top travel jobs

10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

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

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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 .

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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.

• Making Money Travelling the World:Types of Travel Work

The 35 Best Travel Jobs in 2024

Did you find your dream travel job, 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.) 😉

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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. 😉

• Usually 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

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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!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

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25 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 25 jobs for people who like to travel.

But first, let’s take a quick look at four types of travel jobs.

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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?

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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.

25 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 25 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.

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. This organization helps to connect budget travelers with organic farms in need of workers around the world. In return for working 20 to 30 hours per week, you’ll be given free food and accommodation—although, you won’t be paid, so this isn’t a real travel job. However, it’s a great way to cut travel expenses while you’re on the road.

24. 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 .

25. 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 25 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. 

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The 38 Best Travel Jobs to Work and Travel the World

Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad or expat, you can earn a decent income with one of the best travel jobs that’ll allow you to work and travel!

You’re spending your day gazing longingly out of your office window, wishing you could work and travel. The only breeze you’ve got is coming from the fan collecting dust on your desk. But you’re imagining yourself somewhere like Turkey’s pebbled coastline. Perhaps the ancient city of Olympos, where the Mediterranean washes up Roman ruins on either side of the river valley that’s, with a breeze, swept back into the sea.

You snap out of it and find yourself back in your cubicle in some high rise in corporate America. But you start wondering about all the T-shirt-clad pedestrians strolling the streets outside your window. It’s not lunch hour, but some are jogging, some are reading on benches and others are loading their luggage into the back of taxis. Don’t they have jobs?

Envy consumes you.

You imagine kicking back the computer chair that kills your back anyway. After all, others seem to have figured out how to ditch the cubicle life. But how could you ever afford to travel as a lifestyle?

Before you digress and carry on to tackling your flooded email inbox, consider this: You could make money while traversing the globe with different travel jobs.

Depending on the type of traveler you are (and there are several!), there are indeed job opportunities that’ll either allow you to travel or actually pay you to travel. Though some are better suited than others for your traveling modus operandi.

The Different Types of Travelers

Despite the all-encompassing term, “world traveler,” there are different types of travelers. If we were all the same, I’d have spent a lot more pesos at bougie resorts in Mexico.

But we’re not all the same traveler. The most “all-inclusive” that entices a backpacker is a comped hostel breakfast. And a digital nomad might splurge a little more for that free WiFi, too. The expat? They’re whipping up their own Eggs Florentine.

Backpackers Are Budget Travelers

You can usually spot a backpacker walking down the street to the nearest hostel, waiting at the bus stop or relaxing in a city square dressed in, let’s say, well-loved clothes. Your trusty travel backpack is either slung over your shoulders or you’re using it as an impromptu bench.

If you’re a backpacker, you probably boast the “go anywhere, try anything” mindset and are tied neither to your computer nor to stable internet. You can (and often do) travel off the grid for days, weeks or even months on end, and you don’t mind taking odd travel jobs just to scrape together the cash to keep traveling.

Digital Nomads Can Work From Anywhere

If you’re a digital nomad, you are the folk who can travel just about anywhere—so long as you have a decent WiFi connection. It doesn’t matter what you do online: create video, write code or create logos, the main thing is that you have the freedom to travel the world. You are consistently on the hunt for new experiences and adventures, but you count your laptop as an essential piece of travel gear .

If you have an internet connection, then you’re online earning an income one way or another. Your jobs will be on the internet, meaning you have the pleasure of being entirely location independent , calling any coffee bar and WiFi-enabled beach or city park their office.

Expats Live Abroad

Short for expatriate , you’re an expat if you live long-term in a country different than that of your citizenship—sometimes months, other times years. You may not bounce from country to country as often as backpackers or digital nomads but, as long as you’re living outside your native land, you are still traveling.

Due to your moderately stationary lifestyle, the work available to you is equally long-term in most cases. The travel jobs most appealing to you are going to be long-term positions, much like you might find back home. The only difference is that you’re living in a completely different country!

The best part is that there are plenty of ways to work abroad without experience !

The Best Travel Jobs for Backpackers to Work and Travel

Contrary to popular belief, you can both work and travel. And there are tons of different ways to do it! If you’re a backpacker looking for job opportunities, try one of these travel jobs for backpackers or check out these work abroad programs around the world.

Hostels, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, restaurants—they’re always looking for bartenders. That’s where you come in. If you have a little bit of experience, or even if you are just willing to learn, there’s a good chance you can find a bar somewhere that’s looking for a hand.

These jobs generally pay fairly nicely and you often get tips to boot. In some cases, a bed at the hostel where you’re bartending can also be part of the deal. Just ask around at local bars and hostels for a gig.

Bartending is also a great gig for you expats. For more information, check out this article on becoming a traveling bartender and how to find a bartending job anywhere in the world.

Typical Pay: $10-$50 per hour, depending on tips

Scuba Instructor or Dive Master

Scuba diving is a much-loved and growing activity all over the world. And it’s easier than you think to be a part of it if you want to call the ocean your office.

Most dive centers in the world offer courses to bring your diving certification up to Divemaster, which is considered an “instructor in training.” Once you’re there, you can potentially land a diving gig at any number of beautiful tropical beaches or islands. Be warned, however. This is not a cheap endeavor, but skilled diving instructors are in demand and can earn thousands a month.

Again, scuba diving is also a fun job for you expats.

Typical Pay: $1,000-$4,000 per month

Yacht Worker

Want to sail the high seas and get paid at the same time? Then consider working on a yacht for a season or two. These travel jobs are generally entry-level and require a simple short course before departure.

That said, they can pay very well, and because yacht traffic tends to follow the seasons around the globe, you’re likely to find a ship looking for help any time of year. If you have a meticulous eye for detail and a fair amount of patience, check out job postings on sites like Crew Network .

Typical Pay: $2,000-$4,000 per month

Cruise Ship Worker

Similar to working on a private yacht to see the world, consider jumping on board as a cruise ship worker. These vessels generally have jobs for just about anyone, from housekeeping and reception to engineering and more.

Therefore, you’re more than likely to find a spot to suit your talents. While these jobs generally consume a lot of hours aboard the ship, your lodging, food and travel costs to new countries are all covered for your efforts.

Try visiting individual cruise lines’ websites in order to look for job availability, look at staffing agencies that focus on the cruise line industry or check out job board sites like All Cruise Jobs .

Typical Pay: $2,000-$5,500 per month

Party Promoter

Hostels and party-focused tour companies around the world are always looking for fun-loving individuals to help promote their events and festivals. And landing a job as a party promoter is a fantastic way to dive into a new city.

These jobs often focus on social media campaigns or other ways of hyping up the event. You’re usually required to go along to the party or event to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves!

Typical Pay: Food and lodging only up to around $1,000/month

Flight Attendant

Now nobody is saying that it’s easy, but the long hours and tough training that a flight attendant endures pays off with travel to a swatch of different locations. Plus, you’ll get killer discounts on hotels and airline tickets.

The travel is usually company specific, along with a universal CPR certification, but once it’s all over, you’ve got one of the hallmark travel jobs all lined up. Honestly, a job as a flight attendant is one of the best jobs there is! If I had to pick my dream job, a flight attendant would be it. Not to mention, health insurance is included!

Typical Pay: $3,000-$4,000 per month

Busker or Street Performer

If you can’t imagine traveling without your instrument, as long as it’s not a tuba, then you should try your hand at street performing. Granted the income may just be a trickle from time to time, but it can pay for the occasional bus or train ticket to keep you on the move.

Be patient as you break into this job, develop your schtick, and learn the tricks of the trade to really start earning a profit.

Typical Pay: $10-$200 per hour

Yoga Teacher

Yoga has been growing in popularity around the world for years, and the need for teachers has increased right along with it. Everywhere from hostels to campgrounds to yachts have started adding yoga classes to their schedules.

Simply pick a location you’d like to visit and travel around, then start tracking down locations that offer yoga retreats which might benefit from having a yoga instructor on hand. It’ll help if you’re certified, of course.

Like bartending and scuba diving, many other expats like you have become yoga teachers, too.

Typical Pay: Volunteer-$100 per hour

Festival Worker

Summer music festivals hire for just about every job imaginable to keep the show running. They need everything from side performers to food stall attendants to cleaning staff members.

A festival worker is one of those excellent short-term travel jobs that allows you to work hard for a few days, collect some cash, and get back on the road! As an added benefit, the difference between summer seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres allows you to move from festival to festival across world for almost the entire year.

Just scope out openings on sites like Hot Box Events .

Typical Pay: $10-$20 per hour

Ski Resort Staffer

Snowboard and ski lodges on every mountain in the world are looking for seasonal staff to get them through the busy months. You could work in hospitality, as a housekeeper, as part of the kitchen staff, as a snow groomer, as a ski or snowboard instructor or behind the desk at the rental counter.

And the icing on the cake? You can ski to your heart’s content in your off time. This is the perfect way to spend a season doing what you love and earning some cash for your spring travels at the same time.

Typical Pay: $10-$30 per hour

Hostel Staffer

Hostels are generally looking for an extra hand with their day to day operations, especially during their high season. It’s not difficult to work out a deal for joining their team for a short time.

These travel jobs typically focus on cleaning or food prep, but your lodging at the hostel is included, as well as one or two meals a day in most cases. The work can be tough, but hostels are naturally close to some of the best sights a country has to offer, making them the perfect bases for you to go out and explore.

Find hostel jobs on sites like Hostel Jobs .

Typical Pay: Volunteer – $15 per hour for more skilled worked

While WWOOFing jobs won’t add to your bank account, they do provide free food and lodging, which can be absolute gold when you’re on the road for an extended period of time.

As a volunteer, you’ll connect with different families and organizations that are looking for help. WWOOF focuses solely on organic farming, which means you’ll get to work on your green thumb and get some solid traveling under your belt at the same time.

Look for these gigs on WWOOF .

Typical Pay: Volunteer

Housesitter

Another little-known possibility that’s been growing in popularity amongst travel jobs is the coveted house-sitting gig. All you have to do is look after a person’s house and (oftentimes) pets while they’re away. In exchange, you get to live at the house for that entire time on your own, which means that you have the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding area in your free time.

These jobs can be a little tricky to land when you first start looking, but once you have a few on your resume, it’ll become a much easier to earn new homeowners’ trust.

While these jobs seldom pay, having your own house in a new country for a short time is often payment enough. Just look for jobs on sites like Trusted Housesitters .

Construction Worker

There are construction projects around every corner—home renovations or expansions, hotel and hostel construction or renovations, office expansions, etc. Often, these projects are in desperate need of people with some construction, plumbing or electrical experience, and they are often willing to set up a short-term job for you while you’re in the area.

One of the best methods of breaking into this type of job as you travel the world is to simply volunteer for a few projects via sites like Workaway or HelpX to build up your experience and knowledge base. Once you have a decent resume, you can start finding paid travel jobs.

Many other expats like you also work in construction, too.

Typical Pay: Varies widely depending on skill, entry-level is volunteer

Backpacking Guide

For you diehard hikers, this one is right up your alley. Companies in every national park and beautiful wilderness in the world need guides to lead day-trips and multi-day trips during the peak seasons every year.

The basic qualifications are generally a Wilderness First Responder certification and a little bit of experience. If you don’t have experience, however, it’s generally no problem. Look for NGOs, camps and startups that need  volunteers to assist guides or educators, and break into the industry from there.

The working seasons for this industry are generally very intense with back-to-back-to-back trips, but in the offseason, you can travel at will.

Typical Pay: $15-$25 per hour

The Best Travel Jobs for Digital Nomads to Work and Travel

If you want to travel and work from your laptop, one of these options is going to be your best bet. For more info, click here to find out more on how to become a digital nomad .

Online English Teacher

If you have a stable internet connection, you can almost certainly find a job teaching English online. These most often take the form of teaching through some web-based video conferencing and generally require a college degree or TEFL certification.

Sometimes the lessons will be one on one; other times you’ll be working with an entire class. Naturally, patience and organization go hand-in-hand with this opportunity, but if you’re up to it and have the time to commit to regular lessons, then you can earn a regular paycheck.

Typical Pay: $10-$25 hourly

Travel from country to country and adventure to adventure, blogging about your passion—and earn an income! But like all worthwhile endeavors, it’s hardly a simple affair. Starting a successful blog and formidable following can often take years.

But if you have something you are absolutely passionate about (it doesn’t even have to be traveling) then you can make a blog about it. Think: car blogs, hiking blogs, home crafts blogs, cooking blogs, career advice blogs—the list is endless!

Typical Pay: $100-$10,000 per month

Freelance Photographer

One of the perks of the wandering lifestyle is that we see sights and wonders that the vast majority of the population will never visit. But they still love to see pictures.

That’s where the freelance traveling photography niche comes in. If you’re an absolute killer behind a camera, look at creating an online presence to start selling your photographs for magazines and websites.

Or you could focus on social media and develop a strong following, which could also lead to an income in the future.

Typical Pay: $500+ per month

Freelance Travel Writer or Editor

Now, this is one of those dream jobs that most folks out there dream of snagging. The freelance writer has the freedom to work on any number of projects, from book writing and blog content, to proofreading websites. And all they need is a laptop.

There are several online platforms out there to connect writers with potential clients, such as Upwork, and these jobs can pay either hourly or by the project. If you have a knack for writing, this could be your ticket to travel.

Typical Pay: $30-$400 per article

Website or Graphic Designer

Just as potential clients are always looking for writers, they are also always on the lookout for people to develop websites or brochures for their businesses.

Some online courses may be all you need to get started on the road to web development; after that, all you need to do is hunt down some work! Websites such as Upwork also work very well for connecting with potential clients online, and as long as you have internet, you have a job.

Typical Pay: $1,000+ per month

Computer Programmer

If you have some skill in cooking up lines of code, that could be all you need to get traveling. New app developers, inventors and website developers all occasionally need some code written or tweaked to smooth out their product.

If your skill needs a little dusting off or you’re still learning, there are dozens of online courses out there on sites like Udemy or CodeAcademy .

Typical Pay: $3,000-$10,000 per month

Stock Day Trader

If you have a banker’s mind and the stock market holds few secrets for you, then day trading may be all you need to earn some income for your travels.

A little past experience and a starting amount to invest are both prerequisites for this option, but if you have the patience and time (sometimes years) to develop your portfolio, it can certainly pay off. Just remember that this option sometimes involves losing a bit of money as you learn the ropes or pay for some beginner’s classes.

Typical Pay: $1,000-$3,000 per month, though sometimes more depending on skill

Online Translator

With two or more languages under your belt, you have a very easy avenue to earn a little extra income for your travels. Looking into translating. Websites, business materials and instruction manuals need to be translated on a regular basis, and companies tend to offer fairly decent payments.

Freelancing websites such as Upwork offer these types of job opportunities.

Typical Pay: $20-$50 per hour

Dropshipper

Dropshipping is a shortcut method to break into the world of online retail without having to worry about maintaining a storefront or warehouses full of stock. Essentially, you find a product in a foreign country for which to act as a third-party salesman.

You can market the product through different online retail websites, such as Amazon, and simply arrange to ship the product to the customer directly after they’ve made a purchase. This means that you, as the retailer, never actually handle the product. With a fair amount of research and work, you can make some serious money by running a competitive and attractive dropshipping business.

Online Poker Player

It may sound like a huge risk, but for those of you with an acumen for numbers and cards, becoming a professional poker player could be a reality. It’s certainly not uncommon for backpackers to make enough from the online poker world to finance their travels, and maybe even turn a profit in the long run.

However, you have to be extremely patient and have a plan for how much money you are willing to risk along with how much money you need to win in order to maintain your traveling lifestyle.

Typical Pay: How good are you?

Virtual Assistant

Many folks in a business setting—from the bigwigs at the top to the busy entrepreneurs—are learning to reap the benefits of a virtual assistant. The job is essentially managing your employer’s schedule, from meetings to business travel, along with some correspondence, making calls when necessary, setting up meetings, managing social media… you get the idea.

As a virtual assistant, you’ll have the freedom to work remotely from just about anywhere in the world, making this one of the most ideal jobs on this list! Though it certainly helps if you’re in at least a similar time zone as your client for easier communication.

Typical Pay: $500-$2,000 per month

Social Media Manager

Businesses around the world spread the word about their product or services through social media. The market for social media managers is, therefore, absolutely on fire.

You will essentially coordinate the company’s presence on a whole range of social media platforms, from Facebook and Twitter to Instagram. And, as you can bet, you’ll likely be a busy bee. These jobs are generally full-time, but the pay for experienced candidates can be very attractive and you can work from absolutely anywhere.

Typical Pay: $500-$4,000 per month

Survey Taker

This is an incredibly easy way to put a few dollars in your pocket while on the road. All you have to do is sign into one of many websites on the internet where companies offer you a small cash incentive to take their surveys.

Now, these surveys generally only pay a couple of cents per question, so you won’t get rich off this method, but if you buckle down for an hour here and an hour there you can definitely see some profit! Please remember that there are plenty of scam websites out there promising free money, so take the time to research what website you use.

Find legit surveys on sites like Swag Bucks or Survey Downline .

Typical Pay: $100-$1,000 per month

The Best Travel Jobs for Expats to Work and Travel

Looking for a long-term move and want to find a job that’s going to let you work and travel in a slightly more stable environment? Consider one of these!

English Teacher

English is an intensely valuable asset in most corners of the world. It is the international language of science and therefore needed for any people who are hoping to pursue technical or science-based careers in the international field.

More practically speaking, English is the primary language for a huge chunk of the tourist industry and is, therefore, a highly sought-after skill in many countries. You can generally find a short or long-term gig teaching English abroad in an informal setting (such as to a family) or in a more professional “English as a Second Language” program.

Be aware that most professional teaching opportunities require at least a college degree or a TEFL certification, but English teacher salaries can be really good and accommodation is sometimes provided.

• Teach English in China
• Teach English in Japan
• Teach English in Korea

You can find a lot of jobs on Teach Away or My TEFL .

Typical Pay: $1,000-$5,000 per month

Wherever there are people, they’ll be food. And the hospitality industry is, therefore, always looking for chefs to feed the people.

These jobs, of course, generally require a bit of prior experience and a little know-how. Make no mistakes, the hours can be grueling! But you’ll be rewarded with the chance to explore a new country in your spare time while adding to your repertoire of gastronomic delights. This makes for one of the most perfect travel jobs, where you can be almost unstoppable as you travel from gig to gig the world over.

Typical Pay: $10-$60 per hour

Freelance Massage Therapist

If you have a massage therapist certification sitting on the back burner, now is the time to use it. Travelers all over the world, from skiers to hikers to divers and everything in-between, are always looking for a good massage to end their day.

Jumping from one gig to another in the most sought-after destinations in the world isn’t a bad way to work and travel.

Typical Pay: $30-$60 per hour

Travel Nurse

Once you’ve achieved your degree as a registered nurse (RN), the whole world can open up to you as a travel nurse. Staffing agencies around the world hire adventurous nurses to take on short-term assignments in different parts of the globe.

You could potentially work anywhere, from clinics in developing countries to as part of a medical team aboard a cruise ship. What’s more, these travel nurse jobs occasionally have paid housing included as part of the deal, especially if you’re a cruise ship worker.

Typical Pay: $30-$45 per hour

Traveling Street Vendor

While this job requires a bit more time and supplies than most gigs on the list, it is an excellent way to spend the season making a little extra money and enjoying the area.

You can sell just about anything, although jewelry tends to be the most popular. Art, henna tattoos, leather goods, soaps and clothes are all good options, too. Be sure to check if you need a local permit before setting up shop though.

Typical Pay: $0-$300 per day

Airbnb Host

Have a property that is just collecting dust during your travels? Try making it collect some money instead.

If your property is in, or even vaguely near, a popular tourist spot, then all the better. You can easily make a fair amount of cash by listing your home on one of these Airbnb alternatives .

And we think it’s a much better option than spending all your money on just one long trip. We need to make these experiences last a lifetime, right?

Typical Pay: $400-$8,000 per month depending on your property and customer flow

Certainly an acquired taste as far as travel jobs go. But if you absolutely love kids and have an outgoing and responsible nature, then consider becoming an au pair abroad.

These jobs almost always include lodging and food. And the pay can vary from just a little pocket change all the way up to a very comfortable sum. Living with a family may also help you pick up a new language.

Just look for gigs on Aupair .

Typical Pay: Volunteer – $1,500 per month

Foreign Service Travel Jobs

Running the United States’ embassies abroad takes a lot of work and personnel! You can almost think of every single US embassy as its own little business in a foreign country. As such, it needs its IT folks, engineers, medical staff, HR managers and so on.

If a life of travel and public service tickles your fancy, then perhaps apply to be a Foreign Service Officer. Entry into these positions is very competitive. The entry tests (yes that was plural!) are no pushover. But with hard work and dedication to the job’s mission, you can do it.

Once you land the job, you could potentially experience assignments in almost any country where there’s a US embassy.

Typical Pay: $70,000-$100,000 per year

Peace Corps Volunteer

This job is a serious commitment. You’ll spend years helping others during very long hours and few days off. But you will undoubtedly gain lifelong experiences and help communities in need around the world.

Remember that you often have little choice in the countries or regions to which you are posted. And remember that this job is no vacation. You’re there to help underprivileged communities.

You must, therefore, be prepared for a lower standard of living than in the US. If you’re ready for the two-year commitment, however, dive in. See some of the world while helping make it a better place at the same time!

Learn more on the Peace Corps site.

Typical Pay: $0-$300 per month

The best travel jobs will make your dream of work and travel a reality. Contrary to popular belief, you can earn an income while seeing the world.

Don’t watch everyone else take control of their lives from your office window. Instead, relish in the control you have over your own — from that pebbled beach on the Mediterranean coast.

Travel Jobs FAQs

What is the highest paid traveling job.

Working as a remote software engineer is one of the highest-paying jobs that allows you freedom to travel.

Which job is best for Traveling?

Some of the best travel jobs include bartending, teaching English online, freelancing, or working on a cruise ship or yacht.

How can I make money while traveling?

Ways to make money while traveling include picking up short-term jobs, teaching English online, starting a blog, or becoming a freelancer.

Do travel influencers get paid?

It depends, some very successful influencers get paid well through corporate sponsorships or affiliate programs.

Can you work and travel?

Absolutely. There are many different career options that allow you to work and travel at the same time.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Very Informative post Jeremy,

Teaching yoga while travelling is the best job to earn good money while being traveling the world.

Wow. Your post is so inspiring! You can’t even imagine it!! Uh, really, it’s so nice to know about the variety of opportunities!

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