Travel jobs offer a unique blend of adventure and income, allowing individuals to explore the world while simultaneously earning a living. From teaching English abroad to working as a digital nomad, these roles provide flexibility and diverse experiences. This article explores some of the best travel jobs, catering to those seeking short-term gigs or long-term careers.
Key Considerations for Travel Jobs
- Travel jobs provide opportunities to visit different cities and countries while working and earning money.
- Roles like web development, photography, and blogging allow for complete flexibility as a digital nomad.
- Travel jobs range from freelance work to part-time or full-time employment.
- Job requirements vary significantly, from no formal education to advanced degrees and extensive training.
- Travel jobs can be found on specialized websites, online job boards, and through networking.
- Salaries and job outlooks vary greatly depending on the profession, ranging from supplemental income to six-figure salaries.
Top Travel Jobs to Consider
Product manager skills for travel jobs
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best travel jobs, including the education, experience, salary expectations, and job outlook for each:
1. Au Pair
Au Pairs live with host families in foreign countries, providing childcare and basic housework. Typically aged 18-30, they seek opportunities to travel and earn income.
This is a good option for travel jobs without a degree, as formal education is not always required. However, strong language skills and experience with children are advantageous. Au pair experience is valuable for those pursuing careers in teaching, childcare, or psychology.
In the US, au pairs earn a minimum of $197.75 per week, approximately $10,400 annually. The median salary is around $28,000, varying with location and qualifications.
2. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Worker
NGO work involves humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. Educational requirements vary significantly based on the specific role.
Healthcare positions may require a relevant degree, while logistics or community outreach roles might prioritize skills and experience.
The median salary also varies. Disaster relief assistants, requiring a high school diploma, earn a median salary of $29,910 per year. Social and community service managers, typically needing a Bachelor’s degree, earn a median salary of $59,510.
3. English Teacher
Importance of video interviews in English teaching jobs
Teaching English is a popular international travel job. It involves educating non-native speakers in the English language. A Bachelor’s degree is generally required, though certifications like TEFL can improve job prospects.
In the US, adult education teachers earn a median salary of $60,560 per year, while post-secondary teachers earn a median salary of $84,380 per year. Salaries vary depending on the country.
There’s high demand for qualified English teachers in Asian countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, as well as in Europe and Latin America, making this ideal for English majors who love to travel.
4. Cruise Worker
Cruise workers fill various roles, from hospitality and customer service to entertainment, maintenance, and healthcare. Education requirements vary accordingly. Some maintenance roles need a degree, while customer service or entertainment positions may only require specific skills.
The median salary depends on multiple factors. Crew members typically earn between $16,000 and $20,000, while leadership staff can earn up to $100,000 per year.
This is one of the jobs that pays you to travel. Despite demanding hours and limited time off, you can visit multiple destinations on a single cruise while earning a decent wage.
5. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers while responding to emergencies. Travel is central to this profession, involving visits to various destinations and layovers in different cities or countries.
The typical entry-level education is a high school diploma or equivalent. Combined with a lucrative median salary of $68,370 per year and an 11% positive job outlook, this is a top travel job.
The job’s downside is irregular hours, including long shifts, weekends, and holidays. However, if you can handle diverse clients and challenging situations, a compelling flight attendant resume and cover letter are all you need to apply.
6. Photographer
Photography as a travel job involves capturing images of people, cultures, landscapes, and animals. While a degree is preferred, it is not always required; many photographers are self-taught with a high school diploma and on-the-job training.
The median pay for photographers is $40,760 per year, with a 4% positive job outlook. A strong photographer resume and cover letter, along with a compelling portfolio, are essential.
The competitive nature of the job and its creative challenges are balanced by significant travel opportunities and freedom. Photographers can work for travel companies, publishers, or as freelancers, selling photos to magazines and through stock photo platforms.
7. Travel Blogger
Data entry skills for travel blogging
A travel blogger is a travel enthusiast who shares their experiences through writing. They provide valuable insights, guides, and tips for travelers.
While there are no specific educational requirements, many travel bloggers have a background in writing, journalism, photography, communications, or marketing.
Travel bloggers often use social media in addition to blog posts to maintain an online presence. This can be one of the best traveling jobs for couples, allowing them to share the workload and enjoy the benefits together.
As the majority of travel bloggers are self-employed, salary estimations are difficult. On average, a travel blogger can expect to make $1,000 monthly after a year of blogging. However, successful bloggers can earn much more.
8. Tour Guide
Tour guides lead groups of tourists through attractions, providing information about their history and significance.
The typical required education is the equivalent of a high school diploma. Degrees in history, archeology, or tourism can provide an advantage. The median salary is $47,410, and the job outlook is average, at 3% growth.
Being a tour guide embodies having a traveling job and is popular for expats. Local tours are easier to secure, but competition increases for popular tourist destinations. Strong language proficiency and communication skills are essential.
9. Hostel Worker
Hostel workers handle various tasks, from reception duties to organization. There is usually no education requirement, though experience in hospitality, customer service, or similar roles is helpful.
This role falls under leisure and hospitality. While the industry experienced significant employment drops in 2020, it is now down only 2.1 percent from pre-pandemic levels. This is one of the best travel jobs where you get both salary and accommodation.
The median salary is hard to estimate due to many part-time roles, but most hostel jobs pay between $30,000 and $40,000 per year.
10. Bartender
Bartenders prepare and serve drinks and manage bar operations in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. No formal education is needed; short-term on-the-job training is sufficient, making this one of the best travel jobs with no experience.
The median salary for bartenders is $31,510 per year, with a 3% positive job outlook. Submit your bartender resume and cover letter directly to potential employers.
Bartending is a versatile profession offering numerous opportunities. Tourist-heavy locations have a high demand for bartenders, making this a top travel job with per diem opportunities. Even without experience, you can start as a barback and quickly learn the necessary skills.
11. Travel Agent
Being a travel agent is another quintessential travel job. They arrange accommodation, transportation, and activities for travelers. Some work in offices, but many work remotely.
A high school diploma and on-the-job training are typically needed, but degrees or experience in tourism, hospitality, or business can be beneficial.
Travel agents earn a median salary of $47,410 per year. The job outlook is average, with 3% expected growth between 2022 and 2032. Success depends on communication, sales, and customer relationship skills.
12. Actor
Dreams and aspirations in acting jobs
Actors perform in film, theater, and other mediums to play characters and express ideas. While some roles require college degrees, most only require on-the-job training and no formal education.
The entertainment industry is competitive, with an average 3% expected growth rate. Start with local productions and student films to build your portfolio. An acting resume and cover letter can help advance your career.
Actors earn $20.50 per hour on average, but salaries vary significantly with skills and reputation. Traveling becomes integral once you enter the industry, combining adventure with creativity.
13. Web Developer
Web developers conceptualize, create, and test websites. This lucrative IT profession has a high job outlook of 16% and a median salary of $92,750 per year.
Entry-level education requirements are flexible. Some employers seek Bachelor’s degrees, but many hire based on skills and experience. A strong web developer resume and cover letter can highlight these qualifications.
Freelance web development is also possible, finding clients through online networks or platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. This is one of the best travel jobs because you only need a laptop and internet connection. Many companies also offer full remote work, allowing you to be a digital nomad.
Finding Your Travel Job
Tips for job interviews
Finding travel jobs primarily involves online research, networking, and in-person job hunting.
Start by identifying your skills and interests. Then, research potential jobs on websites like WanderJobs, WorldTrips, and TravelJobs.
Depending on the role, you might find specialized websites, such as AuPair.com, or those focused on teaching, hostel work, or cruise work.
Many general online job boards, like Glassdoor, Monster, and Indeed, also feature travel jobs.
Use your professional network and LinkedIn to find roles in your desired field. Join social media groups or attend industry events and conferences.
Once you find a suitable travel job, you just need to write a resume and cover letter.
Conclusion
Living a life of adventure while earning a living is a dream for many. This guide to travel jobs can help you find a short-term gig or a lifelong profession that combines work and travel.
Assess your skills and goals before taking the leap. Whether you prefer the digital nomad lifestyle or the adventurous worlds of acting or photography, stay determined and adaptable to turn your passion for exploration into a reality!
Travel Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the highest-paying travel job?
Some of the highest-paying travel jobs are captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels. Their annual mean wage can exceed $100,000, with the top earners in the United States making as much as $270,000 per year.
2. Which career is best for traveling?
Some of the best careers for traveling are photography, tour guiding, air cabin crew, travel blogging, English teaching, and more. These professions provide flexibility to travel while being paid.
3. How can I travel for a living?
You can travel for a living by pursuing one of the well-paid travel jobs. Depending on your skills and education, consider roles such as au pair, photographer, flight attendant, cruise worker, NGO worker, or bartender.
4. What degree is best for traveling?
A degree in education is excellent for traveling, enabling you to teach abroad, especially if you’re proficient in English. Other valuable degrees for traveling include journalism, aviation, human resources, graphic design, web development, and archeology.
