Where have you always wanted to go?
Perhaps Egypt? How about Peru? Or maybe Paris? Wherever it is, jobs that allow you to travel can take you there.
But which travel jobs are best for you?
If you’re wondering how to travel and work abroad, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore 24 jobs for people who like to travel.
But first, let’s take a quick look at four types of travel jobs.
4 types of travel jobs
There are many different ways to travel while working. All of the travel jobs listed in this article fall into one of the following categories:
- Digital nomad jobs
- Jobs that pay to travel
- Expats working and traveling abroad
- Backpacker jobs
Some types of travel jobs require a high level of expertise, and some aren’t as flexible as others. However, they all give you the means to cover some (or all) of your travel expenses.
So, what’s the difference, and which one’s best for you?
1. Digital nomad jobs
Digital nomads are people who travel while working online. As a result, digital nomad jobs provide an enormous amount of flexibility and independence when traveling.
Examples of digital nomads include freelance developers, graphic designers, and dropshippers.
With this type of travel job, all you need is a reliable internet connection and a laptop. You can travel to the best digital nomad cities and work from coffee shops, hotels, or coworking spaces. The jobs are often fully remote.
2. Jobs that pay to travel
This type of job encompasses traditional travel jobs, typically in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Examples of jobs that pay to travel include cruise ship workers, flight attendants, and tour guides.
These jobs often dictate when and where you get to travel and often provide free accommodation. So while there’s less freedom than in digital nomad jobs, these jobs may be easier to get if you have prior experience working in hospitality.
3. Expats working and traveling abroad
The term “expat” stands for “expatriate.” It refers to people who are citizens of one country but decide to live and work in another country.
Examples of expat travel jobs include English teachers, au pairs, or government workers.
Expats might live in other countries for just a few months or years at a time. So, if you’d prefer to work outside your home country and sink your teeth into a new culture or language, this may be the dream job for you.
4. Backpacker jobs
Let me give it to you straight: Backpacker jobs are probably the least glamorous, requiring you to work long hours for a minimal wage.
Examples include bartenders, hostel workers, and surfing instructors.
Still, this type of travel job has a lot of benefits. These entry-level travel jobs don’t usually require a computer or college degree.
They also provide plenty of flexibility so you can travel at your own pace. Plus, finding local work while traveling is one of the best ways to meet interesting people and experience different cultures.
24 best travel jobs to make money while traveling the world
Now that you understand the types of travel jobs available, let’s dive a bit deeper. Here are 24 of the best jobs for people who like to travel.
Let’s start with jobs that you can do with just a laptop and an internet connection.
Digital nomad jobs
1. Web design/development
A common job for digital nomads is web design and development. To start, learn how to create a website. Or try searching for jobs on sites like GitHub Jobs and Upwork.
2. Writing
These days, it’s possible to make money writing about virtually anything. Look for jobs on sites like FreelanceWriting, Blogging Pro, and Problogger.
3. Graphic design
Do you love graphic design? Why not turn your passion into a job that covers your travel costs? You can find graphic design traveling jobs on sites like Freelancer and Dribbble.
4. Travel blogger
Many people make money with travel blogging. However, it can take time to build a sustainable income from this source. To find out more, check out How to Start a Travel Blog.
5. Dropshipper
Dropshipping might just be the best job to travel the world. It’s a hands-off approach to selling physical products online. You manage your store and promote products to your target market. Then, your supplier will ship the products to customers on your behalf. To get started and gain experience, read How to Start a Dropshipping Business.
6. Online teaching/tutor
Teaching online is one of the best travel jobs, thanks to its low barrier to entry. If you’re a native English speaker and love to teach, you can be up and running in no time. To learn more, check out our full-length guide, Online Teaching: Everything You Need to Know.
7. Online translator
If you’re fluent in more than one language, consider becoming an online translator. This job makes it easy to travel while working. Plus, there are plenty of websites out there to help you find potential clients, such as Translators Base.
8. Digital marketer
Countless businesses need help with digital marketing. Like many of the best travel jobs, digital marketing isn’t something you can learn in a week or two. However, there are plenty of free resources online to help you become a digital marketer and make big bucks while traveling! Get started with this article: Digital Marketing Made Simple: The Complete Beginner’s Guide.
9. Programmer
If you know how to code—or you would love to learn—you could travel the world while working as a computer programmer. There are plenty of websites out there that teach programming, such as Free Code Camp, Code.org, and Code Academy.
10. Virtual assistant
Many businesses and individuals hire people to help them with administrative tasks, like scheduling and responding to customer inquiries. These people are known as virtual assistants. To learn more, check out How to Become a Virtual Assistant.
11. Customer service agent
Are you great with people? Do you have plenty of patience and a genuine desire to help? Tons of businesses hire remote customer service agents. To find customer service jobs, check out remote job boards like FlexJobs, JustRemote, and We Work Remotely.
Jobs that pay to travel
Do you want to travel for a living? Here are some jobs with travel opportunities.
12. Yacht worker
This travel job almost sounds too good to be true. You can travel for a living on some rich person’s luxury yacht—you just have to earn your keep as a deckhand or steward! The yacht is like a free house because you don’t pay rent. Look for yacht travel jobs on sites like Yacrew and Bluewater.
13. Cruise ship worker
If you’d rather sail on a bigger ship, consider working on a cruise ship. This type of travel job provides plenty of work opportunities. For example, you can work as a waiter, bartender, cleaner, lifeguard, or musician. Try searching for jobs on websites like All Cruise Jobs, Indeed, and Cruise Job Finder.
14. Flight attendant
Working as a flight attendant provides plenty of opportunities to travel different countries, with airline and hotel discounts to boot! However, the hours can be long, and jet lag is a common occurrence. You can find flight attendant opportunities on Indeed and AirlineCareer.
15. Photographer
Photography could be your round-the-world ticket. It’s not easy to turn this hobby into a career, but many people achieve it every year. Make sure to specialize in a niche geared for travel, such as destination weddings or travel photography. To learn more, check out this guide on How to Start a Photography Business.
Expat jobs
If you want to immerse yourself in a different culture, consider living abroad long term with these travel jobs.
16. English teacher
To become an English teacher, it’s likely you’ll need a TEFL (teach English as a foreign language) certification. Find out more on TEFL’s website or look for jobs on Go Overseas.
17. Scuba diving instructor
Do you love scuba diving? If you get qualified, you could teach scuba diving all over the world, from India to Iceland. To learn more, check out the Professional Association of Diving Instructors or look for jobs on Divezone and Go Abroad.
18. Au pair
Are you great with children? If so, why not become an au pair? Many families hire live-in babysitters from foreign countries because they want their children to grow up speaking a foreign language. You can search for au pair careers on Go Overseas, Go Abroad, and AuPairWorld.
19. Foreign service travel jobs
If you’re looking for a more serious travel career, consider working for the foreign service or an intergovernmental organization (IGO). These jobs are usually only open to people who have relevant degrees and experience. Here are some links to find out more for citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
20. Peace corps/NGO work
If you want a unique and potentially life-changing trip, try volunteering with the Peace Corps or a non-governmental organization (NGO). The pay isn’t great, but these jobs can provide a rich travel experience.
Backpacker jobs
Finally, let’s take a look at some entry-level travel jobs.
21. Hostel worker
Hostels often hire travelers for temporary positions in exchange for free food, accommodation, and sometimes a small wage. You could become a receptionist or housekeeper to make your travel dreams a reality. Visit sites like Hostel Jobs and HelpStay to find your first travel job as a hostel worker.
22. Bartender
Most countries have bars, clubs, and restaurants—and the work is pretty much the same wherever you are in the world. Still, it helps to speak the local language. Sites like HelpX and HelpStay are highly recommended for bartender work search.
23. Yoga/fitness instructor
If you have the experience, you could travel the world as a freelance yoga or fitness instructor. Many instructors find work with local gyms, hotels, and fitness studios. To find such travel jobs, visit Yoga Travel Jobs, Health and Fitness Travel, and Yoga Trade.
24. Ski instructor
If you’re a keen skier, you could fund your skiing adventures by working as an instructor. This travel job is similar to scuba instructing, but it can be easier to find short-term work. Some jobs involve training clients on ski resorts, which could be a fun way to explore new places while earning a living.
Start making money while traveling the world
If you want to start working and traveling, there are plenty of travel jobs out there. From digital nomad roles to entry-level positions, you have many ways to generate income. Consider getting a job that fits your experience, so you can excel and progress faster than people usually do.
In summary, here are 24 of the best travel jobs to make money while traveling the world:
- Website designer/developer
- Writer
- Graphic designer
- Travel blogger
- Dropshipper
- Online teacher/tutor
- Online translator
- Digital marketer
- Programmer
- Virtual assistant
- Customer service agent
- Yacht worker
- Cruise ship worker
- Flight attendant
- Photographer
- English teacher
- Scuba diving instructor
- Au pair
- Foreign service travel jobs
- Peace Corps/NGO work
- Hostel worker
- Bartender
- Yoga/fitness instructor
- Ski instructor
What do you think is the best travel job? Have we missed any? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Travel jobs FAQ
How do I get a job while traveling the world?
Keep an eye on job boards and career websites where companies post travel-friendly jobs. These days, you can work as a digital nomad or do entry-level jobs in most countries worldwide while enjoying all they have to offer.
What is the best job to have while traveling?
The best travel job for you is one that suits your experience and skills. If you’ve been working as a translator for a while, consider applying for online translation jobs. If you don’t have any prior work experience, you can consider entry-level positions such as hostel worker or bartender.