The wing of an airliner and a sunset over an urban landscape are visible from a window seat
Is travel more than just a hobby for you? Do you dream of exploring new destinations beyond your vacation days? The travel industry offers a wealth of exciting Travel Industry Jobs that can transform your passion for exploration into a fulfilling career. From dynamic roles at bustling airports to crafting dream itineraries as a travel advisor, the possibilities are vast. This guide will navigate you through 10 diverse career paths within the travel sector, offering insights into each role and the broader industry landscape.
At Fora, we champion the role of the modern travel advisor. (Curious about us? Discover what Fora is all about.) However, our appreciation extends to all facets of the travel industry. We recognize the interconnectedness of these roles, as many of them collaborate with travel advisors in various capacities.
Explore 10 Rewarding Travel Industry Jobs
Let’s delve into a detailed overview of ten compelling travel industry jobs.
(And a bonus: many of these roles are also featured among the best remote jobs for moms.)
1. Airport Staff & Flight Attendants
Airport personnel are the unsung heroes of travel, playing a crucial role in facilitating both local and international journeys. Entry-level travel industry jobs within airports often require only a high school diploma, with specialized roles like avionics technicians and administrative positions being notable exceptions. Flight attendants, a highly sought-after role, frequently enjoy layovers in diverse cities, offering a taste of new cultures before returning to their base. This makes it an ideal travel industry job for those with a love for solo exploration.
However, it’s important to note that these travel industry jobs can be demanding. Airport staff and flight attendants often work irregular hours, with early mornings and late nights being commonplace. The fast-paced environment requires adaptability and resilience.
2. Pilots
A woman with a pilot
Pilots arguably experience the world from a unique vantage point, soaring thousands of feet above ground. Becoming a pilot is an exhilarating and respected career path within the travel industry. While not for everyone, the profession offers unparalleled views and a sense of accomplishment.
Unlike some entry-level travel industry jobs, becoming a pilot demands significant training. Aspiring pilots typically undergo specialized flight school programs lasting six to twelve months, sometimes in addition to a traditional academic degree. This investment in education is reflected in the competitive salaries and the high level of responsibility associated with this travel industry job.
3. Hospitality Professionals
Hospitality professionals are the backbone of the hotel sector, managing everything from guest reservations to ensuring impeccable housekeeping. Guest-facing roles, such as concierges and customer service representatives, primarily operate within a single location. However, higher-level travel industry jobs in hospitality, like sales managers, often involve travel to industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
Entry-level travel industry jobs in hospitality generally offer salaries and entry requirements comparable to other service-sector roles. Luxury hotels often provide more competitive compensation packages, reflecting the demand for exceptional, white-glove service. This sector provides a wide range of travel industry jobs from front-of-house to management positions.
4. Cruise Staff
A cruise ship is lit up at dusk while sailing away from St. Thomas (not pictured) in the Virgin Islands
The cruise industry mirrors both the airline and hospitality sectors, offering transportation and accommodation on a grand scale. Travel industry jobs on cruise ships provide a unique experience – living and working at sea for weeks or months at a time. For the right individual, it’s an adventurous and rewarding career path. Entry-level positions can be physically demanding, often involving shared cabins and rigorous schedules. Compensation varies considerably depending on the cruise line’s country of origin.
In contrast, senior travel industry jobs on cruise ships, such as cruise directors, entertainers, engineers, and captains, are often highly compensated. These roles, however, require specialized experience and qualifications. The cruise sector offers a diverse range of travel industry jobs catering to various skill sets.
5. Private Charter Staff
Private charters offer a more intimate and personalized experience compared to large cruise liners. Working on private yachts, which typically cater to one to three families, demands exceptional, high-touch service. These travel industry jobs often come with significantly higher pay to reflect the elevated service expectations.
Experience requirements for private charter travel industry jobs vary by company. Many roles align with hospitality professions or require a working knowledge of yacht operations and boat handling. This niche sector of the travel industry provides premium service-oriented careers.
6. Travel Writers & Bloggers
Travel writing and blogging combine a passion for storytelling with a love for exploration. These travel industry jobs allow you to research and share captivating narratives about destinations, travel trends, and unique experiences. It’s also recognized as one of the best jobs you can do remotely while traveling. The scope is virtually limitless, encompassing diverse niches and topics within the travel industry.
However, compensation in these travel industry jobs can be variable. While some individuals build lucrative careers as travel writers or bloggers, many pursue it as a part-time endeavor. Success often hinges on building a strong portfolio and online presence.
7. Travel Photographers
Guests stroll around the hidden grounds of a resort in Punta Mujeres, Spain
Travel photographers capture the visual essence of the travel industry. Often working as freelancers, they collaborate with various industry clients. Hotels, resorts, and cruise lines hire photographers to showcase their amenities and aesthetics for websites, marketing materials, and social media platforms.
Securing high-paying travel industry jobs in photography typically requires extensive professional experience, a strong portfolio, and high-end photography equipment. Building a network and reputation within the industry is crucial for consistent work.
8. Travel Influencers
Travel influencers are essentially marketers who leverage social media to promote various products and services, particularly within the travel industry. Similar to photographers, influencers might partner with hotels or tourism boards to highlight specific destinations or experiences to their audience.
While no formal qualifications are needed to become a travel influencer, success requires dedication and hard work. Building a substantial and engaged following takes time, consistent content creation, and strategic marketing efforts. Turning influencing into a sustainable travel industry job demands entrepreneurial skills.
9. Designers & Architects
New Orleans, a top travel destination in the United States. Classic Old-World architecture on full display on Bourbon Street
Design and architecture roles are among the most specialized travel industry jobs. These professionals shape the physical landscape of travel, designing hotels, resorts, museums, entertainment venues, and retail spaces within tourist destinations. Some major hotel chains employ in-house design teams, while others contract with freelance designers and architects.
Like pilots and cruise directors, travel industry jobs in design and architecture typically require significant education and experience. A strong portfolio showcasing relevant projects is essential for career advancement in this competitive field.
10. Tour Guides & Operators
Guiding travelers and sharing your passion for a destination can be an incredibly rewarding travel industry job. Tour guides bring places to life, educating and entertaining visitors while fostering appreciation for local culture and attractions. The scope is diverse, from beer tours in Brussels to haunted history walks in New Orleans, or luxury tours in Egypt.
Entry requirements for tour guide travel industry jobs are often minimal, making it accessible to many. However, many tour guide positions are seasonal or part-time. Full-time opportunities are more common in popular, year-round destinations. Many tour guides and operators collaborate with destination management companies, which also offer interesting travel industry jobs.
11. Travel Advisors (a.k.a. Travel Agents)
A woman in trendy clothing works in the warmth of a coffeeshop with windows prominently reveal rural Iceland behind her
While we may be biased, we believe being a travel advisor is the premier travel industry job. It offers unparalleled flexibility and unlimited earning potential. Travel advising allows you to share your travel expertise, create personalized experiences, and help clients realize their travel dreams.
What does a travel agent do in today’s world? Primarily, travel advisors book accommodations (hotels, cruises) and travel services (tours, car rentals) for clients. (Explore the types of bookings you can make as a Fora Advisor). Beyond bookings, advisors provide expert guidance, crafting custom itineraries and offering insider tips to enhance their clients’ trips. Fora Advisors also unlock exclusive hotel perks for their clients at partner properties.
Travel advising is demanding but exceptionally rewarding and enjoyable.
Explore the possibilities and become a Fora Advisor to learn more. Or, delve deeper into the different types of travel agent jobs available.
How Does a Travel Advisor Career Path Stand Out?
Unlike many rigid travel industry jobs, a career as a Fora travel advisor offers unparalleled flexibility and control. Fora advisors structure their careers to align with their lifestyles. Some dedicate themselves to travel planning full-time, while others integrate it into existing full-time careers, or operate somewhere in between.
Fora prioritizes advisor autonomy, empowering them to scale their businesses according to their goals. Our guide to Fora travel advisor salaries provides further insights. Depending on their chosen commitment level, many Fora Advisors achieve six or even seven-figure annual incomes (learn more about how much travel agents make).
While traditional travel industry jobs often involve fixed schedules and strict protocols, remote travel agents with Fora enjoy work-life balance and set their own pace. Crucially, Fora provides comprehensive travel agent education and travel agent training to equip you for success.
Discover Travel Advising: Your Ideal Travel Industry Job – Apply Today
Ready to transform your travel passion into a career? Become a Fora Advisor and explore the world of selling and planning travel.
Travel Industry Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
The wing of a passenger jet is visible from the view of an airline seat. Brilliant rays of sunshine also break through dark clouds
Below are answers to common questions about travel industry jobs.
Who Thrives in the Travel Industry?
Often, it’s individuals with a genuine love for travel! The travel industry, perhaps more than any other, attracts people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. By its very nature, travel industry jobs are filled with individuals from across the globe, creating a vibrant and international workforce.
(There are also numerous jobs you can do remotely while traveling, though not all are directly within the travel industry. Our guide explores some of these options.)
The Travel Job Market is Booming
Now is an opportune time to consider a career in travel and tourism. According to the U.S. Travel Association, global travel is experiencing unprecedented growth, creating abundant opportunities to join this expanding sector.
Where are Travel Industry Jobs Experiencing the Most Growth?
Travel industry jobs are outpacing growth in many other sectors across the United States. Popular travel destinations like New Orleans, Oahu, and Las Vegas are witnessing a surge in tourism since the pandemic (driven by “revenge travel”). Consequently, travel industry jobs are emerging rapidly to meet this increased demand. This boom coincides with a resurgence of the travel advisor profession.
The reasons behind this travel surge are multifaceted and global. Destinations worldwide, including Portugal, Italy, and Japan, are reporting record-breaking traveler numbers, a trend observed across continents.
Which Travel Industry Sectors are Seeing the Fastest Job Growth?
While regional variations exist, broadly speaking, hospitality (hotels and accommodations), tourism, and travel planning are the three sectors experiencing the most significant growth in travel industry jobs.
What is the Earning Potential in Travel Industry Jobs? Which Roles Offer the Highest Salaries?
There’s no single answer to this. Executive positions across various travel industry sectors typically command top salaries. However, high-performing travel consultant jobs offer surprisingly competitive incomes, with some Fora Advisors earning well into six figures annually through travel agent commissions and service fees.
The highest-paying travel industry job is not fixed; compensation fluctuates based on seasonality, economic trends, and specific roles.
Which Travel Industry Jobs Allow for the Most Travel?
While many travel industry jobs are office-based, some offer significant travel opportunities. Modern travel advisors, including Fora Advisors, can work remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, offering unparalleled location independence. (Explore our guide to traveling the world.)
Which Travel Jobs Have Minimal Education and Experience Requirements? What Skills are Needed?
Entry-level travel industry jobs generally have minimal educational and experience prerequisites. More senior roles, such as hotel managers or tour operators, typically require formal degrees and industry experience.
If you seek a travel industry job with low entry barriers in terms of prior education, becoming a Fora Advisor is an excellent option. We provide comprehensive travel agent schooling to equip you to launch a successful travel business.
What Perks Do Fora Travel Advisors Enjoy?
Flexibility, a supportive community, extensive and ongoing training, marketing resources, and an integrated booking platform, are just some of the advantages Fora offers its advisors.
Explore More Travel Advisor Resources
If you’re still considering a career as a travel advisor, explore these travel advisor resources for further information.
