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What is the best job that allows to travel?
Are you built for the daily 9-5 grind in an office cubicle?
Most of us don’t enjoy being stuck at a desk job for 8 hours a day. And if you’re like most employees, you likely spend a lot of that time dreaming of adventuring to far-off places.
Instead of working at a job where adventure only happens once or twice a year, why not get a job that requires you to discover other parts of the world?
Explore new cultures, earn a living, and build your career at the same time with these 14 jobs that you can do while traveling.
Jobs that allow you to travel all over the world
With the rise of remote positions across the globe, working without being bound to a physical office space has never been more possible. There are many different types of jobs that you can work from around the world. For easy browsing, we’ve divided this list into three categories:
- Location-independent jobs
- Jobs that pay to travel
- Working as an expat abroad
Each category has its own perks and limitations, so we’ll go through each of them in detail for you to weigh your options.
Location-independent jobs
Also known as “digital nomad jobs”, these are jobs that allow you to work wherever you want. They provide an enormous amount of independence and flexibility to travel—as long as you have a reliable internet connection and have a trustworthy laptop.
1. Digital marketer
Ever since the internet became a thing, the demand for digital marketing has only increased. Today, there are plenty of businesses looking for digital marketers—including some with remote arrangements.
If you have a background in marketing or advertising, you’re already at a huge advantage. But if you don’t have the experience, you can always train yourself with online resources. Here are a few places to get started:
- Oberlo’s guide for beginners
- Udemy’s courses for all levels, available at multiple price points
- Careerplay’s list of recommended courses
2. Traveling content creator
Being a content creator is not only location-independent, but it also often requires you to travel to generate more content. Travel is an especially popular and profitable niche, so it’s possible to make a career out of being a travel influencer, blogger, freelance writer, or even a course creator.
To learn more about blogging, you can check our comprehensive guides:
- How to set up a blog
- How to be consistent in churning out content
- How to build a sustainable income with blogging
3. Remote Airbnb managing
Do you have experience in managing a rental unit? It’s possible to manage properties from a distance, as long as you set up a proper business process.
While these also apply to managing rentals in general, here are some tips for managing from afar:
- Offer self-check-ins
- Use a vacation rental software
- Have a go-to cleaning service
- Hire trustworthy maintenance vendors
- Compose a comprehensive book guide for guests
Not sure where to start? Here are a couple of places to begin your search:
- iGMS’s guide
- Conversations in Airbnb’s forum
4. Virtual assistant or customer service agent
If you have great patience, a knack for talking with the most difficult people, and a heart for solving the problems of others—then you just might enjoy being a virtual assistant or customer service agent.
Many businesses outsource to get help with administrative tasks and customer inquiries, often hiring remote employees for the job. You can start your research in remote job boards such as:
5. Traveling photographer
With an artistic eye and proper equipment to be an impressive photographer, a traveling photography career may just be your ticket to new places and experiences.
It won’t be easy to turn this hobby into a lucrative position, but it’s not impossible. Here are some ideas:
- Offer packages for destination weddings
- Specialize in international architecture
- Focus on niche services that other competitors aren’t offering
If you want more information on how to get started with a career in photography, visit these blogs:
Jobs that pay to travel
Most jobs that pay you to travel are in the hospitality and tourism industry. Unlike being a digital nomad, these jobs determine where you’re based, so there’s less freedom of choice. However, these jobs are quite easy to get, even without prior experience in hospitality.
6. Traveling salesperson
Many companies have international sales teams. If working in sales while traveling the world sounds good to you, consider applying as a traveling salesperson for companies.
While this job is not for the faint of heart, it can be exhilarating for certain personalities. It’ll also teach you how to sell things, which is a valuable skill no matter your career path.
To know more about this role and what companies might expect you to do, check these sources out:
7. Travel agent
While travel isn’t a booming industry right now, it will come back with a bang soon enough. And when that happens, travel agencies will likely start hiring remote travel agents.
Do you want to help vacationers reserve their hotels, arrange parking, and more? Check out Flexjobs’ list of companies that hire for remote travel agent and hospitality jobs.
8. Flight attendant
A flight attendant job can be incredibly stressful and demanding, especially with ridiculously long hours, rude passengers, and jet lag. But it’s also the ultimate dream for a lot of people! Just be aware of the long list of requirements per airline.
You can check flight attendant opportunities on these platforms:
9. Cruise ship work
A cruise ship worker can make a living traveling the world just like flight attendants do—all while being provided with free food and accommodation. Depending on your skills and abilities, you can work as a waiter, cleaner, bartender, lifeguard, or even a musician.
Browse through these websites to see all types of job opportunities onboard a cruise ship:
Working as an expat abroad
The term ‘expat’ refers to foreigners who decide to live and work in a different country, typically staying for months or years at a time. If you want to travel while slowly immersing yourself in a new culture, community, and language, expatriation might be the right choice for you.
10. International nanny or au pair
Do you know more than one language and love working with kids? Some families hire live-in babysitters to not only care for their children, but also to teach their kids a foreign language.
These international nannies are often called “au pairs” and receive a small salary on top of food and accommodations.
Sounds interesting? Try searching for au pair jobs, guides, and programs on sites such as:
11. English teacher
If you’d rather teach your native language to foreign students, ESL (English as a second language) teachers are in-demand around the world. Your job is to educate students in your own language and culture while you learn about theirs.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree, proper training, and possibly a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification, depending on where you live.
To find out more about becoming an English teacher, check these out:
12. Foreign service
For a more serious travel career, you can consider working for a foreign service or Intergovernmental Organization (IGO). This role of being a foreign service worker will most likely require you to represent the government in their political, economic, and commercial interests overseas.
You’ll have a higher chance of getting in if you have relevant degrees and experience.
Depending on your citizenship, here are some quick links for more information:
13. Resort, hotel, or hostel jobs
Resorts, hotels, and hostels sometimes hire travelers for short-term jobs in exchange for free food, accommodation, and occasionally a small wage. Potential roles include receptionist, housekeeper, operations staff, or even technician.
To find out more about these jobs and what opportunities are available in the market, visit these sites:
Summary
There are just so many ways for you to travel the world while building your career. And with the historic shift into WFH because of the recent pandemic, the trend of remote working is only going to continue for at least the foreseeable future.
We want to help you in your personal journey to career fulfillment and financial freedom. Join our community to make friends and get answers to your work and travel questions!
For further reading on alternative sources of income, make sure to check out our other blogs:
