services : to help you find the perfect tasks for YOU!
• An example: Billie runs ‘ Desire to Done ’ and works as a virtual assistant whilst teaching others to do the same!

6. Online fitness Instructor 

Job Income: $1,000 - $4,000 per month

Requirements: Laptop, Zoom or Skype, WiFi, necessary certifications e.g if you’re deciding to include meal plans in your services

There are plenty of jobs which allow you to travel but not many people consider a fitness instructor to be one of these careers! 

However, it’s one of the BEST options out there for a digital nomad if you have the right experience and certifications.

There’s also lots of flexibility in how you want to run your business, whether that be monthly packages, zoom PT sessions, or creating a workout/meal plan.

Previous experience in a gym setting is beneficial, and you may need specific nutrition and fitness certifications if you’re planning to include meal plans etc in your packages.

The best way to get started is by setting up your own website, as this gives you complete flexibility over what you want to offer!

Pros of being an online fitness instructor:

• Promoting a healthy lifestyle to people all across the world
• Can be highly lucrative once you’ve got a good client base

Cons of being an online fitness instructor: 

• It’s hard to notice improper form and teach techniques over zoom 
• Clients may lose motivation as there’s no accountability of having an in-person trainer
• How to get started as an online fitness instructor : an in-depth guide to finding your niche
• How to be successful as an online fitness coach : some top tips you should read!
• An example: Kayla Itsines is a very successful online fitness instructor, and works on keeping her sessions simple

7. Online Travel Agent

Job Income: $3,000 - $6,000 per month

Requirements: Laptop, WiFi, certification (in some cases)

If you’re looking for careers that allow you to travel, the likelihood is that you want to see the world. 

What better job to have, than being an online travel agent where you can help people do the same! 

Many people don’t like to organise their own trips, and this is where you come in. You’ll take a brief outline of what the client wants and then book all logistics including transport, accommodation, activities etc.

You can either work for a large travel agency where you’ll get all the perks, or you can work independently once you have the experience . 

If you’re looking to start up with a company then one of the best options is Dream Vacations as they will offer you all the training and tools you’ll need. 

Pros of being an online travel agent:

• Very lucrative, especially as you get more of a reputation
• You can specialise in specific destinations or target your services towards a specific niche e.g luxury travel

Cons of being an online travel agent: 

• Very demanding - especially during the peak travel times
• Time zones can become an issue depending on where your customer market is
• How to become an online travel agent : an in-depth guide
• Companies that hire remote travel agents : a great read if you’re looking to work for an agency rather than yourself
• An example: a first-hand experience of being an online travel agent

8. Freelance travel photographer

Job Income: $1,000 - $10,000 per month

Requirements: Laptop, editing software, camera, equipment such as a tripod and gimbal

Being a freelance photographer is undoubtedly one of the BEST travel jobs out there, and is a dream for many! 

You’ll often be paid to travel to destinations by tourism boards or tour operators , and then you’ll give them high-quality content in return. 

The great thing about being a freelance photographer is that you can niche down too whether that be luxury travel, adventure travel, or a specific part of the world. 

The best way to get started is to pick up your camera and practice every day! You’ll also want to build a website where you can sell prints and create a portfolio that you can show to clients.

You’ve got the option of stock photography, sponsored social media posts, and drone photography too.

For those who want to up their game, here are some fantastic online photography courses that you can take...

Pros of being a freelance travel photographer

• You’ll literally get PAID to travel 
• If travel photography isn’t for you, then you can focus your niche on pets, wildlife, or portraits instead - there are endless opportunities 

Cons of being a freelance travel photographer  

• Expensive start-up costs as you’ll need to purchase a good quality camera and other equipment
• Freelance photography jobs are sporadic sometimes, although they are well paid! 
• How to become a freelance travel photographer : an in-depth guide
• Essential photography tips : have a read through this if you’re a beginner as it’s SUPER helpful
• An example: Jord Hammond is a very talented travel photographer, and even offers his own photography courses!

9. Videographer/film-maker

Job Income: $1,000 - $25,000+ per month

This is another fantastic option if you own a great quality camera and some fancy equipment! 

Whether you’re looking to produce travel videos, create content around food or products, or become a remote filmmaker - there are endless opportunities. 

Of course, if you’re looking to produce short films then that’s likely to be much more lucrative. 

The best way to start is to invest in a camera and editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro. Then, get out there and shoot some footage that you can bring together in a project. 

There are plenty of platforms where you can show off your skill set including Tik Tok, Instagram reels, and Youtube (but we’ll dive into that in a minute).

You’ll also want to create a website and a portfolio that’s easy for clients to find!

Pros of videography/film-making

• Very lucrative, especially as you create your client base
• You’ll always be learning new techniques and skills, so it will never get boring!

Cons of videography/film-making

• It’s not an easy career and takes years of practice to develop your skill set
• The equipment is VERY expensive, so be prepared for high start-up costs
• How to become a travel videographer : some top tips are included too! 
• Videography equipment for beginners : A great round-up of equipment you may need to start your career
• An example: Sam Kolder is one of the most talented videographers around and showcases his work on Youtube, Instagram, and his website.

10. YouTube/Travel Vlogging

Job Income: $1,000 - $20,000 per month

Although we’re travel bloggers, we’ve recently fallen in love with YouTube and travel vlogging!

It’s a great way to showcase your travels, create memories and videos you can reminisce on, and build up a fantastic audience that loves the same things as you do!

There are plenty of travel vloggers out there, and many of them get paid to visit destinations and shoot content for their audience. 

However, just keep in mind that it’s not a cheap career as you’ll need to invest in a good quality camera and microphone , as well as other videography equipment too.  

If you don’t want travel vlogging to be your full-time job, you can also think of it as a side hustle or a way to promote another business.

This goes for other niches too like food, fashion, gaming, and tech!

Pros of YouTube/travel vlogging: 

• You can express your own ideas
• You’ll often build up a community of like-minded people

Cons of YouTube/travel vlogging: 

• Very HIGH start-up costs due to equipment
• Long work hours due to shooting content and editing
• How to become a Youtuber : an in-depth guide
• How to promote your YouTube channel : some helpful tips to get your name out there
• An example: Lostleblanc runs one of the most successful YouTube channels in the travel niche

11. Website & Graphic Design

Requirements: Laptop, editing software, specialised software, advanced skill set

Another lucrative way to make money whilst travelling is by getting into website and graphic design! 

It’s one of the most popular options for digital nomads, and there are plenty of great boot camps that can teach you all the skills you need including the Institute of Code . 

You’ll just need to invest in some specialised software first including Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator among others!

Although website development and graphic design are different, they often go hand in hand which is why I’ve grouped them together. 

To find these projects, you’ll want to search on websites like Upwork , Fiverr , and Hired .

Pros of website & graphic design:

• Very lucrative, especially if you’ve got a good client base and testimonials 
• High in demand

Cons of website & graphic design: 

• High start-up costs as specialised software is required
• Takes a long time to build up your skill set 
• How to become a web developer : an in-depth guide
• Best online job boards for graphic designers : a great round-up of websites where you can find work
• An example: Pili & Dano run a blog called ‘ coconuts and coordinates ’, and they also work with companies in regards to content creation and web development.

The Best Jobs That Pay You To Travel

12. work on a cruise ship or yacht.

Job Income: $1,000 - $3,500 per month

Requirements: Prior experience for some positions, but it's generally not needed for many roles

If you’re looking for jobs that require international travel with no experience, then I’d recommend working on a cruise ship or a yacht.

The positions include entertainers, chefs, childcare, and bar staff - so there’s something for everyone! 

If you’re a cruise ship worker or you get a job on a yacht, all your accommodation, food, transport, and insurance are generally covered. This means you’re literally getting PAID to travel! 

However, just keep in mind that it’s still the same principle as your 9-5 so doesn’t offer as much flexibility. 

The best way to find yacht or cruise ship jobs is by looking on websites such as All Cruise Jobs , The Crew Network , and Ya Crew .

Pros of working on a cruise ship or yacht:

• All expenses are paid
• You’ll get to visit a variety of different destinations 
• You’ll still be working for an employer so offers less flexibility
• It requires long working hours, and you’ll often be on call!
• How to get a job on a cruise ship : an in-depth guide
• What’s it like to work on a cruise ship : give this a read to weigh up the pros and cons
• An example: Wandering Earl used to work on cruise ships to fund his travels!

13. Flight Attendant

Job Income: $1,000 - $3,000 per month

Requirements: No specific requirements apart from training and enhanced background checks

When people think about paying travel jobs, the first one that often springs to mind is a flight attendant. 

This career offers you the chance to explore the world, with a ton of great perks too including FREE or discounted flights, hotel discounts, and expense reimbursements. 

When it comes to finding flight attendant jobs, there are a couple of options! You can either look on general job sites like Indeed or there are specific websites for this position.

This includes the likes of All Flying Jobs and Airline Career . Depending on your location, you can also search the specific airline companies to see whether they’re taking on recruits.

Pros of being a flight attendant:

• HUGE variety of benefits including free & discounted flights
• Plenty of travel opportunities 

Cons of being a flight attendant: 

• Long hours, especially if you’re working on long-haul flights
• Not suitable for people with a fear of heights or flying!
• How to become a flight attendant : an in-depth guide
• What to know before becoming a flight attendant : an interesting read for those considering this career
• An example: Jess who runs the ‘ The Layover Life ’ worked as a flight attendant for five years as she got to explore the world

14. Tour Leader

Requirements: No previous experience needed or requirements, just training 

If you’re a confident individual and you love connecting with like-minded people then why not become a tour leader?

There are plenty of fantastic companies out there like Intro Travel , Intrepid Travel , and One Life Adventures that all employ tour leaders to show a group of travellers around a country. 

You don’t need to be local either, as many tour operators will also have a local guide with you throughout the trip. 

This is a great way to see a country, and all expenses will be covered during the tour.

Pros of being a tour leader:

• You’ll get to meet lots of like-minded people who love travel
• This job literally PAYS you to explore a country - what more could you want?

Cons of being a tour leader: 

• You won’t have free time during the tours, so any ‘extra’ exploring will have to be done afterwards
• It’s a demanding role as you’ll have to deal with the needs of at least 10-15 people 
• How to become a tour leader : an in-depth guide
• The pros and cons of being a tour leader/guide : a great article to read before you make your decision
• An example: A first-hand experience of being a tour leader

15. Teach English Abroad

Job Income: $1,500 - $3,000 per month (depending on the country)

Requirements: TEFL certificate, a degree (in some cases), fluent in English

If you don’t like the idea of working online, then you can teach English abroad instead! 

The same as working online, you’ll require a TEFL certificate before you apply for any positions, and some schools may want you to be degree-level educated.

However, once you’re good to go there are a ton of fantastic opportunities waiting for you. 

My TEFL is a great place to start as they’ve got a list of job positions in a variety of different countries.

Once you’ve found your ideal destination, the process is pretty simple and many schools will offer you an interview straight away.

If you've dreamed of being an English teacher but you still want to travel the world on a regular basis then this is the perfect option!

Pros of teaching English abroad:

• You’ll be getting out of your comfort zone which is what travel is all about! 
• Teaching English abroad will immerse you in the local culture

Cons of teaching English abroad: 

• Depending on where you decide to teach English, the money might not be great
• It also doesn’t offer as much flexibility as some of the other positions in this guide
• Teaching English abroad : an in-depth guide
• The Best countries to teach English abroad : a breakdown of the top countries, and what they require!
• An example: First-hand experiences of teaching English abroad

The Best Local Travel Jobs

16. working at a hostel.

Job Income: $7 - $10 an hour 

Requirements: No necessary requirements

If you’re just looking for a simple on-the-go travel job, then working at a hostel is a great option!

It usually includes roles like working on reception, minding the bar, and housekeeping so there’s plenty to be getting on with.

Although it’s not the most glamorous of jobs, your accommodation is sometimes included or at least heavily discounted. 

There are also plenty of job positions to be found throughout the world, so make sure you check out websites like Hostel Jobs and World Packers .

This travel job is extremely popular with budget backpackers and nomads, and is a fantastic way to offset costs while you travel.

Pros of working at a hostel:

• One of the less stressful travel jobs out there
• You’ll find positions across every part of the world - so there’s no shortage where you can travel to

Cons of working at a hostel:  

• Not very well paid, but accommodation is sometimes included too
• You’ll often be working long hours
• How to find hostel jobs : an in-depth guide
• More Information on hostel jobs
• An example: Matt who runs the successful travel blog ‘ Expert Vagabond ’ has done hostel work in Hawaii before! 

17. Bartending 

Job Income: $1,000 - $2,500 per month

Similar to getting a hostel job, bartending is another great way to make money on the road. 

It’s one of the best jobs that you can travel with, as there are endless bars and pubs throughout the world. You can literally hop from place to place, and see the world as you go. 

Luckily, there are lots of fantastic websites out there that can help you find a paid bartending position. This includes Ace Working Holidays , Gap 360 , and Summer Tribe .

There’s generally no previous experience required, and you’ll get to meet lots of new people along the way.

Pros of bartending:

• You’ll make good tips in some countries 
• It’s a very social job so you’ll get to meet lots of people 

Cons of bartending:

• You’ll often be working long hours and late at night
• Many countries have strict alcohol regulations so you’ll need to be aware of them in each country you work in 
• How to become a travelling bartender : an in-depth guide
• What to know before becoming a bartender : a few pointers to consider before deciding whether this job is for you!
• An example: a first-hand experience of a travelling bartender

18. Scuba diving instructor

Requirements: A variety of certifications including a PADI Divemaster course.

If you’re a fan of the ocean and nature, then becoming a scuba diving instructor is the perfect job for you! 

There’s demand for it on every continent, and you could easily jump from country to country and follow the seasons.

This is undoubtedly, one of the BEST travel jobs out there, although it does require some upfront costs and dedication as you’ll need to log a certain amount of hours in the water first!

You’ll find plenty of websites offering job roles across the country too so make sure you check out Beach Jobs , Dive Zone , and Scuba Jobs Worldwide .

Pros of being a scuba diving instructor:

• You can work in some of the most beautiful places in the world like Hawaii or Fiji
• It’s a great job for someone who loves nature and wants to share their passion

Cons of being a scuba diving instructor: 

• You’ll have to follow the seasons, as winter conditions in some countries aren’t suitable for diving
• High up-front investment as you’ll need a variety of certifications
• How to become a scuba diving instructor : an in-depth guide
• Professional courses at PADI : This will give you an idea of the courses available and what prices you’re looking to pay! 
• An example: Antonio and Amanda from ‘ The Adventure Junkies ’ work as freelance scuba diving instructors

19. Au Pair

Job Income: $500 - $4,000 per month

Requirements: Experience with children, aged 18-26, and have a 12-month commitment. Here are the full requirements as there are too many to list!

Although this job may not be for everyone, there are plenty of great Au Pair opportunities to be found across the world.

An Au Pair is essentially a live-in nanny or babysitter, who will help look after the little ones, do some household chores, and help teach them English if that’s a requirement.

The best option if you’re searching for jobs is AuPair.com , as they feature positions all across the world. 

Just make sure you check the requirements as each listing will have a different salary, time period, and number of children to look after. 

Pros of being an Au Pair:

• It’s one of the cheapest options if you’re looking to spend a year abroad
• You’ll get to immerse yourself in the local culture

Cons of being an Au Pair: 

• As you’ll be living with your employer it’s hard to split work life and downtime
• You’ll need to adapt to a new lifestyle, depending on how that family lives
• How to become an Au Pair : an in-depth guide
• Au Pair country check: Where can you be an Au Pair?
• An example: Ashley from ‘ Ashley Abroad ’ used to be an Au Pair in France!

20. Get a seasonal job (e.g Ski resorts, fruit picking, fishing rigs etc)

Job Income: $1,000 - $,5000 per month

Requirements: Varies depending on which position you pick, although many don’t require any experience

If you’d prefer to be flexible, and work in a variety of environments then seasonal work is the way forward! 

This type of work includes ski resorts, fruit picking, and fishing rigs just to name a few, and the opportunities will depend on which country you’re travelling through and the season.

Not only does the type of work vary, but so does the pay so just keep this in mind. However, doing seasonal jobs is one of the BEST ways to see the world.

There are lots of great websites where you can find seasonal job listings too, including Seasonal Jobs Abroad , Anywork Anywhere , and the Overseas Job Centre .

Pros of seasonal jobs:

• You’ll get to develop a wide variety of skills
• Many of the jobs require working outside which can be nice if the weather’s good

Cons of seasonal jobs: 

• The type of work available will vary depending on where you travel
• Some seasonal jobs don’t pay very well 
• The best countries for seasonal work : an in-depth guide
• Seasonal jobs website directory : here, you’ll find plenty of great websites for seasonal jobs
• An example: Lauren and Craig from ‘ Non Stop Travelling ’ work seasonal jobs abroad and then spend a couple of months traveling in between!

Key things to think about Before Getting a Travel Job

Before you decide on whether to work abroad or not there are a couple of things you should consider. 

Now, this may be the more ‘boring’ side of working remotely but they are vital factors to think about! 

Working Holiday Visas

The type of visa you require whilst travelling will depend on what type of job you’re looking to do. 

However, the standard option is the working holiday visa. This allows you to live and work in countries such as Australia, Canada, and Japan for up to 12 months. 

Although this is only a recent thing, many countries are now offering digital nomad visas too which is INSANE!

This means you’ll be covered if you want to work remotely from your laptop, and is perfect for people always on the move!  

Here are a few more countries offering longer term visas (accurate at the time of writing, be sure to check):

• Croatia - 12 months
• Costa Rica - 12 months
• Dubai - 12 months
• Greece - 12 months
• Indonesia - 5 years
• Mexico - 12 months
• Norway - 2 years
• South Africa - 12 months
• Taiwan - 12 months

These exact requirements and allowances may differ heavily depending on which country you're a native resident of so just keep that in mind.

For more information, just check the government website of each country you’re thinking of travelling to. This will tell you whether they offer a digital nomad visa or not. 

There’s also some helpful information about digital nomad visas on Visa Guide and Investopedia ! 

Travel Insurance

Although many people don’t like to spend their money on travel insurance it’s an absolute must!

It covers you for medical care, flight or hotel cancellations, and any baggage losses - although if you have lots of equipment you’ll probably want a separate gadget cover.

Working remotely can be a bit of a grey area when it comes to insurance, so you need to make sure you’re reading the terms and conditions thoroughly . 

We’ve actually compared travel insurance providers already if you aren’t sure where to start. 

However, Safetywing and World Nomads are generally the two most popular options! 

Safetywing also has an insurance policy tailored specifically towards digital nomads which covers you in every country in the world.

Work/life balance

There are plenty of jobs that allow you to travel but it’s important to think about your work/life balance. 

If you’re keen to get away from your 9-5 job because you don’t have enough time to travel, then working as a flight attendant or on a cruise ship may not be the best thing for you. 

You’ll still be subject to long working hours and you’ll only have a limited amount of time to explore, for example, your days off or evenings. 

However, getting a digital nomad job allows you complete flexibility over your working schedule and allows you to earn passive income in some cases. 

This means you can literally earn cash whilst out snorkelling, meeting up with friends, or dining at some of the local restaurants.

Where to work 

Choosing where to work is another HUGE factor you need to take into consideration. 

Nearly everyone has a country they’d love to live in one day, but you also need to think about the cost of living and your monthly income. 

For example, Switzerland is a country high on many people’s bucket lists but it’s not a cheap destination to stay in. If you live in the United Kingdom, these are the types of price differences you’re looking at!

Whereas, if you decide to stay in Bali instead (so Indonesia ) you’ll get a huge bang for your buck.

To calculate these for yourself you can just take a look at Expatistan or My Life Elsewhere .

Travel Jobs FAQ

What is the highest-paid travel job.

Now, this is a tough one to answer as all remote positions have an income range dependent on experience and skills. 

However, some of the most lucrative travel jobs out there include being a freelance travel photographer, an online travel agent, and of course, travel bogging. 

How can I travel for free?

There are plenty of ways to travel the world for ‘FREE’ but you will incur costs along the way including flights, food, and public transport. 

However, you’ve always got ways to offset these costs like working remotely and using house-sitting websites . Although if you can be paid to travel or make money whilst travelling- you’ve got a steady income to get you by! 

What kind of job travels a lot?

There are endless jobs that allow you to travel, but some give you more opportunities than others. 

If you’re looking to travel a lot then your best options include becoming a flight attendant, working on a cruise ship, or being a tour leader. Travel blogging also offers a ton of opportunities to move around a lot. 

What degree should I get if I want to travel?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually NEED a degree to travel! Local travel jobs especially don’t require a high education level - just your skills.

However, if you’re looking to become a digital nomad then degrees involving marketing, website & graphic design, and business studies are always a great option. 

Which Travel Job is best for you?

As you can see there are so many different ways to work and travel at the same time!

The question is what type of travel job do you think is most suited to you?

This all depends on what skills you have, whether you’d like to work in a specific location, or you’re looking for a position that actually pays you to travel. 

Although we may be biased - we absolutely love being travel bloggers as it’s allowed us to see so much of the world whilst working a job we adore! 

There are so many options out there though so you’re guaranteed to find something suited to you! 

What are you waiting for?

If you're interested in some of these travel jobs then here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• The Best Travel Apps: The Definitive Guide
• 2020 In Review - What a Year to be a Travel Blogger !
• Travel Photography Tips: How to Take Better Travel Photos

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Updated Aug 23, 2023

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See the World and Get Paid: 10 Traveling Jobs You Should Check Out

10 jobs that require travel, more jobs await, how to excel while traveling the world.

Sometimes, there’s nothing like the feeling of traveling down a wide open road or flying through a cloudy sky. Getting to go to far-off places doesn’t have to be part of a hobby. In some instances, it can be part of your job. Many people love jobs that require travel for a variety of reasons. Perhaps it’s because of the promise of freedom. Or maybe they simply love to explore new places and meet new people. Traveling jobs also provide the chance to expand a person’s knowledge by learning from new cultures.

Much of the business world appears to be embracing more remote work. As just one example, a study conducted by AT&T predicted that the number of jobs moving to the hybrid work model would increase from 42 percent in 2021 to more than 80 percent in 2024. Increased remote work means opening up the possibility of people being able to work from pretty much anywhere, but that is not necessarily tied to their jobs. Think of it more as an added perk, creating multiple full-time travel jobs.

However, jobs that require travel and pay well appear to be going in a positive direction as well. For example, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that the number of pilots and flight engineers will increase by 6 percent over the coming decade. If you’re looking for traveling jobs that pay well, you’ll find some excellent options for you to pursue, with many of them in high demand for applicants.

Here are ten of the best traveling jobs, along with how you can get started on each career path.

1. Flight Attendant

Flight attendants aren’t just there to hand out snacks and drinks. Part of their jobs involves checking safety equipment to ensure everything looks good. Flight attendants must also have conflict resolution skills to deal with unruly passengers or people who just want to stir up trouble. They also have training to handle some medical emergencies should they happen in the middle of a flight. As a flight attendant, you get to travel the world, spending up to 100 hours in the air every month. Shifts can be exhausting (up to 14 hours), but if there’s enough time between flights, you can check out local landmarks and other fascinating sights in a foreign country. Some airlines also allow their flight attendants to travel for free when they’re not on the job.

• Average salary: About $61,000 .
• How to get started: Get a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, communication, tourism, or public relations to increase your chances, then apply for an open position. Further training and certification will happen after you’ve been accepted.

2. Online English as a Second Language Teacher

A teacher who teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) online works with students who speak another language so they can become more proficient in English. The courses are usually offered on a video stream where teachers can interact with students directly. As an online teacher, you have more flexibility to teach from anywhere. Some teachers even choose to live in a country that speaks the primary language of their students, providing more immersion for the subject. These are full-time travel jobs that allow you to help others learn new things.

• Average salary: About $57,000 , with chances for additional pay.
• How to get started: Requirements will vary depending on state or country of residence. Check out ESLteacher.org for more information.

3. Training Specialist

Training specialists work with employees of other companies so they have the skills necessary to do their jobs well. From an office, a training specialist will create the programs that employees will follow. But after that, they get to go to where the company is and work with the employees directly. That means traveling all over the country, visiting a variety of interesting organizations and locations while taking advantage of new opportunities. During your travels, you’ll be able to check out famous restaurants and tourist sites, sometimes on the company’s dime.

• How to get started: Most training specialists have at least a bachelor’s degree, with some having a master’s degree. You can get help with some of the training specialist interview questions here .

4. Cruise Ship Worker

When it comes to jobs that involve traveling, a cruise ship worker is one of the most luxurious ways to see distant locations. It certainly sounds like a dream job that lets you travel the world. When you work on a cruise ship, you can do a variety of tasks from preparing meals, cleaning up guest suites, performing in front of hundreds of people, and more. On top of that, your meals, room, and board are usually free. It should be noted that while the passengers are off on their excursions, you’ll still need to be on the ship. Visiting exotic locales would need to happen between cruise trips.

• Average salary: Due to the number of different positions, this can vary wildly.
• How to get started: You can check out a wide selection of cruise ship jobs here .

A yachtie is someone who works on a luxury yacht. Many of their duties are similar to those of a cruise ship worker. Those responsibilities include cleaning guest rooms, preparing food, maintaining the ship, and more. A yachtie is one of those travel jobs that often get the chance to see many parts of the world that are otherwise hard to get to. While working on a yacht might sound glamorous, yachties can work up to 18-hour days while being at sea for months at a time. Despite these drawbacks, the pay is good and sometimes simply being on a yacht can provide opportunities for adventure.

• Average salary: Again, this can vary to a large degree, but you can find a good summary of salaries here .
• How to get started: Check out the steps you can take to become a yachtie with this guide .

6. Travel Nurse

Travel nurses work for staffing agencies and fill in at hospitals experiencing temporary vacancies. The job has become more prevalent largely thanks to the nursing shortage many areas face. With hospitals desperately needing more nurses, a travel nurse can fill that gap from eight weeks to two years. Travel nurses can go pretty much anywhere that needs their expertise. If you have medical experience and don’t want to be tied down to one place for too long, becoming a travel nurse will help you see the world while providing help to people of all types of backgrounds.

• Average salary: About $75,000 .
• How to get started: To be a travel nurse, you’ll need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You can find more information on that degree and other requirements here .

7. Photographer

Photographers often have opportunities to travel to a variety of interesting places to capture beautiful pictures of people, nature, events, and more. A travel photographer is someone who values exploration and discovery. One day they may be taking a picture of a desert cactus. Another day, they may be snapping a photo of a toucan in the Amazon. Photography provides a sense of adventure that other occupations may find difficult to capture. As long as you have a desire to travel and learn, photography may be the perfect choice for you.

• Average salary: About $39,000, though that number can climb significantly depending on the client.
• How to get started: There are several paths you can follow to become a photographer. Learn what some of them are here .

8. Travel Agent

A travel agent may not seem like one of those jobs that require travel. After all, a great deal of an agent’s responsibilities involve working from an office and interacting with customers over the phone. However, the best travel agents do more than just office work. They often travel the world so that they have experience to draw from when they recommend places to visit and things to do while they’re there. Effective travel agents should have a love for the travel industry and helping people experience what our wonderful planet has to offer. Only by traveling can a travel agent make sincere recommendations for clients to choose from.

• Average salary: About $43,000 .
• How to get started: Becoming a travel agent often takes training and some formal education. You can find out more here .

9. Truck Driver

It’s not for the faint of heart, but being a truck driver can certainly satisfy the itch many people have for traveling. As a truck driver, you’ll visit big cities, small communities, and everything in between. While it might not be one of the fastest growing industries out there, truck drivers are in high demand right now. According to the American Trucking Association, the industry is in need of 80,000 drivers , meaning pay and benefits are much more competitive than they were years ago. If you’re willing to endure long hours on the road, truck driving is one of those traveling jobs that will help you see more of the world than you ever could before.

• Average salary: About $48,000 .
• How to get started: Many companies and educational institutions offer programs and courses to help you begin your career as a truck driver. One thing you’ll need is a Commercial Driver’s License. Check out the steps to getting a CDL here .

10. Geoscientist

A geoscientist is someone who helps companies locate a variety of materials buried underground. Those materials can be precious metals, petroleum, groundwater, and more. It’s one of those jobs that travel, often to places far removed from the nearest signs of civilization. Anyone who wants to go to remote areas will find being a geoscientist a rewarding career. One thing to keep in mind is that you may have to work for a time in some rough conditions. This is a natural consequence of what the position entails.

• Average salary: About $83,000 .
• How to get started: To become a geoscientist, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and likely a master’s degree to be competitive. You’ll find more information and how to start your career here .

The above travel jobs are just the start of what’s on offer out there. Some others include tour guide, serving in the Peace Corps, SCUBA diving instructor, and more. Whatever you want to explore, travel jobs can take you all over the world, from Canada to South Africa to New Zealand. Do a little research of your own, and you’ll discover that right long-term job for you.

Jobs that require travel also often require remote work skills. Learning how to work remotely can be a challenge, but here are some helpful tips you can use to excel at your job outside an office setting.

• Create a routine and stick to it.
• Make sure to keep your work life separate from your personal life.
• Use messaging software to communicate with your coworkers.
• Find a place where you can easily eliminate distractions.
• Keep your workspace organized.
• Establish boundaries for when you work and when you don’t.
• Don’t stay in your pajamas all day—actually get dressed for work.

After that, if you’re still having doubts about getting a job that requires a lot of travel, you can still take advantage of remote work. All you need to do is find a job that allows you to work from home. Check out the following articles to learn more:

Top 20 Companies With Work from Home Jobs

25 Side Hustles From Home to Make Extra Money

Leaders Media has established sourcing guidelines and relies on relevant, and credible sources for the data, facts, and expert insights and analysis we reference. You can learn more about our mission, ethics, and how we cite sources in our editorial policy .

• “What Is Travel Nursing? – How to Become a Travel Nurse & Salary.”  RegisteredNursing.Org , 29 Mar. 2023, https://www.registerednursing.org/specialty/travel-nurse/.
• Boatman, Andrea. “32 Training Specialist Interview Questions and Tips for Answering Them.”  AIHR , 25 May 2022, https://www.aihr.com/blog/training-specialist-interview-questions/.
• Guy, The. “How to Get Your CDL – 7 Simple Steps for New Truck Drivers.”  Schneider Jobs , https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/how-to-get-cdl.
• Kennedy Pereira, AVP/GM. “The Future of Work in All Industries Is a Hybrid Workforce.”  AT&T Business , 25 Feb. 2022, https://www.business.att.com/learn/research-reports/is-corporate-america-ready-for-the-future-of-work.html.
• Lee, Author: “‘High Demand’ | Truck Driver Training Programs Overloaded with Students Earning CDLs.”  Wcnc.Com , 11 July 2022, https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/jobs/truck-driver-training-programs-trucker-shortage-supply-chain-crisis-united-states/275-9d9e336e-b08b-4302-9c81-07c5f7d072b7.
• “Life as a Yachtie: What It’s Like to Work on a Yacht | Smart Move Accommodations.”  Smart Move Accommodations , https://www.smartmovecrew.com/blog/175/life-as-a-yachtie—what-its-like-to-work-on-a-yacht.
• Ltd, Webix. “Latest Jobs on Cruise Ships.”  All Cruise Jobs , https://www.allcruisejobs.com.
• Thedrawingroom. “How to Become a Yachtie.”  Flying Fish , 30 Sept. 2020, https://www.flyingfishonline.com/news/how-to-become-a-yachtie/.
• How to Become a Geoscientist | EnvironmentalScience.org. (2023). https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/geoscientist.
• How to Become a Travel Agent. (2023). https://www.travelandleisure.com/jobs/how-to-become-a-travel-agent.
• Wagenstein, O. (2015). How to Become a Professional Travel Photographer – Two Paths. https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-become-a-professional-travel-photographer-two-paths/.
• How To Become A Travel Nurse | NurseJournal.org. (2022). https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/how-to-become/.
• Yacht Crew Salary Guide 2023. (2023). https://www.yachtcrew.agency/yachting-salaries-guide.html.
• How to Become an ESL Teacher | ESL Teacher Education and Requirements. (2011). https://www.eslteacheredu.org/.
• Geoscientists. Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm.
• Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers. Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm.
• Travel Agents. Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/travel-agents.htm.
• Training and Development Specialists. Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm.
• Flight Attendants. Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/flight-attendants.htm.
• How much does an Online Instructor make? Glassdoor. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/online-instructor-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm.
• Which Careers Require the Most Traveling? Learn.org. https://learn.org/articles/Which_Careers_Require_the_Most_Traveling.html.
• 10 Benefits of Being a Flight Attendant. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/flight-attendants-benefits.

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Road is Calling

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

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. 

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

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

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.

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

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 

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 

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

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.

11. Social Media Consultant

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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. 

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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.

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.

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.

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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!

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15 Jobs That Will Pay You To Travel

Posted: March 22, 2024 | Last updated: March 22, 2024

There are at least 15 jobs that will pay you to travel. Finding them is the hard part, keeping them is the important part.

It helps to build a reputation first as a guide since you do need to know a lot about a given area to talk about it. But a job like this that will pay you to travel is interesting and can widen your worldview in a big way.

Travel Agent

There are a few companies out there that will pay you to travel so that you can familiarize yourself with the packages they offer. Hey, the more you know, the better you sell.

Working on a Cruise Ship

This should speak for itself since there are only a few people who remain in port when a cruise ship strolls by. If you don’t mind being out at sea for a while, this is a great job for you.

Flight Attendant

Another job that speaks for itself, being a flight attendant does require working with people. But if you can be patient and understanding, as well as slightly authoritative, then you have what you need.

Archaeologist

It sounds like a dream, right? But there are a lot of caveats to this position since even being paid to travel, there’s a lot of fieldwork, and your education level needs to be at an exceptional high before you step into this arena.

Travel Writer

Much like travel agents, travel writers need to know something to write about it. While it’s true that they can use their imagination and creative skills to fill in the gaps, there’s nothing that beats experience.

Environmental Scientist

Between fieldwork and the need to visit one site or another for various reasons, this job is bound to keep a person moving. It might not be the best for people who want to visit home more often, but it’s hardly ever boring.

Storm Chaser

The travel might not be as extensive as other positions throughout the world, but a stormchaser doesn’t always stay still. It’s not like the movie Twister, at least not entirely, but it does keep a person on the move.

Event Planner

These folks need to know the venues that they’re booking, and therefore it’s necessary to take a trip now and again to see what’s what. This helps them to recommend one venue or another and keep their clients happy.

House Sitter

It’s interesting to think about this, but house sitters who can pick up and go at a moment’s notice are popular right now. There are such things as background checks of course, but building a reputation is important enough that a lot of people will keep themselves as honest as they can.

Much like a housesitter, pet sitters need to be vetted to make certain that the family pet, or pets, isn’t being placed in the hands of an inept individual. But being able to travel from one place to another is a big expense, so it’s fair to think that these jobs are very coveted and people don’t let them go lightly.

Photographer

People will travel the world over to get the best possible picture sometimes. A travel photographer will often spend months if not years abroad trying to capture the perfect images. If they find someone willing to pay for that, then kudos to them.

English Teacher

Traveling abroad isn’t uncommon for many teachers as American teachers will make their way to one country or another when their skills are in demand. With that in mind, other teachers are often tapped to teach students various subjects.

Construction Manager

A lot of construction managers might remain in a certain town or city, but those who have an exceptional skill set will be sent to projects around the world at times. Imagine being the person who’s placed on site to make sure something comes through on time or is being managed the way the big bosses want.

It’s very easy to act as a translator over a Zoom or Skype meeting, but some companies want to add a personal touch and send their people to those who need their services. This is the type of position that, if you reach it, is wise to keep for as long as possible.

The post 15 Jobs That Will Pay You To Travel appeared first on SheBudgets .

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Gen-Z Worker Quits Her Well-Paying Corporate Job With No Backup Plan — ‘This Is Not The Life I Want’

She admitted that she wasn't feeling fulfilled in her 9-5 corporate job anymore..

By Nia Tipton Written on Apr 21, 2024

A Gen Z worker admitted that despite the usual advice of never quitting a job without having something else lined up in its place, she decided to forgo the conventional career advice entirely.

In a TikTok video, Jamie Fisch revealed why she decided to take this big step and what she planned to do instead.

Fisch quit her well-paying corporate job with no backup plan.

In Fisch's video, she explained that she would be quitting her job in 45 days. She pointed out that she does not do things outside of the map that she drew up for her life.

After graduating from undergrad, Fisch decided to attend grad school to get her engineering degree. For the last year and a half, she's been working as an engineer in corporate America. While grad school was an extremely difficult feat, she expected that once she graduated and was out in the field working, it wouldn't be as hard or draining.

RELATED:  Career Expert Explains Why 20% Of Gen-Z Applicants Bring Their Mom Or Dad To A Job Interview With Them

"I've always been told by my parents growing up, get a good job, get the house, have the kids. You know, the American Dream, right? It only took me a couple of months to realize that this is not the life I want for myself," Fisch admitted. "Combine all this with my love for traveling, and you can see why I don't wanna live by the social norms."

The traditional American Dream isn't even attainable to many young people, as it used to be for our parents and grandparents' generation. Housing prices have gone up considerably, and many jobs aren't giving people comfortable, livable wages. On top of that, most Gen Zers are stepping away from traditional values.

A 2021 Pew Research Center Survey found that 44% of non-parents ages 18 to 49 say it is "not too likely" or " not likely at all" that they will have children someday . Reasons for not having children ranged from medical and financial concerns to the state of the world and the environment. Most participants who do not plan to have children even said they simply "just don't want to."

Similarly, 2 in 5 young adults view marriage as an outdated concept that they refuse to participate in, and only 4% of Gen Zers are homeowners in the United States. The outcome seems to all be the same — Gen Zers aren't interested in setting down roots anytime soon.

Fisch explained that she falls right into this category. Instead of working a traditional 9-5 corporate job, she decided to travel around Southeast Asia. She said she's purchased a one-way ticket and plans on just enjoying what her 20s have to offer.

Fisch claimed that the conversation of telling her parents that she wanted to quit was difficult.

Fisch recalled that growing up, her parents only ever wanted the best for her and were more than excited when she ended up graduating with an engineering degree and landed a job at one of the best firms. However, when it was time to tell them that she was quitting, it was really hard for them to hear.

RELATED:   Gen-Z Employee Shares 3 Clever Tips To Help Workers 'Survive' A 9-To-5 Job

"They asked me a lot of tough questions like, how am I gonna pay my bills? What's my 401K plan ? How am I gonna be on healthcare if I get sick? They weren't jumping for joy," she said. Despite the questions, she and her parents were able to come to an understanding, and now they're in a much better place.

Fisch isn't alone in how she views corporate America and her job. Many other Gen Zers have admitted to quitting without a backup plan as well. According to a study by management consulting firm Oliver Wyman , Gen Zers don't share older generations' hang-ups about "job-hopping."

They're happy to ditch unfulfilling jobs that don't offer the perks they want — and are always on the lookout for something better. 70% of Gen Zers who say they're "loyal" to their employers are either actively or casually seeking a new job. More than previous generations, they're even prepared to jump ship without a backup plan.

When Fisch finally told her parents about her plan to travel throughout Southeast Asia, they were naturally concerned for her safety, especially as a woman traveling alone. They understood her gripes about her job and agreed that she should have the opportunity to explore other endeavors that interest her.

It's natural for parents to be apprehensive about their child's future, especially in the economy we're living in right now. But it's also important that young adults be given the freedom to explore all of their options and do what's best for them. We only have this one life, and if working a 9-5 isn't fulfilling you anymore, you shouldn't feel this obligation to confine to outdated notions of what success and adulthood look like.

RELATED:   Woman Explains Why Gen Z Are Rejecting The 40-Hour Work Week

Nia Tipton is a Chicago-based entertainment, news, and lifestyle writer whose work delves into modern-day issues and experiences.

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What the data says about abortion in the U.S.

Pew Research Center has conducted many surveys about abortion over the years, providing a lens into Americans’ views on whether the procedure should be legal, among a host of other questions.

In a  Center survey  conducted nearly a year after the Supreme Court’s June 2022 decision that  ended the constitutional right to abortion , 62% of U.S. adults said the practice should be legal in all or most cases, while 36% said it should be illegal in all or most cases. Another survey conducted a few months before the decision showed that relatively few Americans take an absolutist view on the issue .

Find answers to common questions about abortion in America, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute, which have tracked these patterns for several decades:

How many abortions are there in the U.S. each year?

How has the number of abortions in the u.s. changed over time, what is the abortion rate among women in the u.s. how has it changed over time, what are the most common types of abortion, how many abortion providers are there in the u.s., and how has that number changed, what percentage of abortions are for women who live in a different state from the abortion provider, what are the demographics of women who have had abortions, when during pregnancy do most abortions occur, how often are there medical complications from abortion.

This compilation of data on abortion in the United States draws mainly from two sources: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Guttmacher Institute, both of which have regularly compiled national abortion data for approximately half a century, and which collect their data in different ways.

The CDC data that is highlighted in this post comes from the agency’s “abortion surveillance” reports, which have been published annually since 1974 (and which have included data from 1969). Its figures from 1973 through 1996 include data from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and New York City – 52 “reporting areas” in all. Since 1997, the CDC’s totals have lacked data from some states (most notably California) for the years that those states did not report data to the agency. The four reporting areas that did not submit data to the CDC in 2021 – California, Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey – accounted for approximately 25% of all legal induced abortions in the U.S. in 2020, according to Guttmacher’s data. Most states, though,  do  have data in the reports, and the figures for the vast majority of them came from each state’s central health agency, while for some states, the figures came from hospitals and other medical facilities.

Discussion of CDC abortion data involving women’s state of residence, marital status, race, ethnicity, age, abortion history and the number of previous live births excludes the low share of abortions where that information was not supplied. Read the methodology for the CDC’s latest abortion surveillance report , which includes data from 2021, for more details. Previous reports can be found at  stacks.cdc.gov  by entering “abortion surveillance” into the search box.

For the numbers of deaths caused by induced abortions in 1963 and 1965, this analysis looks at reports by the then-U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, a precursor to the Department of Health and Human Services. In computing those figures, we excluded abortions listed in the report under the categories “spontaneous or unspecified” or as “other.” (“Spontaneous abortion” is another way of referring to miscarriages.)

Guttmacher data in this post comes from national surveys of abortion providers that Guttmacher has conducted 19 times since 1973. Guttmacher compiles its figures after contacting every known provider of abortions – clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices – in the country. It uses questionnaires and health department data, and it provides estimates for abortion providers that don’t respond to its inquiries. (In 2020, the last year for which it has released data on the number of abortions in the U.S., it used estimates for 12% of abortions.) For most of the 2000s, Guttmacher has conducted these national surveys every three years, each time getting abortion data for the prior two years. For each interim year, Guttmacher has calculated estimates based on trends from its own figures and from other data.

The latest full summary of Guttmacher data came in the institute’s report titled “Abortion Incidence and Service Availability in the United States, 2020.” It includes figures for 2020 and 2019 and estimates for 2018. The report includes a methods section.

In addition, this post uses data from StatPearls, an online health care resource, on complications from abortion.

An exact answer is hard to come by. The CDC and the Guttmacher Institute have each tried to measure this for around half a century, but they use different methods and publish different figures.

The last year for which the CDC reported a yearly national total for abortions is 2021. It found there were 625,978 abortions in the District of Columbia and the 46 states with available data that year, up from 597,355 in those states and D.C. in 2020. The corresponding figure for 2019 was 607,720.

The last year for which Guttmacher reported a yearly national total was 2020. It said there were 930,160 abortions that year in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, compared with 916,460 in 2019.

• How the CDC gets its data: It compiles figures that are voluntarily reported by states’ central health agencies, including separate figures for New York City and the District of Columbia. Its latest totals do not include figures from California, Maryland, New Hampshire or New Jersey, which did not report data to the CDC. ( Read the methodology from the latest CDC report .)
• How Guttmacher gets its data: It compiles its figures after contacting every known abortion provider – clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices – in the country. It uses questionnaires and health department data, then provides estimates for abortion providers that don’t respond. Guttmacher’s figures are higher than the CDC’s in part because they include data (and in some instances, estimates) from all 50 states. ( Read the institute’s latest full report and methodology .)

While the Guttmacher Institute supports abortion rights, its empirical data on abortions in the U.S. has been widely cited by  groups  and  publications  across the political spectrum, including by a  number of those  that  disagree with its positions .

These estimates from Guttmacher and the CDC are results of multiyear efforts to collect data on abortion across the U.S. Last year, Guttmacher also began publishing less precise estimates every few months , based on a much smaller sample of providers.

The figures reported by these organizations include only legal induced abortions conducted by clinics, hospitals or physicians’ offices, or those that make use of abortion pills dispensed from certified facilities such as clinics or physicians’ offices. They do not account for the use of abortion pills that were obtained  outside of clinical settings .

(Back to top)

The annual number of U.S. abortions rose for years after Roe v. Wade legalized the procedure in 1973, reaching its highest levels around the late 1980s and early 1990s, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher. Since then, abortions have generally decreased at what a CDC analysis called  “a slow yet steady pace.”

Guttmacher says the number of abortions occurring in the U.S. in 2020 was 40% lower than it was in 1991. According to the CDC, the number was 36% lower in 2021 than in 1991, looking just at the District of Columbia and the 46 states that reported both of those years.

(The corresponding line graph shows the long-term trend in the number of legal abortions reported by both organizations. To allow for consistent comparisons over time, the CDC figures in the chart have been adjusted to ensure that the same states are counted from one year to the next. Using that approach, the CDC figure for 2021 is 622,108 legal abortions.)

There have been occasional breaks in this long-term pattern of decline – during the middle of the first decade of the 2000s, and then again in the late 2010s. The CDC reported modest 1% and 2% increases in abortions in 2018 and 2019, and then, after a 2% decrease in 2020, a 5% increase in 2021. Guttmacher reported an 8% increase over the three-year period from 2017 to 2020.

As noted above, these figures do not include abortions that use pills obtained outside of clinical settings.

Guttmacher says that in 2020 there were 14.4 abortions in the U.S. per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. Its data shows that the rate of abortions among women has generally been declining in the U.S. since 1981, when it reported there were 29.3 abortions per 1,000 women in that age range.

The CDC says that in 2021, there were 11.6 abortions in the U.S. per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44. (That figure excludes data from California, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey.) Like Guttmacher’s data, the CDC’s figures also suggest a general decline in the abortion rate over time. In 1980, when the CDC reported on all 50 states and D.C., it said there were 25 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44.

That said, both Guttmacher and the CDC say there were slight increases in the rate of abortions during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Guttmacher says the abortion rate per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 rose from 13.5 in 2017 to 14.4 in 2020. The CDC says it rose from 11.2 per 1,000 in 2017 to 11.4 in 2019, before falling back to 11.1 in 2020 and then rising again to 11.6 in 2021. (The CDC’s figures for those years exclude data from California, D.C., Maryland, New Hampshire and New Jersey.)

The CDC broadly divides abortions into two categories: surgical abortions and medication abortions, which involve pills. Since the Food and Drug Administration first approved abortion pills in 2000, their use has increased over time as a share of abortions nationally, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher.

The majority of abortions in the U.S. now involve pills, according to both the CDC and Guttmacher. The CDC says 56% of U.S. abortions in 2021 involved pills, up from 53% in 2020 and 44% in 2019. Its figures for 2021 include the District of Columbia and 44 states that provided this data; its figures for 2020 include D.C. and 44 states (though not all of the same states as in 2021), and its figures for 2019 include D.C. and 45 states.

Guttmacher, which measures this every three years, says 53% of U.S. abortions involved pills in 2020, up from 39% in 2017.

Two pills commonly used together for medication abortions are mifepristone, which, taken first, blocks hormones that support a pregnancy, and misoprostol, which then causes the uterus to empty. According to the FDA, medication abortions are safe  until 10 weeks into pregnancy.

Surgical abortions conducted  during the first trimester  of pregnancy typically use a suction process, while the relatively few surgical abortions that occur  during the second trimester  of a pregnancy typically use a process called dilation and evacuation, according to the UCLA School of Medicine.

In 2020, there were 1,603 facilities in the U.S. that provided abortions,  according to Guttmacher . This included 807 clinics, 530 hospitals and 266 physicians’ offices.

While clinics make up half of the facilities that provide abortions, they are the sites where the vast majority (96%) of abortions are administered, either through procedures or the distribution of pills, according to Guttmacher’s 2020 data. (This includes 54% of abortions that are administered at specialized abortion clinics and 43% at nonspecialized clinics.) Hospitals made up 33% of the facilities that provided abortions in 2020 but accounted for only 3% of abortions that year, while just 1% of abortions were conducted by physicians’ offices.

Looking just at clinics – that is, the total number of specialized abortion clinics and nonspecialized clinics in the U.S. – Guttmacher found the total virtually unchanged between 2017 (808 clinics) and 2020 (807 clinics). However, there were regional differences. In the Midwest, the number of clinics that provide abortions increased by 11% during those years, and in the West by 6%. The number of clinics  decreased  during those years by 9% in the Northeast and 3% in the South.

The total number of abortion providers has declined dramatically since the 1980s. In 1982, according to Guttmacher, there were 2,908 facilities providing abortions in the U.S., including 789 clinics, 1,405 hospitals and 714 physicians’ offices.

The CDC does not track the number of abortion providers.

In the District of Columbia and the 46 states that provided abortion and residency information to the CDC in 2021, 10.9% of all abortions were performed on women known to live outside the state where the abortion occurred – slightly higher than the percentage in 2020 (9.7%). That year, D.C. and 46 states (though not the same ones as in 2021) reported abortion and residency data. (The total number of abortions used in these calculations included figures for women with both known and unknown residential status.)

The share of reported abortions performed on women outside their state of residence was much higher before the 1973 Roe decision that stopped states from banning abortion. In 1972, 41% of all abortions in D.C. and the 20 states that provided this information to the CDC that year were performed on women outside their state of residence. In 1973, the corresponding figure was 21% in the District of Columbia and the 41 states that provided this information, and in 1974 it was 11% in D.C. and the 43 states that provided data.

In the District of Columbia and the 46 states that reported age data to  the CDC in 2021, the majority of women who had abortions (57%) were in their 20s, while about three-in-ten (31%) were in their 30s. Teens ages 13 to 19 accounted for 8% of those who had abortions, while women ages 40 to 44 accounted for about 4%.

The vast majority of women who had abortions in 2021 were unmarried (87%), while married women accounted for 13%, according to  the CDC , which had data on this from 37 states.

In the District of Columbia, New York City (but not the rest of New York) and the 31 states that reported racial and ethnic data on abortion to  the CDC , 42% of all women who had abortions in 2021 were non-Hispanic Black, while 30% were non-Hispanic White, 22% were Hispanic and 6% were of other races.

Looking at abortion rates among those ages 15 to 44, there were 28.6 abortions per 1,000 non-Hispanic Black women in 2021; 12.3 abortions per 1,000 Hispanic women; 6.4 abortions per 1,000 non-Hispanic White women; and 9.2 abortions per 1,000 women of other races, the  CDC reported  from those same 31 states, D.C. and New York City.

For 57% of U.S. women who had induced abortions in 2021, it was the first time they had ever had one,  according to the CDC.  For nearly a quarter (24%), it was their second abortion. For 11% of women who had an abortion that year, it was their third, and for 8% it was their fourth or more. These CDC figures include data from 41 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

Nearly four-in-ten women who had abortions in 2021 (39%) had no previous live births at the time they had an abortion,  according to the CDC . Almost a quarter (24%) of women who had abortions in 2021 had one previous live birth, 20% had two previous live births, 10% had three, and 7% had four or more previous live births. These CDC figures include data from 41 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

The vast majority of abortions occur during the first trimester of a pregnancy. In 2021, 93% of abortions occurred during the first trimester – that is, at or before 13 weeks of gestation,  according to the CDC . An additional 6% occurred between 14 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, and about 1% were performed at 21 weeks or more of gestation. These CDC figures include data from 40 states and New York City, but not the rest of New York.

About 2% of all abortions in the U.S. involve some type of complication for the woman , according to an article in StatPearls, an online health care resource. “Most complications are considered minor such as pain, bleeding, infection and post-anesthesia complications,” according to the article.

The CDC calculates  case-fatality rates for women from induced abortions – that is, how many women die from abortion-related complications, for every 100,000 legal abortions that occur in the U.S .  The rate was lowest during the most recent period examined by the agency (2013 to 2020), when there were 0.45 deaths to women per 100,000 legal induced abortions. The case-fatality rate reported by the CDC was highest during the first period examined by the agency (1973 to 1977), when it was 2.09 deaths to women per 100,000 legal induced abortions. During the five-year periods in between, the figure ranged from 0.52 (from 1993 to 1997) to 0.78 (from 1978 to 1982).

The CDC calculates death rates by five-year and seven-year periods because of year-to-year fluctuation in the numbers and due to the relatively low number of women who die from legal induced abortions.

In 2020, the last year for which the CDC has information , six women in the U.S. died due to complications from induced abortions. Four women died in this way in 2019, two in 2018, and three in 2017. (These deaths all followed legal abortions.) Since 1990, the annual number of deaths among women due to legal induced abortion has ranged from two to 12.

The annual number of reported deaths from induced abortions (legal and illegal) tended to be higher in the 1980s, when it ranged from nine to 16, and from 1972 to 1979, when it ranged from 13 to 63. One driver of the decline was the drop in deaths from illegal abortions. There were 39 deaths from illegal abortions in 1972, the last full year before Roe v. Wade. The total fell to 19 in 1973 and to single digits or zero every year after that. (The number of deaths from legal abortions has also declined since then, though with some slight variation over time.)

The number of deaths from induced abortions was considerably higher in the 1960s than afterward. For instance, there were 119 deaths from induced abortions in  1963  and 99 in  1965 , according to reports by the then-U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, a precursor to the Department of Health and Human Services. The CDC is a division of Health and Human Services.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published May 27, 2022, and first updated June 24, 2022.

Support for legal abortion is widespread in many countries, especially in Europe

Nearly a year after roe’s demise, americans’ views of abortion access increasingly vary by where they live, by more than two-to-one, americans say medication abortion should be legal in their state, most latinos say democrats care about them and work hard for their vote, far fewer say so of gop, positive views of supreme court decline sharply following abortion ruling, most popular.

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