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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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Helpful Resources:
- 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!
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Helpful Resources:
- 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!
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Requirements: Laptop, editing software, camera, equipment such as a tripod and gimbal
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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Requirements: Laptop, editing software, camera, equipment such as a tripod and gimbal
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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Job Income: $1,000 - $4,000 per month
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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Cons of Freelance Copywriting:
- You’ll still be working for an employer so offers less flexibility
- It requires long working hours, and you’ll often be on call!
Helpful Resources:
- 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 reimbursem*nts.
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!
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Job Income: $1,000 - $3,500 per month
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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Requirements: No necessary requirements
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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Job Income: $1,000 - $4,000 per month
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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Helpful Resources:
- 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
Disclaimer: Fully research your destination prior to travel, or any products prior to purchase. We can accept no responsibility for anything you experience as a result of the information found on this website. Some posts may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission for some purchases, at no additional expense to you. Read more here.