travel oriented jobs

Travel Jobs: The 60 Best Jobs for Travelers & How To Get Them (Secrets of a 10-Year Nomad)

Do you want to be a full-time traveler? Does the “real world” leave you running for the exit? Then it’s time to take a look at these travel jobs!

You can absolutely get travel jobs with no experience in travel and with only a little work history.

I myself was a modern nomad for around 10 years. I started getting seasonal travel jobs during college, with very little work experience. Along the way, I met people older and younger than me from all sorts of backgrounds. Most of us in this nomad circle find it very easy to find new travel jobs when we’re ready to move on to the next adventure.

You DON’T need to become a flight attendant, a traveling business executive, or even have a college degree to get exciting new travel jobs year after year. There’s no need to trap yourself in a stuffy, rigid career with a single company. Travel should come with the freedom to wander, and with these jobs, it does.

Here are 60 adventurous jobs for travelers of all ages and experience levels. You’ll also find examples and links to adventurous travel jobs you can apply for right now .

Keep in mind that all travel jobs on WanderJobs come with staff housing.

Part 1: Adventure Travel Jobs

1. international travel tour guide.

Lead tour groups on multi-city, multi-country cultural or adventure tours. Required Experience: High

As a travel tour guide, you may be traveling through quaint European cities to sample local wines and chocolates, attending cultural events, and meandering through bustling marketplaces. Or you may choose to lead a group of teens on an outdoor adventure tour, hiking the Himalayas, surfing in Hawai’i, and volunteering in Peru. With this travel job, you’ll have the same accommodations as the guests, which, for the more bougie tours, can mean some of the most luxurious accommodations of any job on this list. You may be put up in some stunning hotels. For some teen tour companies, you may be camping or staying in hostels. Your food will be the same as the guests, so it’s generally very good quality. While exciting, this is a very challenging role. There is little off time, as you’re living and traveling with the group you’re leading. Many tour groups put two guides in a group to break up the enormous work load. Though many companies offer multiple tours that go to many different destinations, it’s not always possible to choose where you get placed. Usually newer guides are given easier assignments, but many companies at least take your preferences into account.

How to Get a Travel Tour Guide Job:

These companies look for well-traveled applicants with high self-confidence and a very outgoing personality. You must be friendly, responsible, and highly organized. This is a job for people who are high-energy and have a good amount of work experience. You can browse Travel Tour Guide Jobs here.

2. Conservation Crew

Work to preserve trails with a small team in this manual-labor heavy outdoor job. Required Experience: Low

Trail teams usually consist of a handful of young people who are willing to put in a hard day’s work, face the elements, and survive off of peanut butter sandwiches. The locations are enviable; you could find yourself in a ponderosa forest in Flagstaff, the lush Pacific Northwest, or even in tropical American Samoa. It’s the sort of job where the challenge brings great rewards. A hard day’s work using your muscles, being immersed in nature, and bonding with your small team makes you feel proud, calm, and connected at the end of the day. Many trail crew positions require a few weeks on, a few weeks off, in a cycle of a few months. Some positions come with housing during your off time (you’ll be camping on the job), but sometimes you’ll need to find your own. Food is up to the team, and the goal tends to be survival calories and keeping pack weight down, not creating gourmet delicacies. Trail conservation positions are often volunteer-based, though not all are. The paid positions are usually for more supervisory roles after you’ve had some experience on a volunteer team. Volunteers may be paid in small stipends and small education grants.

How to Get a Conservation Crew Job:

The two best known sources of conservation crew positions in the US are the Student Conservation Association and the American Conservation Alliance . You won’t need much experience to get a volunteer position, but you’ll need some to be a paid team leader.

3. Travel Camp Leader

Guide youth and teens on multi-country cultural and outdoor adventure trips. Required Experience: High

Travel camps boast bucket-list worthy itineraries. As far as a travel job goes, it’s hard to beat one where you’re literally traveling from beautiful place to beautiful place. These companies usually sell expensive packages to the parents of school-aged kids, which means:

• You’ll be going to exiting places, some that would be hard to get to on your own
• There are many physical adventures, since the kids have the energy for them

A real itinerary from one company includes:

• Fly in to an island city in Guatemala
• Bike through a tropical rainforest environment to explore Mayan pyramids
• Roam ancient ceremonial caverns
• Enjoy a zipline tour
• Relax by the hotel pool
• Sample local chocolate

This is an adventure you can share with the kids. If they’re doing it, you can be sure you’ll be doing it too, as a participant and role model. But that also means there’s no time off. It’s a 24/7 job.

How to Get a Travel Camp Leader Job:

These companies are looking for a bit more leadership experience under your belt. They want employees who are well-traveled and culturally aware, and appreciate foreign language skills. You’ll also need to be a good communicator. The easiest way to find travel camp companies is to search google as if you’re a kid looking to sign up to attend one. Then find the employment page when you’re on the site. “International teen travel tours” is a good search term to start with. You’ll also find some travel camp tours on WanderJobs.

Care for children and preform light household duties while living abroad with a host family for a year. Required Experience: Low

This travel job is an old classic. To get the flavor of what it means to be an au pair, think of the movie The Sound of Music. While you are technically employed by the family, the idea is that in some sense, you are joining as part of the family and helping to raise the kids. In this US, Au pairs are paid with a stipend of a minimum of around $200/week. Au pairs seek employment in countries other than their own. One of the biggest benefits of this line of work is the cultural and language exchange between family and au pair.

You’ll go on vacations with your host family, meet their friends, attend recitals and barbecues and celebrate holidays. It all comes down to the match between au pair and family, which makes or breaks the experience.

I was very fortunate to grow up with au pairs from Norway. Each year, a new young woman came to care for me and my brothers, and most of them were very good matches. (A few left quickly.) Those who stayed are still, 20 and 30 years later, a loving part of our family. They visit us when they are in the states, we have stayed with them and their families in Norway, we exchanges letters and Christmas gifts and attend each other’s weddings.

However, there are some very bad stories of women coming from other countries and feeling completely trapped with families who verbally abuse them and make them work well beyond the hours indicated in their contracts. While there is usually a possibility of being placed with a different family if this happens, be very cautious and listen to your gut if a red flag comes up.

How to Get an Au Pair Job:

You’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you’re a good, reliable, and kind person who is good with children. Since au pairs are usually in their late teens, not much previous work experience is expected. Au pairs tend to be young women. Young men have a tough time being placed, as host families aren’t always comfortable leaving their kids with a man they’ve just met.

However, this is rapidly changing with the childcare crisis brought on by the Covid pandemic. Many families are now considering hiring young men for the first time, and it’s possible the perspective shift will be long-lasting. As of summer 2020, host families in the US are desperate for childcare, and au pairs are getting interview requests from up to fifty families, according to the 7/26/20 New York Times article, Au Pairs Get the Upper Hand. It seems likely that families will be willing to consider even domestic au pairs and forgo the benefit of an international cultural exchange.

There are many au pair matching sites where you can find a host family and make sure you feel comfortable with them before making a commitment.

5. Gap Year Program Leader

Lead older students on multi-country, adventure, and volunteering trips geared toward education and personal growth. Required Experience: High

Working as a gap year leader offers a slightly different experience than working as a travel tour leader. The people you’ll be leading are usually high school or college-aged youth who are actively looking to expand themselves as people and gain an education before heading off for their next year of college.

Many of the itineraries will resemble the highly adventurous itineraries of other travel camps. In addition, there may be more formal educational lectures, time for reflection and journaling, or preparing personal mission statements.

How to Get a Gap Year Leader Job:

You’ll need plenty of travel and leadership experience and at least a college degree.

Just like finding a travel camp company, the simplest plan is to search google as if you’re looking to attend a gap year program. Then find the employment page when you’re on the site.

6. SCUBA Instructor/Guide

Help tourists have safe, fun SCUBA diving adventures in warm tropical waters. Required Experience: High

Unlike other travel jobs on this list, SCUBA is more of a career commitment. It requires certification and experience in a very specific niche, so you need to have interest in committing to SCUBA long-term to make it worthwhile.

Those who I’ve met who are SCUBA instructors make it part of their personality. They love it, and it’s easy to understand why. Dive instructors usually live on islands and in tropical locations, where relaxed and laid-back attitudes are the norm. You get to spend time in the ocean, seeing beautiful reefs and sharks and fish, and tour groups max out at just a few people to keep it manageable. You’ll have to care for a lot of equipment, do regular checks, and be comfortable guiding tourists through potentially dangerous situations. An outgoing personality is much less important than generally good communication skills.

How to Get a SCUBA Job:

The most important thing you’ll need to do is become certified as a professional divemaster through PADI and log many hours SCUBA diving.

SCUBA instructors should be extremely responsible, organized, and safety-oriented people. SCUBA jobs can be a bit more challenging to find. Often job boards for SCUBA slowly turn into advertisements for certification courses. For now, you can try DiveJobs .

7. Zip Line Guide

Lead guests through a zip line course and tell them about the area. Required Experience: Medium

Zip line guides work in pairs to take small groups of tourists through areas of natural beauty in a thrilling way. Being a zip line guide (as I know from short personal experience) is physically challenging and mentally draining. But it can be a lot of fun. The guests are usually in a good mood and excited to be doing something from their bucket list. A good zip line company will provide a lot of safety training- weeks- which makes for great team bonding among coworkers. Zip lines are generally built in beautiful places, which means you’ll be working outdoors in a nature or even wilderness setting. Leading a group of guests means you’ll need to make a safety presentation, get them in harnesses, and hook and unhook them from the zip lines. Often you’ll be giving a general informational tour while up on the course. This means you’ll be doing some public speaking, but it’s an amount that even a shy person can get used to. Tips for zip line guides can be pretty darn good.

How to Get a Zipline Guide Job:

Search zip line guide jobs on WanderJobs or on any major job board.

8. Small Vessel/River Cruise Staff

Live and work aboard a smaller and more luxurious cruise vessel catering to older and wealthier guests. Required Experience: High

Sometimes the allure of being aboard a boat and exploring different ports is too strong to ignore. Luckily, working aboard a massive cruise liner is not the only option. River cruises are smaller and more intimate, and offer guests a higher level of service. For this reason, the job competition is a bit tougher. Small cruise itineraries include off-the-beaten-path locations, such as:

• The Puget Sound
• Small, less-trafficked tropical islands
• European river tours
• Custom itineraries
• & lots more

In addition, charter cruises often have a more environmentally or culturally-friendly slant. They may be opportunities for guests to participate in hands-on education, and “excursions” off the ship are significantly more thrilling and less touristy. To get an idea, National Geographic has a few passenger ships, and offers a breathtaking Journey to Antarctica cruise with a $16,000 price tag. You’ll still be in close quarters with your coworkers pretty much constantly, but all in all, staff life on a small cruise is less of a party atmosphere than on a cruise liner.

How to Get a Small Vessel/Charter Cruise Job:

A google search is best. Again, do the search as if you’re looking to pay to be a guest on the cruise. Once you find a company you like, look for its employment page. You will need to be well traveled and have excellent customer service skills to get one of these jobs.

9. Scenic River Float Guide

Safely row guests through currents on guided river raft tours.

Required Experience: High

As a scenic river tour guide, you’ll steer a raft full of tourists down a large, slower-moving river, while giving them a guided tour along the way. It’s a highly physically and mentally demanding job. It takes an all-around strong and confident person to excel as a river guide. Unlike whitewater, the current is fairly calm. Tourists come for the scenery and a relaxing adventure rather than an extreme thrill. Imagine floating down the Snake River famously photographed by Ansel Adams, while watching for eddies and dangers and pointing out eagles and beavers along the forested shoreline. There is still a high amount of danger inherent in scenic river guiding. Rafts have been overturned by logs, rocks, and surprising currents. If a raft is overturns, things can become chaotic and unsafe, sometimes to the point of fatality. There is an art to mastering the river, and because of this, river rafting is a commitment and more of a career choice than some other jobs on this list. A good company will provide a huge amount of safety training, and will likely also require applicants to be trained and certified before even applying for a job. If you can handle the responsibility, working as a river guide can be a very rewarding experience. There may also be opportunities for crossover into whitewater rafting jobs. It’s an excellent job for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to Get a Scenic Float Guide Job:

I haven’t yet found any reliable source of leads for this type of job. Try searching google for any combination of “scenic river float guide jobs” and “river rafting jobs”.

10. Kayak Guide

Lead a caravan of kayaks through calm and beautiful waters. Required Experience: Low

Kayak guides lead tourists on lake tours or coastal ocean tours, weaving out of narrow, magical tree-lined inlets. It’s one of the simpler ways to get out on the water for work. You’ll need enough people skills to kindly introduce yourself and teach kayaking safety basics, but it’s an easy choice for introverts. Once you’re out on the water, it’s just a game of follow the leader and making sure nobody falls behind. You will need strength and stamina for paddling, but that will build over time.

You’ll usually be leading people of many different ages, and often families, on a single tour. Kayak guides are needed in many different types of environments. From small lodges on cold Alaskan waters and while migration routes, to Mediterranean environments with rocky, scrubby shorelines, you’ll be able to seek out a location that fits your preferences. There are even night kayak tours in bioluminescent bays. Each stroke of the paddle through the water causes bacteria to glow an etherial blue. It’s quite beautiful and relaxing.

How to Get a Kayak Guide Job:

Find Kayak Guide jobs on WanderJobs .

11. Ski/Snowboard Instructor 

Help vacationers (often groups of kids) improve their skiing and snowboarding skills. Required Experience: Medium

Ski instructing is one of the best known seasonal jobs for young people. There are abundant positions available every ski season across the globe, so if you want a ski job and you know how to ski (and are decent at interviewing), you will probably be hired.

The culture on mountains and among seasonal ski employees is very specific. This, in my opinion, is the most important thing to consider before accepting a ski job, even more important than your love of the sport. You’ll be around lots of young people who like to party, to “work hard, play hard,” who aren’t yet settled in life and want to “go big or go home.” Duuuuuddddeeee!

This is a job absolutely best left to extroverts, and ideally young extroverts. You’ll of course also need to be fit and comfortable with lots of public speaking.

Ski and snowboard instructor jobs come with mountain passes so you can spend as much of your free time on the slopes as you want. This, of course, is one of the main reasons people commit to a season on a mountain. If there’s fresh snow, it’s yours to shred, and there will be lots of coworkers around to join you.

There is a hierarchy of ski jobs, and if you stay in the game for a while you can move from a bunny slope youth group instructor to giving private adult lessons, or even work your way to a ski patrol position.

Not all mountains offer housing for their ski instructors, but many do. Those that don’t may at least have resources to help you find your own housing before you arrive.

How to Get a Ski Instructor Job:

While it’s possible to get certified as a ski instructor before applying for your job, I don’t recommend this. Your home mountain will train you, and if they require further certifications for teaching at higher levels, you can earn those after you start working. I wouldn’t pay to be certified before actually starting work.

Find ski and snowboard jobs on WanderJobs or any major job board.

12. High Ropes/Aerial Course Guide

Teach tourists to safely navigate ropes courses, preform safety checks, and be present to help if needed. Required Experience: Low

Aerial high ropes courses can be found near many wilderness lodges, as they’re often a draw for they same type of outdoorsy tourist. They’re also found near cruise ship ports, which brings a whole ‘nother type of guest. So while you’ll have a beautiful view and access to fun recreational activities, the job itself is genuinely pretty dull.

Aside from a thorough daily safety check of the course and all gear, there isn’t all that much to the job. You’ll spend a lot of time staring up at guests as they go through the course, walkie-talkie in hand, making sure nothing dangerous happens. Occasionally you’ll have to shout up encouraging tips from the ground, or “rescue” someone from an obstacle they can’t solve.

High ropes guides often cross over into rock wall and zip line territory.

It’s an easy, low-responsibility job for a first time seasonal worker. The title “guide” is a bit of an exaggeration; it may feel like more of a babysitter position.

It’s a good job for young people.

How to Get a High Ropes Guide Job:

Search for jobs here on WanderJobs or on any major job board.

13. Horse Wrangler

Care for and train horses and lead guided horseback tours.

Horse wrangling requires early mornings, long hours, and intense physical labor. Most available jobs are on ranches in the western US. 

If you have experience with horses, love being outside, and don’t mind getting dirty, then this could be an exciting job. In addition to herding animals, wranglers are responsible for feeding, saddling, grooming, and training the horses, leading trail rides, and cleaning the stalls. 

Horse wrangling requires working around the clock and is best for people without many commitments. Your responsibilities will depend a lot on your prior experience, training, and seniority. As a beginner, you probably won’t be doing much wrangling – you can expect to start out shoveling manure and grooming the horses. 

There are various horse wrangler jobs available on public land as well as privately owned ranches. Each ranch has its own set of rules, requirements, and exclusions that you’ll want to review carefully before deciding where to apply.

Once hired, you’ll likely attend wrangler school for four to six weeks. You will learn essential skills, including trail riding and horseshoeing, and cover topics such as horse behavior and anatomy. 

Ranches cultivate a close community where employees are treated like family. Personal life and work often blend together. While permanent positions include paid time off, many of the seasonal ranch jobs require you to work straight through the season with no weekends or vacation days. 

Due to the remote location, there are few activities available off of the ranch. Workers typically spend the little downtime they have exploring the countryside or relaxing by a campfire.  

Most ranches provide employees with family-style meals and dormitory lodging. Depending on your attitude going into the job, horse wrangling could be one of the most rewarding or most miserable experiences of your life. If you’re willing to trade sleep and time off for riding horses and watching the sunrise over the mountains, then you’ll likely find a lot of personal growth and fulfillment in working on a ranch. 

How to Get a Wrangler Job:

Browse through ranches on WanderJobs and check individual company websites to see if they are currently hiring for wrangler staff. The competition is high, so it’s worth reaching out to companies to establish a relationship even if there are no positions open.

14. Backcountry Guide

Lead overnight backpacking trips into the wilderness.

If you love the mountains and are always seeking out wilderness adventures, becoming a backcountry guide could be a good employment option. In addition to guiding groups safely in remote areas, guides are responsible for coaching clients through physically and mentally demanding situations, teaching them the technical skills needed to navigate tough terrain, and managing risk. 

To land a job as a backcountry guide, you’ll need advanced certifications in wilderness safety and first aid, a backcountry food handlers permit, and proven expertise in disciplines like rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, ice climbing, mountaineering, and ski touring. The position entails a large amount of responsibility – backcountry guides must have sound decision-making in risky situations, excellent interpersonal skills, and passion for adventure. 

As a beginner, it’s best to join a local alpinist club and explore training options with a mountain guide association. Depending on your location and what field you’re hoping to work in, you may need a certification from the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), one of the industry’s most recognized and respected organizations. 

Getting the necessary certifications can be a long process, but if you’re prepared for the rigors required, you will join a close international community of intrepid explorers. Backcountry guiding affords ample opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most amazing wilderness areas. When you’re not camping in the backcountry, you’ll likely have free housing at a mountain hut or remote resort. 

How to Get a Backcountry Guide Job:

Browse Backdoorjobs for available backcountry guiding positions.

15. Fruit Picking Abroad

Harvest, sort, & pack fruit on farms with other travelers in Australia.

Required Experience: Low

Picking fruit is a physically demanding job that requires early mornings and long hours in the sun. You’ll likely have aches and pains – particularly at the beginning – from the repetitive motions and hard labor. 

Fruit picking jobs exist in any agricultural area, but different regions have varying levels of open positions based on the availability of migrant labor. The most interesting opportunities for young people are located in Australia, where it’s possible to extend your visa by a year in exchange for three months of fruit picking, and in New Zealand.

While most jobs are seasonal, fruit-picking work is available in Australia year-round. Positions down under typically attract students and backpackers, so you’ll likely work with an eclectic group of travelers from around the world. 

There are no particular skills or previous experience required to get a job picking fruit. As long as you are willing to work hard and show up on time each day, you shouldn’t have a problem holding onto your job throughout the season. 

Many farms offer workers accommodation for free or at a reduced price. The type and quality of housing vary substantially from one farm to the next. You could be placed in a crowded caravan with six other people, or get a small bungalow all to yourself. 

How to Get a Fruit Picking Job:

On the Australian Work Travel Visa, you can work and play your way through the country and apply for many different jobs. Fruit picking seems to be one of the lower hanging fruits- pun intended. The job search and application process is a little more messy and requires more spontaneity and flexibility. Here is a handy guide .

16. Yacht Crew

Work for an individual employer or traveling family aboard a private yacht or sailing vessel.

Required Experience: Medium

While yachting is associated with luxury, working on a private yacht is rarely glamorous. The experience is highly dependent on the owners of the yacht, the captain, and the guests on each voyage. Some clients are relaxed and down to earth, while others can be demanding and even rude. 

In general, being part of a yacht crew is tiring work with long hours – on a typical day, you should plan to wake up before dawn and work well past sunset. Responsibilities include cleaning the yacht, assisting with food and beverage service, and fulfilling clients’ various requests. 

If you love the sea and are ready for the service industry’s demands, working on a yacht crew can be a great way to sail for free while also earning some income. Crew positions are available on private yachts worldwide. As long as you have exceptional customer service and at least some knowledge of boats, you have a good chance of being hired. 

Crew cabins tend to be cramped and lack the luxurious feel of the rest of the yacht. Since you’ll spend a lot of time with the other staff members in close quarters, the group’s personality can make or break your experience. 

How to Get a Yacht Crew Job:

One of the best known yacht job boards is Find a Crew . Since you’ll be talking to individuals rather than incorporated companies, the process can be a little sketchier. Use your judgement.

17. Bicycle Trip Leader

Lead guided travel tour trips through picturesque cities and adventurous locations.

Traveling by bike is an amazing way to see the world. If you enjoy cycling and love working with people, then guiding bike tours could be an exciting and enriching experience. 

Becoming a cycling trip leader requires a high level of physical fitness, positivity, and dependability. Tours range from single-day trips to month-long adventures and are available in stunning locations worldwide. 

As a guide, you’re responsible for guests’ safety and are on call 24/7. You should be prepared for long hours and ready to handle medical emergencies like illness or bike accidents. You’ll also need to know how to service bicycles since guests on the tours are likely to experience issues such as flat tires and broken chains along the way. 

In addition to ensuring everyone’s safety, guides are responsible for immersing guests in the local culture and customs. You’ll need to be very familiar with the area and have excellent navigation skills in case you need to make any unexpected detours due to weather conditions or guest preferences. 

Bike guides tend to be a fun, extroverted group with lots of opportunities to socialize and explore the local area when you’re not working. 

When you’re on a trip, you’ll receive free accommodation in the same hotels the guests are staying (although it’s usually in a lower quality room). Not all companies cover accommodation costs when you’re not with clients, so you’ll want to consider this when applying to these travel jobs. 

How to Get a Bicycle Trip Leader Job:

Search Google as if you’re looking to pay to attend an international bicycle tour. When you find a company you like, search for its employment page.

18. Whitewater Raft Guide

Safely guide guests through physically challenging white water rapids. Required Experience: High

If you are passionate about adventure, love the water, and handle risk and unpredictability with grace, then whitewater raft guiding could be a good option. Raft guides depend on one another to safely make it out of the rapids each day, which fosters a type of trust and bond that can be hard to find in other jobs. In general, you can expect to work with a fun group of people who spend their free time enjoying the outdoors and drinking around a campfire.  The travel job is best for young extroverts who love working with people and are ready for long hours and physically demanding work. Positive energy is critical – guides must keep the stoke high even when their extremities are numb, and the guests are miserable. 

Becoming a raft guide takes hard work. There is a steep learning curve, with intensive training and various certifications required or recommended.

The first step is to attend a 7-10 day guide school with a rafting company, followed by another 2-6 weeks of unpaid training once hired. The training is intense and seeks to weed out those who can’t handle the physical and mental demands of whitewater raft guiding. 

Many guides also complete courses in or become certified as:

• advanced wilderness first aid
• wilderness first responders
• swift water rescue certifications
• CPR & first aid

While not all of these are required, the more certifications and experience you have, the more you can expect to earn.  NOLS is a well-known outdoor adventure certification school. On the other side of this rigorous process, there is a close-knit international community of guides with many opportunities to travel. Keep in mind that requirements may vary across borders and from state to state within the US. 

Many rafting companies offer basic housing, often in the form of guide camps near the river. Amenities are sparse, with guides living out of tents, their cars, or old RVs. Raft guiding is not a lucrative travel job – even with the free housing, it’s unlikely that you’ll come out of your first season with more than a few hundred dollars saved. 

How to Get a White Water Guide Job:

Search for white water jobs on WanderJobs and Backdoorjobs .

19. Wilderness Therapist

Help youth overcome mental health issues with nature and counseling. Required Experience: High

Wilderness therapy combines nature and counseling to help at-risk youth cope with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, ADHD, technology addiction, and other mental health issues. 

It’s helpful to have outdoor experience and a background in social work or psychology. But if you enjoy nature and working with youth and are willing to work hard, it’s possible to overcome a lack of experience. 

Wilderness therapy is gaining popularity worldwide, but many programs remain concentrated in the US, the UK, and New Zealand and run seasonally. You’ll be with students 24-7, teaching a variety of outdoor and survival skills that can be transferred into everyday situations.

Students will need help coping with new physical and mental challenges and mentorship as they seek self-improvement. The job certainly has its difficulties, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You can have a profound impact on others’ lives and experience significant personal growth.

People who choose to work as wilderness therapists find supportive communities and build lasting friendships with their colleagues. 

The structure of wilderness therapy programs varies by company. Sometimes students spend a week in the classroom with a licensed clinician, then a week in the wilderness with a guide. Sometimes the two are combined and require guides to have more extensive clinical training.

Many programs follow a rotating schedule with one or two weeks on, and the next one or two weeks off. When you’re working, you’ll be camping in the backcountry with your group. Not all companies cover accommodation during your time off. 

How to Get a Wilderness Therapist Job:

Backdoorjobs has lots of wilderness therapy jobs to browse.

Part 2: Hospitality Travel Jobs

20. cruise ship jobs.

Work in a customer service role or behind-the-scenes aboard a mighty international cruise liner. Required Experience: Medium

Cruise ship jobs seem to hold the allure of adventure. While they do allow you to see new places, the adventures tend to be a bit more surface-level, hedonistic, and rife with difficulties than other options. There are so many jobs available on cruise ships to match different experience levels and interests. They truly are like floating cities, and will need staff to help with cooking, cleaning, entertaining, sailing, styling hair, serving, retail, maintaining the ship, childcare, and much, much more.

The benefits of working on a cruise ship are:

• visiting a handful of new countries in a short period of time
• making new friends from around the world
• saving a good amount of money you earn

But the downsides are substantial. These include:

• an extremely long workweek and little free time
• a social life heavily dependent on drinking at the staff cantina
• little time off the ship
• lack of internet/cell coverage
• tiny, shared living quarters
• apathetic management

It must be said that cruise liners and their guests very actively harm the “tourist towns” in which they dock and make life in these places significantly more depressing for locals.

Despite all this, some people LOVE working on a cruise ship. In fact, my friend Marissa shared an in-depth experience of her time working aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship on my Once Upon a Wander podcast .

Some people though, including a few I met who worked on Carnival ships, found cruise ship life stressful and unpleasant. Do some research and make sure it feels right to before applying to work on a cruise ship. Or just take my recommendation and stay away altogether. There are so many better options.

How to Get a Cruise Ship Job:

It’s important to research the companies you are interested in applying to. Not all cruise jobs are equal. Some are more… notorious than others. It’s probably best if introverts steer clear of cruise ship jobs, as you will get little alone time. However, the jobs themselves are so varied that you may still find something that suits you if you don’t want to interact directly with guests. The required experience level varies greatly by job, with the easiest jobs to get generally being in the housekeeping department. It can end up being many months after you’re hired before you’re actually placed on a ship. You can browse Cruise Ship Jobs here or on any major job site, including Indeed .

21. Lift Operator (Liftie)

Safely operate ski lifts and check guest passes during the winter season. Required Experience: Low

A liftie job is the easiest entry point to working on the ski slopes. A common choice for younger people, operating the ski lifts requires a lot more standing around and a lot less responsibility than the more coveted positions of ski/snowboard instructors or ski patrol. It is expected that ski resort employees working on the mountain will receive a free season lift pass, which is one of the biggest draws. Some, but not all, mountain resorts will provide employee housing and/or meals. The culture of a ski job is not for everyone. If skiing or snowboarding every day brings you a genuine thrill, and you enjoy bonding with others over beers and drinking, it’s probably a good fit. But if hearing “gonna go shred some sick gnar” or “get that fresh pow, man” on the regular isn’t your cup of tea, maybe look elsewhere.

How to Get a Liftie Job:

Look for lift operator positions anywhere you’d find ski instructor jobs. You can start here .

22. Housekeeping

Clean guest rooms & common areas and fold laundry. Required Experience: Low

Housekeeping is one of the easiest entry points into the travel job arena, period. Just about any company you’ll find on WanderJobs needs housekeepers. Lodges, resorts, retreat centers, ranches… they all need to be cleaned. It’s one of the largest employee departments in tourism. Because of the ease of entry, housekeepers usually make up the youngest department in seasonal travel companies. Many of them are teenagers and early 20s. The work itself is surprisingly physical and it helps to be in good shape. It’s a good choice for someone who doesn’t want to interact with the customers.

Usually you’ll be put into pairs or small teams to clean guest rooms, so you’ll be able to chat with your partner or listen to music. It’s genuinely a lot of fun.

When you’re cleaning alone it’s nice to just listen to a podcast or enjoy the peace and quiet. I consider it to be kind of relaxing and even meditative.

How to Get a Housekeeping Job:

Housekeeping is the #1 easiest travel job to be hired for. After getting your foot in the door at your preferred company, it’s easier to get a new position (or become a housekeeping supervisor) the next season.

There are many housekeeping positions on WanderJobs .

23. Wilderness Lodge Staff

Hospitality positions in wilderness locations include everything from housekeeping to kitchen crews. Required Experience: Low

Wilderness lodges come in all sorts of locations and sizes. I’ve worked for a wilderness lodge with a staff size of 160, and another with a staff size of 4.

Both experiences offered an incredibly peaceful slice of life, where you could step outside your door and be right in nature. You’ll be able experience real quiet; nothing but the rustling leaves and soothing waves on the lake. Wilderness lodges seem to attract a good type of person, and also a wide variety. I’ve met a lot of artists, thinkers, and adventurers in these places. There are SO many types of travel jobs to chose from at a lodge that it’s likely you’ll be able to find something that suits you.

Jobs often include:

• Housekeeping
• Front desk & customer service
• Activities staff
• Office staff
• & many more

Larger lodges may offer three hot meals per day in addition to housing. Lodges in National Parks, designated as official National Park concessioners, often have Employee Dining Rooms (EDRs) with fresh, tasty food for staff. Hanging out with friends is a wonderful experience when you’re so close to nature. Expect lots of stargazing, camp fires, porch parties and hiking. Listen to my Once Upon a Wander podcast interview with coworker Nita . She describes what working at a wilderness lodge in the Grand Teton National Park meant to her.

Read my review of life at a wilderness lodge in Minnesota .

How to Get a Wilderness Lodge Job:

For google searches, it’s helpful to search wilderness lodge + location + staff housing. For example, “wilderness lodge Alaska staff housing.” Many wilderness lodges are so far from the nearest town that they need to offer staff housing or they wouldn’t have staff. Find Wilderness Lodge Jobs on WanderJobs .

24. Front Desk/Reception

Check in guests, make sales, answer the phone, and preform other customer service duties. Required Experience: Medium

Front desk positions are a good choice for people who want to live and work in beautiful places but who don’t necessarily consider themselves “outdoorsy” or don’t want the adventure to come from the job itself. These positions are usually a bit cushier, and as with any office job, there’s more opportunity to sit down, have a slow cup of coffee, and be in a climate-controlled environment. Each day will have a rush and a lull, but you do have to be prepared to deal with many customers wanting attention at once. The downtime tends to balance it out, though. In one of my front desk positions, I was on the night shift in a gorgeous wilderness lodge. Most guests had already hunkered down for the night by the time I clocked in, so I liked to sit in the office, stare off at the lake, or read a nice book. In another of my front desk positions, this one at a zip line, the day was much more fast-paced. I had to stand outside in the sun and check in hundreds of guests each day. Both positions required learning a somewhat confusing point-of-sale system and knowing how to answer detailed questions about the business, but there were never any huge challenges.

How to Get a Front Desk Job:

Look for any job on WanderJobs marked as resort, hotel, hostel, lodge, or retreat center. Any place that operates as a place for guests to spend the night will need front desk staff.

25. Activities Leader

Keep guests entertained and engaged. Required Experience: Medium

This is a travel job for people who truly love meeting and engaging with new people. An activities leader should be friendly, warm, and outgoing. She should not be afraid of looking silly or acting like a goof to make others happy. Ideally, making others happy should be a driving force for her own happiness. Companies that hire activity leaders do so for many reasons. Each company will have a very different schedule of events. Some sample activities include:

• guest picnics and bonfires
• guided nature walks
• art classes
• tournaments
• & much more

You’ll need a lot of mental stamina to be successful in this position. Public speaking skills are important.

How to Get an Activities Leader Job:

Find activities lead jobs with room and board on WanderJobs by searching for companies with at any resort, retreat, ranch, or hotel. Summer camps and year-round camps (like YMCAs) are also a great place to find Activity positions if you’re interested in working with youth.

26. Retreat Center Staff

Work and live on a campus geared toward the peaceful spiritual growth of its guests and employees.

Working at a retreat center is an experience unlike any other I’ve had. When you consider what a person really, truly needs to be happy and fulfilled in life, you have to admit that living in a strong community with other people and being in nature are very near the top. Retreat centers give you these.

Both retreat centers where I’ve worked and lived were places for people of many different backgrounds, ages, and nationalities to come together and live a more natural way of life. Beautiful facilities in nature and fresh healthy meals fostered a calm, creative way of life.

Part of the draw of a retreat center is the location. They tend to be more remote: in the mountains, tucked in a forested valley, by a cliff on the sea. I’ve found nothing yet to match the feeling of peace and connection I’ve found at these places.

Retreat and conference centers require employees in many different areas: kitchen, housekeeping, front desk and customer service, spa, events, management, etc. It’s just like a resort, but specifically for people who want to rest and restore, or learn, or create.

Groups of guests come to learn yoga, martial arts, meditation, art, writing, communication, dance, etc. Many retreat centers allow employees to participate in many of the events on campus, so it’s usually a fun environment.

It’s easy to make friends at retreat center jobs. You’ll find lots of kind, open-minded liberals and people trying to better themselves or take a break from the rat race.

Some retreat centers (like those listed on WanderJobs) offer paid positions, but many more are work-exchange/volunteer only. Some will actually charge the volunteers a monthly fee for room and board, and while this may sound ridiculous, it can lead to some of the best experiences of your life. Still, no need to pay when you can just find a travel job that pays you.

How to Get a Retreat Center Job:

Search for retreat center jobs on WanderJobs.

You can also browse Find the Divine and Retreat Finder , but as these aren’t job sites, you have to click on individual retreat center web sites to see if they do have employment or volunteer positions available.

27. Lifeguard

Because you’re responsible for everyone’s safety at the pool or on the beach, being a lifeguard requires constant vigilance and an ability to handle medical emergencies. 

From rescuing children who are panicking to dealing with drunk adults, you must be prepared to handle a wide range of dangerous situations in the water. You must be a physically fit and strong swimmer, have a lifeguard certification, and complete CPR and first aid training.

Lifeguards may also teach swimming or water aerobics classes and clean and maintain the swimming area. 

Expect a party culture with a lot of socializing. After work, there are often friendly competitions between lifeguards, such as swimming, paddle boarding, and boat races. 

Lifeguarding culture remains somewhat male-dominated. Women working as lifeguards often report feeling like they need to prove themselves and say men are given more responsibility and promoted faster.

You’ll also need to be able to deal with boredom. Lifeguards can’t read or look at their phones while working and need to find alternative ways to entertain themselves when the pool or beach is deserted. 

Many classic lakeside sleep-away camps recruit lifeguards to keep the swimming campers safe.

How to Get a Lifeguard Job:

Overnight summer camps are one of the best places to find lifeguarding positions with housing. You can usually earn a lifeguarding certificate at your local YMCA or swimming pool.

28. Restaurant Host

Greet guests, take some orders, and help keep the floor running smoothly.

Restaurants worldwide are social, fast-paced environments where the atmosphere can change quickly. The culture you’ll find depends on what kind of restaurant you work in and where it’s located. 

Restaurant staff in the US tend to be on the younger side, but many countries have hosts, waiters, and chefs of differing ages. Some restaurants have strict rules and dress codes, while others are more casual and allow for greater self-expression.

It’s possible to get a travel job as a restaurant host with minimal experience, but positions with the best perks (and housing) will be awarded to those with previous training in hospitality. You also may benefit from speaking a foreign language or two.

Restaurant hosts are responsible for a guest’s first impression and must have excellent customer service skills. In addition to showing guests to their table, answering the phone, and taking reservations, you help clear tables and assist the waiters as needed. 

The restaurant industry certainly isn’t for everyone. Before taking a position as a host, you should prepare for long and unusual hours with many spent standing up. You’ll need to maintain composure in an ever-changing, high-stress environment. If that sounds exciting, working as a restaurant host could be a fun and worthwhile experience. 

How to Get a Restaurant Host Job:

Search WanderJobs for lodges, hotel jobs, restaurants, and resorts. Most places with overnight accommodations for guests have a restaurant.

29. Spa Attendant

Help youth overcome mental health issues with nature and counseling.

Spa attendants are responsible for fostering an environment that helps others relax. Working alongside massage therapists and aestheticians, attendants support clients in seeking out self-care and making healthy changes in their lives. 

There are no specific requirements to become a spa attendant. Still, it works in your favor if you have prior customer service experience, have worked in the hospitality or wellness industry, or have cosmetology certifications. As long as you are organized and professional and have excellent interpersonal skills, it’s possible to get a travel job as a spa attendant. 

If hired, your duties will include assisting customers, selling treatment packages, cleaning the facilities, and helping aestheticians and therapists prepare for clients. You’ll also be responsible for administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and managing inventory. 

Spas and wellness centers worldwide tend to have a team-oriented environment that attracts young, health-conscious employees. Working in this type of setting can be incredibly calming and enjoyable. 

Like all jobs, working in a spa is stressful at times. Customer service roles are known for being mentally and emotionally draining, and you’ll need to spend many hours a day on your feet. Depending on the spa’s operating hours, you may have long shifts and be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends. 

You’re most likely to find housing included at spas in large or remote resorts and on cruise ships. If you work at a spa in one of these settings, you can expect to meet interesting people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. Resorts often have perks like free access to facilities and fun events. Through these activities and those you discover on your own in your free time, you’ll get to know other employees within the wellness center and throughout the entire resort or ship. 

How to Get a Spa Attendant Job:

After searching for resort, hotel, and lodge jobs with housing, find out which of those have spas. Or try a keyword search on WanderJobs for “spa”.

30. YMCA Camp Counselor/Leader

YMCA camps offer a range of counselor and leadership jobs with different requirements. You can find anything from junior counselor positions geared towards high schoolers to activity specialist roles intended for those with professional teaching experience. 

Depending on your skill set, there may be an opportunity to specialize in areas like sports, swimming, or arts and crafts. 

Working at a YMCA camp tends to be a seasonal job. While some camps offer year-round programs, most operate primarily in the summer when kids are out of school. 

A majority of YMCA camps are located in the US and Canada, so if you’re looking for a travel job overseas, this may not be the right fit. Even without traveling abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from around the world, since YMCA camps attract a diverse bunch of international campers and counselors. Camp communities offer fantastic opportunities to make lasting friendships, but they can be a bit cliquey. 

To get a job as a YMCA camp counselor, you must have excellent leadership and enjoy working with children. If hired, you’ll likely need to undergo additional training focusing on communication skills, conflict resolution, leadership, child safety, first aid, and CPR. 

Working for a summer or two as a YMCA counselor can be a very enriching experience. However, you must remain positive, energetic, and bubbly even when you’re covered in mosquito bites and haven’t had dry socks in two weeks. As a result, camp counselors often report feeling drained by the end of the summer. 

Typically staff members spend the summer living in cabins with the campers. Different camps have varying levels of sophistication in their accommodations for counselors. Depending on your level of comfort with camping, you’ll want to consider a particular camp’s facilities before applying.  

How to Get a YMCA Leader Job:

Search major job boards (like Indeed) for “YMCA camp residential”.

31. Hostel Jobs

Preform various guest service duties in a highly social traveler environment.

Hostels are abundant worldwide and are among the classic places people turn when looking for a travel job that includes housing. There is a lot of flexibility depending on your desired environment. You can find hostels in urban centers, around national parks, and next to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

With opportunities to work at reception, as a housekeeper, in the kitchen, and more, it’s easy to find work in this sector. 

Working at a hostel rarely requires any specific prior experience and is a great way to gain some additional skills, such as bartending, event planning, or waiting tables. One thing you do need is a love of meeting new people. 

Hostels are very social spaces with little privacy, so if you’re an introvert looking for peace and quiet, a hostel job is probably not for you. The culture is perfect for extroverts who thrive in new situations, as the vibe of a hostel is constantly changing with the fluctuation of guests and employees. If you take a travel job at a hostel, you’ll join an eclectic group of people who were attracted by the opportunity to live abroad for free. 

In addition to interesting coworkers, you’ll also get to know guests from far corners of the globe. At any given hostel, you’re likely to find a diverse collection of individuals, including artists, digital nomads, backpackers, and other free spirits. In general, the crowd tends to be young and will be up for partying any day of the week. 

Since hostel employees live and work in the same space, work-life and downtime can be hard to separate. Many hostels operate on a work exchange basis, but some will pay you a small wage in addition to providing free or reduced-price housing. Regardless of which option you end up with, you’ll probably share a room with at least one other staff member. 

How to Get a Hostel Job:

Search the major job boards. Not all hostel jobs come with housing- especially those in cities- but if not, it’s worth it to contact the manager to see if they would be able to work something out with you.

Many hostel workers do unpaid work-exchanges. There are many of these types of experiences on Workaway.info .

32. Retail & Gift Shop Staff

Stock and sell trinkets and snacks to tourists.

Retail jobs are your standard shop experience. You’ll spend much of your time standing in one spot (behind the register) and checking people out.

There are lulls and rushes, but the work isn’t known to be exciting. It’s extremely repetitive.

On the bright side, you’ll probably get to know a small number of coworkers well, and there can be some good people watching.

How to Get a Retail/Gift Shop Job:

Many national park concessioners (#34 travel job on this list) hire retail staff specifically for their shops. At other companies, retail is often a job integrated with positions like front desk and check-in.

33. Marina Attendant

Help customers with boats, pump gas, do basic maintenance checks.

This is one of the many travel jobs on the list that I’ve done personally- that’s me in the picture! Marina work is a cool gig. One of the best things about working at a marina is the view. Few workplaces are more beautiful than the shores around a lake or ocean, and it’s exciting to be able to watch storms rolling in from the distance.

The position requires being on your feet most of the time and interacting with many people on a daily basis. Marinas can get very busy, and when they do, it can feel a bit stressful. People who rent boats at marinas or own boats generally have a good amount of money, and sometimes the sorts of attitudes can come with that. You’ll have to be able to field customer questions while making sure you do everything in a very safe way. Some marinas are more relaxed than others. Personally I would recommend finding one that only serves as a place for people to keep their own private boats rather then renting out boats to customers. There’s a good amount of time to chat with your coworkers and appreciate the view. If your marina does rent out boats, it will be your job to teach the customers to use them. For people with their own boats, you’ll be expected to ferry them out to their buoys. There’s no question that driving boats around all day is a lot of fun. The customer rushes are mitigated by periods of downtime, especially in the early mornings, when you’ll have the whole beautiful, quiet lake to yourself as the sun comes up. I used to love playing music on my phone and drinking coffee in the marina office at twilight, looking out at the mountains and lake. At this point you’ll have to prepare for the day, maybe do some paperwork, and check on the boats and dock.

Whatever your skill level is with boats (mine was near zero when I was hired), it isn’t that challenging to learn to drive them well enough to dock them and tow them safely and skillfully.

How to Get a Marina Job:

Search WanderJobs for marina positions , or browse TripAdvisor for wilderness lodges on your lake of choice.

34. National Park Concessioner Staff

Perform customer service & hospitality duties while living with other travelers in a national park.

Many private companies help provide additional services to visitors within each national park, including lodging, tours, and retail. In the US, National Park Service concessioners employ more than 25,000 people during peak seasons at places like restaurants, hotels, concession stands, and gift shops. 

Because concessioners are hired by private companies rather than the federal government, many say the hiring process is more straightforward and flexible than getting a job as a park ranger. Since many rangers start out working concessions, this is a great way to get your foot in the door and open up additional opportunities with the National Park Service. 

While the concessioner jobs are often indoors, you’ll get to spend the season living in one of the nation’s most beautiful places. Many employees at national parks are outdoor-minded folks who love adventure. You’ll be able to spend your days off exploring the park and surrounding area with coworkers and will likely have the chance to try some fun outdoor activities like rafting, rock climbing, or snorkeling. 

Not all concessioner staff positions include housing, but it’s not uncommon to receive subsidized room and board. Don’t expect anything luxurious – most park employees live in basic dormitory-style lodging or RVs. But it’s a wonderful way to live in a community of people with similar interests, and employees in these places often feel like families.

How to Get a National Park Concessioner Job:

The two major National Park concessioners are Xanterra and Delware North, and searching the sites of those two companies will provide most of the travel job opportunities. However …

Those are huge companies and are infamous, like Vail Resorts, for treating their employees like numbers and not like people. In traveler circles, it’s called Xanterrible.

It’s harder to find the smaller companies because most websites are in disguise, and it’s not till you reach the employment page that you’re redirected to the automated Xanterra or DN database. But smaller companies exist!

The official National Park list of Authorized Concessioners can be found on their website .

35. Overnight Summer Camp Counselor

Lead groups of kids through traditional summer camp activities.

Working as an overnight camp counselor is a great summer travel job for young extroverts who love working with kids. You can choose from a wide selection of camps throughout the US and Canada, as well as some international ones. 

Options range from classic YMCA-style summer camps to specialty programs focusing on music, theater, or sports. General overnight camps expect employees to enjoy working with youth and have a positive attitude, while specialty camps require additional expertise in that particular field. 

Each camp has a different vibe and traditions, so you’ll want to do some research and select one that is a good fit. No matter which location you choose, you’ll find a unique environment with countless learning experiences. Camp culture fosters life-long friendships among both campers and counselors. Kids carry summer camp memories well into adulthood, so it can be very fulfilling to be a part of campers’ life-changing experiences. 

Although working as a camp counselor is fun and rewarding, it doesn’t come without challenges. The job rarely includes any alone time, which can be tough even for the most extroverted individuals. Counselors stay in the same cabins as campers, and supervising a group of children 24 hours a day is exhausting by the end of the summer. 

How to Get a Camp Counselor Job:

There are many sites dedicated to camp listings, including Camp Resource and Camp Channel . But since there are so many hundreds of camps not listed on these sites, it’s easier just to pick the area you want to go and do a google search for overnight camps in that location.

Drive guests, haul gear, act as a tour guide.

There are possibilities to work as a tour group driver on trips ranging from classic sightseeing tours to multisport adventures worldwide. Some tour companies employ drivers for the entire season, while others hire them as external contractors for a week or two at a time. 

To get one of these jobs, you’ll need a valid commercial driver’s license in the countries visited, excellent customer service skills, and a proven commitment to passenger safety. The vehicle’s size may vary from group to group, but you should be comfortable maneuvering large vehicles with a trailer full of equipment in tow. 

While most of the job is spent sitting, you will also get some exercise through the frequent loading and unloading of luggage and gear, such as bikes and kayaks. The position includes a lot of downtime when the guests are out sightseeing or staying in the same spot for a few days. You’ll therefore have the chance to explore many different places along the route. However, if you’re hired as an external contractor, the job could be a bit lonely. 

In addition to wages, drivers typically receive free lodging in a hotel for the tour duration. Sometimes they’ll stay in the same location as guests, while others they’ll be placed in a different hotel nearby. 

How to Get a Driver Job:

Whitewater rafting and other gear-based outdoor companies sometimes have dedicated drivers to haul the gear from one place to another, and to meet the guests once they go down river.

For coach-bus tour driver jobs, the best way to find a company is to search google as if you’re trying to pay to join a tour as a guest. “Coach bus tours national parks” or “europe coach bus tours” would be good searches, for example.

Contiki is an example of a coach bus tour company in Europe, though they only hire people with European passports.

37. Hotel & Resort Jobs

Work in guest services, desk jobs, or support positions at hotels & resorts.

Hotels and resorts offer tons of different employment opportunities all over the globe. There are openings for bartenders, chefs, waiters, restaurant hosts, housekeepers, concierges, event coordinators, entertainers, fitness instructors, massage therapists, lifeguards, and more. 

In addition to living in a desirable destination, you’ll receive perks like free or discounted access to the resort’s facilities. One of the other benefits is meeting interesting guests and working with people from around the world. Since many hotel and resort employees are far from “home,” coworkers can become like family.  

Most upscale hotels and resorts include housing for employees, especially those located in remote areas. The accommodation itself is rarely luxurious – no matter how fancy the resort, you’ll probably live in shared housing with 4-5 other people. 

Working at a hotel or resort offers flexible hours; however, shifts can be long with few breaks and little downtime, and the pay is not always sufficient for the hours required. Like other hospitality industry jobs, employees at hotels and resorts regularly report feeling drained by the end of the tourist season. 

But for many, the ability to wake up with a swim at a world-renowned beach or hit the slopes after your shift at a famous ski resort makes the long hours worth it. 

How to Get a Hotel/Resort Job:

WanderJobs lists lodge & resort jobs and hostel & inn jobs . If you’re searching in google, choose more remote or even island destinations, as they are more likely to offer staff housing.

38. Workamping Campground Host

Register campers, keep campgrounds safe and clean.

Workamping is an option for couples or individuals who love to camp and are looking for ways to do so cheaply. It’s a position often filled by seniors and people.

You’ll need your own RV to live in.

Campground host positions are available at privately owned parks as well as state and national parks in the US and Canada. While uncommon, it is possible to find workamping openings in other parts of the world, especially in Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. 

Working as a host involves various duties around the campground, such as cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, registering campers, answering visitors’ questions, reporting any rule violations to management, and working in the campground shop. In exchange for your work, you’ll receive a free RV campsite complete with water and electricity hookups. 

Hosting contracts usually extend for 3-6 months. The requirements, hours, and expected time commitment will depend on the campground. Regardless of your schedule, you should plan to work throughout the peak season and on weekends and holidays. 

Workamping has numerous benefits, including spending time in beautiful natural areas for free and meeting folks who also love the outdoors. But there are downsides as well. You’ll likely have to deal with unruly campers and take care of less desirable tasks like picking up trash.  

It’s also my belief- from research, and from talking to people when I attended the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous in 2020 as a speaker- that workamping can get pretty exploitive. It seems that many employers treat their employees badly, overwork them, underpay them, and do not honor contracts in ways that seem illegal. I’m not sure why this particular travel job was so popular with the retired population, but it was. I personally would avoid it at all costs.

Many, but not all, workamping jobs include a salary. Volunteer positions typically require about 20 hours of work a week, while those that come with additional wages involve around 40 hours a week. So they say; in practice, overworking seems to be common.

How to Get a Campground Host Job:

Most Workampers I spoke to at RTR found their jobs through Workamper News .

Part 3: Career Travel Jobs

39. english teacher abroad.

Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) to students at a high school abroad. Required Experience: Medium

A native English speaker with a good command of the language can become an English teacher abroad far more easily than becoming a teacher within the US. The certification process for a TEFL certificate is relatively quick, cheap, and easy. I myself earned the 100-hour online certificate and a 50-hour younger learner certificate in about half the suggested time.

That said, for some reason actually finding a travel job as an English teacher (as of 2020) requires sifting through an absolutely baffling quagmire of scams and misinformation. Does this school want to hire me or is this a company trying to sell me a course? Why won’t the man who I just paid to get my results after taking my certification test respond to any of my emails? Why do I have to go to the country and look for a job after I get there? Theses questions and more plagued me and my ex, and I’m sure many others. Eventually, after moving to Japan to get a travel job teaching English, failing to do so, moving back to the US, and getting scammed, my ex managed to find a job teaching in a good school in Japan and is going on his second year-long contract. I’ve known many people who have taught English abroad (I volunteered with some permanent teachers in Thailand), but as far as “how to get a job teaching english abroad” goes, you’re rather on your own.

How to Get a TEFL Job:

First, become TEFL certified. Most companies require a minimum 120-hour certification and a bachelors degree, though there are companies that do not require a degree.

There are many companies that offer certification, with a median price of about $300 for 120 hours. The cheapest I’ve found is Global TEFL , which was $90/120 hours at the time I wrote this article. Then, do tons and tons of research to find current job openings for English teachers. You may find jobs in China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and other locations.

There are also TONS of online opportunities if you’re looking to continue to travel while you teach. Here’s a quick guide by Goats on the Road.

40. Maintenance 

Repair, build, and haul things as needed. Required Experience: Medium

Most any company, especially those that include guest lodging, requires skilled maintenance staff. In the on season, you’ll be doing general repairs and will often have access to a truck or golf cart, and a workshop or shed. You may find yourself painting, chopping wood, and responding to guests’ request for lightbulb changes in addition to more skilled labor. The maintenance team tends to be one of the smaller operations of a seasonal company and the teams are given more power and freedom to make their own decisions and schedules. It’s often a good gig for introverted types. Sometimes in the off-season, a more remote wilderness lodge will shut down but will still require a skeleton crew consisting of a maintenance worker or two. It’s an unusual way to experience a quiet winter of solitude.

How to Get a Maintenance Job:

Even when maintenance is not listed as an open position on the employment section of a company’s website, it may be worth it to email the company and ask them if they could use some more help.

Maintenance is one of the travel job categories in which it pays to become an expert in your field. An experienced, highly skilled maintenance worker will always be valuable. Find live-in maintenance travel jobs at any resort, retreat, ranch, or hotel listed on WanderJobs.

41. Chefs & Cooks

Prepare and cook meals for guests and staff.

Every kitchen requires a team of cooks of different experience levels and with different amounts of responsibility in order to run properly. A chef at a seasonal company (I’ve worked with many) absolutely doesn’t require a culinary degree, but does require a high level of confidence and skill.

However, head chefs and sous chefs often handle a stressful level of responsibility. Even if your skill is high, you may prefer to be a line cook or even a prep cook (my favorite), where it’s easier to zone out into your task or chat with the other cooks through the workday.

The jobs, from least to most responsibility are:

• Prep Cook (chopping, grating, juicing, repetitive tasks)
• Line Cook (cooking a few specific things, preparing salads)
• Sous Chef (cooking, menu prep, covering in the chef’s absence)
• Chef (ordering ingredients, cooking, menu prep, managing the kitchen)

There are two massively different types of kitchens: made to order, and buffets.

Made-to-order kitchens (which are by far the most common) are almost always more fast paced. This brings an extra level of stress, and sometimes the notoriously angry and narcissistic head chef who thinks he’s god’s gift to man. (I met one of these types at a restaurant in a seasonal travel job I left very quickly). Most places with seasonal jobs will only have this type of kitchen.

Buffet-style kitchens are usually found in two environments: retreat centers and staff dining rooms. Retreat centers usually have constantly changing menus of fresh, healthy, delicious foods.

Staff dining rooms (known as Employee Dining Rooms or EDRs at national park concessioners) vary by location. The food is generally good but not great, and it feels nice to help feed your coworkers.

Working in mess hall or a retreat center environment is much lower-pressure, and in my opinion, much more enjoyable than cooking in a ritzy made-to-order restaurant.

How to Get a Cook Job:

Most any resort, lodge, hotel, retreat center, summer camp, or hostel on WanderJobs will require cooks.

While it isn’t especially hard to start off as a prep cook, there are plenty of places to volunteer as a cook to get more experience before applying for a job. Retreat centers often need volunteer cooks, as do many families on the Workaway site.

42. Antarctica Research Station Staff

Help keep the remote research station running to support scientific discovery.

Getting a travel job in Antarctica is very competitive and requires a particular skill set. Apart from the scientists, research stations have various support staff such as:

• electricians
• firefighters
• boat handlers
• and more… 

Many employment contracts are limited to the summer (around November to February). Others extend through the winter (around March to October). There is a high cost associated with transporting staff to and from the bases, so preference is given to those willing to commit to longer contracts. Even in the summer, be prepared to cope with extreme and unpredictable weather. 

The culture differs from one research station to the next. Most communities have a small-town feel to them. There are movie theaters, bars, and coffee shops that host various events, such as pub quizzes, open mic nights, and karaoke. 

While each research station is stocked with medical supplies and has at least one on-site physician, advanced medical care for life-threatening conditions is often days away. Before heading to Antarctica, research station staff must pass a comprehensive medical exam, including blood tests, chest x-rays, and an EKG. Those hoping to stay throughout the winter must undergo additional medical and psychological tests to ensure they are fit to withstand the physical and mental challenges associated with isolation, frigid temperatures, and 24 hours of darkness for months on end. 

If alone time and privacy are important to you, this travel job is probably not the right fit. Despite being isolated, research station employees rarely get any time to themselves. The stations vary in size, but on average, you can expect around 40-50 staff during the summer and 10-20 in the winter. 

Accommodation, while free, is rustic and crowded – most workers reside in cramped tents or bunks on a ship, and getting off the base for some privacy is not an option. Except for those employed in transportation, support staff seldom travel away from their research stations. 

Before applying for a this travel job, I highly recommend reading the book South Pole Station by Ashley Shelby. Though fictional, it gives an incredibly realistic view into seasonal life in Antarctica.

How to Get an Antarctica Job:

The best place to start looking for a job is with your country’s Antarctica Program . There are around 70 different research stations run by programs from about 30 countries.

43. National Park Ranger (entry level seasonal)

Help educate guests and keep the park safe and clean.

One of the perks of working as a national park ranger is spending time in some of the world’s most stunning natural areas. This travel job is best for those who love nature, are passionate about conservation, and enjoy working with others. You must be willing to work outdoors in any kind of conditions, including extreme temperatures and stormy weather. 

Since park rangers are employees of the federal government, they tend to work a maximum of 40 hours a week. However, rangers must be prepared to work holidays and weekends when parks experience an influx of visitors. 

The culture among national park rangers depends on the geographic location of that particular park. In remote areas, there is a significant overlap in work life and social life, while parks located near towns or cities offer a better work-life balance and more non-park-related activities. Park communities typically resemble isolated small towns where everyone knows each other. 

The path to becoming a park ranger is a competitive one, with many people finding their way in the door through volunteer positions or internships. You’re more likely to be hired if you have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, geology, forestry, history, law enforcement, or a similar field. 

In most parks, seasonal workers are hired only for the summer. These contracts last from 4-6 months and do not include benefits afforded to permanent employees, such as health insurance and retirement contributions. 

Entry-level rangers typically start out collecting fees from visitors at park entrances or maintaining hiking trails. Over time, it’s possible to work your way up to a more desirable position, such as leading tours, researching wildlife, or working in the backcountry. 

Some parks provide free housing, while others deduct rent from your paycheck based on the cost of living in the surrounding area. Accommodation in the parks varies significantly and can range from newer apartments to run-down trailers. Seasonal employees are provided fully furnished rooms and can expect to have at least one roommate or housemate. 

How to Get a National Park Ranger Job:

Find park jobs with the National Park Service or the US Forest Service . If it seems like those official sites don’t have many listings, there may be more posted on a major job board like indeed.

44. Massage Therapist

Relax and help heal clients through bodywork.

Massage therapy is a job that requires a lot of endurance. It isn’t easy to use your muscles in that way for long periods of time.

Part of the fun is that there are so many different types of massage to choose from. When you take the first step to become certified, spend time to figure out what type of massage is most interesting to you and works best with your own body.

You need to be very good at first impressions and making someone feel comfortable as soon as they meet you. You need to look tidy and clean.

Massage therapy is an incredibly personal job. You’ll usually be in a room alone with another person for an hour or more, and in many forms of massage, the other person won’t be wearing clothes. Some clients won’t talk at all, and others will reveal all their traumas. You’re genuinely a therapist and should treat the role and the client with respect. When you have repeat customers, you’ll come to care about them and their well being.

A massage therapist will walk a way with a lot of money, and that is usually one of the biggest draws. It’s one of the few certifications left that doesn’t require a college degree but that can still provide a great payoff. Most clients will tip you as well.

How to Get a Massage Therapist Job:

First, of course, you’ll need to become a licensed massage therapist. The requirements for this vary by state so it can be a little tricky and will require some research and planning.

Massage travel jobs with housing are harder to find than most other travel jobs on this list. Most massage therapists are local, but companies with housing are sometimes hiring.

A roundabout technique to find massage travel jobs with housing is to look for spa jobs with housing (at resorts, lodges, retreat centers, etc), and then apply for any other job at the place. Once you are there and management knows you, it can be easier to suggest offering your services to the spa on the side. (This is how the massage therapist in the photo got much of his work at a retreat center).

Another workaround that many massage therapists I know personally have used is to do off-the-books massages for the staff while they work a different day job. When they are licensed in one state but not another (bureaucratic insurance nonsense!) it’s easier to just have friends pay you in cash. My friends have earned an impressive amount of extra income this way.

45. Accountant

Keep the books.

Nearly every organization requires some accounting work. Many companies hire full-time, in-house accountants, while others outsource the work to freelancers, consultancies, or accounting firms. 

The job requires excellent attention to detail and superior analytical, math, and computer skills. As an accountant, you’ll take care of various finance-related tasks, such as recording transactions, advising on financial decisions, and ensuring compliance with local laws. Those entering the field should expect some stressful situations and prepare to work overtime during tax season. 

The universal business need for bookkeeping services allows accountants a lot of flexibility in choosing where they want to work. Accountant positions are most likely to include housing at places mentioned in this post, including retreat centers, hotels and resorts, and national parks.

Minimum requirements to become an accountant in the US vary by state. If you want to do accounting or bookkeeping work abroad, you may need to obtain additional certifications and become familiar with the local tax laws and financial policies. 

This kind of work can be tedious and repetitive, but also very fulfilling for the right person. Accountants can contribute immense value to businesses and play a crucial role in an organization’s success. If you are financially savvy and like working with numbers, you will likely find the work rewarding. 

How to Get an Accountant Job:

These jobs aren’t always listed, so you may have to go through the companies on sites like WanderJobs one by one and contact them to ask if they are looking for an accountant.

These travel jobs are harder to get and there may be a lot of internal promotion, so a better bet might be to work your way up in a company after you prove yourself in a different position.

46. Lighthouse Keeper

Maintain the light and the property.

Lighthouse keepers historically played a crucial role in helping ships navigate safely to shore, but their place in modern society has dwindled. Today, lighthouses in many parts of the world are fully automated.

Those that still have keepers are usually managed by national parks or non-profits seeking to preserve these historic structures and their associated traditions. 

Current lighthouse keeper jobs are perfect for history buffs who love the sea or for those seeking solitude and an uncommon career opportunity. While available positions are scarce, they are possible to find in coastal areas worldwide. 

Keepers are responsible for tasks like cleaning and maintaining the lighthouse grounds, managing the gift shop, and providing information to visitors. Since many lighthouses are historical landmarks, they are popular field trip destinations for schoolchildren and unique venues for small weddings, reunions, or birthday parties. Prospective keepers should expect to assist with these types of events when necessary. 

Some lighthouses offer keepers free RV camping sites, a sleeping area inside the lighthouse, or private cottages on the grounds. Most lighthouse attendant roles are for volunteers only, but some do pay. One historic lighthouse in San Francisco, for example, offered a couple $130,000 a year, provided they continued running it as a bed and breakfast. 

I recommend the memoir Light Years by Caroline Woodward as a beautiful way to learn what it really means to live as a lighthouse keeper.

How to Get a Lightkeeper Job:

There very few manned lighthouses left; most are automated. Finding a job will take a lot of research into the light stations of various countries. Google search is the way to go.

From a modern day lighthouse keeper (in British Columbia) on Reddit : “the application is super hard to find actually so it does not get a lot of applicants. Also the process is insane as it is a government job. My application took over 4 months…”

47. Farmer/ Gardener

Plant, harvest, weed, build structures, and care for plants.

There are a variety of farming and gardening travel jobs available around the world at places like organic farms and retreat and conference centers. These settings usually offer a fun environment with young coworkers and an ability to connect with nature. 

Many eco-retreat centers have gardens that provide the ingredients for healthy meals. By working as a gardener, you’ll contribute to the center’s ability to provide sustainable, locally sourced food and experience the feeling of accomplishment that comes with eating food you grew yourself. 

Any farming or gardening role requires manual labor outdoors, so you should be ready to work hard and spend your days tending to the fields, orchards, or gardens. You’ll learn how to grow different fruits and vegetables and enjoy the perk of freshly picked, in-season produce. It’s an incredibly satisfying travel job, working with your hands and tending to the land. You’ll be tired and fulfilled at the end of a day.

Many of these positions are available for volunteers only, but finding a paid farming or gardening job is possible. The housing included tends to be dormitory-style and will likely involve one or more roommates. If you’re lucky, you may get a cabin or bungalow to yourself. To get a better paid position you may have to stick with one company long enough to take over when manager leaves.

How to Get a Farm/Garden Job:

Find farm and garden travel jobs on BackdoorJobs , or as unpaid positions through WWOOF . Also read #15 on this list to learn about fruit picking in Australia.

48. Human Resources

Hire staff, coordinate housing, activities and payroll, and deal with staff issues.

From mountain lodges to adventure tour operators, nearly every type of workplace on this list requires Human Resources staff. As a result, there are plenty of HR opportunities at interesting locales around the world. 

The type and quality of housing included with HR travel jobs (if any) and your responsibilities will depend on your workplace. Smaller businesses most often employ HR generalists who do a little bit of everything. Larger companies, on the other hand, may require employees to specialize in particular areas, such as onboarding and training, payroll and benefits, or employee relations. 

HR positions are focused on helping others and create many opportunities to build lasting relationships with coworkers. Since HR workers organize staff events and activities and oversee recruitment and hiring processes, they have a lot of power to shape the company culture. This ability to foster a positive work environment is one of the things many HR employees say they like most about their jobs.

Working in HR is a fun and fulfilling job, but it involves juggling many different responsibilities at once and can be stressful. If you want to work in HR, you’ll need excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as lots of patience. HR people continually have to address things that aren’t running smoothly within the company and may have to resolve disputes that arise between coworkers.

How to Get an Human Resources Job:

HR is a career-ladder decision, so you’ll need to prove experience before moving into the role. Often you’ll eyeball the role from inside a company before applying internally for the position when it eventually opens up.

Search one of the major job boards and get very specific with your keywords. Obviously include “human resources”, but also cycle through the types of places that would have housing included, like wilderness lodges and wilderness resorts, tour companies, cruises, and national park concessioners.

49. Managers & Supervisors 

Lead a department, create schedules, coordinate inventory, communicate with other departments.

Many of the travel jobs on this list have at least one related managerial or supervisor role. From managing a restaurant or housekeeping staff in a resort to supervising a group of rangers in a national park, there are numerous manager and supervisor positions available worldwide that include free housing. 

Becoming a manager requires extensive experience in your chosen industry and a proven track record of success. You’ll also need superior communication, excellent interpersonal skills, sound leadership, and an ability to resolve conflict effectively. Depending on your workplace, you may also need good customer service skills and patience for dealing with disgruntled clients who are always asking to speak with the manager. 

While you’ll still have the chance to meet and work with interesting people, it’s hard to become friends with coworkers when you’re the boss. Being a manager holds significant responsibility and can be more stressful than other travel jobs. You’ll need to make difficult decisions that are in the organization’s best interest even if they are unpopular among employees. 

The job also has its advantages – managers and supervisors often receive nicer accommodation than regular staff and are more likely to get private rooms or entire apartments. As a result, these roles are better than others for people with families or partners traveling or working alongside them. 

How to Get a Manager/Supervisor Job:

Becoming a supervisor or manager can range from extremely easy (such as moving up from a housekeeper to a housekeeping supervisor position within a single season) to very difficult (becoming a kitchen manager at bustling tropical resort).

Basically, if you want a supervisor job, stick with any company for a little bit longer than the other seasonal staff and you can pretty easily get one.

Many companies on WanderJobs will advertise manager and supervisor positions, but it’s also worth finding companies you like and emailing directly to ask if they have open positions. Some are only posted internally to current staff, but if you’re qualified, go for it.

50. Youth Educator

Teach youth about the outdoors, ecology, and natural sciences.

If you’re passionate about the outdoors, teaching others about the natural world can be a gratifying travel job. Outdoor education centers across the US and Canada hire educators to teach youth about wilderness survival, ecology, conservation, geology, and more. Educators may also be involved in activities like local conservation efforts or trail maintenance. 

Each center will have different requirements for employment. Generally, it’s preferable if you have a bachelor’s degree, a background in environmental science or a related field, knowledge of the outdoors, and some experience with teaching. Because outdoor education centers are popular field trip destinations for schoolchildren, you must enjoy working with kids. Some youth educator travel jobs are open to applicants of all ages, while others give priority to recent college graduates. 

Outdoor education centers typically attract adventurous, eco-conscious individuals. If that sounds like you, then you can expect to work with a fun group of like-minded people. Educators often get the weekends off, allowing them to explore local trails or relax in nature with coworkers. 

Many of these travel jobs are full-time, residential positions and include dormitory-style housing onsite. Contracts are mostly seasonal, but it is possible to find year-round roles, especially in warmer climates. 

How to Get a Youth Educator Job:

There are some youth education positions on WanderJobs , and more on BackdoorJobs .

51. Travel Nurse

Work in clinical settings in smaller towns around the US.

Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who fill vacancies at various US healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals. Becoming a travel nurse offers a unique opportunity to work in any US state or even the Virgin Islands while also fulfilling an essential need in the healthcare industry.

Typically, travel nurses work for independent staffing agencies that assign them to open positions for a short-term contract. You’ll be able to tell the agency what kind of environment you’re looking for, and they will find you an assignment that matches your skills and preferences.

Contracts usually last around 13 weeks but can be longer or shorter depending on the facility. RNs who are enjoying their existing assignments may be able to renew the contract and stay longer in that role. 

Responsibilities of a travel nursing job are essentially the same as a typical RN position. To become a travel nurse, you’ll need a nursing degree from either a two or four-year university, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, and at least one year of experience working as a nurse. 

Getting a job as a travel nurse offers many perks, including free housing, competitive compensation, and the ability to work in diverse clinical settings. Traveling positions tend to pay entry-level nurses a higher salary than permanent roles, making these jobs particularly appealing for younger people.

How to Get a Travel Nurse Job:

In the Covid age, there is now more than ever a need for travel nurses. There are many good job placement companies that will come up in a simple google search, like Nomad .

Of course, you’ll already need to be a registered nurse. This is a genuine career choice with high pay, long hours, and benefits.

Part 4: Travel Jobs for Digital Nomads

52. online freelancer.

Seek out clients and meet their needs remotely through individual contract jobs.

Online freelance opportunities are abundant for a wide range of professionals with varying levels of expertise. Some of the jobs are short-term projects, like designing a logo or writing a blog post, while others become long-term partnerships. 

Freelancers are much in need in the areas of:

• graphic design
• content writing
• ui/ux design
• virtual assistance
• translation

Working as an online freelancer requires a great deal of independence, self-motivation, and organization. If you like working with others and are looking for a fun group of coworkers, then freelancing is probably not the best fit. 

Many freelancers find that the benefits outweigh the lack of social life at work. Online freelancing has many advantages, including flexible hours, location independence, and control over your own schedule.

Jobs are available at every level – whether you’re a beginner in your field or an expert, you’re sure to find something that interests you. However, competition for freelance jobs is intense .

With more and more people ditching their nine-to-fives in favor of a flexible and nomadic lifestyle, the pool of freelancers looking for online work continues to grow. This competition can be especially frustrating for new freelancers trying to break into the industry.

Because of the location freedom that freelance work offers, it’s possible to find very affordable housing if you’re flexible about where you live. It’s a solid career option for digital nomads.

How to Get a Freelance Job:

The easiest way for most people to begin freelancing is to start with Upwork , where you can bid on the thousands of jobs posted. In order to get your first job (and therefore your first positive review), you’ll need to underbid everybody else and write a personalized cover letter. Even then, you’ll get a lot of rejections. If you have a friend on the site, it’s easier to get them to hire you for a quick gig and review.

Once you start gaining reviews, you can charge more money and get repeat clients. When those clients trust you (which they should if you consistently do a good job) you can start talking and getting paid outside of Upwork so they don’t take a cut of the profit.

Freelancing is essentially creating a small business for yourself. Ultimately the best thing to do is tell everybody you know what your skill is and that you are looking for clients, and build yourself up through word of mouth within your actual, real-life circle of friends, family, and community.

53. Teach English Online

Teach English as a second language to children or adults in other countries.

Teaching English online is a popular job among young travelers. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can essentially work from anywhere. 

There are loads of companies hiring online English teachers, each of which has its own requirements, preferred teaching style, and expected time commitment. Some companies are looking for previous teaching experience, while others only require employees to be native English speakers. 

Like most online jobs, teaching English remotely is best for self-starters who prefer working independently. To get a teaching job, you’ll probably need a certification such as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Both of these are relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain online. 

Most beginners start with part-time teaching jobs until they gain enough experience to compete for a full-time role. Many teachers say the job is best as a supplement to other work, so it could be combined with another job on this list that does include lodging. 

One of the most interesting aspects of this job is talking with people from diverse places and learning about other cultures. However, if you and your students live in different time zones, you may have to work strange hours. 

While teaching English can be a gratifying job, doing so online can get lonely after a while – especially if you’re a solo traveler. 

How to Get a Teach English Online Job:

Teaching English online requires the same preparation as finding a TEFL job aboard (#39 on this list). Most, but not all, companies will ask applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.

Begin by becoming TEFL certified with a minimum 120-hour course. Online courses run for about $300/120 hours. At the time of writing, Global TEFL is $90/120.

There are many companies hiring online TEFL teachers. Again, here’s a quick guide by Goats on the Road.

54. Telecommuter

Work a regular desk job from home.

COVID-19 has drastically reshaped the work landscape, and more companies are allowing telecommuting than ever before.

Unless your profession necessitates in-person work, you’ll likely be able to find a remote job posting in your industry. Whether you’re looking for a full-time role or a part-time position, there are all sorts of opportunities available now for telecommuters.

Since remote jobs are long-term contracts with a single company, they typically offer more stability than freelance work while providing some of the same flexibility.

In addition to saving money and time on commuting, remote work allows employees to have more freedom over their schedule and location. Telecommuting means you can live anywhere you’d like (as long as the time zone is compatible with your hours) and find a place that suits your budget. 

Like all jobs, remote work also has its downsides. Off-site employees miss out on the benefits of working at the office, such as free breakfast and socializing with coworkers. For some, working from home makes it difficult to unplug and can also be isolating.

Telecommuting jobs are therefore best for those who enjoy being alone or who already have a supportive community outside of work. 

How to Get a Telecommuter Job:

There are tons of job boards for people who want traditional careers but who also want to work from home. Flexjobs is just one of many. You can also search traditional large job boards.

55. Online Tutor

Help students with coursework in specific subject areas.

The need for online tutoring is on the rise – demand increased significantly this year since the pandemic has shuttered many schools’ doors around the world. 

Online tutoring offers a lot of flexibility and customization based on your preferences. It can be a full-time job or a side gig, and you can work for yourself or for a company that hires online tutors. 

As a tutor, you’ll provide one-on-one support for students in your chosen areas of expertise. You can select a particular subject, such as math or English, or focus on helping students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT. 

There are no specific requirements to become an online tutor, but you’ll need demonstrated excellence in your chosen field and good communication skills. If you’re hoping to get a job with a tutoring company, it helps if you have previous tutoring or teaching experience. 

Similar to other online jobs, working as a tutor can be lonely if you don’t have a supportive in-person community. But you’ll have the freedom to live and work from anywhere you choose. 

How to Get an Online Tutor Job:

The Balance Careers has a quick introductory guide to online tutoring.

Part 5: Work-Exchange & Volunteering Travel Jobs

56. housesitting.

Act as caretaker for people’s homes, pets, and plants while they are away.

With a vast selection of homes and environments to choose from, housesitting offers something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a small cabin in the woods or a luxury villa on the coast, you’ll probably be able to find it on various housesitting sites. 

In addition to taking care of the house, you may also care for homeowners’ pets. You’ll often encounter dogs and cats, but there are also options to housesit on a small farm or at homes with animals like horses, chickens, or even llamas.  

There are many online resources for anyone looking to get started housesitting, as well as a supportive global community. While taking care of someone’s home, you will feel more like a local than a tourist. The homeowners may introduce you to the neighbors and share their favorite restaurants and hangouts, which will quickly immerse you in the local culture and community. 

Housesitting is best for those with other sources of income. While it is possible to find positions that pay, most housesitting jobs offer free accommodation instead of a wage. As a result, it’s a good option for digital nomads, remote workers, slow travelers, retirees, and professionals on sabbatical. Housesitting is also an excellent choice for individuals who are considering moving abroad and want to see if a particular place is a good fit. 

How to Get a Housesitting gig:

There are so many housesitting websites. A google search will bring up those that are most current. Try Trusted House Sitters to start.

Work-trade on organic farms around the world.

WWOOFing, short for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, is one of the most popular ways to volunteer abroad. In exchange for room and board, WWOOFers typically work 4-6 hours a day on different farms, including vineyards, dairy farms, and apiaries. Duties include assisting with daily tasks such as caring for animals, weeding, picking vegetables, or making cheese. 

The workload, requirements, and overall experience vary significantly from one host to the next. All of the positions require manual labor, so you should be prepared to work hard outdoors regardless of where you end up. While no specific experience is needed, it helps if you have some background in agriculture or farming. Most countries require WWOOFers to be 18 years or older, but there are some exceptions.

The amount of time you work on each farm is up to you and your host. Generally, volunteers work for about 2-3 weeks, but in some cases will stay as long as 6 months. Positions are available in more than 50 countries and attract a diverse group of people. As a WWOOFer, you’ll meet volunteers from around the world, gain practical farming skills, and learn about sustainable agriculture in varied environments.

As a whole, WWOOFing is a unique way to travel cheaply, enjoy nature, live sustainably, and experience the local rural culture. 

How to Get a WWOOF gig:

Sign up for WWOOF (link is to the USA site), which costs around $40/year for a single account or $65 for a double.

Then create a profile and search and contact hosts.

58. Workaway

Work-exchange ~20 hrs/week with locals around the world in exchange for room & board.

I’m not being hyperbolic when I say Workaway may be the ultimate way to see the world.

These unpaid work-exchanges go like this: you give about 20 hours of your week to help your host with some job you’ve agreed on, and in exchange you receive free room and board for the duration of your stay.

That’s the basic principle. The real benefit beyond not paying for a hostel or eating out is the cultural exchange and the absolutely incredible opportunities for adventure. I’m not quite sure how to capture the allure of what Workaway has to offer without just giving you a sample of the available experiences:

• Join a family on a sailboat in an around-the-world trip and cook the meals
• Help build a treehouse on a honeybee farm in Japan
• Teach computer skills and build a playground for a forest school in Vietnam
• Rehabilitate puppies at an animal rescue shelter in St Lucia
• Guide guests at an ecolodge in Madagascar

There are opportunities for any sort of work you can think of, from child care, guest service, and language exchange to art, carpentry, gardening, and computer skills.

It’s so much better than a vacation because you’re living right with the locals and can learn about a new culture, and make a new “family” in each place you go. Nothing else can match that, and the feeling of having a way to contribute to your new community right from the get go. You could set up an entire round-the-world trip through workaway and only ever pay for transportation logistics.

How to Get a Workaway Gig:

Sign up for an account on Workaway .info . It costs about $45 per year but the quantity of amazing opportunities is almost unbelievable. You can browse the hosts without paying but won’t be able to contact them.

You’ll need to set up your profile, choose hosts, and reach out to them to set up each individual work exchange. Make sure your hosts have very positive reviews so that you stay safe in a new place. You can also link accounts with a buddy if you’ll be traveling with a friend or partner. Each of you will be required to have your own account.

59. Yoga, Meditation, & Spirituality

Lead classes and workshops in mind, body, and spiritual arts.

Yoga, meditation, and spirituality centers worldwide hire volunteers to teach classes and guide guests on their spiritual journeys. Although many positions are unpaid, they offer the chance to spend time in a very tranquil setting and help others on their paths to self-realization. 

These studios and retreat centers are usually located in scenic and peaceful locations, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking to relax in nature. The time commitment will depend on your contract. You’ll rarely work more than 30 hours a week, leaving plenty of time to explore the area. You could even combine this kind of position with an online job that pays. 

Getting a job as a teacher generally requires a background or certification in yoga instruction, meditation, or spiritual teachings. Some studios and centers also hire general volunteers who help with cooking and serving food, cleaning, grocery shopping, and gardening. 

Volunteering is a great way to connect with and learn from other yoga and meditation practitioners and offers enormous potential for personal growth. Most people will share a room with at least one other volunteer, but some positions offer teachers private rooms in exchange for their services. 

How to Get a Yoga, Meditation, or Spirituality Gig:

The Workaway website is a good way to find work-exchanges in the spiritual and movement arts. Paid positions with housing are much rarer and require clever online searching, though some can occasionally be found on Yoga Trade .

60. Fire Lookout

Watch for smoke and wildfires from a lookout station.

If you love the wilderness, are physically fit, and don’t mind being isolated, then working as a fire lookout could be a unique and rewarding travel job that also has a positive environmental impact.

A fire lookout is just what the name suggests: keeping a close eye on the forest for signs of smoke and fire, from a lookout perch in the wilderness. Catching a fire early is important in preventing wildfires before they become dangerous.

The US used to have more than 10,000 people working as fire lookouts, but that number has declined due to advancements in technology. There are only around 300 fire towers in the US today that are still manned, so getting one of these travel jobs is likely to be challenging. However, as wildfires become more frequent and widespread in the US and many other parts of the world, demand for fire lookouts is expected to grow in the coming years. 

The job requires excellent communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills. Many employers prefer at least an associate’s degree, with some requiring more advanced education. Prospective lookouts are more likely to be hired if they have experience in forestry or have worked as field technicians. 

Fire lookouts typically work for government organizations, such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. Many of the positions are reserved for volunteers only and include lodging and a small stipend. 

How to Get a Fire Lookout Job:

Many of the few remaining fire lookout jobs are volunteer based. Most are in the US, Canada, and Australia. You’ll need to apply well in advance of fire season. The jobs are challenging to find.

Here are some tips from a professional fire lookout on Reddit .

My Top Travel Job Search Tips :

• Search for travel jobs by location on a map
• Use a location keyword in your own google searches, plus jobs with employee housing, ie “alaska resort jobs with employee housing”
• Use these sites to find hundreds of travel jobs, volunteer positions, and free ways to stay
• When in doubt, search google as if you’re a traveling tourist and not a travel job seeker. Find a company you like and then look for its employment page.
• If none of the jobs you are finding include housing, look in more remote locations. Search for wilderness lodges, islands (not only tropical!), retreat centers, jungles, mountains, and the like.

About the author

36 Best Travel Jobs To Make Money Traveling (They Really Exist!)

Who says you can’t get paid to travel? The rise of remote work and the gig economy provides amazing opportunities to make money while seeing the world.

This epic guide covers 50 of the best jobs that enable location independent lifestyles through high earnings, flexible schedules, and mobile-friendly skills.

We’ll explore roles like professional blogger, social media manager, virtual assistant, online teacher, photographer , videographer, consultant and much more.

Let’s uncover the most liberating, lucrative ways to fund your wanderlust!

Table of Contents

Why Pursue Location Independent Work

Here are the main upsides of travel jobs vs stationary employment:

Freedom and Flexibility – Craft your own schedule and work routine. Spend time focusing on passions vs commuting and mandatory meetings.

New Experiences – Immerse yourself in diverse cultures and expand your perspectives interacting with locals.

Lower Cost of Living – Live comfortably for far less abroad compared to expensive cities. Save substantially on rent and basics.

Improved Quality of Life – Escape burnout and depressive effects of cramped indoor office environments. Better health and wellbeing.

Growth and Learning – Develop grit overcoming new challenges and adapting to unfamiliar environments. Learn languages. Gain confidence.

Of course, perpetual travel has downsides like homelessness, lack of community and routine. It’s not for everyone. But location flexible income lets you travel deliberately for extended periods without fully giving up stability.

Next, let’s explore incredible travel job ideas across diverse fields…

Remote Online English Teachers

Teaching English online to students abroad provides location and time flexible income. Companies like VIPKid, Qkids, SayABC and more hire tutors as contractors working from anywhere in the world.

Typical pay : $14 – $26 USD per 25-60 min class

Hours required : Open availability for peak times like early mornings before kids go to school suggested. Minimum commitment ranges 5-20 hrs/week.

Qualifications : Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, teaching experience preferred. Native English speakers only. Demo lesson and training provided.

Teaching online allows educating students worldwide from exotic destinations. Schedule classes strategically to maximize sightseeing and adventure. Just ensure sufficient wifi speed and stability.

Freelance Bloggers and Writers

Bloggers and freelance writers can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Writing for travel journals , regional content sites, brand influencer campaigns, and more provides income infusion.

Typical pay : Ranges $0.05-$2+ per word depending on niche and platform

Hours required : Flexible – aim for at least 10-25 hours of writing and pitching clients weekly

Qualifications : Strong writing and communication skills. Niche expertise big plus. Samples and clips showcasing abilities.

Writing assignments fund travels between freelance gigs or full time contracts. Save on long term housing with income from articles composed at co-working spaces, cafes and hotel lobbies abroad.

Social Media Managers

Manage organizations’ social media accounts from afar through tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, Sendible. Create content calendars, engage communities, run paid ads. Especially in demand by travel brands needing online presence management.

Typical pay : $40-$150+ per hour or $2000 – $5000+ per month retainer

Hours required : 10-30 hours weekly depending on workload and number of clients

Qualifications : Experience handling major social platforms professionally. Graphics/video production ability a plus. Strong client communication and organizational skills.

For social media pros, travel never stops. Maintain client relationships and scheduling from any timezone. Balance travel activities between monitoring feeds and community conversations.

Search Engine Optimization Specialists

SEO experts help websites improve organic rankings, traffic, and leads through technical site audits, link building, and creating keyword optimized content. Offer remote optimization services to agencies and clients worldwide.

Typical pay : $50-$150+ per hour or $1000-$5000 per month retainer

Hours required : 10-30 hours weekly depending on number of clients and workload

Qualifications : Strong expertise in areas like technical SEO, content optimization, outreach and sales. Track record of successful campaigns. Certifications a plus.

As long as you have a laptop and internet, clients don’t mind where SEO services are delivered from. Schedule calls strategically across timezones.

Virtual Assistants

Provide administrative support like email handling, calendar management, travel coordination, research and data entry as a freelance virtual assistant to clients worldwide.

Typical pay : $15-$50 USD per hour depending on speed, accuracy and specialty skills

Hours required : 10-30 hours weekly depending on workload. Workweek shifts based on client availability.

Qualifications : Task management tools mastery. Excellent communication and organization. Reliable high speed internet and computer.

Virtual assisting provides stable remote income between travels. Just ensure excellent communication managing time differences. Update clients on location availability.

Affiliate Marketers

Earn commissions promoting products on blogs, YouTube, social media and websites. Find travel affiliate programs in areas like VPNs, travel gear, lodging, credit cards, tours and more.

Typical pay : Ranges from $20-$200+ per sale depending on vertical

Hours required : 5-15 hours weekly promoting + optimizing

Qualifications : Website or social following required. Niche selection and audience targeting abilities key.

Affiliate income funds travels while seeing the world provides inspiration for marketing angles and content ideas. Win-win.

Freelance Graphic Designers

Freelance graphic designers produce logos, branding material, marketing deliverables, presentations, packaging, and digital assets for clients remotely. Manage communication and file transfer through email, calls and project platforms.

Typical pay : $20-$75+ per hour or per project depending on services, speed and quality

Hours required : 10-30 hours weekly based on workload

Qualifications : Proficiency in design programs like Adobe Creative Suite. Samples displaying visual style and versatility. Strong client communication and responsibility.

As long as you have a laptop and graphic tablet, the world becomes your design studio. Schedule client calls strategically across time zones.

Web Designers and Developers

Build and optimize sites, apps, plugins and web platforms for diverse remote clients as a freelance developer. Provide ongoing support and maintenance virtually even while continuously traveling.

Typical pay : $50-$150+ per hour depending on skills and experience

Hours required : 10-30 hours weekly depending on workload

Qualifications : Expertise HTML, CSS, JavaScript/Node.js, WordPress etc. Portfolio of successful online projects completed. Ongoing learning.

With a quality laptop and internet access, offer web development services from anywhere clients reside. Be disciplined working odd hours crossing time zones.

Mobile App Developers

Code, develop and support custom mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. Offer ongoing app maintenance and new feature development remotely.

Typical pay : $75-$150+ per hour

Hours required : 20-40 hours weekly depending on workload

Qualifications : Proficiency in Java, Kotlin, Objective-C, Swift and tools like React Native. Projects showcasing experience. App publishing and support expertise.

Program mobile apps from picturesque destinations worldwide. Scope out apps tourists would find useful during travels. Maintain availability accommodating business hours across regions.

Voice Over Artists

Provide professional voice over and narration services for commercials, audiobooks, cartoons, documentaries and more from a home studio.

Typical pay : $100 to $500+ per hour depending on experience and vocal versatility

Hours required : 10-20 hours weekly auditioning and recording

Qualifications : Voice acting training or talent. Home recording booth essential. Crisp clear voice communication over phone/Source-Connect.

Top voice over artists charge premium rates to selectively accept remote voice gigs between adventures. Travel domestically or abroad based on your schedule across gigs.

Resume Writers

Provide professional resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile optimization services to clients seeking new opportunities. Consult remotely via video chat and email.

Typical pay : $100-$500 per document depending on career level and turnaround time

Qualifications : Strong writing and business communication skills. HR experience a plus. Samples displaying great client outcomes.

Help job seekers excel from anywhere while making steady income. Schedule early morning calls before application deadlines abroad.

Life and Career Coaches

Offer personalized guidance helping clients navigate professional and personal challenges through scheduled remote video coaching calls.

Typical pay : $100-$500+ per hour depending on niche and experience

Hours required : 10-20 hours weekly coaching and communicating

Qualifications : Certifications like CPLC or ICF credentials preferred. Proven frameworks and experience. Testimonials from past clients.

Coaching allows forming meaningful relationships while providing high value guidance from anywhere. Schedule calls outside of peak adventure times.

Business Consultants

Offer consulting services to help organizations refine strategy, operations, technology adoption, and other aspects of performance. Conduct virtual consultations via video chat.

Typical pay : $100-$500 per hour depending on experience and specialty

Hours required : 10-30 hours weekly advising and communicating

Qualifications : Line of business expertise and past quantifiable results. Outlining high ROI services. Strong references.

Consult experts globally on enhancing critical business functions while adventuring between client meetings. Schedule calls accommodating time zones.

Online Music Instructors

Teach music lessons remotely like singing, piano, guitar , drums, production through video chat platforms. Engage students with adaptive learning apps and video performances.

Typical pay : $20-$100 per hour depending on credentials and student base

Hours required : 10-25 hours weekly teaching and communicating

Qualifications : Pro skills playing instruments and/or singing. Personable teaching style. Remote lesson capabilities and tools.

Instruct from tropical beaches, mountain forests or jazz clubs worldwide. Portable instruments allow quick pop up teaching spots. Schedule lessons for internet stability.

ESL Textbook Authors and Publishers

Create educational textbooks, curriculum and courses teaching English as a Second Language learners online or abroad. Self publish materials through Amazon and teaching platforms.

Typical pay : $10,000-$30,000+ annually through royalties

Hours required : 500-2000 hours annually writing and producing content

Qualifications : Teaching credentials like TEFL. Understanding of language learning techniques and challenges. Publishing software mastery.

Write and produce educational materials from affordable destinations with the very populations you serve as inspiration. Test and iterate curriculums locally.

YouTube Content Creators

Create entertaining or helpful videos across themes like travel vlogs, food, music culture, languages and more for YouTube. Monetize channels through ads, sponsorships and affiliate income.

Typical pay : $3-$10 per 1000 video views, plus sponsorship income

Hours required : 10-25 weekly filming, editing, optimizing

Qualifications : Video production and editing skills. Equipment like quality camera, external mics. SEO and audience growth expertise.

Funding travels through viral travel content perfectly aligns work and passions. Scope out video ideas and production opportunities continuously exploring.

Podcast Hosts

Launch travel, food or culture focused podcasts from adventures worldwide. Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing , branded travel partnerships and premium subscriptions.

Typical pay : $10-$100+ per 1000 podcast downloads depending on niche

Hours required : 10-20 hours weekly producing, recording, editing, marketing

Qualifications : High quality recording and editing gear. Strong on-air presence and communication abilities. Self promotion skills.

Record episodes reflecting the amazing locales visited. Budget travel themes are popular. Coordinate sponsorships with destinations.

Photo Selling Sites

Sell travel, nature, architecture, and cultural photography through stock media sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Alamy. Receive royalties when images downloaded.

Typical pay : $0.20-$2+ per download depending on quality and exclusivity

Hours required : 10+ hours weekly photographing, editing and uploading

Qualifications : Quality DSLR camera and editing software like Lightroom. General photography skills. Metadata optimization abilities.

Getting paid for exotic images captured while already traveling is a dream. But volume and consistency takes commitment. Upload in batches from internet cafes abroad.

Freelance Photographers and Videographers

Provide professional photography and videography services on a freelance basis to regular clients and agencies. Scope out storytelling visual opportunities everywhere.

Typical pay : $25-$100+ per hour or per final edited image/video

Hours required : 10-25 hours weekly communicating with clients, planning, shooting, editing

Qualifications : Photography and/or videography skills, experience and portfolio. Professional camera, lenses, stabilizer, lighting and editing software.

Capture professional caliber location flexible imagery by aligning photo/video needs with travel destinations. Schedule client work strategically between personal excursions.

Social Media Influencers

Earn income through branded sponsorships, merchandise and affiliate promotions as an influencer on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc. Traveling provides Continuous content.

Typical pay : $100-$2500+ per sponsored post depending on following size and engagement

Hours required : 10-30 hours weekly creating content and corresponding

Qualifications : Large, growing following in a solid niche. Strong brand identity and high quality posts. Sponsored content disclosure protocols.

Funding travels by capturing engaging social content aligned with follower interests provides fulfilling work possibilities if you achieve influencer status.

Travel Journalists and Bloggers

Write articles and blog posts reviewing destinations, experiences, tours, gear and accommodations relevant to a travel niche like backpacking, ecotourism, family travel, etc. Build audiences through SEO and social sharing of engaging stories and advice.

Monetize through advertising, sponsorships and affiliates. Some top travel bloggers make over $100k/year.

Typical pay : $1000-$8000+ per month depending on traffic and monetization strategies

Hours required : 15-40 hours weekly writing, photography, promotion

Qualifications : Excellent writing abilities. Solid grasp of social media, SEO and marketing. Strong photography/videography skills a major plus.

Journal blogging adventures worldwide provides a dream job for avid travelers. It takes substantial effort building an audience and income. But solopreneurs can fund freedom through their expertise and passions.

Translators

Freelance translators fluent in multiple languages translate documents, videos, books, websites and other materials for clients. Demand is global for accurate foreign language expertise.

Typical pay: $0.05-$0.20+ per word depending on language combinations

Hours required: 15-30 hours per week communicating with clients and translating

Qualifications: Deep fluency in at least two languages. Subject matter specialization a plus. Translation software. Great written communication in native language.

Practice language skills immersed experiencing new cultures while translating documents on the go. Schedule translation tasks during quiet times to focus.

Tutors and Teachers

Provide online tutoring to students worldwide in academic subjects, SAT prep, college counseling, languages, music, coding and more through platforms like Skooli, TutorMe and Wyzant.

Typical pay: $20-$100 per hour depending on niche expertise

Hours required: 5-25 hours weekly based on courses

Qualifications: Teaching credentials in subject areas. Tech setup for lessons via video chat. Engaging personality able to connect with millennials.

Instruct from vibrant overseas destinations instead of a classroom. Schedule sessions strategically when quality internet is available.

Customer Service Agents

Assist customers via phone, chat, email and social media remotely for diverse brands and platforms needing multilingual support worldwide.

Typical pay: $15-$25 USD per hour

Hours required: 10-30 hours weekly depending on role

Qualifications: Fluent second language skills. Customer support experience. Tech and tools expertise. Empathetic and problem solving nature.

Build skills communicating across cultures while earning reliable income between excursions. Set schedule based on regional peak support hours.

Legal Support Services

Assist law firms and attorneys remotely performing legal support tasks like legal research, document review/prep, data entry, case monitoring and translations.

Typical pay: $25-$75 per hour depending on experience

Hours required: 10-40 hours weekly depending on workload

Qualifications: Paralegal training or law degree in applicable countries. Attention to detail. Experience with legal databases/tools. Task management abilities.

Gain legal experience while supplementing travels. Schedule work during lawyers’ operating hours in home countries.

Data Entry Clerks

Provide data entry, data processing, transcription and administrative services remotely for clients in various industries through established outsourcing firms.

Hours required: 10-30 hours weekly depending on workload

Qualifications: Fast, accurate computer typing skills – 60+ WPM ideal. Tech tools experience. Reliability.

Data and documentation pros can find consistent short term contracts between excursions. Just ensure excellent internet reliability.

Freelance Accountants

Offer bookkeeping, payroll, income taxes and financial statement preparation remotely for small businesses, startups and individuals worldwide using platforms like Xero or QuickBooks Online.

Typical pay : $20-$75 USD per hour depending on experience

Hours required: 10-30 hours weekly depending on contracts

Qualifications: Bookkeeping certification or accounting degree preferred. Experience using major online accounting software platforms. Attention to detail.

Manage finances for clients back home while traveling using online accounting systems. Communicate across time zones.

Software Engineers

Work as contract remote software engineers via popular freelance sites like Toptal, Gun.io and Andela designing, developing and supporting complex platforms.

Typical pay: $50-$200+ per hour depending on skills and experience

Hours required: 20-40 hours weekly – full time

Transcriptionists

Provide transcription services converting audio and video files to text documents remotely. Companies like Rev, GoTranscript and Scribie hire freelancers worldwide.

Typical pay: $0.50-$1.50 per audio minute transcribed

Hours required: 10-30 hours weekly depending on speed

Qualifications: Strong listening skills, fast accurate typing, grammar proficiency, focus.

Listen closely translating audio to text from anywhere with headphones and productivity. Work in the mornings before exploring.

Freelance 2D and 3D animators create explainer videos, educational segments, movie effects, cartoons, games and more remotely for creative agencies and multimedia companies.

Typical pay: $25-$250 per animated second depending on complexity

Hours required: 20-40 hours weekly depending on workload

Qualifications: Animation expertise using tools like Adobe Animate, Maya, Blender etc. Video production abilities. Portfolio of work.

Animate scenes on the go from inspiring new environments. Match animation styles to local aesthetic discoveries.

Mortgage Loan Officers

Originate and process mortgage loans remotely for clients anywhere coordinating with banks , brokers, realtors and buyers using digital tools and documentation.

Typical pay: $60,000-$150,000+ annually depending on metrics like loan volume

Hours required: 40+ hours weekly

Qualifications: Mortgage loan licensing. Sales driven. Strong communication skills. CRM and documentation workflow mastery.

Help clients secure loans to achieve the dream of homeownership from destinations worldwide through consistent remote coordinating and communication.

Regional Tour Guides

Lead regional tour packages virtually via live video or pre-recorded walking tours in your current destination highlighting history, food, architecture and more.

Typical pay: $20-$60+ per hour or per booked tour depending on group size

Hours required: 10-30 hours weekly guiding, planning, coordinating

Qualifications: Deep location-specific expertise. Engaging speaking and storytelling abilities. Tourism industry experience preferred. Tech setup for virtual tours.

Immerse yourself in local history and happenings wherever travels take you. Give live virtual tours using mobile tech. Offer tours on specialized platforms.

Online Counselors

Provide counseling and therapy for clients remotely using secure video chat software. Must meet state licensing requirements. Mental health expertise is location agnostic.

Typical pay: $40-$120 per hour depending on expertise, credentials

Hours required: 20-40 hours weekly contracted

Qualifications: Masters or Doctorate degree. State licensing for telepractice. Strong communication and listening skills. Technologically savvy.

Help clients overcome challenges and achieve growth while funding travels abroad between sessions. Display appropriate office backgrounds during video calls.

Website Testers

Ensure websites function optimally by testing user flows, forms, links, UX, etc. remotely providing feedback to developers and agencies. Companies like UserTesting and TryMyUI hire globally.

Typical pay: $10-$60 per test and feedback submission

Hours required: 5-20 hours testing weekly

Qualifications: Conscientious attention to detail. Tech savvy. Strong English writing. Task focus. Basic SEO knowledge a plus.

Provide usability feedback exploring websites from internet cafes all over the map. Schedule test sessions strategically.

Online Poker Players

Play poker through online platforms and apps competing in tournaments and cash games. Requires developing expert level poker strategy and bankroll management. Top players profits $50k-$100k+ annually.

Typical pay: $25-$50+ per hour if profitable, higher for top players

Hours required: 10-40 hours weekly playing and analyzing

Qualifications: World class poker and gambling knowledge. Risk tolerance. Mental stamina and math skills. Self control and discipline.

For skilled gamblers, playing poker online consistently from abroad against weaker competition can provide massive profits funding travel. But it’s high risk.

Niche Bloggers

Create niche blogs on specific topics like travel hacking, miles points, crawling the web for flight deals, maximizing credit card points or marketing location independent lifestyles then monetize through affiliates, advertising, and coaching products.

The most successful niche travel bloggers generate $60,000-$100,000+ in annual income once traffic scales. But reaching profitability takes years.

Qualifications: Excellent writing ability. Strong SEO, social media and content marketing knowledge. Some startup capital.

Relentlessly create content around profitable niche themes while embracing the nomadic lifestyle. Core focus and hustle separates successful travel blogs over time.

Key Takeaways For Travel Job Success

While work possibilities are endless for generating income when traveling, some core principles enable thriving long term:

Keep Business Costs Ultra Lean – Minimize expenses and overheads required to operate so wider profit margins enable living well almost anywhere. Automate key functions.

Offer Services, Not Manual Labor – Focus expertise around specialized skills, knowledge and consulting vs tasks requiring set physical presence and hours. Results, not time tracked, is key.

Embrace Synchronous Communication – Schedule overlapping hours for meetings, calls, lessons and availability despite time zone differences. Make coordination seamless.

Be a Self Starter – Without office accountability, motivation must come from within. Be responsive, meet deadlines, satisfy clients. Drive generates freedom.

Setup Reliable Tech – Carry secure essential tech like laptops/tablets and ensure internet access through SIM cards, wifi hotspots, co-working spaces to maintain productivity. Don’t assume connectivity.

Automate Income – Develop products, affiliate sites, subscriptions, and licensing allowing passive income . Pursue residual earnings supplementing active efforts.

Apply 80/20 Thinking – Limit tasks and clients to the vital 20% providing the most results and enjoyment. Too many obligations stifle mobility.

Keep Learning – Continuous improvement through courses, books, conferences sustains competitive edge and skills. Seek mentors.

With the right mobile mindset, hustle and flexibility embracing change, funding freedom through your talents and hard work is absolutely attainable.

FAQ About Making Money While Traveling

How much money do i need to travel while working online.

Budget $1500-$2500 monthly to sustainably fund travels in affordable destinations in regions like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Central and South America while working online part-time. Earning at least $2000 per month works well for perpetual slower travel. Popular nomad cities offer good infrastructure.

What are the easiest online travel jobs?

Online tutoring , freelance writing, social media management, graphic design, virtual assisting and customer service are accessible remote work options for beginners. Develop niche skills like web design, consulting and programming for higher pay over time.

Is it hard to get remote travel jobs?

The most lucrative remote careers like software developer or finance take years to work up to. But part-time freelancing in areas like writing, social media, and virtual assisting have lower barriers starting out. Be patient honing skills and work portfolio. Under-promise and over-deliver.

How much can you make blogging while traveling?

Top travel bloggers can earn anywhere from $60,000-$500,000+ annually through ad placements, affiliates, coaching products, and sponsorships once niche sites build traffic. But reaching profitability after years of effort. Start on the side until income sustains.

Should I incorporate when working abroad?

Nomads working abroad long term should consider business incorporation and international company setup for advantages like lower taxes, asset protection, and appearing more professional to local clients. Get legal and tax guidance to ensure proper compliance.

Thanks to technology, the opportunities for creating location independent income are now endless. Find work you’re passionate about that leverages your unique skills and interests. Commit to delivering immense value to clients and customers. With consistency and hard work, you can build the laptop lifestyle that enables living life to the fullest!

Gio Watts brings over 10 years of digital marketing experience to his role as marketing manager at Walletminded. In his current position, Gio oversees brand marketing, campaign management, and audience growth initiatives. Prior to joining Walletminded, Gio held marketing roles at several ecommerce and SaaS startups, most recently serving as senior marketing manager at CloudTable Inc. There, he specialized in paid social advertising and content marketing. Gio holds a bachelor’s degree in business marketing from the University of Oregon. He is a certified content marketing specialist and frequently guest lectures at his alma mater. When he's not devising omni-channel marketing campaigns, you can find Gio coaching youth basketball and indulging his passion for live music.

View all posts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

RELATED STORIES

Best Free Domain Email Services

Easy To Start Online Business Ideas That Make Money

Best Free Website Hosting Services

Best CMS Platforms Comparison

7 Best Email Marketing Services

How To Check Traffic on a Website

Best WordPress Plugins for Business Websites

What is Growth Hacking Marketing?

What is Growth Marketing?

How to Start a Concrete Driveway Resurfacing Business

18 Badass Jobs for Women Who Love to Travel

Have you ever dreamed of ditching your nine-to-five, packing your bags, traveling the world, and working only when you feel like it? I know I have.

I’d like to say I’m already living the dream. But I’m not. Because here’s what I realized long before I quit my day job: exploring the world isn’t cheap. And unless you’re an heiress to a massive fortune (and even then), you need to work to support the lifestyle. That includes working on days when you don’t feel like it.

The good news is, it is now so much easier to keep traveling and pay for it, too. With the advent of remote work and traveling jobs for females (and males), you don’t have to be tied to your desk to earn a living. Some jobs even pay for you to travel.

This article lists down some of the best travel-friendly jobs for women. Read on, girlfriend!

Table of Contents

Types of traveling jobs for females

First off, there are different types of travel jobs for women. There are jobs that you can take from the comforts of your home or hotel room and give you more time to travel. Some jobs, on the other hand, may require you to hop from one place to another.

Digital nomad jobs

Digital nomads are location-independent individuals who may be employed by companies or self-employed. They can work anywhere as long as there’s a good internet connection.

Aside from doing online work, one thing that sets digital nomads apart is the lifestyle of constant traveling. This also differentiates freelancers from digital nomads — freelancers don’t necessarily travel a lot. Some digital nomads can stay in one place for a long time but often, they’re on the move, working in foreign countries, co-working spaces, cafés, or even RVs.

An expat, which stands for ‘expatriate’, is a person who’s a citizen of one country but is residing and working in another country for months or years at a time. Many expat jobs require a regular working visa or a remote work visa.

Like digital nomads, expats may be sent abroad by their employers or may work independently. The main difference is that expats don’t travel full-time or as much as digital nomads do.

Travel industry jobs

Travel industry careers are essentially jobs that pay you to travel. These are common jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry and may involve local or international travel.

Full-time travel jobs are rewarding because it allows you to travel often but in some cases, traveling feels too much like ‘work’ and you don’t actually get to explore a destination on your own terms.

The best traveling jobs for females

1. language teacher.

Teaching a language is one of the most popular traveling jobs for females. It’s a highly flexible job that can be done online and offline so you can do it as a digital nomad or as an expat.

The most popular route is to be an ESL (English as a second language) teacher. You can teach English online even without a degree in teaching as long as you love teaching and/or have an ESL, TESL, TEFL, or TESOL certification. Most tutoring platforms allow flexible schedules so you can travel whenever you choose.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling to a non-English speaking country, you can apply to a language teaching company. This way, you can experience the local culture and explore local destinations as much as possible while also earning money.

Skilled in other languages besides English? That gives you more options! There are plenty of websites where you can teach various languages , not just English.

2. Freelance writer

You’re looking at one right now.

Freelance writing is one of the best and most lucrative travel jobs for women. And while video content (looking at you, vlogs and reels) has become increasingly popular in the last few years, there is no denying that the world still and will always need writers.

This is a job that can be done completely online but you don’t have to limit yourself to online publishing. You can be an SEO content writer, copywriter, or blogger. But many magazines, travel guidebooks, and other traditional publications hire freelance writers as well.

As a freelance writer myself, I can tell you that it’s not easy — after all, it is still work. But the freedom it offers is priceless. And if you have the skills and the clients who can pay handsomely, you can squeeze enough travel days into your calendar.

3. Travel blogger

If you want your writing to be focused on traveling, the job of a travel blogger is for you.

Blogging is one of the best traveling jobs for females. And it doesn’t always require traveling. If your memories of your previous trips are intact and you have excellent writing and research skills, you can very well start a career in travel blogging. You can do this on a freelance basis (i.e., write for someone else) or launch your own travel blog!

That said, if you’re thinking of starting your own travel blog, travel experience and writing skills alone won’t cut it.

To earn from travel blogging, you need to know SEO, marketing, and some knowledge on how to set up a website. If all of that sounds complicated, don’t worry because we have a step-by-step guide here .

You should also know that a travel blog takes time to start earning money. You should have enough savings to sustain yourself and your travel expenses (if you choose to travel while you’re still in the red) until you start generating income.

The rewards of this investment can be life-changing though. Just take it from popular female travel bloggers like Alex in Wonderland , Trisha Velarmino , and Brooke Saward . Many travel bloggers have even pivoted into travel consultancy, travel planning, coaching, and merchandising!

4. Virtual assistant

With many businesses going online, it makes sense to get online employees as well. So it’s not surprising that virtual assistant jobs are among the fastest-growing remote careers right now.

If you’re someone who has no qualms doing a variety of administrative tasks like answering emails, transcribing documents, organizing files, scheduling social media posts, and making travel arrangements, you’ll fit right in.

This job requires skills such as written and verbal communication, typing speed and accuracy, knowledge of how to use various computer programs, as well as organizational and time management skills.

Although there are many male VAs, women tend to be more detail-oriented , making them a good fit for jobs such as this.

5. Flight attendant

The job of flight attendants or “stewardesses” wasn’t always associated with women. But after Ellen Church became the first female flight attendant for United Airlines in 1930, many airlines followed suit. Today, the role is dominated by women.

One of the best traveling jobs for females, being a flight attendant requires more than just the clichéd ‘pleasant personality’. Flight attendants go through rigorous training. They have to be good speakers and listeners, friendly and patient, and quick on their feet. With overnight layovers, constant traveling, and hours of being on your feet, the job can be physically and mentally demanding.

As grueling as it sounds though, flight attendants enjoy travel perks that many of us only dream about: complimentary food, luxury accommodations (with some airlines), discounted flights for family, and of course, the chance to explore the world.

6. Freelance graphic designer

Do you have an eye for good graphic design as well as a burning desire to travel? Read on.

Freelance graphic designing is one of the best traveling jobs for females who are visual-minded and have the skills to create a compelling and memorable design.

Like copywriters, graphic designers are often at the mercy of creative directors and agency clients. Nothing wrong with this, many creatives thrive in the corporate setup.

But being a freelancer means you get to be your own boss, choose your clients, set your rates, and travel as much as you can, as long as you earn enough. The key is to keep honing your craft while also developing soft skills such as time management and marketing so you can grow your business.

7. Freelance photographer

Along the same vein, women (and men) who have a knack for photography can turn it into a freelance career that’ll allow them to travel the world.

Freelance photography is simply providing photos for clients and being paid for it. You can get hired to take photos for specific projects, or shoot the photos first and sell them later.

There are lots of different types of photography out there, including commercial or product photography, portraits, wedding photography, or travel photography. For travelers, the latter is the dream. Just imagine being commissioned to travel and take photos. Some travel photographers like Beth Mancuso have even landed a feature on National Geographic!

8. Travel agent or planner

Tourism-related jobs are obvious choices if you’re looking for traveling jobs for females. Women who have excellent organizing skills and foresight will thrive in this job.

A travel planner or travel agent plans assists travelers in planning tours, from transportation to lodging, activities, ticketing and reservations, and budgeting. Some planners create packaged tours but also offer customized tours depending on the clients’ preferences.

As a travel agent, you can work for a travel agency or work independently if you have enough experience. The job involves a lot of research and traveling — you have to know all the details related to the destinations as well as documentation (e.g., visas, passports) to be able to help your clients. But you also need the ability to “sell” the experience and develop rapport with clients.

9. Tour guide

Travel planners mainly do the traveling before selling tour packages and travel experiences to customers. Tour guides, on the other hand, are the ones who accompany travelers who have availed of the package. However, there are also independent tour guides who create custom tours.

Women interested in this job can be local tour guides or join international tour companies. This is one of the most fun traveling jobs for females who are fond of being around people and introducing them to wonderful destinations, cool dining spots, or exciting activities.

Ultimately, it’s a great way to earn a living while sharing your love of travel.

10. Barista or bartender

Jobs in the hospitality industry, specifically food and beverage, are some of the most fun traveling jobs for females. Women who can brew a mean cup of joe or mix a fine cocktail should consider being a barista or bartender.

Of course, the traveling part here is limited to your off days. But if you manage to land a job in a café or restaurant abroad, that gives you a chance to live and travel in a new location. It also allows you to meet new people and experience different cultures.

Having a degree in hotel management and/or relevant certifications will land you a post in big hotels and restaurants. Prior training also gives you an edge so I suggest taking certificate courses.

Some independent cafés and bars may also take you in on short-term gigs even if you’re inexperienced, provided you pass their training.

11. Online translator

Despite the popularity of translation apps and devices, online translation is one of the most profitable traveling jobs for females who speak a second language. Culture, context, nuance, tone… these are just some of the things machine translation is yet to replicate.

For this reason, online translation jobs are still in demand. If you have a mastery of languages, and the ability to translate while keeping the original meaning, you can take on a variety of assignments (translating websites, blog posts, product manuals, books, advertising copy, scripts, and more) and earn enough to fund your travels.

12. Foreign language interpreter

Interpreters, like translators, translate messages from one language to another. The difference lies in the medium. While translators typically translate written messages, interpreters often translate verbal messages.

It’s common to find foreign language interpreters employed in courtrooms, global corporations, government agencies, and hospitals. But there are also self-employed or freelance interpreters who travel with entrepreneurs, artists, or even celebrities. This job involves a lot of traveling with clients.

The skills required in online translation jobs generally apply to interpreter jobs as well. But interpreters have the responsibility of thinking on their feet and conveying another individual’s thoughts and intentions as carefully and accurately as possible. They must also have in-depth knowledge of local culture.

13. Yoga or fitness instructor

Tadasana by the sea… check!

We all need to stay in shape while traveling, which is why fitness coaches remain in demand. A career as a yoga instructor is among the popular traveling jobs for females who know how to find their zen.

There are two ways you can make a living from being a freelance yoga instructor. First, you can make deals with local gyms, hostels, or luxury hotels to use their facilities with clients during trips. Alternatively, you can apply to be an in-house yoga instructor for guests.

Either way, the job allows for flexible (wink, wink) hours and it pays well, especially if you have a certification.

Similarly, if you’re fit and know how to break a sweat, you can be a fitness instructor. You can collaborate with hotels and hostels and put up events or fitness activities for interested clients. Whether you want to lead Zumba sessions or be an in-house personal trainer, there are lots of freelance opportunities out there.

14. Surf instructor

If your dream is to travel and surf with people, here you go, surfer girl.

Being a surf instructor has to be one of the most rewarding traveling jobs for females who are not just badass at surfing but also awesome at teaching people to catch the wave.

It’s a great way to be always in the water, do and teach what you love, and meet lots of cool people along the way. Sure, you might meet jerks too, but you meet them at any job anyway.

Your days as a surf instructor will be spent coaching students, whether at your local beach, a high-end resort, or an international surf destination. But even during the busiest surfing seasons, you’ll likely find time to sneak in a few waves for yourself or explore inland.

15. Cruise ship jobs

Working aboard a cruise ship is a surefire way to visit as many different locations as possible. This is one of the best traveling jobs for females who don’t get seasick, love meeting people from all over the world, and are willing to live on the ship for months on end.

Depending on the cruise line you work for, your itinerary might include the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, timeless European cities, and the magnificent glaciers of Alaska.

There’s also plenty of variety when it comes to the available jobs. You can be a tour manager, housekeeper, chef, entertainer, an onboard nurse or doctor, a travel photographer, and more! Basic living expenses, including accommodation and food, are provided and you get to travel in your free time.

16. Traveling events jobs

Working at events is one of the exciting traveling jobs for females who like to party. Except the work part comes first, the partying comes later. But it’ll be fun nonetheless.

Party and festival tour providers such as Stoke Travel offer various roles in events management from festival crew, marketer, content producer, tour guides, and more. Festivals are big endeavors that require a lot of help before and after the events so there will always be opportunities for you.

Also, if you have a background in events planning, you can partner with a travel agency or tour planner. You can offer your expertise in mounting local events, retreats, and conferences for the agency’s clients.

17. Foreign service officer

Foreign service officers (FSO), also known as diplomats, don’t exactly travel for fun. But if you have a good grasp of world affairs and geopolitical developments, can organize high-level visits and meetings, and have a deep sense of patriotism and love for your fellowmen, this job is for you.

An FSO’s job involves a lot of hard work and difficult exams. If you make the cut, you have the chance to represent your country in local and international meetings and conferences, assist nationals abroad, and perform other diplomatic missions.

However, there will also be lots of paperwork as most FSOs start with research, analytical, and clerical work. Thus, the job requires knowledge of current events and history, strong writing skills, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

18. Online consultant

Are you a successful businesswoman or highly knowledgeable in your chosen field? If you have the experience and skills to dish out expert advice and would love to be your own boss, consultancy is one of the best ways to make money online while traveling .

Not only is this job attractive to females because it’s location-independent, but also because it’s lucrative!

For some consulting fields like accounting, auditing, and taxes, you’ll need certifications or special licenses. In most niches, however, you’ll just have to make sure that you have all the qualifications and experience necessary to brand yourself as an expert. You’ll need to be updated with all the trends and changes in your specific industry, too.

If you’re great at networking and selling your services, you can land long-term clients as well as plenty of positive word-of-mouth. As this translates into a steady source of income, a life of frequent travel is not out of reach.

Are traveling jobs for you?

These traveling jobs for females offer the golden opportunity to earn money while giving in to wanderlust frequently or even full-time. That’s fun and all but to reiterate what I said earlier, even travel-related jobs are still jobs. They demand skills, dedication, commitment, and professionalism.

As a woman who loves to travel and earns from remote work, I can tell you that it’s rewarding but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, so to speak. It took years for me to achieve a noticeable degree of comfort and I’m still working towards my goals. For many of us who pursued this route, it is hardly ever easy. If it were, everyone would be doing it, right?

So, are traveling jobs for you? Only you can answer that. It’s certainly not for everyone. But if you have the relevant skills and are willing to work hard for your dreams, then go for it!

1 thought on “18 Badass Jobs for Women Who Love to Travel”

I would love to work as a flight attendant because the of the rules of being patient, speed on walking, attentive on listening and speaking are in me,the job looks enjoyable,thank you

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© 2024 Hey Explorer

Stock images by Depositphotos

• Build your business

Business Tools

• Profit Margin Calculator
• Business Name Generator
• Slogan Generator
• Traffic Calculator
• Ecommerce Statistics
• Ecommerce Wiki

Free business tools

Start a business and design the life you want – all in one place.

• © 2015-2024 Oberlo

24 Best Travel Jobs to Make Money Traveling the World (2024)

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.

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 . 

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 .

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 .

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.

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
• Graphic designer
• Travel blogger
• Dropshipper
• Online teacher/tutor
• Online translator
• Digital marketer
• Virtual assistant
• Customer service agent
• Yacht worker
• Cruise ship worker
• Flight attendant
• Photographer
• English teacher
• Scuba diving instructor
• Foreign service travel jobs
• Peace Corps/NGO work
• Hostel worker
• 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. 

Want to Learn More?

• How Much Money Can You Make With an Ecommerce Store?
• 23 Inspirational Videos That Will Completely Blow You Away
• 7 Habits of Successful Digital Entrepreneurs
• Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Read This If You Feel Like You’re Not Good Enough

10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

These best travel jobs allow you to build a fulfilling career while traveling domestically or internationally.

Getty Images |

Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs.

Getting a 9-to-5 job doesn't mean you have to put your dream of traveling the world on hold. Many professions nowadays not only provide financial stability but offer the exciting perk of frequent travel. Let's explore some of the best jobs that allow you to build a fulfilling career while satiating your wanderlust.

We've taken the top travel jobs from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs rankings. These jobs are described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as having a travel component.

10. Cartographer

Median salary: $71,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Cartographers collect data to create detailed geographic maps. They use advanced tools like geographic information systems, or GIS, for spatial analysis, ensuring accuracy in representing terrain, features and other information. Although cartographers spend much of their time in offices, specific jobs may require extensive travel to locations that are being mapped.

Learn more about cartographers .

(Caiaimage | Paul Bradbury

9. Public Relations Specialist

Median salary: $67,440 Expected job growth by 2032: 6%

Public relations specialists' main job is to generate positive publicity for their clients and help them maintain a good reputation. They can work in various industries, including corporate, government, nonprofit or agency settings. As a public relations specialist, you may travel often to engage with the media, attend events and build relationships with stakeholders.

Learn more about public relations specialists .

8. Construction Manager

Median salary: $101,480 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, collaborating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects adhere to budgets, timelines and quality standards. Since construction managers often manage several projects simultaneously, they may need to frequently travel among sites.

Learn more about construction managers .

7. Sports Coach

Median salary: $44,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 9%

Sports coaches help athletes develop to their full potential and reach maximum performance. The travel frequency for sports coaches, especially in major leagues like the NFL and NBA, is high. These coaches often accompany their teams to away games in different states, which means they spend lots of time on the road.

Learn more about sports coaches .

6. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $63,760 Expected job growth by 2032: 11%

Flight attendants travel wherever an aircraft goes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. They also communicate with pilots regarding flight details and cabin conditions.

Flight attendants' travel frequency depends on factors such as their seniority and the airline's scheduling policies. Junior flight attendants often have less control over their schedules and may work more weekends and holidays.

Learn more about flight attendants .

(Getty Images) |

5. Sales Manager

Median salary: $130,600 Expected job growth by 2032: 4%

Sales managers are responsible for directing an organization’s sales team. Some of their duties may include setting sales goals, analyzing data, developing training programs for sales representative and addressing any changes necessary to meet customer needs. Depending on the company, sales managers may have to travel to national, regional or local offices and attend in-person customer meetings.

Learn more about sales managers .

4. Operations Research Analyst

Median salary: $85,720 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Operations research analysts use advanced techniques, such as data mining and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. They help businesses solve a wide range of problems, including supply chain optimization, production planning and inventory management.

Although operations research analysts typically spend their time in offices, they may travel occasionally to meet with clients.

Learn more about operations research analysts .

3. Management Analyst

Median salary: $95,290 Expected job growth by 2032: 10%

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are experts who specialize in helping companies improve efficiency and increase profits. How often management analysts travel depends on the company they work for and their current projects. However, those who pursue a career in management consulting can expect to travel quite frequently to meet with clients.

Learn more about management analysts .

2. Marketing Manager

Median salary: $140,040 Expected job growth by 2032: 7%

Marketing managers gauge the demand for a product and help develop a marketing strategy that fits. Depending on their company’s needs, marketing managers may travel throughout the country or worldwide to meet with clients and attend conferences.

Learn more about marketing managers .

Median salary: $113,990 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks using mathematical and statistical models. They often work in industries such as insurance, finance and retirement planning, determining the likelihood of events and their financial impacts.

Travel frequency for actuaries varies depending on the employer and their specific job role, but some may travel occasionally to attend meetings or meet with clients.

Learn more about actuaries .

RECOMMENDED

You May Also Like

Second-round interview questions.

Jamela Adam Aug. 30, 2024

How to Get Promoted at Work

Hallie Crawford and Rebecca Koenig Aug. 29, 2024

How to Take a Career Break

Robin Madell Aug. 27, 2024

Thank-You Email After an Interview: Tips

Jamela Adam Aug. 21, 2024

How to Answer ‘Why Should We Hire You?'

Geoff Williams Aug. 20, 2024

Answer This Common Interview Question

Hallie Crawford Aug. 19, 2024

What Is Anti-DEI Hiring?

Jamela Adam Aug. 16, 2024

What Not to Say in an Interview

Robin Madell Aug. 14, 2024

How Much Will Salaries Increase in 2025?

Jamela Adam Aug. 13, 2024

How to Answer 'Tell Me About Yourself'

Jamela Adam Aug. 9, 2024

Is Job Hopping a Good Idea?

Robin Madell July 31, 2024

What to Know About Your First Job

Jamela Adam July 26, 2024

6 Best Jobs Working Outside

Jamela Adam July 24, 2024

How to Be More Assertive at Work

Jamela Adam July 19, 2024

7 Benefits of Working From Home

Robin Madell July 16, 2024

How to Quit a Job You Just Started

Jamela Adam and Robin Reshwan July 15, 2024

20 Best Questions to Ask an Interviewer

Geoff Williams July 12, 2024

Write a Goodbye Email to Co-Workers

Hallie Crawford July 10, 2024

3 Ways to Use AI to Find Your Next Job

Hallie Crawford July 8, 2024

Is Finance a Good Career Path for You?

Maryalene LaPonsie July 3, 2024

• Meet the Team
• Our Manifesto
• Work with Us
• Budget Travel
• Personal Development
• Work & Travel
• United Kingdom
• More of Europe
• Philippines
• More of Southeast Asia
• More of South America
• More of Central America
• South Korea
• More of Asia
• More of North America
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands
• More of Oceania
• South Africa
• More of Africa
• More of the Middle East
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Gear

Home » Work and Travel » 35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

Do you wish you could travel more but don’t have enough money?

Then this guide is for you! It will tell you all about the types of epic travel jobs that you can do. Ultimately, this post will help you find work and travel the world… FOREVER.

There are a surprising number of jobs that involve travelling, a few canny ways to make money travelling abroad, and even some jobs where you actually get paid to travel… (The best kind!)

From freelancing to affiliate marketing, travel blogging, tending the bar at a hip hostel–there are seriously all kinds of awesome – and some terrible – travel jobs you can get to make ends meet and prolong your travels.

The life of a working traveller is varied and complex: there are countless tools in your arsenal! In today’s post, I’m giving you the lowdown on some of the best travel jobs for backpackers, expats, and aspiring digital nomads. And realistically, for nearly all of them, you don’t need no tertiary education.

Ditch your desk, amigos: the world is waiting and the only thing you need to SUCCEED is  grit.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

• Making Money Travelling the World:Types of Travel Work

The 35 Best Travel Jobs in 2024

Did you find your dream travel job.

• Buy Us a Coffee!

Making Money Travelling the World: Types of Travel Work

There are lots of different types of travel jobs out there, and they can roughly be broken down into three categories. Let’s take a look at them before we delve into the jobs themselves…

There are some jobs that will pay you to travel the world. This might sound very glamorous at first, but you have to bear in mind you may not get as much of a chance to actually explore as you will be working. These could be travel jobs or potentially even travel careers , but they still generally require the level of input from you that any regular ol’ boring job would.

Jobs that require travel and pay well, such as being an airline pilot or foreign service travel jobs, will offer you a chance to save up mega-cashola and to hopefully see parts of the world during your downtime. But to be honest (and in my opinion) these travel careers don’t have the same kind of freedom as being a digital nomad.

Personally, I’m a big believer in making money through a digital nomad job as these jobs allow you to work from literally anywhere in the world, on your own schedule, and often as your own boss.

It takes time to set up a career as a digital nomad career… But it’s easy to get started now and to begin your journey!

All you need is a laptop plus a few other of the digital nomad essentials , and idea of WHAT you want to do, and a place in the world that you’re content to get some work done from. Well, that and playlist that gets you in the zone!

Beccoming a digital nomad changes how you travel , so for backpackers that want to retain their backpacker-roots, you need a job for backpacker. These travel jobs are job-jobs.

They could be wicked jobs, they could be shitkicker jobs. They could, potentially, also progress into careers, but they wouldn’t be travel careers. You’d just be an expat with a regular ol’ job.

Many of the best travelling jobs for backpackers are super casual affairs – seasonal work or temporary labour gigs. I’ve found paying work on goat farms, behind bars, in hostels, on construction sites, on beaches, and in many other places whilst backpacking around the world. It’s usually very easy to find some casual work as a backpacker.

All you need is a good smile, good work ethic, and maybe the willingess to be paid under the table for less than minimum wage! (Oops, did I say that? You do you.) 😉

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Let’s look at how to work and travel like a BOSS (or self-employed hustler). Ideas range from online trading to teaching yoga to consulting. Don’t Work Another Day ; we have something for every CV!

1. Make Money Blogging

Starting a blog is one of the best travel jobs out there. You can travel whenever you want and make money out of your adventures to keep you going! However, blogging is not easy and it’s not one of those jobs to make money quickly.

Blogging offers a great introduction to many different digital nomad careers. You’ll learn more about SEO, copywriting, web design, social media management, marketing and PR… the list goes on! All you need to get started is a decent laptop for travel blogging and loads of patience!

If you want to get a taste of blogging before launching your own, you can look into becoming a virtual assistant or if writing is more your thing becoming a freelance service provider , like Sofie Couwenbergh is also a viable option. Working for a blogger is the best way to learn the tricks of the trade!

Full disclosure: The travel blogging industry is competitive, cutthroat, and, honestly, oversaturated. DO expect a long road to the top.

How Much Can You Earn?

• From $0 – $50,000 per month!

Finding a work-friendly atmosphere is important – check out Tribal Bali …

Having a job is one thing, but being able to sit down and get some work in is a whole other story. Luckily there are amazing coworking spaces all over the globe. But what if you could combine working and a place to live? Say no more…

Introducing the best Coworking Hostel in the World – Tribal Bali!

A unique coworking and co-living hostel for those that want to travel the world while working from their laptops. Make use of the massive open-air coworking spaces and sip on delicious coffee. If you need a quick screen break, just take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or grab a drink at the bar. Need more work inspiration?

Staying at a digital nomad-friendly hostel is a really smart way to get more done whilst still enjoying the social life of travelling… Mingle, share ideas, brainstorm, make connections and find your tribe at Tribal Bali!

2. Teach English Abroad

For backpackers looking to settle somewhere for a year or more to save up some serious cash, teaching English abroad is one of the best jobs for nomads.

These days, you can teach English in most countries in the world while seeing all the goods they got to offer at the same time! This is probably one of the best travel careers out there: there’s a low barrier to entry and most native speakers can get a travel job teaching English.

Being a native speaker gives you an obvious advantage, but it’s also possible for non-native speakers to get work teaching English too.  You don’t even really need a degree to teach English in many countries, however, nabbing a TEFL certificate through an online course first will help you hit the ground running. (And hopefully will mean you won’t be a crap teacher too ?)

It’s a small investment that will help you score more gigs AND better-paying gigs in the long run. Plus, think of the children! Won’t somebody think of the children!?!?

• $1500 – $3000 depending on the country.

3. Teach English Online

Thanks to the power of the internet, the world of teaching English online has opened doors to English speakers everywhere! You can work from anywhere! (Provided you have a solid internet connection.)

What’s the best part? Depending on the company you work for, you can choose your own schedule and commitment level. Whatever works for you!

Teaching English online is fast becoming one of the best ways for backpackers to make money online without a doubt. Online teaching platforms connect prospective teachers with keen students. Set your pricing, choose your hours, and market yourself to potential clients.

The money isn’t impressive, particularly in the early days, but this is a job that you can grow and literally do anywhere. Nothing beats a location independent gig!

• About $1500 per month.

4. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is when you ship products to customers, usually in Europe or the USA, from somewhere cheap (usually China). Essentially, you manage the online storefront while a third party handles the logistics of storing and shipping products. Why stay in Boston ?

Now, dropshipping CAN be profitable. It can also be a major headache: you have been warned.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is very simple. It means that you recommend a product or service to your audience, and if someone on your website uses or buys that product or service, you get a commission!

Affiliate marketing is basically being a middle man and is one of the most popular, proven, and sustainable ways to create income online.

If you are interested in online jobs travellers can easily utilise, learning effective affiliate marketing strategies is the holy grail. Passive income is fucking POWERFUL.

• Oodles but you need the traffic to earn it. But then, it all flows in passively. 😉

6. Crytocurrency and Day Trading

The exciting world of cryptocurrency investment has come a long way. You can HODL, stake, mine, generate interest (yup – totally a thing now!), and, of course, trade.

Day trading is a really exciting – but very nerve-wracking – way to make money while travelling. I have no experience trading stocks, but a lot of people I know have been trading cryptocurrency for a while now and have seen rather delectables return on their investments (with some losses along the way).

If you have money that you can afford to lose (seriously, this shit carries risk), then day trading is one of the most exciting travel jobs out there right now.

• The sky’s the limit!

7. Volunteering

Okiedoke – volunteering! Now, clearly, volunteering ISN’T a travel job, however, it’s functionally the same. You work (hard), you greatly reduce your travel costs, plus you’ll have some life-changing experiences while you’re at it. So it fits the bill!

Now, while voluntourism has received some flak over the years (and the trade has only become stickier in the COVID-times ), volunteering still remains one of the most meaningful ways to travel. A free feed and bed is certainly a win, but it’s the experience and the knowledge that you’re actually making a difference is what makes it, honestly, one of the best travel jobs for backpackers.

You have a lot of good options for volunteering abroad:

• WWOOF – An organisation primarily concerned with connecting working travellers with volunteering gigs on organic farms and agricultural projects.
• Workaway (and its numerous alternatives ) – As well as agricultural projects, these guys tend to also connect you to volunteering gigs around the board. Hostel work, translation and copywriting, building skate ramps, building backyard dunnies: it’s a wide net.
• Worldpackers – Our personal fave platform for this bizz.

Worldpackers is a smashing organisation. They’ve got more of a community focus than many of the alternatives and they run a tight ship too!

We sent one of our tried and true broke backpackers on a volunteering mission to Vietnam and the results were stellar. So stellar, in fact, that we happily partnered with them to bring Broke Backpacker readers a discount on the signup fee!

Just enter the code BROKEBACKPACKER at the checkout when signing up or do the clicky-click below!

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

We’ve also got a review of Workaway you can peruse if Worldpackers doesn’t float your boat. They’re a bit more stuffy (a natural caveat for being the lead of the pack), but they have volunteering gigs coming out of the ears!

And as one brief little sidenote, it’s worth noting the skills you pick up volunteering can go a LONG way to aiding you in your career as a working traveller. The more you know, the more backpacker jobs open up to you.

8. Become A Freelance Travel Photographer

If you love taking pictures, why don’t you make the most of your skills and be paid for it? Breaking into freelance photography is no easy, feat but it’s totally possible if you have perseverance and work at honing your craft every day.

You can travel the world forever by snapping away… If you get really good at your craft, you can even land a job that pays you to travel as a professional photographer for either the media or, the dream, National Geographic.

• $0 – $5000
• BEST Cameras for Travellers
• GoPro Alternatives to Make You  Whoah
• Top Camera Bags – Buyer’s Guide!
• Essential Camera Accessories You NEED

9. Teach Yoga

Yoga continues to grow in popularity around the world, and yoga instructors are in high demand. While not the highest paying job for travellers, finding work as a yoga instructor is one of the more assured ways to work and travel.

Travellers love yoga and are keen on lessons just about anywhere in the world. Combine that with hostels, cafes, and community centres (among a million other venues) always being on the lookout

Getting a yoga certification CERTAINLY helps you stand out from the crowd but it necessarily isn’t needed. Talk to other guests at your hostel, or people around any beach, hippy, or traveller town and see what you can rustle up. Start off with a sesh at a world-class yoga retreat to learn a few Asanas and limber up first and the rest will be easy.

Alternatively, head over to Yoga Travel Jobs Directory and see if there are any worthwhile postings. The beauty of this one is that the informality allows you to find work on the road in most places without the added red tape.

• $5/hour or even less in developing nations. Bounce on over to the northern beaches of Sydney though, and activewear soccer mums eat that shit up for $50+ a pop!

10. Fitness Instructor

Similar to yoga, if you’re in shape and know how to break a sweat, you can get paid to help others do the same! I love finding creative ways to stay in shape while travelling and you’ll find plenty of other travellers who will share this interest.

See if your hostel wants to organise any activities or events which you can market by word of mouth or by putting a flyer up. Head to a park or the beach and BOOM! You’re a certified fitness instructor… sort of.

Certifications are for losers without glorious, rippling muscles.

11. Tour Director

Directors accompany a tour group for the entirety of the itinerary and basically make sure people are having a good time. If it’s a twenty-one-day culture tour through Central America, the tour director is there the entire time, leading the group, answering questions, communicating with the bus driver, and, most importantly, creating solutions when shit goes wrong.

This is one of the travel industry careers that require the most work, but if you think you possess the qualities, there are thousands of amazing adventure tour companies looking for new leaders worldwide.

This industry is very competitive, but once you get your foot in the door you’ll be offered work left and right. I’ve got some experience leading adventure tours myself and this is a solid choice of job that involves travelling… You just need to have endless amounts of energy.

These are maybe the best jobs for travel and adventure for those that seek the high life and the pay ain’t too shabby either!.

• $1000 – $3000

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

12. Travel Tour Guide

As opposed to a tour director, a tour guide usually does shorter tours (think three-hour walking tours). Ideally, tour guides are experts in their niche, but sometimes just a bit more knowledge than the average Joe will suffice

If you have experience or certification, getting tour guide work will be easy. If you travelling in the EU , you can also find tour guide work within Europe relatively easy (free walking tours, etc.) without certification.

Otherwise, there are lots of people on the web tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit and starting their own tour jobs while on the road.

• $500 – $1500

13. Work on A Boat

Unfortunately, the days of being a pirate are kinda over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still work and live on a boat!

A traveller’s job on a boat is certainly easier to get with experience, but sometimes it’s as easy as just walking onto a dock and asking around. Teach yourself to tie knots first and you’ll be golden.

Want to significantly increase your chances of getting hired on a superyacht or boat? Consider taking a course at the Super Yacht School – an online training company that educates people on everything they need to know regarding how to land a job on a superyacht as a crew member.

Alternatively, become a cruise ship worker and live the party-working-travelling-life on the high seas. Drugs, booze, and nights of wanton hedonism – excellent!

• $1200 – $2500

14. Boat Delivery

More boats! This one is a bit difficult to get into as a newbie, but if you have some experience working on the high seas, boat delivery has some serious work and travel potential. Typically the pay won’t be very high (if at all) but you’ll get your experience up and get to sail the seven seas for free!

Getting into this travel career could lead to more lucrative gigs in the future too, so it’s worth considering if the goal is simply finding jobs that let you travel.

Head over to Crewseekers.net or cruisersforum.com for some killer job leads!

15. Making and Selling Jewellery

Screw travel jobs – be a travel entrepreneur! While you can make and sell anything, jewellery is certainly the backpacker artisans staple, and I’ve met lots of people who make and sell jewellery whilst travelling .

Some critics of budget backpacking might have a go at you for – ahem – “begpacking” , but to those critics I say… get a job, ya hippy! If you’re wheeling, dealing, and hustling on the road, you are the literal opposite of a begpacker. It’s fun too!

The materials can be cheap and light to carry, it’s an artsy and fun thing to do, and you can set up shop (busking-style) in most places in the world that are kind to street merchants (i.e. not Malaysia). Selling handmade jewellery on the street isn’t the path to becoming a billionaire, but if you can make a decent product, it’s a great way to bring in enough to cover a day of gallivanting.

It isn’t strictly one of the easiest travel jobs out there if you genuinely care about your craft. Sourcing ethical materials, making the jewellery, and haggling for a fair price can all be a real battle. But damn you’ll have some ten-outta-ten adventures along the way!

• $300 – $1000 per month

16. Importing Stuff to Sell

A personal favourite of mine, this is what I sometimes refer to as the ‘ stuff your backpack’ method. It’s an easy w ay to make some money back after quitting your job to travel .

When in exotic countries, you will find awesome trinkets and doodads that people back home will go crazy over! Think hippy stuff: chillums, trousers, jewellery, festival belts, etc. These items will be authentic and dirt cheap.

Then, when you are outside that country and back in the good ol’ inflationary West, you can sell the authentic handcrafted Indian peace pipe that you paid $.75 cents for in Mumbai for $15 at festivals or online! It’s a great way to make 1,000% or more on your investments.

To make the most money though, you’ll have to frequently hit the road and stuff your backpack (a big hiking backpack is good for this) as well as have a good eye for stuff to take back home. If you can somehow inject something about chakras into the marketing spiel you’ll give to sell it, it’s a winner.

• $500 – $2000 per month

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

17. Busking

Another of the world’s oldest professions that now catches some flak from the world’s newest crybabies: busking. If you have a talent, you can flaunt it for some cash in the street AND – better yet – make a bunch of people smile too!

You doen’t have to be a wandering musician with a travel-sized guitar either; magic, acrobatics, juggling, flow, dance – anything that’s impressive enough to score a tip is worth the shot, and you can score some mean tips! (Believe it or not.)

If the artisti di strada chooses the right location and is talented (or smiley) enough, there’s a pretty good chance they are making some dough! Enough to cover a day’s cost at least… You just need to know how to busk !

Also, if you are a musician, you should look into giving lessons for work while travelling or even playing some low-key gigs at bars or hostels. It’s a good way to score a feed, and it’s certainly not a bad payoff for a few hours of jammin’!

The resident in-house dirtbag busker on The Broke Backpacker team had this to say:

“I’ve had $5/hour days, I’ve had $50/hour days; busking is large part luck, however, there is a hidden art and science to the craft.”

18. Scuba Diving Instructor

Get paid for adventure. Underwater adventures no less!

Becoming a certified scuba diver and instructor takes a bit of investment, but it can be one of the most fun ways to work and travel the world simultaneously. You need a handful of courses and certifications, as well as having logged in a certain amount of hours underwater yourself, and then the world is your… oyster. (Huehuehue.)

If you are already certified, get excited! If you aren’t, you can do it at home, or take advantage of many (significantly cheaper) programs that exist in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. Hands down this is one of the best ways to get paid to travel PLUS you can pick up paying work in lots of different countries around the world.

Plus, y’know, dive for a living. Not bad, ‘ey?

• $1000 – $4000 per month.

19. Surf Instructor

Similar to a scuba instructor but without all of the need for certifications. You just need to be a badass surfer! Surfing instructors can do well for themselves by travelling, surfing, meeting people who are interested and want to learn, and then offering their services.

Plus, let’s be real… you’ll get laid. A lot.

You won’t earn as much as a scuba instructor, but you’ll be getting paid to surf and travel at the same time which is probably the coolest thing ever! I’m a big fan of surfing and hoping to spend a year or two getting a hell of a lot better in the future. If you are looking for cool jobs you can do while travelling, this may be for you.

There are lots of resources for finding potential gigs. Surf Travel Jobs is an excellent starting point.

• $500 – $1500 per month.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

20. Buy A Place and Rent It

If you have been working for a while, you may have some savings. Rather than blowing it all on a couple of fast-paced years of travel, invest it into buying a property at home and renting it out whilst you travel (thus living off the rent money).

You can advertise your place on lots of different websites including Airbnb or one of the many excellent sites like Airbnb , and it can very easily turn into big bucks! Pretty soon, you’ll be making money while travelling; so much so that some of my friends don’t even stay at their own place when they return to their hometown.

• $600 – $2000 per month.

21. Housesitting

Sort of a work-exchange-meets-job, housesitting while travelling is HAWT right now. Typically you pet-sit for an extended amount of time, and in return, you are given free rein over an entire house. Housesitting gigs rarely pay, but you can’t really complain as their still jobs that allow you to travel near-indefinitely.

You’ll be getting free accommodation, a big ass kitchen, and the privacy of your own house! This is one of the best ways to travel!

As with all good things, it’s challenging to crack into, but once you gain experience and a resume, you’ll have your choice of gigs. As far as travel work goes, this one comes highly recommended – it barely counts as working!

• A free house!

22. Work as an Au Pair

Au-pairing is one of the oldest travel careers around and is still a great option to save some money and see the world. Personally, kids ain’t for me, but if you are bubbly, happy, smiley and don’t mind cleaning up the misdirected poopoos, then there are plenty of little ones who need a lovely person like you to help take care of them.

It doesn’t always pay… and if it does pay it’s not always much. But you can earn up to 5k a month if you’re happy to travel for work (which, you should be) to teach in some more far-flung lands.

You’ll get free lodging and food and likely some pocket change for the weekend if you’re volunteering in Europe. Being an au-pair is a pretty solid way to get paid to travel and live in a new country.

• $0 – $5000 per month.

23. Hostel Work

Hostel work is one of the best-kept not-so-secret-secrets of the budget backpacking trade . Once upon a time, it was hush-hush, but now not so much. So let me tell you – finding hostel gigs is SUPER simple and hostel work is one of the best travel jobs for backpackers.

Hostel work is one of the easiest travel jobs to get – just ask the hostels you are staying at if they are looking for any help. They will know exactly what this means. “Help” means manning the front desk graveyard shift, sweeping the floors, or most likely minding the bar, all in exchange for free accommodation.

If they are looking for any “help” , they miiight pay a bit of cash, but more likely, you’ll get a free bed and some food out of it. Hostels are one of the staples for travel work and are a phenomenal way to save money while travelling – not to mention free entry into the hostel life shenanigans is a pretty sweet dealer for a lone ranger looking for some buds.

…And bud. 😉

• Volunteering at a hostel usually means just a free stay. Maybe some weed money (or weed) if you’re lucky.

24. Bar Work

Similar to hostel work, bar jobs have kept the backpacker going since basically the dawn of time. Often the bar work will be in a hostel bar (mentioned above) but just as legit is finding work at standalone bars.

This is particularly true in seasonal European cities (but I’ve seen it in South America, Australia, Asia… basically everywhere). Alcoholics are everywhere and they need a charming face with a winning smile to pour their drinks dammit!

The best way to find a bar job is just to walk around and ask if the bars are looking for any help. Or, if you’re having a pint somewhere, strike up a conversation with the bartender and get the scoop. A simple inquisition can lead to a lot of opportunities.

Full disclosure though: the booze and babes of the graveyard shift are fun for a while, but a few too many staffies a few too many months later and you’ll find yourself stuck right in a classic backpacker trap. And hungover.

• $800 – $2000 per month

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

25. Become a Party Promoter/Brand Ambassador

If you are a fun-loving party animal with some social media/writing/promoting skills, then you could be a candidate to score a job as a brand ambassador for a tour business specializing in party-based tours. I’ve met someone who did this for a period; while the money wasn’t always hella tight, the nights of debauchery sure were!

A good option to break into this field is Stoke Travel . Every year, Stoke Travel gives 100+ regular travellers the opportunity to work and travel by volunteering at events or doing internships in their Barcelona and Byron Bay Office.

That’s right. Three square meals per day and unlimited booze. You’re basically travelling for free !

For the right individual, this job promises to be helluva of a lot of fun. (Possibly, too much fun…? )

• Free drinks – $1200

26. Seasonal Jobs

This is a large category that encompasses many different travel jobs. Restaurants, construction, hotels, cruise ship jobs, ski resorts, mining, deep-sea Alaskan fishing gigs, the list goes on! While a lot of these jobs are covered elsewhere in this post, seasonal jobs are worth noting.

You can literally travel the world working, chasing the season (which by the way usually equates to amazingly beautiful weather) and making money when jobs are in demand and at their highest paying…

Depending on the industry, you can end up both in some pretty off the beaten path destinations as well as touristed ones. Or both! The ski resorts in the summer trekking season is usually a much more peaceful vibe once all the loquacious Aussies have packed up shop.

• $1000 – $5000 per month

27. Construction

You can find construction work basically anywhere in the world, however, the right destinations (eg. Australia and New Zealand) pay a mean wage. If you’re operating above board that is.

Otherwise, asking around for something more informal is usually the way to go. If you have construction experience, jump on those work exchange platforms for some cheap volunteering gigs .

Many hostels, farms, and everything in between will advertise their needs in hopes of finding a qualified working traveller. You’ll get food, lodging, and (depending on the project) a bit of money as well. It’ll get you networked too – word of mouth carries!

If you have experience as a plumber or electrician, you can make bank and even land a job where you are paid to travel to and from different world projects. Also, insider tip: traffic controllers Down Under get paid an ungodly amount for literally doing nothing. They usually pick the cutest girl to man the stop sign though – yay, sexism!

• $1200 – $3000 per month but hugely variable depending on your trade and skillset,

28. Transport a Car or RV

Car and RV dealerships or car rental companies sometimes hire people to drive cars to different destinations. Rental companies often find themselves with too many cars in one destination and want to move them to an area where rentals are more in demand. Car dealerships may need a specific car, with specific options or colours, that they arrange to get from another dealer.

While most companies work with full-time professional drivers, there may be some opportunities for one-time trips. The trick with these jobs is getting a car that’s going where you want to go at the right time. You’ll need a clean driver’s license and may need a specialty license to drive RVs, but it’s worth it for a free and rocking RV road trip !

Some transport companies that you may be able to score some delivery gigs with include:

• Imoova is one of the biggest search platforms for relocations.
• Jucy has some nice opportunities on RVs.
• Cars Arrive Auto Relocation is USA based and has some good options.
• HitTheRoad.ca is a well-known Canadian company that offers mostly long-distance, one way, one trip driving contracts for cars.
• A free road trip!

29. Professional Chef

If you have some cooking abilities or some legitimate kitchen experience, you can find a job by asking around at kitchens in hotels, cruise ships, boats, or retreats. Also, take a look into Worldpackers and Workaway as you can certainly find some cook-work opportunities for a free place to stay.

The downside is that you’ll have to work in close proximity to chefs. Chefs are primadonnas. Get in and out of the hospo industry as quick as possible, amigos.

If thou gaze too long into an abyss…

• $1500 – $3000 per month

30. Travel Nurse

Stop right now and listen to me. If you are a nurse, or if you are thinking about becoming a nurse, becoming a travel nurse is one of the single most amazing careers you can get into.

Travelling nurses are usually hired for thirteen to twenty-six weeks in whatever location they choose and all of your travel expenses are usually paid. Housing is usually covered, and due to the high demand and urgency, travelling nurses are paid more than regular nurses. It’s one of the best ways to travel, work and save a stupid amount of money.

Plus, you know, saving lives and all that jazz.

• $1500 – $4000 per month.

31. Flight Attendant

An oldie but a goodie, being a flight attendant isn’t as glamorous as it once was, but in terms of travel friendly jobs , this is a fantastic travel career. It’s really the OG travel job (right after busker AKA a wandering minstrel).

Free flights, long stopovers to explore, and the ability to tweak your schedule to have a few weeks off a month – there’s a lot to like! This is one of the best careers that involve travelling, and if you get hired by a quality airline, this is a job that not only requires travel but can also pay well.

• $1800 – $2500 per month

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

32. New Zealand/Australia Work Visa

Not strictly a top travel job so much as a top place to find a job. Yes, the rumours you’ve heard are true: Australia does have an obscenely high minimum wage (as does New Zealand, albeit not as high).

Depending on where you are from and if you are able, New Zealand and Australia are two excellent countries to get work visas for. The visa allows you to be employed in most industries, but you’ll most likely find jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and agricultural fields. Come Down Under where you can travel and work for a year or maybe two!

However, both New Zealand and Australia’s cost of living is high, so finding a job that provides you with both a room and food will net you some huge savings. The more remote you go, the better you will earn too. (Sheep shearers make BANK… and then blow it all on cocaine and meth…)

Watch out though: not all Ozzies and Kiwis subscribe to the “mateship and fair go for all” mentality they’re known for. It’s not uncommon to get paid a fraction of that obscenely high minimum wage.

• $1800 – $3500 per month
• Backpacking Australia Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Australia
• Backpacking New Zealand Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in New Zealand

33. Ski Resort Jobs

While I mentioned resorts and seasonal gigs before, skiing deserves its own holler(back girl). Ski resorts are notorious for hiring travellers and often under the table. Ski resort gigs can be the best seasonal jobs for travelling.

As an “unofficial” ski resort worker, you won’t get paid much (and you will likely be overworked), but it’s a great way to work hard, play hard, and make some travel friends along the way! Plus, there will always be the skiing/snowboarding perks which are obviously EPIC.

You don’t have to be an instructor though. Many seasonal jobs in lodges or working the lifts are widely available. Oh, and the snowbum life is pretty hedonistic – it’s basically working, partying, and picking up Insta-brand vacayers between your shifts.

• $1000 – $2000 per month.

34. Tattoo Artist

Backpackers love to get tattoos on the road , so there is always a demand for talented artists. And I’ve met some amazing tattoo artists travelling the world and paying their way through freelance work in hostels and backpacker hangouts. Talk about a creative travel job!

The better you get at your craft, the more doors that will open up to you. You don’t even need a gun! I’ve met and befriended some phenomenal stick-and-poke artists who earn money working while they travel.

Plus getting paid by people to inflict large amounts of bodily harm on them really isn’t too bad either!

• $500 – $15000 per month (be prepared to adjust your rates to reflect the country you’re in – ain’t nobody stupid enough to pay $100+ an hour in Mexico).

35. Join the Peace Corps

This is certainly one of the noblest travel jobs on this list and it deserves a mention! Providing a different work and travel experience, the Peace Corps is no joke and essentially makes you an international aid worker in a foreign country.

It’s a two-year commitment, you have very little influence on where you are stationed, and you only get two days off per month.

You don’t get paid much but, hell, you will be earning and you will get paid to travel to somewhere new. And what’s more, is relevant work experience can take the place of a college degree.

Check out:  This Peace Corps volunteer’s blog all about her experiences volunteering in Vanuatu.

Do You Need Insurance as a Working Traveller?

If you are going to be living and working outside of your home country, you really do need to think about getting health insurance. If you have an accident or get sick, then those hospital bills are going to completely nullify any money you’ve earned and saved.

For long term cover, we recommend SafetyWing . They specialise in covering digital nomads and those working outside of their home country. It’s basically a subscription model – month to month payments – on international health insurance without the need to provide an itinerary.

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to work! Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are so many ways to work and travel; sometimes you just gotta get a bit creative! As long as you are cutting the costs of travel and picking up a job where and when needed, you’ll find a way.

Not every traveling job needs to be a career. Covering your living costs is a fantastic start, and all the skills and confidence will take you soooo much further in life than one simple job ever could.

Taking a leap of faith on a new vocation on the road is fantastic. It’s a step outside of your comfort zone and right into the growth of travel. In many ways, that’s what it means to BE a broke backpacker .

You don’t have to be broke to be a broke backpacker. Nay, being resourceful, willing, and kind-hearted with a good work ethic – that makes you more of a broke backpacker than holes in your undies and lack of consistent showering ever will.

So get out there and work on the road! Start with a shit-kicker job. Then once you’ve levelled up appropriately (and with some ingenuity), you’ll find a job that involves travelling and where you get paid to travel and live in a new country. Maybe you’ll even live in a mini-campervan conversion and start rockin’ the super nomad life. Then, you’re not just hunting for the best travel jobs anymore.

No, that’s a travel career: a whole new adventure!

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Elina Mattila

Share or save this post

Most Popular Expat Jobs in Moscow

Moscow, Russia is still an exciting destination for expats. The city is the largest in Europe with a population close to 15 million. Unfortunately, the economic situation has made it difficult for expats and many have left since the political standoff with Ukraine began in 2014. That being said, there are still many expat jobs in Moscow and new expats are arriving daily. 

Here is a look at the most popular expat jobs in Moscow.  

English Teacher

Teaching English is one of the most popular expat jobs in Moscow. It makes sense, Russia is a massive country with low levels of English proficiency. Unfortunately, long gone are the days when you could just show up in Moscow and have wealthy private students willing to pay unthinkable sums of money for English lessons. That doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities though for those who are ready to look for private students. 

Salaries for English teachers can vary significantly in Moscow. The average salary for native English teachers at a reputable school is around $1500 or 90,000 rubles. Of course, there are many schools, which will offer less than $1000 per month so know what your value is when looking for a job. Most English teachers will supplement their income with private lessons. This is where the real money can be made if you are outgoing and willing to market yourself a bit. If you are teaching private lessons, depending on the student, you can ask for anywhere from 1500 rubles ($25) to 3500 rubles ($55) per hour. 

If you are looking to land a job teaching English abroad, Moscow is an excellent, yet often overlooked destination. Due to the incredibly high demand for English teachers in Moscow, many English schools are willing to hire native-English speakers without much experience and sometimes even without any qualifications. Generally, if you come from a native English speaking country and have a bachelor’s degree, you can find a job at a language school in Moscow with ease. If you have a TEFL certificate, you will find more opportunities. 

For more specific information on teaching English in Russia, check out our Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Russia . You can read about the qualifications required, types of schools, and where to look for jobs. Expatriant Jobs is also a great place to look for English teaching jobs.

International Business Development

One of the most common professional expat jobs in Moscow is business development. Many Russian and Western companies are actively looking to expand their client base internationally and this offers an opportunity for business development professionals in Moscow. A common industry where it is common to see expat managers working in business development is professional services. The tech sector is also common. If the company is looking to market its products or services to clients who are in the United States or Western Europe, they will likely be using business development professionals from those countries. If you do not have much experience, this is also a relatively easy field to break into if you are willing to work hard, just know that business development roles often involve commission-based salaries.

Business development salaries for expats in Moscow can vary drastically, but it is quite common if you have a few years of experience to be sponsored by a company for a highly-qualified specialist visa. You can read more about visas in our Ultimate Guide to Russian visas , but essentially, a highly-qualified specialist must be paid over 167,000 rubles ($2700) a month. This is actually a high salary in Russia when compared to the cost of living. The average Moscow expat salary in business development is probably between 240,000 and 300,000 rubles ($4000 and $5000). 

The best place to look for business development expat jobs in Moscow is Expatriant Jobs and if you want to learn more about working in business development abroad more generally, check out our article . 

English Editor

Another common expat job in Moscow is an English editor. Again, due to relatively low levels of English proficiency in Russia, and the global nature of business in Moscow, English editors are in high demand in many sectors. Companies looking to market their products and services internationally need flawless English and only a qualified, native-English speaker is capable of providing editing services. 

Editing can be a demanding job believe it or not, especially at some of the elite professional service firms like law firms, the big four, or investment banks. These jobs typically involve working with consultants who serve demanding international clients. 

Common companies that regularly hire English editors include:

• PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Russia Today
• Thomson Reuters

Salaries as an English editor in Moscow can vary drastically based on the company where you work and your experience. Certain sectors like professional services or investment banks typically pay the highest salaries, but that isn’t always true. If you are working as an English editor, you can expect a salary of around 100,000 – 120,000 ($1700 – $2000) a month in Moscow at most companies. Of course, if you are at a top law firm, the salaries can be higher, especially with some experience. 

Check out Expatriant Jobs for up to date expat jobs in Moscow. At any given time there are usually a few companies, which are looking for English editors. 

Native English speakers who speak and understand Russian well and have translation experience are in high demand in Russia. There are very few native English speaking translators in Moscow, and anyone who works in the translation field knows that a great translator can only translate to their native language. Russian to English translators who have legal, technical, or finance knowledge should be able to find a translation job quite easily in Moscow. 

A number of international law firms and consulting companies employ native English speaking translators to translate internal and client documents. 

Salaries as a translator in Russia can vary drastically, even for native English speakers. A typical translator at a large Russian media outlet is typically around 120,000 rubles ($2000) a month. Many translators who have industry experience in law or engineering will find that the best option is to work as a freelance translator. For example, it is not uncommon to charge $50 an hour as a legal translator in Moscow. Many law firms will pay these rates and charge their clients double.

If you are looking for a job as a translator, check out Expatriant Jobs . Translation jobs come up for native speakers quite often in Moscow. If you are looking for freelance work, it makes sense to contact translation bureaus in Russia. One great example is Eclectic Translations . 

Despite Russia’s reputation for repressive media, there are still many foreign media outlets that are accredited in Russia (as of December 2018, there were 298). In addition to foreign media outlets, there are many Russian media outlets that produce news in English as well as other world languages. Fortunately, for a career in journalism in Moscow, you do not need a degree in journalism, but of course, it won’t hurt. That being said, one of the top requirements to land a good journalism job in Moscow is the ability to speak Russian. Yes, you will be writing your stories in English, but you will need to interview Russians. Additionally, to keep up with current events in Russia, you will need to understand Russian. Many of the native English speaking journalists in Moscow do not speak Russian very well so this will give you a huge advantage.

Salaries in journalism are better than teaching, but unless you have considerable international experience, it won’t make you rich. That being said, you can certainly work your way up the ladder in Moscow much faster than you could at home. The typical salary for someone with no experience is between 120,000 and 150,000 rubles ($2000 – $2500) per month. If you are working at one of the top international newspapers like the Wall Street Journal or Thomson Reuters and have a few years of experience you can likely command a salary of around 250,000 and 300,000 rubles ($4500 – $5000) per month. 

Besides media outlets, there are a number of trade publications, which also hire native English speaking journalists from time to time. 

If you are interested in working as a journalist in Moscow, check Expatriant Jobs .  

10 job opportunities in Russia for foreigners

Back in the good old days (that is, before sanctions hit Russia in 2014), the country welcomed foreign professionals with open hands - offering high wages, big bonuses, and senior positions. Chemical production, metallurgy, and pharmaceutics - opportunities were open in a range of innovative industries with a lack of specialists, explains Maria Ignatova, head of research at HeadHunter, Russia’s leading job-hunting website.

Since 2014 the demand for foreign candidates had considerably fallen (some recruiters say by six times) with businesses becoming more pragmatic and no longer prepared to sustain “expensive” foreigners whose salaries were often tied to the dollar or euro exchange rate.

Foreigners have also started to show less interest in Russia. According to Ignatova, this may be due to the negative impact of sanctions, which has warded off many potential investors from outside the country.

So what is the situation right now? If you look at the job-hunting websites you’ll see many options to choose from. While the majority of offers for foreigners are English teaching jobs, there are some ads from companies in other sectors. Media, corporate business, and IT also occasionally look for foreigners.

In many cases, the salaries are not specified but on average they start from around 40,000 rubles per month ($603) depending on the role. There are full-time and flexible hours options, suitable for those who don’t speak Russian and those who do.

From business managers to English teachers, here are 10 of the latest job ads we’ve found online. 

1.  Business Development Manager

Company : SAP

Location : Moscow 

Date posted : 06.12.18

Salary : Not specified

Description : SAP Innovative Business Solutions is looking for a business development manager (senior or expert level) with focus on digital supply chain solutions leveraging the latest technologies like machine learning, data science, and Internet of Things.

The candidate must have a strong consulting and sales/pre-sales background with proven experience around the SAP product portfolio. The candidate should have a very charismatic personality with superb presentation skills and fluent business Russian and English.

2. Publishing manager

Company : AD.ru

Location : Moscow

Date posted : 11.12.18

Description : International investment fund AD.ru is looking for a Publishing Manager with native Arabic or French language for its key in-house project ADNOW. The main aim of the role would be to establish contacts with relevant decision-makers, webmasters, and agencies to place ADNOW widgets on websites.

Knowledge of Russian isn’t among the requirements, but proficiency in English and outstanding communication skills are necessary. In return, the employer offers career prospects in a fast growing company with a young international team.

3.  Product Owner/Agile Business Analyst

Company : Renault

Date posted : 20.11.18

Description : Renault car manufacturer seeks a support product owner in building of Epics, User Stories, and its Acceptance Criterias with his digital expertise. The candidate should have at least two years of experience in Agile Products (especially Digital Products), be a team player with good communication skills, and have a good level of English.

Among the perks offered by the company are medical insurance, sports activities, car and parts discounts, special conditions on bank loans, and lunch subsidies.

4. Features Editor

Company : the_covert

Location: St. Petersburg

Salary : “Competitive”

Description : If you are an editor with advanced or native English skills this is the position for you. An international media company covering finance and fintech news is looking for an experienced candidate to join their editorial team taking care of liasing with authors, editing and writing articles, and participating in daily brainstorms. Among other things, the employer offers opportunities for career growth and travel and is open to discussing remote work options. 

5.  Translator/Style-editor  

Company : Interfax news agency

Date posted : 10.12.18

Salary : from 90,000 rubles ($1,354) per month

Description : Leading Moscow-based news agency seeks financial and business news translators and style editors as part of an ongoing recruitment campaign. Candidates must be fluent in English and proficient in Russian. All positions are in-house with fixed hours schedule. In return, you’ll be offered full visa support and holiday entitlement.

The majority of offers for foreigners are language teaching jobs.

6.  Online School Coordinator with Spanish

Company : ASD Technologies

Salary : from 70,000 rubles ($1,052) per month

Description : A software developer in the field of virtualization and storage in cloud environments is looking for a Spanish-speaking administrator for its affiliated project Novakidschool.com, an online-school for children six-12-years-old.

The candidate is expected to take charge of launching on the Spanish market and manage existing business activities (client support and promotions). The company offers official employment with flexible working hours (remote work is possible). Knowledge of Russian is not necessary. 

7. Preschool English teacher

Company : Discovery English Preschool

Salary : 130,000-150,000 rubles ($1,956-2,275) per month 

Description : Discovery English Preschool is looking for a talented English-native preschool teacher. This full-time role will entail not only planning and conducting lessons but also leading activities to promote kids’ physical, mental, and social development, evaluating their behavior, and giving feedback to supervisors and parents.

Candidates should have some experience in working with children (from three to six years old), preferably hold a Bachelor degree in psychology or education and/or TESOL, CELTA certificates. In return, the company is ready to assist in finding and arranging accommodation. 

8.  English Teacher  

Company : PILKI

Location : St. Petersburg

Salary : around 60,000-80,000 rubles ($903-1,204) per month 

Description :  PILKI beauty company needs a native English teacher for a four-year old child and/or adult. The list of requirements isn’t long: the candidate should have advanced communication and interpersonal skills, be a friendly, and hold a passport issued in the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. The role is part-time with six-18 hours per week. 

9.  Native English Teacher (kindergarten, primary school)

Company : Moscow Economic School

Salary : from 170,000 rubles ($2,562)

Description : The Moscow Economic School seeks an experienced native English teacher to work with students of different levels for the next academic year. Among the requirements - native English, university-level education, some teaching experience, and a good sense of humor. If successful, the company is ready to help with relocation from another country and provide full academic support.

10.  English Teacher

Company : ALIBRA SCHOOL

Date posted : 08.12.2018

Description : ALIBRA SCHOOL offers a full-time position to an experienced native English speaking teacher prepared to give individual and group lessons as well as prepare students for international exams. The company offers work in a friendly and creative team with corporate events and opportunities to learn Russian.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Smashing the stereotypes: In what ways are Russians similar to other nationalities?
• What keeps expats in Russia?
• 7 tips on how to start teaching your language in Russia
• Which professionals are in high demand in Russia?
• 10 tips to help you nail a job interview with a Russian employer

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

beyond travel

Go somewhere.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Social Destinations, a travel-oriented social network where you can connect with fellow travelers and share your adventures. Explore exciting destinations, capture your travel moments through photos and videos, stay connected with friends and fellow explorers, and receive real-time weather updates. Join this future of travel networking to ensure you don't miss any moment of your journeys. It's a vibrant community of wanderlust seekers sharing stories, memories, and valuable insights.

north america