best jobs for tourism

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 .

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The best careers for travelling the world

Nov 18, 2014 • 8 min read

Dreaming of a job that pays you to travel? Who doesn't? Competition is stiff and salaries aren't always something to write home about, but here's our pick of the best jobs to turn that daydream into reality.

Flight attendant

Yes, flight attendants travel the world but short haul staff rarely leave their destination airport. If you're hoping for long layovers in exotic locations apply to a major airline serving long haul destinations. Several days on a Thai beach or exploring Hong Kong is a bonus but cabin crew also get generous travel benefits so you, and often family members, can fly at greatly reduced rates on your days off. Customer service experience, fluent English and the ability to swim 25m are essential. Jobs are generally advertised directly by the airlines who also provide about six weeks of training. Try aviationjobsearch.com or cabincrew.com for more information.

Tour leader

More a lifestyle choice than a fortune maker, work as a tour leader offers unparalleled opportunities to see the world. Whether you're dreaming of a seniors' coach trip through Tuscany or an epic overland voyage across Asia , you'll need oodles of enthusiasm and patience, strong leadership skills and plenty of travel experience. Mechanical skills, first aid, a foreign language, a geography or history of art degree, and possibly a PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) driving licence are also useful. Above all though, you'll need a positive, can-do attitude; your boss and support team will be thousands of miles away and you'll be on call 24/7. Most companies such as Explore ( explore.co.uk/about-us/jobs ) advertise vacancies on their own websites and it's a distinct advantage to have taken a trip with the company you intend to apply to.

Teaching English

Sometimes billed as the last hope for the directionless, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) lets you work practically anywhere in the world. The pay is good, jobs often come with flights and accommodation provided, you'll meet plenty of locals and have time to soak up the culture. Contracts can be for as little as a few months or up to a year or more. For the best jobs you'll need a degree plus a TEFL qualification. CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) qualifications are often preferred and typically take about four weeks to complete. For more information see tefl.com .

Interpreter

Know your genitive from your subjunctive? Your imperative from your vocative? If you've got true fluency in at least two languages then work as an interpreter can take you all over the world. Interpreters are needed at political and business meetings, international conventions and conferences, in court rooms and hospitals, refugee camps and multinational companies. Although you'll generally be based in one location you can easily see the world on a series of short contracts. You'll need a language degree, a qualification in interpreting and specialist knowledge of science, politics, law or economics. More information from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting ( iti.org.uk ), the American Translators Association ( atanet.org ) or the Australian Institute of Translation and Interpretation ( aiti.edu.au ).

Cruise ship crew

Like to spend your winter cruising around Hawaii and your summer exploring the Norwegian fjords? Luxury cruisers have jobs for everyone from cooks and cleaners to nursery staff, musicians, fitness instructors and beauty therapists. If you've got a recognised qualification and experience in customer services or hospitality you're well placed to start earning as you cruise. Many companies advertise vacancies on their own sites or try cruiseshipjob.com or allcruisejobs.com .

Roadie or techie

Although it's not all screaming groupies and wild orgies, working as a sound or lighting technician on tour is still pretty darn cool. If you can land a job with a big name artist you'll get to visit major cities across several continents, but there's a lot of time on the road and not so much time to explore. Courses for lighting and sound technicians take one to three years but you'll need plenty of experience and a lot of luck or good contacts to clinch a plum job. Find more information on courses at londonamp.com or performing-arts.org.uk in the UK, NYU Steinhardt ( steinhardt.nyu.edu/ music/technology ) in New York, or at the Australian Institute of Music ( aim.edu.au/ courses/audio-engineering ).

Photographer

It's not the easiest way to earn a living and income is never guaranteed, but photojournalists, landscape and travel photographers see some of the most beautiful and harrowing parts of the world while at work. Options for travel are endless and many photographers direct their own projects as well as working on commission. A photography degree will take three years to complete but formal qualifications are less important than a good eye and demonstrable talent. For some great hints and tips check out journalismdegree.com/photojournalism-career .

A classic way to travel, learn a language and experience a new culture, working as an au pair won't earn you big bucks but will provide you with a roof over your head, food and plenty of time to explore. Au pairs are needed all over the world and work is often part time. Some experience in childcare is beneficial but a personality match and positive attitude will be far more of a deal maker when searching for a family. Sites such as greataupair.com and aupairworld.com  advertise jobs in numerous countries making it easy to string contracts together to work your way around the globe.

Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants work from home on a freelance basis doing admin work for small businesses, but who's to say where home is? With a reliable phone and internet connection you could work from almost anywhere. To set yourself up as a virtual assistant you'll need at least five years experience working in a senior administration role in an office environment. Companies such as timeetc.co.uk in the UK, US-based Zirtual ( zirtual.com ) and the Australian Virtual Assistant Association ( avaa.asn.au ) may be a good place to get some initial experience. But if you're planning to travel you'll need to research the market at your target destination or set up your business at home first, build a client base and when you're sure of a steady work flow, hit the road.

Beauty therapists

The quest for beauty is universal and women, particularly in expat communities, like to be treated by someone who speaks their own language, shares their sense of style and understands their requests. Although you'll have to travel on spec in most cases, there are job opportunities from Delhi to Dubai , as well as on luxury liners and in holiday villages worldwide. You'll need a recognised qualification and salon experience before you travel. Take a look at hairandbeautyjobs.com for an idea of what's available.

Ski or scuba instructor

Fancy half a year in Whistler and the other half in Wanaka ? Winters on the Gili Islands and summers in the Red Sea? Ski and scuba buffs can live the dream by qualifying as an instructor. You'll need a Level 2 qualification (15 days of coursework and 70 hours practical experience) from the British Association of Snowsport Instructors ( basi.org.uk ) to teach snowsports internationally, or a PADI ( padi.com ) Divemaster qualification followed by an Instructor Development Course and a minimum of 100 dives to teach scuba diving.

Winters in the Caribbean , summers in the Med, what's not to like about crewing on a yacht? Everyone from cooks and nannies to engineers and captains are needed by those lucky enough to sail their way around the world. Although you'll get to see new ports every few days, casual crew on recreational vessels often don't get paid so it's worth having some recognised qualifications if you want to earn as you travel. Courses run by the Royal Yachting Association ( rya.org.uk ) range from basic skills up to Yachtmaster but time on the water and experience in a variety of conditions are essential. You'll find jobs advertised on crewseekers.net or findacrew.net .

If you're interested in organic farming and willing to volunteer your time for approximately 4-6 hours a day, you'll get food, board and an insight into local life on a WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) exchange. There are WWOOF hosts right across the globe from banana plantations in Costa Rica to rice farms in China , even in Swedish Lapland close to Arvidsjauran artists' eco village (learn more on wwoof.se/host-list ). You can work for a few days or a few months and can search opportunities on wwoof.net .

Humanitarian work

Traditionally, higher professionals find it difficult to transfer their skills abroad but international aid agencies are always looking for suitably qualified staff to run operations in developing or disaster-hit countries. Placements are often in rural areas and conditions can be basic. Médecins Sans Frontières ( msf.org.uk ) places logicians, nutritionists, pharmacists, biomedical scientists, financial controllers and HR professionals as well as a broad range of medical staff.

Cocktail mixers

Know a Kremlin colonel from a Moscow mule? Practically every student has done some bar work and it's a good way to travel despite low pay and unsocial hours, but if you want to get your foot in the door at the very best establishments worldwide it's well worth having some professional training. City & Guilds ( cityandguilds.com ) offers a 60-hour professional bartending course in the UK, the New York Bartending School ( newyorkbartendingschool.com ) has similar 40-hour courses, while BarMax ( barmax.com.au ) runs training around Sydney. Along with some experience, a course can mean the difference between pulling pints in a phony Irish bar and serving cocktails at five-star hotels.

Last updated in February 2017.

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25 Great Jobs for People Who Love to Travel

Table of Contents

Best jobs for travel lovers.

Working eight hours every day behind a computer screen isn’t for everyone. Some people love to travel and want to use that passion to make a living.

If you’re constantly planning your next vacation, consider finding a career that fits your lifestyle. Instead of spending all your PTO and hard-earned money traveling once or twice a year, you could get paid while seeing the world. Here are 25 potential career paths to consider.

Disclaimer: The following items provide ideas and inspiration for potential career paths . These are not open job listings, and Business News Daily is not hiring or recruiting for these positions. We advise conducting your own research before pursuing any of these occupations.

1. Athletic recruiter

Colleges and professional sports organizations employ athletic recruiters to travel to schools and sporting events across the country to scout new talent. Of course, you’ll need to know the game inside and out, and the specific skills an athlete would require for certain team positions. If you’re an avid sports fan, though, this part of the job could be easy for you.

Do you work well with children and know a second language ? If so, becoming an au pair might be a good option for you. Au pairs live with a host family in a foreign country and provide child care services, such as babysitting and schoolwork assistance.

You’ll receive a small salary on top of your room and board, but you also get to immerse yourself in another culture as an extended member of the family. 

3. Construction manager

Construction managers not only make good money, but they also get to travel. Sometimes, they relocate to different areas and stay for several months to oversee a project.

Even if you don’t have the qualifications to be a project manager, construction companies are worth checking out – many hire support staff to relocate too.

4. Consultant

Companies hire consultants from a variety of fields to fix problems. Because their knowledge is so specialized, a consultant’s client base is often spread over the country – or even around the world.

Additionally, maintaining a positive relationship with clients requires regular on-site visits, making it a perfect job for people who love travel.

5. Cruise line worker

Working on a cruise ship is a travel lover’s dream gig. You make a living seeing the world while receiving free food and accommodations.

Whether you’re a restaurant server, a shop clerk or a performer in the cruise’s entertainment lineup, there are opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to work on one of these floating resorts. 

6. Engineer

For many industries, jobs are going remote and engineering is following suit. Consequently, you can work from virtually anywhere with a computer science or engineering degree.

Travel the world developing software or flexing your technical graphic design skills . There are currently over 12,000 remote engineering jobs available through LinkedIn alone.

7. ESL teacher

English as a second language (ESL) teachers are in high demand both at home and abroad. When you take a job as an ESL teacher in a foreign country, you’ll get to help students understand your native language while immersing yourself in that country’s culture.

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree, ESL training and a special license to get hired. ESLteacherEDU.org offers a step-by-step guide to becoming an ESL teacher.

8. Event coordinator

Event coordinators might work on local events such as parties and weddings, but orchestrating large-scale events like festivals and trade shows could be the golden ticket for travel lovers.

In this position you would meet with potential vendors from across the country, then travel to the event location to oversee everything from setup to breakdown. A search for “trade show coordinator” on LinkedIn returns more than 20,000 jobs in various cities.

9. Flight attendant

It may be the most obvious travel-related job, but it’s also one of the most accessible. You don’t need a specialized degree to become a flight attendant, and most major airlines only require prior customer service experience and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The hours are frequently erratic and the work isn’t always easy, but you’ll get a glimpse of hundreds of cities across the globe during this career. A bonus perk? Free or discounted flights for you and your family.

10. Foreign Service worker

If you want to combine your love of travel with your love of your country, a career as a Foreign Service officer or specialist could be the right gig for you. The best-known Foreign Service job is a U.S. diplomat, but there are plenty of other career tracks that allow you to meet and interact with foreign governments.

The U.S. Department of State has details about these jobs listed on its website . With more than 250 embassies around the world, there are plenty of travel opportunities.

11. International aid worker

If you want to travel for a living while making a real difference in people’s lives, consider working for an international aid organization like USAID .

While working for USAID, you can visit struggling countries and help residents recover from dire situations, such as natural disasters and famine. You’ll need a background in a related field – such as health, agriculture or education – and a strong interest in social work.

12. International tour guide

Imagine spending your days guiding fellow travel lovers through a bustling European metropolis, or perhaps a small village is more your style. Wherever you want to go, popular travel destinations always need friendly, knowledgeable guides to lead tourists through city sights and cultural excursions.

13. Massage therapist

If you want to visit popular tourist destinations, you should consider gaining skills in massage therapy. You can work for hotel chains, spas, cruise lines or become self-employed.

Licensed massage therapists are always welcomed to soothe and de-stress travelers and locals alike. Although you may start at rookie rates, you can consistently raise them as your clientele and skills grow. Plus, massage therapists generally have a flexible schedule to work full or part time.

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) can help you find training programs, business tools and even discounts on supplies.

14. Peace Corps volunteer

As the title “volunteer” might indicate, you won’t exactly be making six figures working with the Peace Corps. But if you don’t mind living on a budget, you can become part of a worthwhile organization that lets you travel the world and make a difference in others’ lives at the same time.

Assignments typically last two years and involve advancing education, healthcare, and economic and agricultural development in a community abroad. The Peace Corps also provides housing and health benefits, not to mention an excellent resume talking point .

15. Photographer

If you’re skilled with a camera, consider becoming a travel photographer. While news organizations such as the Associated Press need staff photographers, you can also make a living by freelancing .

Travel photographers are needed at a variety of locations, including tourist attractions, local events and high-end resorts.

16. Retail buyer

For the fashionista with wanderlust, a career in retail purchasing might be the ultimate dream job. In addition to monitoring in-store inventory, retail buyers attend vendor meetings, trade shows and conferences across the country – or even the globe, depending on where the company sources its products. The employee in this position identifies industry and consumer trends, and decides what products the company should sell.

Of course, it’s not just clothing stores that hire purchasing agents; most large retail companies employ buyers to help them select and negotiate merchandise deals across various categories.

17. Scuba diving instructor

There is a whole other world beneath the ocean’s surface, and you can live it by traveling and teaching the essentials of diving.

Scuba instructors have the opportunity to see parts of the globe that are often hidden. A great way to get started is with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) , which offers training courses and diving guides.

18. Ski instructor

If you love snow sports and traveling, consider combining your passions to become a ski instructor. There are openings at ski resorts worldwide, including in the United States, France, Switzerland and Canada.

You can look for other seasonal work when the ski season ends; many places stay open throughout the warmer weather for outdoor activities and still need staff. 

19. Stagehand/roadie

Theater productions and musicians go on tour all the time – and they take busloads of roadies and stagehands with them. While theaters and venues may have their own stagehands, some still travel with each act.

You can begin your search for stagehand jobs on the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) website by finding your local union.

20. Translator

Are you fluent in multiple languages? If so, you could become a translator and travel the world, helping people communicate. Translators must speak at least two languages.

According to Day Translations, other useful expertise includes computer and business skills. While becoming a translator requires education, the job can offer the chance to visit many countries.

The countries with the most language service providers (LSPs) include the United States, Great Britain, France, China, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for translators is expected to increase by 24% between 2020 and 2030.

21. Travel agent

Some people may think that the professional travel agent is a dead career in the age of Google searches and travel price comparison websites. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a slow growth rate in this occupation over the next decade, it’s still a rewarding job for anyone who loves to travel.

Travel agents often visit popular destinations to get firsthand experience of the resorts and restaurants they recommend to offer honest, helpful advice to clientele. Whether your clients are business or leisure travelers, they’ll thank you for your insider insight into local sights and activities.

Plus, travel agents can increase their income by starting a YouTube channel, writing a blog, and building relationships with travel products and related brands.

The five highest-paying travel agent jobs are tour consultant, travel sales consultant, vacation sales advisor, corporate travel agent, and reservation clerk, according to ZipRecruiter .

22. Traveling nurse

Traveling nurses move around the country from hospital to hospital, bouncing from one temporary position to the next. You’ll be sent to areas where nurses are needed most, and your housing, travel expenses and benefits are often covered .

As with any nursing position, you’ll need credentials from a nursing program to become a registered nurse.

23. Travel writer

It might not be the easiest way to make a living, but if you’ve got a knack for writing you can share your knowledge about popular travel destinations. Though full-time travel writing positions exist, most of the work you would get is freelance, as publications typically want individuals who can submit firsthand accounts of the location they’re writing about. You can search for and bid on freelance travel writing assignments on sites like Freelancer.com and Upwork .

You can also supplement your income by starting a YouTube channel or social media account like Instagram. Providing your travel-hungry fans with visuals can help you connect with your audience, and even build an email list to promote travel services or other products.

24. Truck driver

Long-haul trucking is an ideal job for those who prefer the open road to an office cubicle. Because of the extended time you’ll spend driving solo, it’s also a great career option for introverts.

You’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license to start working in this field, but once you have it, you’ll be able to see the country as you deliver shipments from one destination to the next.

25. Virtual assistant

As many companies move their business online and employ remote workers, virtual assistants are in high demand.

Becoming a virtual assistant is enticing because the job can offer a flexible schedule in various niche markets. Workers might even have multiple clients, which will increase spontaneity – and income – in their lives.

Did you know? Hiring a virtual assistant can decrease a company’s costs by 78%, because the position only requires the company to provide an hourly rate, not office space, equipment, or benefits. Plus, if you have work experience, you may not need a college degree to snag a VA career.

Virtual assistants can do an assortment of activities, including proofreading articles, providing content or social media strategy, and offering customer support. Some virtual assistants keep their clients organized by making appointments or travel arrangements, and even doing personal shopping.

Julie Thompson contributed to the writing and research in this article .

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THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

The 6 Best Jobs in the Travel Industry: Travel Advisors & More

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/jobs-in-the-travel-industry

Looking for jobs in the travel industry? From entry-level positions at major airports around the world to travel advisors who plan awesome trips and vacations, we’re covering six of the coolest travel jobs. 

Since Fora is a modern travel agency, you probably already know which job is our favorite. Want to know what it’s all about? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor .

Who works in the travel industry? 

People who love travel, of course. Perhaps more than any other field, the travel industry pulls people of all types and backgrounds. By nature, jobs in the travel industry are filled with people from all corners of the globe.

(Sidenote: outside of the travel industry, what’s the best job for traveling? There are plenty of jobs where you travel that have little to do with the industry itself. Our guide breaks down some of the coolest choices.)

Virtually all jobs within travel are taking off

Now’s a great time to consider a career in travel and tourism . More people than ever are traveling around the world. Naturally, that means there are many opportunities to facilitate said travel.

Where are travel jobs booming?

Jobs within travel are outpacing just about every other profession across the United States. Travel destinations like New Orleans, Oahu and Las Vegas — just to name a few — have seen a dramatic increase in tourism since the pandemic ended (a.k.a. “ revenge travel ”). Likewise, travel jobs are springing up everywhere to take advantage of the excess opportunity. This is also coinciding with a renaissance of sorts for contemporary travel advisors ( ahem ).

What’s fueling this job growth?

It’s not exactly clear why travel is more prominent now than it was prior to the pandemic, but it’s not isolated to the United States. Many destinations across the world, including Portugal and Italy in Europe and Japan in Asia, have seen record numbers of travelers — and these trends are reciprocated on every continent.

Which sectors in the travel industry are experiencing the fastest job growth?

It varies by area, but broadly, hospitality (think hotels and other accommodations), tourism and travel advising are the three sectors that are seeing the most growth. 

(BTW: we’re probably biased, but of the three, only travel agent careers offer the best all-around perks, from unlimited flexibility to uncapped earnings potential.

6 great jobs in the travel industry

Read on for a quick breakdown of great jobs in the travel industry, with a special focus on becoming a travel advisor .

(P.S. Looking for the best remote jobs for moms ? There may be some overlap between our two guides.)

1. Airport staff & flight attendants

Of all the travel industry jobs, airport staff are among the most critical since they facilitate most long-distance trips. Entry-level positions rarely require more than a high-school diploma, with pilots, advanced mechanics and some administrative staffers being the only major exceptions. 

If you’re eager to explore yourself, flight attendants are often able to stay overnight in new cities before returning to their home airports. 

The downside is that airport staff’s schedules are largely determined by the airlines, so if you’re looking for flexibility in the travel industry, you may want to consider a different path.

2. Hospitality professionals

From hotel staff to property managers, hospitality professionals provide travelers with lodgings and amenities during trips. Front-facing roles like concierge and customer service staff rarely do much traveling themselves, but as in any corporate business, higher-tier roles are often required to visit new places for conferences, expos and so on. 

Most entry-level jobs in the travel industry’s hospitality sector offer comparable pay and requirements to any other entry-level job. However, the most reputable hospitality providers — such as the coolest hotels in Vegas or the best places to stay in Utah — tend to offer lucrative salaries in exchange for providing discerning travelers with white-glove service and elite comforts.

3. Cruise workers

Cruise-line jobs mirror roles in both the airline and hospitality fields since cruises are a mode of transportation, and most offer onboard accommodations. 

For the right person, it can be an awesome experience to be ocean- or river-bound for up to months at a time. However, it’s worth noting that some of the lower positions are among the most grueling jobs in the travel industry, as workers tend to stay in tiny shared cabins and navigate strenuous schedules. Moreover, compensation depends heavily on the home country of the cruise line. 

Esteemed positions — cruise directors, engineers, captains — often pay very well, but they also require considerable experience and education.

4. Travel writers & bloggers

Generally, travel writers get to blend their wordsmithing skills with their passion for exploration. It can be an extremely exciting job in the travel industry that regularly allows you to research and wax poetic about new destinations, modes of travel and more. 

Of course, not all travel writers are able to travel themselves, and compensation can be all over the place. The best positions tend to be quite lucrative, while others may be better suited as part-time roles.

On another note, travel writing (or blogging) is one of the few jobs you can do remotely while traveling with virtually no drawbacks.

5. Tour guides & operators

Helping travelers better understand a destination you’re passionate about can be an extremely exciting and rewarding job in the travel industry. Is there a better way to share your pride in a location than to teach travelers about what makes it special? 

Tour guides can highlight all sorts of things, too: beer tours in Brussels , haunted tours in New Orleans, luxury tours in Egypt …there’s really no limit to the topic or locale.

Oftentimes, minimal or no experience is required to become a tour guide. But the trade-off is that most tour operators are seasonal and / or tend to be part time.

6. Travel advisors (a.k.a. travel agents)

Okay, we’re completely biased, but we fully believe that travel planning is the best job in the travel industry. 

What other choice here grants you unlimited flexibility — you can work full time or enjoy planning as a travel side hustle — no cap to your pay and allows you to share your passion? All of the options above touch on one or two of those points, but not all three.

What does a travel agent do exactly? 

First and foremost, travel advisors book accommodations and travel experiences like tours, rental cars and more for their clients (check out the types of bookings you can make as a Fora Advisor ). Beyond accommodations, travel advisors act like any other type of advisor in their respective fields: they help their clients get the most out of their vacations or business trips with expert suggestions and custom itinerary building. It’s an enthralling position that allows people with an insatiable wanderlust to share their passion as a career or side gig. 

Already interested? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.

(P.S. Curious about the different types of travel agent jobs ? See our guide.)

How does the career path of a travel advisor differ from the others?

We can’t speak for all travel advisors, but at Fora, our advisors enjoy career paths that fit their lifestyles. Some Fora Advisors plan travel full time, others only book the occasional trip for their friends, peers or family and others operate somewhere in between. 

We’re big on flexibility and bigger on putting our advisors in control of how they conduct the scale of their business. Our guide to Fora travel advisor salaries offers a little more context, but depending on their commitment (which, again, they decide), Fora Advisors make anywhere from side-gig-worthy pay to six figures per year and beyond (read how much do travel agents make ).

While most jobs in the travel industry adhere to strict schedules and rules, remote travel agents at Fora work at their discretion. Even better, prior travel agent education or experience isn’t a requirement (we provide all the travel agent training you need).

Jobs in the travel industry: FAQs

Have more questions about jobs within travel? Here are some answers to the top FAQs.

How much can you expect to earn at a job within the travel industry? Which job within travel pays the best? 

There’s no easy answer to this question. It’s safe to say that those holding executive positions across sectors in the travel industry tend to be among the top earners. However, the incomes of top earners in travel consultant jobs are surprisingly comparable, and some Fora Advisors earn north of six figures annually — just from travel agent commissions and planning fees.

As for which job in the travel industry pays the very best, there’s no one answer: pay varies widely, and is often dependent on things like seasonality, trends, the economy and the like.

What career will allow me to travel the most?

Interested in traveling the world while you work? Ironically, many jobs within travel are in-office positions. However, contemporary travel advisors — including Fora Advisors — have the freedom to work from anywhere in the world so long as they have an internet connection.

Which job within travel has the least education and experience requirements? How about skills requirements?

Most entry-level positions in the travel industry have limited education and experience requirements. More involved positions, such as hotel managers or tour operators, may require respective degrees.

If you’re looking for a position with limited (or no) education requirements, becoming a Fora Advisor may be the right choice for you (we don’t require prior travel agent education).

Are there special perks to being a travel advisor with Fora?

You bet: unlimited flexibility, comprehensive (and ongoing) training opportunities, marketing resources and an in-house booking platform that conveniently boosts your efficiency are just a few of the coolest perks we offer Fora Advisors. Of all the jobs within travel, few offer such a robust toolset. 

(Want to know how to market yourself as a travel agent ? We can help.)

Want to learn more about the best job in the travel industry? Ask Fora

Want to learn more about our favorite job in the travel industry? We’re here to help. Apply to become a Fora Advisor today and we’ll put you on the path toward selling awesome trips and vacations.

If you need a little more convincing, check out these travel advisor resources , too:

Take it from Our Advisors: 8 Reasons to Become a Fora Advisor  

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent  

Book a Cruise With a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent  

How to Become an Independent Travel Agent in 2023  

How to Become a Luxury Travel Agent: the 2023 Guide  

Debunking 3 Myths about Becoming a Travel Advisor  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

99 Exciting jobs in travel and tourism- the ultimate travel job list!

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

If you are looking for jobs in travel and tourism then you have come to the right place! This article is the the ultimate guide that will teach you all about the different jobs in travel and tourism AND it provides you with relevant resources and links to places where you can find jobs that are being advertised right now!

If you know anything about the travel and tourism industry you will know that it is HUGE! You can read this article if you want to learn more about the structure of the travel and tourism industry and the different areas in which you can work. Because the travel and tourism industry is soooo big, it means that the opportunities are, well… endless! In this article I teach you about a wide range of jobs in travel and tourism- some of these jobs involve physically travelling, some involve living and working overseas and some involve working in travel but not actually travelling.

Note- If you are looking for jobs that allow you to travel specifically (but are not necessarily in the travel and tourism industry), you may find my article on jobs that allow you to travel the world more helpful. You may also be interested in my article explaining where to find jobs in travel and tourism , which has some helpful links for job searching.

What are the different jobs in travel and tourism?

Entertainer (singer, dancer, sports etc), sports instructor (skiing, diving, surfing etc), water sports operator, event planner, event security, theme park operative, resort representative/ holiday rep, events risk manager/ assistant, events sales manager, venue finder, tour operator, travel agent, ticketing agent, business and development manager/ assistant, bureau de change cashier, travel consultant, destination specialist (research and development), souvenir sales person, travel insurance sales person, travel writer, travel blogger, travel vlogger, travel influencer, social media manager, travel journalist, visitor information officer/ manager, travel photographer, holiday brochure producer, train driver, train assistant, driver (taxi, lorry, car), customer/ passenger service agent, ground handling agent, baggage handler, airport security officer, border force agent, flight planner, air traffic controller, flight dispatcher, airfield operator, transport engineer, car hire salesperson, cruise ship doctor/nurse/ paramedic/ healthcare assistant, children’s entertainer/ cabaret/ entertainer, production managers/assistants/ stage crew, food and beverage assistant/ manager/ chef, housekeeping/ cleaner, technical engineer, environmental officer, deck officer, security officer, human resources, computer system specialist, public health officer, marketing- photographer, videographer etc, casino staff/ spa staff/ salon staff, steward/stewardess, retail manager/assistant, housekeeper, nightclub staff/ bar tenders/ cleaners/ dj, casino workers/ cashiers/ operatives, front desk operative, receptionist, food and beverage workers, airbnb host, guest relations manager, tourism consultant, project manager, conservation specialist, tourism economist, tourism researcher, legal consultant, policy analyst, smart tourism developer, corporate social responsibility officer, teacher/ trainer, tourism development officer, human resources assistant/ manager, recruitment manager, marketing assistant/ manager, administrative assistant/ virtual assistant, finance/ account manager, contracting manager, jobs in travel and tourism.

There are so many jobs in travel and tourism- it is the biggest industry in the world after all! When most people think of jobs in travel and tourism they think of working as Cabin Crew, a Holiday Representative or on a cruise ship. And yes, these are popular jobs in travel and tourism, but there are actually many more opportunities as well!

This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of many of the jobs in travel and tourism. As much as I would love to claim that I have included all jobs here, this just isn’t possible because the travel and tourism industry is so big- but please do let me know of any that I might have missed in the comments at the end!

In order to make this article easier to navigate, I have organised the jobs in travel and tourism into 8 main categories, these are:

• Jobs in events activities
• Jobs in ticketing and sales
• Jobs in marketing and promotion
• Transport-based jobs
• Cruise industry jobs
• Hospitality jobs
• Jobs in tourism development
• Back office jobs

Please note that the list of jobs is not exhaustive and that some jobs may fall into more than one of the above categories.

Jobs in travel and tourism- Events and activities

There are many different jobs in travel and tourism that involve events and activities. Here are some of the most common-

There are a range of jobs in travel and tourism in the entertainment sector. Whether you are good at singing, making balloon animals, ballet or trampolining, there are many jobs in travel and tourism that will suit you!

Requirements- Specific skills according to entertainment method (e.g. singing or dancing)

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum

Useful resource- Entertainers Worldwide

If sports is your thing then you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a job in travel and tourism! Sports tourism is a big deal and there are lots of opportunities to teach your chosen sport to others, from running surf lessons in Portugal to offering ski instructing in Japan to yoga teacher training courses in Costa Rica, there are lots of opportunities available.

Requirements- Skilled at your chosen sport, specific training qualifications may be necessary

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum

Useful resource- Indeed

Water sports is very popular at many seaside destinations and there are a range of opportunities for jobs ranging from renting out jet skis, to running speed boat tours to selling tickets for banana boat rides.

Requirements- Customer service and first aid training, ability to swim

Salary range- £12,000-£15,000 per annum

Useful resource- Water Sports Staff

A tour guide is a very popular job in travel and tourism. A tour guide is responsible for running tours of a particular area or attraction. This could range from day tours around Rome to month long tours across multiple countries in Africa. Some tour guides are employed by a travel organisation and other work independently. Recently, many travel bloggers have started to run tours too.

Requirements- Knowledge of the local area, customer service skills

Salary range- £15,000-£40,000 per annum

An event planner is someone who plans events! They will coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events, such as weddings, sporting events, concerts, conferences etc. They often choose meeting locations, arrange transportation, and coordinate many other details.

Requirements- Experience in event planning

Salary range- £22,000-£40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Caterer

There is usually some degree of security that is required at events, especially big events such as football matches or concerts. Typically at such events there will be a whole team of security staff, this might include: general security guards, bodyguards, gatekeepers, crowd control, mobile patrol, and armed guards.

Requirements- Security training

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum depending on position

Useful resource- e4s

Theme parks are big places, meaning that they have lot of jobs in travel and tourism! The most obvious job is operating rides, however there are also lots of other opportunities within a theme park working as an entertainer, food and beverage assistant, ticket sales, cleaning and more.

Requirements- Customer service experience

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum depending on position

Most tour operators will hire Resort Representatives, also known as Holiday Representatives, to represent the holiday company in destination. These representatives will usually have accommodation provided for them in resort and this work is often seasonal (i.e. you will work during winter for a ski resort and during summer for a summer sun resort).

Their main responsibilities are to provide customer service to holiday makers, deal with any problems that might occur, conduct welcome meetings and to sell excursions. There are also Airport Representatives who are responsible for airport transfers and Children’s Representatives who work with children and run children’s clubs and activities.

Requirements- Customer service skills

Salary range- £15,000-£22,000 per annum

Useful resource- TUI Reps Guide

A risk manager is an important job in travel and tourism. A Risk Manager will be responsible for managing the risk to an organisation, its employees, customers, reputation, assets and interests of stakeholders. Their job is to identify and assess threats to an organisation, put plans in place for if things go wrong and decide how to avoid, reduce or transfer risk.

Requirements- Knowledge of risk management

Salary range- £30,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- Prospects

An Events Sales Manager is responsible for sales related to events. This includes: account management, business development, market research, sales prospecting, public relations, customer relationship management, event planning and coordination, logistics oversight, revenue management, and communications. Event Sales Managers also prepare proposals for clients and maintain event records. 

Requirements- Management and events experience

Salary range- £30,000-£45,000 per annum

Finding appropriate venues is a very important part of organising an event! For some large companies they may hire a member of staff specifically for this purpose.

Requirements- Knowledge of events and venues

Salary range- £15,000-£35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Event Job Search

Jobs in travel and tourism- Tickets and sales

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve tickets and sales- in fact, some might argue that selling tickets to attractions, accommodation options, transport etc is at the heart of the travel and tourism industry! Here are some jobs in travel and tourism that fall under this category-

A Tour Operator is a person who comes up with ideas for holidays. Tour Operators will conduct research into this, design the holiday itinerary and content, prepare contracts, organise accommodation and transport and make arrangements for necessary guides, tour leaders or resort reps etc. They will then market the package and sell to travel agents .

Requirements- Knowledge of the travel industry

Salary range- £25,000- £40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Trade Jobs

Being a travel Agent is one of the most popular jobs in travel and tourism. A Travel Agent sells holidays to tourists . This could be from a desk in a high street travel agent, phone the phone in a call centre or from behind a computer for online travel agents.

In recent times we have seen many independent travel agents starting up their own businesses too- these usually work from home and are small businesses.

Requirements- Knowledge of GDS systems and inventories

Salary range- £25,000-£40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Weekly

There are many Ticket Agent jobs in travel and tourism found in different sectors including: rail, airlines, bus companies, cruise lines and tourist attractions . Ticketing agents are responsible for making and confirming travel arrangements for passengers. They are employed by railroads, airlines, bus companies, and cruise lines. Ticketing Agents will typically sell tickets in terminals, plan routes using computers and manuals, and calculate ticket costs.

Salary range- £12,000-£24,000 per annum

Every business needs a person or people behind the scenes who are responsible for business development and growth and whilst you might not see these people very often (because they often work behind the scenes), this is actually one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism! Business Development Managers develop a network of contacts to attract new clients, research new market opportunities and oversee growth projects. They also make sales projections and forecasting revenue, in line with projected income.

Requirements- Knowledge of businesses, preferably a degree or higher level qualifications

Salary range- £40,000+ per annum

Bureau de Change cashiers process cash transactions from customers in national and foreign currencies. They provide information on the conditions and exchange rates for buying and selling foreign currencies, make deposits of money, record all foreign exchange transactions and check for money validity.

Salary range- £12,000-£18,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Trade Recruitment

Consultants (in travel and tourism as well as other industries) are generally there to provide advice and guidance- they are seen an experts in their field. Therefore, Travel Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance on- you guessed it- travel. They will often meet with clients to discuss and learn about their travel requirements and then advise the clients about suitable travel options in accordance with their needs, wants and capabilities.

Requirements- Expert level knowledge in travel and tourism

Salary range- £40,000-£55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Counsellors

A destination specialist is exactly as it sounds- a specialist of a particular destination. This person will be responsible for providing advice and guidance relevant to a particular destination. They will assist the Business Development Manager and may also work closely with Tour Operators and Travel Agents, depending on their specific role.

Requirements- Expert knowledge of a specific destination

Salary range- £40,000- £55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Flight Centre Travel Academy

One of the jobs in travel and tourism that people often forget about is a souvenir sales person. Most of us will purchase some souvenirs on our travels and therefore there is a need for someone to sell these souvenirs.

Souvenir sales people range from independent people who may sell ice creams on the beach, to high street shops to duty-free chains. Some people sell souvenirs online too.

Requirements- sales skills, customer service skills

Salary range- £12,000- £18,000 per annum

Having adequate travel insurance is essential when we travel, and because most people will buy travel insurance, there needs to be lots of sales people to sell it to them! A Travel Insurance Sales Person will often work in an office or from home, making sales from their phone or computer. They will often be paid commission- meaning that the more travel insurance they sell, the more money they earn.

Requirements- Sales skills

Salary range- £15,000- £25,000 plus commission per annum

Jobs in travel and tourism- Marketing and promotion

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that fall within the marketing and promotion category, after all, it’s all good and well creating amazing products and services, but if nobody knows about then then they won’t sell! Here are some of the major jobs in travel and tourism that involve marketing and promotion-

Travel writing is an important job in travel and tourism. Whether you are writing a travel-based novel, an informative blog post, an article for a magasine or a guidebook, there is a big demand for travel writing.

Many travel writers work on a freelance basis, meaning that they are self-employed and they contract their work to various parties such as magasines or websites.

Requirements- Excellent writing skills, experience and qualifications in journalism

Salary range- £15,000- £50,000 per annum

Useful resource- Smart Blogger

Travel blogging has become increasingly popular (and competitive!) and recent years. A travel blogger may have their own blog or they may write for other blogs, or both. Travel blogging isn’t just about writing- it is about developing a brand, maintaining a website, managing social media and promotion, selling things (online courses, merchandise, affiliate products (e.g. cameras, tickets to tourist attraction, hotel bookings) etc). It can take years to grow a travel blog to a point where you can make a reasonable income.

Requirements- Ability to manage your own time, writing skills

Salary range- £0- £100,000 per annum

Useful resource- Wanderlust

A travel vlogger is someone who creates video diaries of their travels, they will often post content on YouTube, although they can also use alternative platforms if they choose to do so. This job requires technical filming equipment and video editing skills. As with blogging, it can take years for a vlogger to build a big enough audience to make money. Money is usually made from paid sponsorships and adverts as well as products sales (e.g. online courses, merchandise, affiliate products (e.g. cameras, tickets to tourist attraction, hotel bookings), Patreon membership etc)

Requirements- Video editing skills, ability to present yourself appropriately on camera

Useful resource- Career Pilot

A Travel Influencer is essentially any person who has ‘influence’. This is usually related to people who have large followings on their social media or websites. Being a Travel Influencer can take a lot of time (it can take years to build a social following) or a person could reach fame overnight when a post goes viral or when they attract the attention of mainstream media or other major Influencers. An Influencer will usually make money by collaborating with brands to promote their products and services- this could be hotels, clothing companies, tourist boards and tourist attractions to name just a few.

Requirements- Some knowledge of social media marketing, ability to develop a brand and willingness to be in the public eye

Useful resource- Unchartered Backpack

There are also ‘behind the scenes’ jobs in the social media scene too- major Influencers and organisations will often hire social media managers and administrative staff to help manage their workload. These roles will involve conducting research into trends, hashtags etc and analysing which posts work well, which times of day are best to post etc. They will be responsible for scheduling social media and responding to comments.

Requirements- Social media expertise, qualifications in marketing

Salary range- £15,000- £35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Digital Marketing Institute

A Travel Journalist is a journalist who focusses their writing on travel-related content. Journalists will usually work for a newspaper, magasine or other media outlets, such as a website or for a TV production company. Their main job is to research and report on a particular issue or subject, this could include interviewing people, looking through data archives and reviewing existing literature. May journalists work on a freelance basis and will write proposals for projects that they would like to work on before being accepted.

Requirements- Journalism qualification, writing and research skills

Salary range- £23,000-£45,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Guardian

All visitors to an area will require some kind of information, whether that is a tourist map, appropriate signage, guidebooks or recommendations. Therefore, it is important that there are staff who can help to provide this information! Tourist information centres are a popular place for tourists to visit and staff who work here will provide information and guidance, conduct research, help tourists to make bookings and act as an ambassador for the local area.

Requirements- Knowledge of the local area

Useful resource- National Careers

Many people do not think of photographers when they think of jobs in travel and tourism, but it is actually a very important and common role! Travel photography is big business- there are jobs for professional photographers to take photos for art purposes as well as for marketing- from Instagram posts through to holiday brochures.

Requirements- Photography skills

Salary range- £18,000- £39,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Wandering Lens

Whilst we get most of our information from the Internet these days, there is still a place for holiday brochure…. and somebody has to produce them! Well, actually there is a whole team of people who work to produce a holiday brochure including graphic designers, copywriters, photographers, researchers and the printing and distribution team.

Requirements- Knowledge of graphic design/ copywriting/ printing

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum depending on specific role

Useful resource- Pitched

Jobs in travel and tourism- Transport

Transport is a fundamental part of the tourism industry, and as such it is no surprise that there are many jobs in travel and tourism that are connected to transport. Here are some of the most common transport-based jobs in travel and tourism-

A Pilot is responsible for the safe operation of an aircraft. He/she will plan the route and communicate with Flight Traffic Control to safely navigate the aircraft from one destination to another. There are different ranks for pilots, most will begin as a First Officer and some will then work towards becoming a Captain.

Training to be a pilot is a barrier for many people as the costs to do so are very expensive (£100,000+). There are no student loans available for such training.

Requirements- Be a fully qualified pilot with current license to fly

Salary range- £40,000-£80,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aviation Job Search

Cabin Crew, also referred to as Flight Attendants, are responsible for the safety of passengers onboard an aircraft. Cabin Crew will undertake intense training on how to deal with accidents and emergencies and will be tested on their knowledge regularly. They are also responsible for providing customer service to passengers and will assist with boarding and disembarkation, serving food and drinks and selling duty-free items.

Requirements- Customer service skills and experience

Salary range- £15,000-£35,000

Useful resource- All Flying Jobs

A Train Driver is responsible for the safe passage of people on the train.

Requirements- Train driving license

Salary range- £40,000-£60,00

A Train Assistant is someone who undertakes general duties onboard a train, including providing customer service to passengers, selling food and drink and dealing with any onboard issues that may arise.

Salary range- £14,000-£18,000 per annum

While some people may not think about drivers when they think about jobs in travel and tourism, drivers are actually very important! From lorry drivers who transport the goods that are used for tourism to taxi and Uber driver, the travel and tourism industry would not function without them!

Requirements- Driving license

Salary range- £12,000-£35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Day Insure

Working as a Ticketing Agent is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism- because there are many tickets that need to be sold! Ticketing agents could be based at the airport, in a travel agency or in an office selling tickets online.

Salary range- £15,000- £25,000 per annum

A Customer Service Agent is another one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism. This is a customer-facing role that involves providing customer service. Customer Service Agents can work in different parts of the travel and tourism industry but this title is most commonly used in the airport as the title used for staff who work in the check in area.

Salary range- £15,000-£25,000 per annum

Useful resource- Menzies Aviation

A Ground Handling Agent is another job title that is used at airports. These are the people who work facilitate the smooth operation of airline services on the ground. Their main responsibilities are to accept, handle, load, unload, transfer, or otherwise processing cargo, passengers or baggage.

Requirements- Customer service experience, organisation skills

Salary range- £18,000- £30,000 per annum

Useful resource- British Airways

A Baggage Handler is responsible for loading and unloading baggage from the aircraft. They will drive vehicles that carry large amounts of baggage and check outgoing baggage against flight lists, transport it, and load it onto the aircraft using lifting equipment.

Requirements- Physical ability to lift heavy luggage

Salary range- £15,000- £22,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aviation Jobs

Airport Security Officers are responsible for making sure that everyone obeys the rules and regulations in relation to security at the airport. This includes checking passengers, baggage and cargo for any potential security threats.  

Requirements- Relevant security training

Useful resource- Heathrow Airport

A Border Force Agent checks that all passengers meet the criteria for entry into the country. They will check passports and travel documents of all passengers arriving into the country, this could be by sea, air or rail . They are also responsible for detecting and intercepting prohibited goods.

Requirements- Relevant Border Force training

Salary range- £22,000- £32,000 per annum

Useful resource- Gov.uk

A Flight Planner is responsible for the strategic planning of fleets, routes and staff for an airline or airport.

Requirements- Experience with airport or airline planning

Salary range- £30,000- £40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Careers in Aerospace

It can be argued that working as an Air Traffic Controller is one of the most stressful jobs in travel and tourism! Members of ATC are responsible for the safe navigation of aircraft in the skies. They are required to use radar, computers, or visual references to monitor and direct the movement of the aircraft in the skies and ground traffic at airports.

Requirements- A degree, Air Traffic Control training

Salary range- £40,000- £100,000 per annum

Useful resource- NATS

A Flight Dispatcher is responsible for making sure that the aircraft is ready for departure. They will undertake a number of checks to ensure that the aircraft is fit to fly and provide the Pilots and Cabin Crew with the relevant information (e.g. weather reports, flight plans, passenger list).

Requirements- Ability to work under pressure, good organisation skills

Salary range- £20,000- £35,000 per annum

A Loadmaster is required to plan how items and people should be loaded into the aircraft. This includes mathematically planning the correct placement of both cargo and passengers whilst also ensuring passenger comfort and safety and securing cargo.

Requirements- Relevant training, mathematical skills

Salary range- £25,000- £38,000 per annum

An Airfield Operator is responsible for ensuring the safe take off and landing of aircraft, maintaining navigational aids, performing inspections and communicating with air traffic control.

Requirements- Aviation experience and knowledge

Useful resource- AOPA

A Transport Engineer will undertake any relevant maintenance and repair work on the mode of transport. This include motor vehicles, trains, ships, boats and aircraft.

Requirements- Engineer training and qualifications

Salary range- £35,000- £50,000 per annum

Useful resource- Transport Engineer

Car hire is big business and there are a number of positions for jobs in travel and tourism in this sector. This includes Car Hire Salespersons, Car Hire Managers and the relevant administration positions that are connected with the car hire business.

Requirements- Sales training

Useful resource- Enterprise

Jobs in travel and tourism- Cruise industry jobs

Cruise tourism is BIG business and it is no wonder that there are so many jobs in travel and tourism that are based in the cruise sector. There are thousands of cruises that travel around the world each year, each with their own style and types of passengers. Some cruise ships are as big as small cities, with everything onboard from restaurants and bars and swimming pools to theme park rides, casinos and beauty salons. Because of this, there are a job of jobs in travel and tourism that fall within the cruise sector.

If you are looking for cruise ship jobs that are being advertised now, I recommend visiting the All Cruise Jobs website .

Here are some of the main jobs in the cruise sector-

If anybody needs medical attention onboard a cruise ship, there will be a team of medical professionals ready to help. This includes doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and paramedics.

Requirements- You will need to be trained in these roles before you apply for a job on a cruise ship.

Salary range- £12000+ per annum

Useful resource- Cruise ship medicine

The Pursers department is the centre of hotel operations onboard a cruise ship. This involves a variety of roles and management of hotel accounts, shore excursions, and shipboard personnel operations such as the Crew Office. This is usually a customer-facing role that involves providing high levels of customer service guests, assisting with account inquires, resolving customer service issues, and answering telephone calls.

Requirements- Managerial experience or training, experience of working on a cruise ship

Salary range- £35,000- £60,000 per annum

Useful resource- Cruise ship jobs

There are a range of jobs in travel and tourism that fall under the entertainment category. On a cruise ship there are positions in children’s entertainment, taking part in cabaret activities (e.g. singers, dancers, actors) and other general entertainment such as comedy shows or magicians.

Requirements- experience in the entertainment industry

Useful resource- Entertainers Worldwide Jobs

These are the people who are involved in the behing-the-scenes side of entertainment onboard a cruise ship. The Production Manager will coordinate productions and members of their team will have a range of specific tasks relating to the smooth running of the entertainment onboard the cruise ship.

Requirements- Experience in entertainment production

Useful resource- All Cruise Jobs

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve working with food and beverages in the cruise sector and other areas too. This ranges from bar staff, waiters and glass collectors to managers and chefs.

Requirements- customer service experience, chef experience/training

Useful resource- Cruise Ship Job

Housekeeping and cleaning is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism and is found in every sector, including cruise! There will usually be a team and some members of the team will hold leadership responsibilities.

Requirements- none

Technical engineers are responsible for the efficient and cost-effective operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment onboard the cruise ship. This covers a wide range of areas including power generation and propulsion; heating and air conditioning; and deck, hotel, and entertainment support systems.

Requirements- Technical training

Salary range- £25,000+ per annum

The Environmental Officer is responsible for ensuring that the procedures concerning the environmental aspects of the ship and pest control are implemented correctly. They are also involved with environmental audits and monitoring the proper management of chemicals on board.

Requirements- Environmental management training/ qualifications

Salary range- £30,000+ per annum

Useful resource- P&O Cruises Environmental Overview

The primary responsibilities of the Deck Officer is to ensure the safe navigation of the cruise ship. They will also be responsible for health and safety and security aspects of the ship’s operations, including guests, officers, crew and staff members.

The head of the department is the Captain, the highest ranking person aboard. This is then followed by 1st, 2nd, 3rd Officers; Safety Officer; Security Officer; Deck Cadet and Deck Ratings – Boatswain/Bosun, Carpenter, Able Seaman Unlimited, Ordinary Seaman Entry Level and Deckhand.

Requirements- Relevant training/ qualifications and experience

Safety and security is another important area of jobs in travel and tourism. Onboard a cruise ship there are a number of jobs that focus on the safety and security of passengers onboard, such as Security Officer, Security Guard and Surveillance Officer.

Requirements- Relevant training and experience

Salary range- £15,000 + per annum

Many people forget about the essential jobs that are required on a cruise ship! If a pipe leaks or a toilet gets blocked, a plumber is in need!

Requirements- Plumbing training and qualifications

The onboard Human Resources team works in conjunction with the shoreside Employee Relations team to implement and uphold all HR policies and initiatives. Responsibilities of HR staff include overseeing Crew Welfare, creating an effective work environment and supporting shipboard and shoreside management teams.

Requirements- HR training and qualifications

The IT Officer is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and support of onboard computer systems, mobile devices, physical and virtual servers, networks, point-of-sale terminals, network equipment, and peripherals.

Requirements- IT training and experience

Salary range- £20,000+ per annum

Useful resource- All Cruise jobs

The Computer System Specialist is responsible for all onboard computer systems. This includes installing and configuring new PC system hardware, upgrading existing hardware, and supporting mobile devices. The Computer System Specialist works closely with the IT Officer to ensure all onboard systems perform at optimum levels.

Requirements- Customer service skills, IT/computer skills

Useful resource- Princess Cruise Jobs

A Public Health Officer will monitor shipboard public health and infection control procedures. They ensure compliance and implementation of procedures associated with communicable diseases, illnesses and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic- this has become a very important job in travel and tourism over the past couple of years!

Requirements- Relevant public health qualifications and experience

Salary range- £35,000+ per annum

Every cruise ship will have a marketing department. Within this department there are a range of roles ranging from general marketing managers to photographers and videographers.

Requirements- Training and qualifications in marketing/ photography and videography skills and experience

There are a range of hospitality-based staff that can be found onboard a cruise ship too. This includes people who work in the casino (e.g. money change, game assistants etc), and staff who work in a spa or salon (e.g. masseuses, hairdressers, beauty technicians).

Requirements- Relevant skills and qualifications for the post (e.g. hairdressing qualification)

The Deckhand is responsible for maintenance/cleaning of the interior/exterior of the cruise ship. The deckhand will also assist with bridge watch/navigation, perform hourly security patrols including nightly engine room inspections, and will assist with general boat operations.

Requirements- Mechanical skills

Cabin stewards/ stewardesses are responsible for keeping passengers’ cabins clean and tidy. Duties include vacuuming, changing sheets, washing windows, cleaning bathrooms etc.

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve retail. Onboard a cruise ship there will be a range of shops that will need staff- from retail assistants to retail managers.

Requirements- retail experience, good customer service skills

Jobs in travel and tourism- Hospitality

Whilst the hospitality industry is an industry in itself, many of the jobs that are classified as being hospitality can also be in the travel and tourism industry- tourists need to eat, sleep and be entertained after all! So here are some of the major jobs in travel and tourism that come under the hospitality umbrella-

Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning and reporting any safety hazards to the person in charge. They will undertake duties such as hoovering, polishing, emptying bins, changing bed sheets etc.

Requirements- None

Salary range- £12,000- £15,000 per annum

There are several jobs in travel and tourism that are related to the nightlife scene- this includes DJs, Bar Staff, Glass Collectors, Cleaners, General Manager etc. All of these members of staff will have their own individual responsibilities.

Salary range- £12,00+ per annum depending on experience

Casinos are popular places for tourists to visit, especially in destinations such as Las Vegas or Monaco. There are a number of jobs that workers can do within a casino, including people who help to run and operate the games/machines, security guards, customer service representatives, cashiers and cleaners.

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum depending on experience

A Front Desk Operative is a person who is the first point of contact for all customers of a business. Their responsibilities will general include greeting and welcoming guests, receiving and delivering all incoming and outgoing mail and packages, answering all calls and directing as needed, scheduling meetings, and coordinating office activities.

A Receptionist is usually the first person that you will meet when entering a business, for example a hotel. Their main responsibilities include greeting visitors, answering telephones, taking messages, scheduling appointments, filing and maintaining documents, providing information to various people, making travel arrangements, running errands and performing various administrative tasks.

Salary range- £15,000- £20,000 per annum

If you are working in food and beverage, you have one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism…. because we all need to eat! There are plenty of jobs related to food and drink, from Waiters and Bar Staff to Chefs and General Managers.

Requirements- Customer service skills, specialist skills e.g. culinary

Airbnb isn’t just a place for tourists to stay, it is a travel and tourism business for property owners! Many people have bought properties in recent years with the intention of renting them out to tourists for a profit. This can be a great way to make money and to run your own business. There are also jobs in cleaning Airbnb properties, managing Airbnb properties and marketing Airbnb properties. There are also a range of alternatives to Airbnb that work on the same or similar business models.

Requirements- Must have the initial capital to purchase a property

Salary range- Varies depending on how many Airbnb properties you have and where they are located

Useful resource- Airbnb

A Chef is in charge of organising and preparing food in the kitchen. This includes studying recipes, setting up menus and preparing dishes.

Requirements- Culinary skills

Salary range- £18,000+ per annum depending on quality of the restaurant

Useful resource- Chef jobs

A Guest Relations Manager is responsible for facilitating open lines of communication between staff and guests. They will oversee other team members including receptionists, concierges, housekeepers, and wait staff.

Requirements- Managerial experience and training

A Concierge is a person who works for a building or hotel undertaking receptionist duties and assisting guests with checking in and moving luggage etc. They will also provide information and deal with guest queries.

Jobs in travel and tourism- Tourism development

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that focus on tourism development. Tourism development is very important- we need to make sure that tourism is planned in a way that will make money for local businesses, whilst not having a negative impact on the environment, economy and society. Jobs in travel and tourism in this sector will usually play a key role in ensuring sustainable tourism .

A Tourism Consultant is a person who will provide expert guidance and advice. they are very knowledgeable in their field and can command high salaries as a result. Tourism Consultants may work for Governments or for specific organisations.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in the relevant field

Useful resource- Acorn Tourism

Many jobs in travel and tourism are related to various projects, and each project will require a manager! This could be managing the opening of a new restaurant, managing team training and development or managing the development of a new resort to give a few examples.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in specific field, management experience

Conservation is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism, this is because if we do not protect the things that we are going to see (the beach, the mountain, the animals etc) then there will be no tourism in that destination in the future! Conservation Specialists will have expert knowledge in the environmental impacts of tourism and will usually have a specific focus e.g. turtle conservation or sloth rehabilitation.

Requirements- Expert knowledge of conservation, degree or higher

Salary range- £35,000- £50,000 per annnum

Useful resource- Responsible Travel

Every industry needs economists, and travel and tourism is no different! The duties of a Tourism Economist is varied, but some common tasks include researching economic issues related to the tourism industry; conducting surveys and collecting data; analysing data using mathematical models, statistical techniques, and software; presenting research results in reports, tables, and charts; interpreting and forecasting market trends and advising businesses and governments.

Requirements- Expert in economics, degree or above

Salary range- £40,000- £80,000 per annum

Useful resource- Economist

Conducting research is another one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism that often goes unnoticed. In order to make sure that the tourism industry is built on a strong platform and that it will be sustainable, it is imperative that Researchers are employed. Tourism Researchers may focus on specific niches or they may conduct more general research. Some Researchers will work in the field and other may work in academia.

Requirements- Excellent research skills, higher level degree or PhD

Salary range- £35,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- TTRA

There is also the need for Legal Consultants and representatives in travel and tourism in just the same way that these are needed in any other industry. This will include consultancy roles as well as legal professions such as lawyers and solicitors.

Requirements- Legal training and qualifications

Salary range- £40,000- £60,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Lawyer

There is also the need to have staff who specialise in policy. Travel and tourism businesses have to abide by policies and laws of the destinations in which they are located as well as the destinations in which they operate (e.g. a hotel business may be based in the UK but have hotels all over Europe).

Requirements- Expert in policy. Degree or above.

Useful resource- The Johnson Group

As I explain in my article about the biggest jobs in travel and tourism in 2022 and beyond , smart tourism is an integral part of our tourism industry and it is set to grow. Smart tourism is when we use technology to enhance productivity and to enhance the tourist experience. If technology is your thing, then this job in travel and tourism is set to boom in the coming years!

Requirements- Skilled in IT and technology, degree

Salary range- £25,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- Tourism Teacher

A Corporate Social Responsibility Officer is responsible for planning and implementing business strategy. This may often has a specific focus on social responsibility- the concept that a business has a responsibility to do good. It could involve putting together and implementing practices such as environmental impact reports, liaising with and working with members of the local community and developing an overall responsible business.

Requirements- Knowledge of CSR, business degree or equivalent

Useful resource- Guardian

We all need to learn! Therefore Teachers and Trainers are some of the most important jobs in travel and tourism! This could include a classroom Teacher or Lecturer who teaches students about sustainable tourism management or somebody who provides practical workplace training, such as a Cabin Crew trainer.

Requirements- Teaching/ training qualification

A Tourism Development Officer if responsible for ensuring that tourism development takes place in an appropriate way. They will review relevant policy and regulation, ensure the correct documentation and procedures are followed and plan for the most appropriate way to develop tourism provision in a given area.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in tourism development, a degree

Useful resource- UNWTO

Jobs in travel and tourism- Back office jobs

Last but not least, we must not forget about the behind-the-scenes jobs in travel and tourism! Here are some of the most common-

Members of the Human Resources team are responsible for the daily administrative and HR duties of an organisation. They assist with recruitment and record maintenance for payroll processing as well as provide clerical support to all employees.

Requirements- Administrative Capabilities

Whilst recruitment may be undertaken by the HR team in smaller organisations, many large travel and tourism organisations will employ staff members to work specifically with recruitment, for example airlines. A Recruitment Manager will oversee all of the recruitment process, contracts and onboarding process for new staff.

Requirements- Managerial experience

Salary range- £35,000- £55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aero Professional

As I mentioned earlier in this article, marketing is big business in travel and tourism and there are many jobs in this field. Many people will start off as a Marketing Assistant, preparing and managing marketing material and conducting analysis on marketing campaigns, and they will progress on to become a Marketing Manager.

Requirements- Marketing experience/ degree

Salary range- £18,000+ per annum depending on position

There are many administrative jobs in travel and tourism. These have traditionally been office-based jobs, whereby staff will undertake various tasks such as taking notes, recording information, completing spreadsheets etc. However, recent years have seen a number of administrative positions that are undertaken remotely arise, often referred as as a Virtual Assistant.

Requirements- Ability to conduct administrative tasks

Useful resource- Upwork

All business have books that they need to manage and many businesses will hire staff especially to do that. Finance or Account Managers are responsible for monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring that all finances are adequately recorded. They will also undertake/facilitate annual tax returns and any other relevant documentation.

Requirements- Financial knowledge/ qualifications

It is inevitable that travel and tourism businesses will have to create and sign relevant contracts and it some cases it is necessary to employ a Contracts Manager to do this. They are responsible for administering and managing contracts and ensuring that contracts move quickly and smoothly from creation to negotiation to execution.

Requirements- Contracting knowledge

Now that you have seen all of the jobs in travel and tourism that are available to you, it’s time to brush up on your subject knowledge and employability skills! Here are some articles that you may find helpful-

• Where to find a job in travel and tourism
• 10 jobs in travel and tourism that will BOOM in the coming years
• Digital nomad jobs- A complete list
• How to earn £30,000 per month as an influencer

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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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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

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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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School of Business graduate program surges in top rankings

A U.S. News & World Report methodology change rewards schools for job placement, graduate earnings

The UC Riverside School of Business increased 20 positions in a U.S. News & World Report 2024 graduate school ranking released this week. UCR’s business school was the benefactor of a methodology change this year that places greater emphasis on post-graduation earnings and how quickly graduates found jobs.

The School of Business’ Master of Business Administration program ranked No. 90 on the business school list, released Tuesday, April 9. Though 506 accredited institutions were canvassed, only 124 U.S. graduate-level business programs provided sufficient information on post-graduation earnings and job placements to merit inclusion on the U.S. News list.

“The school’s ascent in the rankings is a testament to its strategic initiatives, such as the expansion of its facilities and the enhancement of its academic offerings, which align with the evolving demands of the global business landscape,” said Rami Zwick, associate dean of graduate programs for the School of Business.

The rankings released this week are based in part on reputational surveys sent to more than 15,000 academics and industry professionals, including corporate recruiters. In the surveys, deans, program directors, and senior faculty are asked to judge the academic quality of a program.

In addition to the surveys, scoring factors selectivity — gauged by graduate exam test scores; undergraduate GPA, and acceptance rate. About half of the score is based on a change this year that places greater emphasis on earnings — assessing post-graduate salaries by profession — and successful job placement. The revised job placement metric rewards business schools when their graduates get jobs quickly — either when they graduate or within three months of graduation.

Separately, the business school’s part-time MBA program was ranked No. 73, an increase of three positions from the past year. That ranking was among 269 universities.

In fall 2024, the School of Business will mark the 55th anniversary of its founding and the 30th anniversary of the A. Gary Anderson School of Management with the opening of a new 63,400-square-foot academic building .

UCR’s School of Education was ranked No. 86 out of 237 positions in the graduate school rankings, which considered only doctoral-level education programs. Last year, the school ranked No. 80.

The education rank is based on research expenditures; assessments by education-school and graduate-school deans and by professionals including recruiters and school superintendents; total degrees awarded; student-faculty ratio; faculty awards; and selectivity, measured by acceptance rates.

U.S. News this week postponed publication of its rankings for medical and graduate engineering programs after some universities questioned the rankings methodology for those programs.

U.S. News & World Report, the standard-bearer among college rankings, publishes its anticipated undergraduate rankings every fall. In the most recent rankings, released in fall 2023, UCR climbed 13 positions to No. 76 overall among U.S. private and public universities. UCR was ranked No. 2 nationally in social mobility, which considers the degree to which a university elevates its graduates to a higher standard of living. 

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