Many individuals find themselves daydreaming about escaping their mundane routines, envisioning themselves exploring exotic locales, immersing in vibrant cityscapes, or unwinding in quaint, charming cafes. The allure of A Job That Involves Traveling is undeniable, offering the opportunity to turn these visions into tangible experiences.
If you’re contemplating a new job search or a significant career change, pursuing a position that necessitates travel can be a transformative path to seeing the world. Such roles provide the chance to connect with diverse individuals, cultivate unique skills, and engage in cultural experiences that would otherwise remain beyond reach.
While the prospect of disrupting your current life might seem daunting, the rewards of traveling for work can be both stimulating and fulfilling. With meticulous planning and unwavering dedication, you can find a job that not only takes you across the globe but also propels you toward enriching new adventures.
How to Secure a Job That Involves Traveling: Essential Tips
thoughtful male freelancer using smartphone and laptop in kitchen
Alt text: A male freelancer thoughtfully uses a smartphone and laptop in his kitchen, representing the flexibility and remote work opportunities sometimes associated with jobs that involve traveling.
Frequent travel can be taxing. Lacking a stable home base and a readily available in-person support system can make it surprisingly challenging to stay motivated and cultivate a sense of comfort in unfamiliar environments. Prior to quitting your current job and embarking on a journey, carefully assess whether this lifestyle aligns with your personal preferences. If you’re a homebody who thrives in intimate work environments, remaining in a fixed location might be a more suitable choice – and that’s perfectly acceptable.
For those eager to explore jobs that incorporate travel and identify opportunities that match their skill set, the following best practices offer valuable guidance.
15 Exciting Jobs That Involve International Travel
Numerous careers involve traveling, making the selection process potentially overwhelming. Here’s a curated list of popular traveling jobs across various fields, outlining typical salaries, benefits, and essential employment prerequisites:
1. Travel Nurse
For those drawn to a career in healthcare, travel nursing presents an appealing option. Many travel nurses have the autonomy to select their preferred job locations, work schedules, and healthcare settings, although placements based on specific needs might restrict geographical choices.
To become a travel nurse, a license from your home state is essential, but typically, a separate license isn’t required for each new location. With existing nursing education and certification, you can begin applying for positions in new areas. Travel nurses deliver the same level of care as staff nurses but often receive higher compensation, with a median annual salary of $111,195 according to Glassdoor.
2. Management Analyst
Management analysts, frequently referred to as business consultants, often travel as part of their job responsibilities. They collaborate with management teams at struggling businesses to facilitate performance improvement, frequently visiting the same companies multiple times. With a median annual salary of $95,290, this career offers a rewarding and stimulating path, involving frequent travel to different cities to support organizations in need of their expertise.
3. Foreign Service Worker
Foreign service workers represent the U.S. government at embassies worldwide, connecting Americans with different nations and addressing challenges abroad. The U.S. government states that these roles require a willingness to work in demanding and potentially hazardous locations, sometimes without family. If you are prepared to make this commitment, this job might be a great fit.
It’s worth noting that not all foreign service positions are dangerous, as risk varies by country. Responsibilities can range from assisting with lost passports to producing reports on business opportunities. According to Glassdoor, the median salary for this position is $92,513, although this depends on location.
4. Blogger
As a blogger, you have the freedom to write about subjects that pique your interest, either on a personal blog or for various clients. This could encompass anything from haute couture to cutting-edge technology, or you could specialize as a travel blogger, creating content about the finest hotels or must-see destinations in the places you visit. While many bloggers derive income from digital advertising, some can secure lucrative brand sponsorships and other deals that boost their earnings. Building an audience takes time.
The average writer earns a median salary of approximately $73,150 per year, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, if you opt for freelance blogging, rates can fluctuate considerably, particularly if you possess exceptional writing talent. All that’s required is a laptop, an internet connection, and a compelling portfolio, and you can travel the world, harnessing your creativity to develop engaging content that captivates readers.
5. Train Conductor
Train conductors manage and coordinate train operations to ensure efficient and timely schedules. This career is characterized by constant movement, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy frequent travel to new destinations.
These long-term positions necessitate extensive training and certification, but for those committed to working in a foreign country, the travel benefits can be highly rewarding. For example, a job in Europe offers easy access to travel from one country to another within a single day or even afternoon.
While the BLS reports that most railroad workers receive a median salary of $68,960, you may encounter irregular work hours or need to find a company that provides consistent scheduling.
6. Flight Attendant
As a flight attendant, you can expect a median salary of approximately $63,760. This role entails spending considerable time on your feet and in the air, which is integral to the appeal of this profession. Working for an airline is an excellent travel-oriented job, requiring frequent travel to diverse locations, including international cities.
Becoming a flight attendant requires a rigorous interview process and comprehensive training, as you share responsibility for the safety and comfort of passengers. However, if you value flexible schedules and enjoy interacting with a wide array of people, this career is an excellent choice.
7. Training Specialist
Similar to business consultants, training specialists travel throughout the country, collaborating with various businesses. This position involves coaching employees and facilitating professional development opportunities, generally through customized programs. If you possess a background in education or have a passion for helping others improve their skills, this job is an excellent fit. In return, you’ll receive a median annual salary of $63,080.
8. Truck Driver
Few occupations involve more travel than truck driving. In this role, you are responsible for transporting goods from one location to another, primarily within the U.S., although some jobs may extend to Canada or Mexico. Drivers willing to transport freight can earn a median wage of $53,090 per year, depending on experience and driving record.
Trucking is ideal for introverts because it involves extensive time alone on the road. Furthermore, it doesn’t require a college degree, only a commercial driver’s license, which trucking employers often help candidates obtain.
9. Event Planner
Event planners coordinate a diverse range of events, from intimate family weddings to grand galas for international diplomats. If you work on a freelance basis, you can plan events from any location worldwide.
Professionals in this field typically excel at strategizing, decorating, and developing relationships with vendors. The median salary for this role is approximately $52,560, but extensive experience can justify higher freelance rates.
10. Travel Technician
Travel technicians install and maintain equipment for a variety of workplaces, including those in tech and manufacturing. A job in this field necessitates being a subject matter expert, so researching required training and employer willingness to cover costs is crucial.
This position involves visiting different sites within a city or across the country. If you enjoy working with your hands but prefer frequent changes of scenery, becoming a travel technician is a good option. The median salary for a travel technician is $52,240 per year, although this depends on the specific job and the equipment you work with.
11. TEFL or ESL Teacher
Teaching English abroad offers a unique opportunity to secure a job without learning a new language. As a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, you can work with individuals of all ages in numerous countries, building connections and sharing the English language.
This job will require training and certification, with the TEFL organization offering a variety of courses. In exchange, you’ll earn a median salary of $50,140, depending on your location. You’ll also have the chance to live long-term in a foreign country and integrate into its culture.
12. International Aid Worker
International aid workers provide assistance to people in foreign countries who may lack access to healthcare or education. While these jobs offer a lower median salary of $47,173 compared to other roles on this list, they offer rewarding opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.
Many humanitarians have backgrounds in medicine, education, or agriculture, although this is not always mandatory. A willingness to step outside your comfort zone to help others, coupled with a passion for humanitarian work, is crucial.
13. Cruise Ship Chef
Being a cruise ship chef entails long hours on your feet, preparing meals for both staff and passengers. However, it is the perfect job for individuals who love cooking, traveling, and exploring different cuisines. The ship can take you to countries worldwide, whether you prefer a European river cruise or sailing through Asian seas.
The average salary for a cruise ship chef on a popular line like Royal Caribbean is about $44,942 per year, with room and board included as compensation. Keep in mind that culinary education may be necessary to secure this type of position.
14. Au Pair
Working as an au pair in a foreign country is an excellent job that involves traveling extensively, as you can work in almost any location. Au pairs function as live-in nannies, providing childcare in exchange for a salary, room, and board. The median salary is $38,838, and the benefit of not having to pay for housing is particularly advantageous in areas with high living costs. This offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and is a good option if you want to spend a year or two abroad.
15. Traveling Photographer
As a traveling photographer, you would visit diverse locations to capture events or landscapes. This is a great option for those with an artistic eye who appreciate discovering beauty in new places.
Alt text: A photographer captures the beauty of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, exemplifying the potential of a job that involves traveling and capturing unique moments.
The median salary for photographers is $40,170, although this depends on whether you work for an employer or freelance. You can also create your own captivating photos, publish them online, and generate income through social media.
Begin Your Travel Journey
Whether your aspiration is to secure a part-time job as a travel consultant, get paid to guide tours in a foreign country, or relax on a beach while writing your next piece as a travel writer, finding exciting and in-demand jobs that involve travel is attainable.
Remember that finding a job that involves traveling isn’t always easy. Many such positions are highly sought after or require specific education, and the search for a job you love can take both time and resources. Maintain your motivation and focus on your desired career path. You never know where your career might lead.
