9 Great Careers That Enable You to Travel
Many people dream of having a job that allows them to travel the world. Some careers offer more opportunities to work abroad or take frequent trips than others. If you want to get paid to travel, here are nine great career options to consider.
1. TEFL/ESL Teacher
Teaching English abroad is a popular way to fund travel adventures. You don’t always need past teaching experience. With a TEFL/TESOL certificate you can find job opportunities around the world. Language schools and private tutoring allow flexible schedules.
Make sure to check out CV examples for tips on highlighting your skills and experience. Schools often provide housing and visa sponsorship so you can easily move from country to country.
2. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants get to travel the world as part of their regular job duties. They provide safety instructions, serve food and drinks, and assist passengers on flights. The role requires flexibility to work variable shifts and weekends.
You’ll need great interpersonal skills to give excellent customer service. Airlines may require specific language skills depending on the routes they fly. The job involves a lot of time on your feet in the air. But you’ll get perks like heavily discounted airfares for your time off.
3. Tour Guide
Tour guides get to share their passion for a place by leading groups around points of interest. You’ll need an outgoing personality and knowledge of local history and culture. Language skills are a plus for destinations that attract international tourists.
Tour guides work flexible schedules that allow for travel between leading tours. You may be able to pick up extra work as a guide when visiting new places as well.
4. Travel Nurse
Nurses with experience and extra certifications can work short-term contracts around the country and world. Travel nurses work 13-week assignments and get free housing as well as higher pay than permanent staff nurses.
It’s a great way to discover new cities while getting your housing and travel costs covered. You can choose locations based on your wanderlust. Many travel nurses take 3-4 months off per year to travel between contracts.
5. Cruise Ship Entertainer
Singers, musicians, dancers, and other performers can entertain passengers on cruise ships. Contracts range from 6 weeks to 6 months sailing to exotic destinations. All your meals and lodging are provided onboard.
When the ship is in port, you’ll have opportunities to explore new places. Performers often work gruelling schedules to provide nightly shows. But if you love to perform, it’s a unique way to travel.
6. Travel Photographer/Videographer
If you have a great eye for capturing images and moments, consider a career in travel photography or videography. Build a portfolio of high-quality shots that demonstrate your skills.
Reach out to travel publications, tourism boards, and brands about contributing content from your travels. You can find steady work or freelance flexible contracts. Just be prepared to put in long hours in the field to get those perfect shots on each trip.
7. Digital Nomad
Technology has enabled some professionals to work remotely and travel constantly. Popular digital nomad careers include writers, web developers, online teachers, and more. You’ll need discipline to maintain regular work hours without office oversight.
But the reward is getting to live like a local in tropical destinations or historic European cities for weeks or months at a time. Just make sure your passport has enough blank pages!
8. Hotel Manager
Hotel managers get opportunities to transfer to properties around the world within their hotel chain. You’ll oversee daily operations, staff, finances, marketing, and customer service. It’s a demanding role that requires long hours.
But you’ll get to immerse yourself in new cultures and travel perks with each new location. Many hotel chains offer international placements to managers looking to advance their careers.
9. Cruise Ship Crew
Beyond just entertainers, cruise ships need large crews to operate. There are openings for restaurant servers, guest services, spa staff, casino workers, and more. Contracts usually last 6-10 months at a time. You’ll get free meals and lodging as well as opportunities to disembark at ports of call. It’s hard work, but a great way to travel if you’re looking for a temporary gig.
There are many dream jobs out there that let you earn an income while you indulge your wanderlust. Just be ready for the hard work it takes to be successful in roles that involve travel. Do your research to find out if you need specific training, skills, or certifications first. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you could get hired to travel the world and get paid for it!
