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February 16, 2019 By Michelle Maraj 36 Comments

30 Jobs That Require Traveling for Work

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions are those of the author.

Not all of these jobs center around traveling – the majority of these jobs require you to travel to visit different company branches or to your clients. Look at companies that built products or services that can be consumed internationally. You may need to travel to a manufacturing plant as an engineer, travel to a university as a recruiter, or travel to another branch to interview employees.

How do you find a job that requires traveling for work?

There are many myths surrounding jobs that require travel, and one of them is that you need to be self-employed in order to be able to travel and work. This isn’t true! While self-employed and creative jobs give you the flexibility to determine your own travel schedule, there are still many salaried jobs out there that require you to travel.

Most of these job descriptions will describe a certain percentage of travel in the job requirements, such as 30% travel or 70% travel . Consider a five day work week when trying to figure out how much the travel requirement is. A job with 80% travel means that you will typically travel Monday through Thursday. A job with 25% travel may mean you travel one week per month.

What types of jobs require traveling for work?

To find a job that travels, envision jobs where your employer may need to send you to another office or branch. You should also consider jobs that involve working with clients, who you may need to travel to see. To increase the likelihood of traveling internationally, you should look for a company that has an international presence.

Consulting jobs of all kinds will also require traveling for work. Nearly every field is going to have consultants, which will be people who provide advice on different business processes. Consider searching for your field + consultant in your job search, and see what comes up.

See 5 myths about jobs that travel.  

Human Resource & Training Jobs that Travel

University Recruiter // With a job in recruiting, you will have to visit different cities to try to find and convince the best candidates. As a University Recruiter, you will travel to different schools to coordinate recruiting events, interviews, and site visits.

Workshop Coordinator  // Companies always need continuous learning experiences. A workshop coordinator would help facilitate training opportunities in different corporate offices.

Academic Researcher  // Working in academia, you will attend conferences all across the world to further your research. You may also travel to work with researchers from other institutions.

Ski or Scuba Instructor  // Whether you want to be in the mountains or in the ocean, an instructor to teach lessons is profitable and can help you do what you love every day.

Tour Group Leader  // If you love history, sight-seeing, and know a lot about a particular city, you may consider becoming a tour group leader. Help others enjoy a new town.

Engineering Jobs That Require Travel

Automotive Test Engineer // An engineer needs to make sure that your vehicle is safe and can withstand all sorts of conditions. Automotive test engineers will travel to different climates and cities to test cars in various conditions.

Plant Controller // As a plant controller, you would be responsible for leading manufacturing sites and ensuring everything is working appropriately. This may involve traveling to different plant locations.

Communications Field Technician // There are telecommunication sites all across the world, and someone has to maintain them. a field technician may be required to travel to ensure communication towers are working effectively.

System Implementation Consultant // Companies of all sizes are purchasing technology to make their processes more efficient. System implementation consultants are hired to make sure the technology is working and set up effectively.

Product Marketing Engineer // A product marketing engineer will help make sure a company’s product is designed, tested, and deployed appropriately. This may involve working with offices and employees from multiple offices. Read our interview with Kaitlyn the Product Marketing Engineer .

Other Engineering Interviews:  Faizan the Management Trainee , Michael the Cybersecurity Consulting Manager , Dale the Cybsersecurity Consultant

Finance Jobs that Travel for Work

Public Accounting Staff  // If you are studying accounting in university, getting a job as a public accountant can take you to clients in a variety of places. Travel on a project basis to help companies with their finances.

Internal Auditor  // Similar to a public accountant, an internal auditor helps to make sure finances in a company look good before external auditors come in to check it. Many companies outsource internal auditors, so consider an internal auditing consulting position.

Anti-Money Laundering Consultant  // Banks and credit unions want to make sure people aren’t doing anything suspicious with their money. An anti-money laundering consultant will help make sure processes are in place to prevent money laundering from happening.

Retirement Planning Consultant  // People throughout your country will need help saving for retirement, and a planning consultant can help. Different companies may fly out their retirement planning consultants to work with new clients.

Management Consultant  // A business strategy or management consultant will work with executives at a company to improve processes and solve any problems that come up. Management consultants are known for having exotic traveling schedules.

Healthcare Jobs Requiring Travel

Travel Nurse  // As a traveling nurse , you may be assigned to different hospitals across the country for a few weeks at a time. This helps hospitals who are short staffed  bring on additional help.

Pharmacy Technician  // Some medical companies will hire traveling pharmacy technicians, bringing diverse skills to different locations.

Doctors Without Borders  // DWB will accept both medical practitioner and non-medical individuals for roles to support developing countries.  You can be a physician, surgeon, or you may be a water sanitation or logistics specialist.

Medical Sales Representative  // These medical individuals travel to make sure local physicians and hospitals are familiar with the latest drugs and technology, and help make sure patients have access to the best resources possible.

Au Pair/Nanny  // As an au pair, you will live with a family and help take care of their children. You can get a job as an au pair in a new country to you, and you may get the opportunity to travel with the family as well.

Service Jobs That’ll Take You Around the World

Flight Attendant  // Serve drinks and amenities on an airplane, and get flown to new locations every day for work. Working for many airlines will also give you benefits to fly on stand-by for free.

Cruise Ship Worker  // There are many job opportunities on a cruise chef – work in the kitchen, as an entertainer, or help promote tours. As you help cruise travelers experience the best, you may get to spend a few free hours in port as well.

Missionary  // Many programs exist to help promote religion in a foreign country. Look into volunteer programs that may be helping developing nations.

Peace Corps  // The Peace Corps sends volunteers across the world to help promote peace and serve people. Returning from your experience as a Peace Corps volunteer is also a great resume boost.

Teach for America // Teach for America places individuals in low-income schools to help inspire children. You may be placed in cities anywhere across the United States, and your service will be rewarding.

Creative Jobs with Travel Opportunities

Wedding Photographer  // As a wedding photographer, your clients do not need to be limited to your home base. You can be hired by people from all over the country, or all over the world, to photograph their wedding!

Travel Blogger // If you have your own travel website, you can be paid for blogging about different sites that you visit. Many travel bloggers will make money off of advertisements, but you may also be able to land sponsored posts, where companies will pay you to try their services or products.

Website Designer // Many website designers have the flexibility of working remotely, and will design websites for their clients on the go. If you have the programming and graphic design skills, being a web designer could be a profitable option.

Beauty Technician // Beauty brands, such as for make-up, hair, or nail, will hire beauty technicians to travel to trade shows to promote their products. With the right passion for beauty, being a beauty technician can be a fun and creative way to see your country.

Event Coordinator // Nearly any large company will have a marketing department with event coordinators, who may be required to put on all types of events ranging from training to recruitment. These events could take place anywhere across the country.

How do I convince my current employer to let me travel more?

If you are currently in a career that doesn’t travel, but you want to convince your employer to let you travel more, you may have a few options. Work from home and flexible mobility policies may not exist for everyone. In these cases, look for training opportunities outside of your city or state.

Also look for conferences in your field, which are likely to take place all over the country. These are great opportunities for networking and learning. Your employer will likely have a budget set aside for conferences, so see if you can dip into that budget!

What other jobs will pay you to travel for work? Let us know in the comments below! 

Ready to travel for work? Check out these posts:

How to build a business travel capsule wardrobe.

• The Ultimate Business Trip Packing List
• Is TSA Precheck worth it?

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What Do Travel Percentages Mean in a Job Description?

Written by Nathan Brunner .

Last updated on December 12, 2023.

“Travel percentages” refer to the amount of time that an employee is required to travel as part of their job responsibilities. Travel percentages include traveling to other cities, states, or countries to meet with clients and attend conferences.

For example, if a job description requires “50% travel,” the employee will be required spend roughly half of their time traveling and the other half working from their home office or the company’s headquarters.

Some jobs may require no travel at all, while others may involve extensive travel on a regular basis. Before accepting a job that involves travel, it’s important to carefully consider whether you’re willing and able to meet the job’s travel requirements.

Tip : Find Jobs on Salarship .

The Implications of Travel Percentages on Work-Life Balance

Different travel percentages can have significant implications for work-life balance.

For instance, if a job requires very little or no travel, an employee may be able to maintain a more consistent schedule and have more time for personal activities or family commitments.

On the other hand, frequent or extended travel can lead to fatigue, stress, and a lack of personal time, which can negatively affect an employee’s mental health and well-being .

Here is a quick table to help you understand how the different travel percentages will impact your life once you start your job:

• 10% travel — It means one or two months’ worth of business trips each year. In my experience, it is relatively easy to endure as it means a few travel days (or sometimes weeks) here and there.
• 25% travel — You will spend at least a quarter of your working hours away from your usual place of work. It amounts to 3 months per year, one week per month, or two days per week.
• 50% travel — It means constant overnight or international business trips for at least two weeks per month or six months a year. 50% of travel is usually mentioned in international business job descriptions.
• 75% travel — You will essentially live out of your suitcase and move from hotel to hotel for nine months per year, or three weeks each month. Most jobs that require you to travel three-fourths of the time are pretty stressful (e.g., high-paying jobs or jobs in the transportation industry ). You may rake in a hefty salary, but the tradeoff is little time for yourself, your family, and your non-work-related hobbies and goals. 

On the bright side, companies usually shoulder most (if not all) of your travel expenses, including food expenses, hotel expenses, and transportation expenses.

How To Get a Job That Requires You To Travel

If you’re deadset on getting a job that includes a travel percentage in the description, here are a few tips to keep in mind — whether you’re writing your cover letter or answering an interview question on whether you’re willing to travel or not.

• Highlight any previous travel experience you have. You want to reassure your potential employer that you’re not likely to, say, suffer from jet lag, or commit novice mistakes like forgetting to apply for a visa in countries that require them.
• Be honest about the amount of time you’re willing to spend traveling. The more honest you are about what you want at the job application or interview stage, the more likely you’ll end up with a job that’s a good fit for you. 

Tip : 1,184,816 Jobs Are Available on Salarship .

Final Thoughts

Evaluating the time you’ll be traveling in a job description can help you decide whether a position is right for you.

On the one hand, traveling often translates to more opportunities for promotion and career growth. On the other hand, traveling can be stressful and take a toll on your physical, mental, and psychological health.

Ultimately, it all boils down to your personal priorities and values.

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Define 25% Travel

Would you say that 25% travel for a job is once every 3 months, on average?

No, I would say it means one week travelling out of four. That’s far more than once every three months.

Unless you’re away for three or four weeks at a time, once every three months.

Sorry, what job was this?

Or, you’re expected to be on the road 1 1/2 days every week.

This sounds like something in a job description – be sure you get it cleared up before you accept an offer.

It means you’ll be on the road for 25% of your work hours. That could be one full week a month, or a little over a day a week. My guess is that it’d be the former, or something along those lines, possily two short trips a month.

25% travel could be lots of things:

(1) A day at the boss’s/sponsor’s/customer’s facility each week, plus a half day of flying (e.g. a 12-hour Thursday every week, spent flying to and from Dubuque and then working a full day… which invariably means missing flights, crashing in hotels, missing birthdays, etc.)

(2) A week off site every month – could be somewhere cool or somewhere crappy, could be the same place every month or a new site every month – to do some secondary job that’s part of your description.

(3) A month at the end of each season where you’re set up in an apartment in another state/country and have to observe a major event: setting up a new store, launching a new product, testing the latest engine at the secret test track in Nevada.

It’s important to ask not only “how much is 25%” but also “where do most employees travel” and very importantly, “where would I be likely to travel?” You don’t want to find out once you get there that 25% means a month in Huntsville Alabama every three months, missing weekends at home with your family. Or with no family, your apartment or home sits empty and the bills pile up and maybe someone breaks in or a pipe bursts in December. And forget about having pets.

One job I quit it meant about one week a month. Except it was international travel, and required that I travel on weekends, and in steerage (tourist class) at that. So it actually meant I lost half of my weekends, and spent about a week a month at reduced functionality due to jet lag. It also meant working 10-12 hr days when abroad to try to accomplish 2 weeks worth of work during the week I was there, so no time to do touristy stuff.

So be sure to find out the particulars before accepting a a job. (not possible in my case, as this situation developed during the course of my employment.)

In some States, you’d be entitled to pay during that travel time, assuming you weren’t exempt, and YMMV, etc.

25% is whatever your employer defines it as

Some jobs consider airport time as leisure time, while you wait for your next plane. After all you could be doing something else?

Not the same but I had one employer that said they’d get me 40 hours a weeks. It consisted of 10 hour days, 12 hours days, split shifts and going home whenever I hit 40 hours (no overtime was the rule)

In my case travel time is based on nights spent away from home. If I left on Monday morning at 4:00 am, and returned on Tuesday at 11:40 pm, that was one day. Even if you left Monday at dawn and returned Friday at midnight that was only four days.

Vacations, holidays, and sick days did not count as work time, so if you had 10 holidays and 15 vacation days in a calendar year of 260 days to reach 25% you would have to spend 59 nights away from home. Last year I had 63.8% travel time.

I’ve always seen it as defined as nights away. A normal working year is about 230 to 240 days, so 25% travel would literally mean 55-60 nights away from home (and those estimates are usually low.)

My personal record is 55.3% travel, which frankly was about as much as I could possibly take, and the main reason I got another job.

25% travel is the maximum amount an interviewer will tell a job interviewee because he knows if he say 75% no one will accept the job. I think this must be standard practice in many industries.

If he really meant 25% he would have said “infrequent”. On the other hand, “occasional travel” means that you might as well not even own a house.

Slight digression here. I’ve taken jobs that advertised 100% travel and lived out of a suitcase (or two) for a few years. Some of us are more adventurous, even if we have to sit in cattle class. It helps to be minimally attached to things.

Since I’m here I may as well contribute my ¥2. As a road warrior, I always ask Jurph ’s questions during the interview. Sometimes the travel isn’t very far, a few hours by auto. Sometimes it’s half a day’s plane ride across a major ocean. Only the person interviewing you can answer that. Only you can determine if it’s a company-paid mini-vacation or weekly descent into the bowels of travel hell, Detroit Metro Airport to be exact. Just joking, Motor City Dopers!

For me, even more important than the quantity and configuration of the travel is Kevbo ’s question: whether time in transit is included as work hours. That is a dealbreaker for me. The job could have the most interesting duties, an office overlooking eyepopping beauty, and complementary blow jobs in lieu of coffee breaks, but I’d generally refuse if transit time is not part of work hours. If you’re distant from a convenient airport, may as well ask if driving time there is part of transit time, too. In many cities it could extend your travel drudgery an hour or more.

PS: No way would I want do one day a week if it involved air travel. Too much hassle for too few results. I hate flying.

Yeah, I agree with the posters…it is ambigous and all posts are correct. After I posted the question, i was thinking about what (in theory) 50% travel would mean. Once every 6 months (probably not) vs. every other week on the road.

Very open to interpretation!

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Answering “What Percentage Are You Willing To Travel?”

September 14, 2023 by Hannah Morgan

Talking about what percentage of time you’re willing to travel for work is something that trips up a lot of applicants. They often say what they think an interviewer wants to hear instead of an honest and well-prepared answer.

This guide will help you understand what interviewers are looking for when they ask this question, and how you can develop a response that works for everyone.

Table of contents

What does travel percentage mean, how to answer “are you willing to travel”, example answers.

• placeholder

When a position requires travel, employers typically discuss how much time you’d have to spend in cities other than your own in terms of percentages. For example, a company may advertise a position as requiring “50 percent travel.”

In that case, it means that the employer wants the person hired for that position to spend half of their working days traveling. For every ten days of work, you’d spend five traveling between cities or working in an area outside your home city.

Most travel jobs have a percentage of 50 percent or lower. But you can easily find positions that require more. For example, some engineering, training. and sales jobs have workers traveling 70 percent of the time! Some companies even offer positions that require 100 percent travel time.

It all depends on the industry and the unique position you’re applying for.

Understanding what a company means by “travel percentage” is important to grasp what an employer wants from a new hire. Travel jobs can be fun, but they’re also demanding. You’ll need to spend time away from your family and friends, and the lifestyle is much different than a standard nine-to-five.

While not always the case, many travel percentage requirements are negotiable. A question like this opens the door to that, giving hiring managers a better idea of what you can realistically do if hired.

Many job seekers fear answering a question like this because they believe that interviewers have something specific they want to hear. However, you can still be honest and set limits without hurting your chances of getting further into the hiring process.

Here are some tips on how to answer this question the right way.

1. Decide What You Want Ahead of Time

The most important thing you need to do is decide how much you’re willing to travel before you head into the interview. Nothing will ruin your chances faster than interviewing for a position that requires traveling, and saying you can’t travel at all (or aren’t sure how much you’re willing to travel). You likely won’t be in the running at all if that’s the case.

Do your research and read the job description closely. Employers are usually upfront about travel expectations. Travel percentages can be negotiable, but do note if the job posting mentions travel, some travel will be required. 

Know what you want before you head into the interview. Think about how much travel you can do and how that might affect your life moving forward. Then, have a general travel percentage in mind.

Deciding how much you’re willing to travel will give you everything you need to answer this question confidently.

Interviewers don’t want wishy-washy answers or the dreaded “I don’t know.” If you want to sound confident and serious about this position, know what you want before your meeting.

It’s also important to look into how travel is structured for each position. While companies discuss travel time in percentages, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll spend X amount of days on the road and X amount of days in an office in your home city.

Some positions require you to travel several weeks at a time before spending a few weeks off at home. Those trips could be regular or sporadic based on the company’s needs.

Understand what you’re getting into and what the job requires. Do your research to avoid any surprises!

2. Be Honest & Clear

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to say that you’ll do whatever the company wants in order to get a job.

Travel is a big commitment. Employers and hiring managers know that. They understand that considerable travel is not for everyone, so they appreciate the honesty.

Be clear about whether you’re willing to travel most of the time or can only be on the road a few days out of the month. Be honest and set your boundaries. 

The last thing any hiring manager wants to hear is a vague answer. Your response is important because it directly impacts your fit for the job. For example, some companies might have hard travel requirements that are non-negotiable. In those cases, they need a firm confirmation that you can or cannot meet their required travel percentage. Otherwise, you’d waste their time and yours moving forward. That’s why you should consider what you want from your job before the interview.

Be honest and clear. Don’t lie because you think it might increase your chances of getting a job. While lying might help you move further into the hiring process, it won’t do any good when you can’t hit the road once hired.

The best scenario is already knowing what travel percentage you can work. Discuss those limits during your interview. But you can also express interest in negotiations.

You can tell the interviewer you’re willing to travel but want to learn more about the other job expectations. While not as ideal as providing a percentage, that’s usually enough for interviewers to proceed. Interviews aren’t job offers, and you’re not signing contracts at that point.

So, there’s still room for further discussion. The most important thing is that you’re upfront and have some idea of what you can do going into the interview.

3. Show That You Understand How Travel Relates to the Job

Another important thing to do when answering this question is to demonstrate that you understand the job.

Travel jobs are appealing to many people. One concern that many hiring managers have is that applicants try to get the job because they simply think it’s a cool way to see new places. While that can be true for some jobs, you’re not getting hired to explore new cities and go on vacation!

It’s still a job, and you’ll have important responsibilities.

Show that you understand the job and are there for the right reasons. One way to do that is by talking about some of the unique responsibilities of the job or demonstrating that you know how important travel is for this position.

For example, you can connect the reason why this job requires travel to your work. If the job revolves around sales, you can mention that you understand that traveling is crucial to gaining more clients across the state. If it’s a consulting job, you can discuss how traveling to companies allows you to better assess the situation and build better connections inside companies. 

This seemingly small detail makes a difference. It shows that you’re seeking this job for the right reasons and are committed to doing a fantastic job.

4. Highlight the Positives

Finally, highlight some of the positive aspects of travel. That doesn’t mean you should lean too heavily on wanting to get out and explore. Remember: You still have a job and must demonstrate your commitment to doing it.

However, mentioning some of the things you love about jobs that require frequent travel can reassure hiring managers that you’re up for the challenge. An example of this could be networking and meeting new people in a professional setting.

Travel jobs can be overwhelming for some people. It can lead to burnout, and many employers struggle with low retention rates for these positions.

The ultimate goal for hiring managers is to find someone who thrives in a job that requires traveling. The best people are those who love getting on the road and don’t mind some of the common pitfalls of being in a new place and spending time away from friends and family.

If you show this job will be a positive experience, hiring managers may put your application at the top of the stack.

Connect your past experiences to what you hope to gain from this new job. For example, you can refer to how great previous travel jobs were for you. If you don’t have any related work experience, you can mention times when you studied abroad or spent significant time on the road.

Focus on your love of new experiences and highlight all the great things you’ll gain from this job.

There are many ways to answer “Are you willing to travel?” and how you respond depends on your needs. But these examples will give you a good idea of the type of answers that interviewers love to hear.

In the first example, we have a candidate with some experience traveling in a previous job. They leverage that work experience to reassure the interviewer that they can handle the responsibilities.

“I am willing to travel for work. I traveled about 40 percent of the time in my last job. I’m prepared to do the same here because I know I’m comfortable with that amount of time on the road. I’ve learned how to manage and succeed despite the time away from home. In my last job, I’d spend weeks traveling to cities across the eastern seaboard. I got to work with great people in cities I enjoyed plus I found time to explore many beautiful states. I’m excited at the chance to do the same here while working to fulfill your company’s objectives.”

Our next example is straightforward. The candidate demonstrates that they understand the company’s expectations and use their previous experience to reassure the interviewer that they’re up for the task.

“I’m definitely willing to travel. In my last sales job, I spent about half my time on the road while traveling to cities around the state. It was a great experience, and I had no trouble getting comfortable doing it. The roughly 30 percent travel percentage mentioned in the job posting sounds more than acceptable to me. I have questions about the frequency and the average length of business trips, but I’m certainly willing to spend time traveling.”

Our final example comes from a candidate who has no travel experience. However, they go into the interview knowing what they want and provide a confident answer, demonstrating their understanding and willingness to work hard.

“I’m more than willing to travel; I’m looking forward to it. Not only do I enjoy working with new people, I also like the excitement of traveling to new places. Your job posting mentioned that the position will require at least 50 percent travel time. I can travel as much as 75 percent if the job requires that. I know that your company has offices across the western United States. As a trainer, I understand that visiting those offices and working with people directly makes a big difference in their success. I’m eager to get my hands dirty and do what I can to help others while improving the collective expertise of this company’s employees.”

As you can see, spending some time thinking about the percentage of time you’re willing to travel is just part of the equation. You also need to be honest with the interviewer about what works for you!

If you practice your answer and follow these rules, this question won’t cause you any trouble.

Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including  Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success .

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Business Travel 101: Tips For Your First Time Traveling For Work

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Traveling for work seems glamorous on the surface.

You’ve got free flights, time out of the office, and your company is paying for (almost) everything.

Who wouldn’t want that?

But anyone who’s actually taken a business trip knows there’s another side to this coin. Between the red-eye flights, working remotely , and juggling back-to-back meetings and events – it’s exhausting.

Well, it can be.

The savviest business travelers know the importance of time management, efficient packing, and trip planning that allows you to squeeze in some exploration without missing a single meeting (all while still getting enough sleep).

If you’re a first-time business traveler, here’s how you can still bring your A-game and see more of the world at the same time!

RELATED: How to Prevent Burnout When Traveling for Work: 5 Tips

Tips for Your First Time Traveling For Work

Know Your Company’s Travel Policy Like The Back of Your Hand

The secret weapon in your business travel toolkit? Memorizing your company’s travel policy.

Why? Well, for two important reasons:

• If you’re clueless about what is allowed, you could be leaving some serious business travel perks on the table.
• If you’re clueless about what isn’t allowed, you might have an unexpected deduction on your paycheck next month.

Before your first work trip, take the time to review your company’s travel policy word for word and note anything crucial that you’ll need to remember as you begin to pack your bags. 

By the time you’re done familiarizing yourself with your policy, you should know things like:

• Your per diem for travel days (i.e., do you get a flat amount for expenses, or a unique budget per item, like breakfasts, lunches, dinners by yourself or with clients, and transportation?).
• Whether or not you need receipts (physical or a scanned copy) for purchases.
• What expenses are up for reimbursement (e.g., will your company cover your visa application fee? Your rental car? Your checked bag?) 
• The deadlines for submitting expense reports.
• How much can you spend per night on a hotel room? Does it need to be a specific hotel or hotel chain? Can you use an alternative accommodation like Airbnb or VRBO?
• Can you use your frequent flyer number to collect flight miles? Does it need to be a specific airline?
• Can you use your own credit card or is there a company card?

What happens if your company’s travel policy isn’t super clear on the above? Set up some time with HR and/or your boss to go over these details and address any lingering questions you might have.

Doing so will help prevent any surprise expenses before, during, and after a work trip.

Tip: Use an app like Mint.com to track all your expenses and take pictures of every single receipt you get as soon as you’re handed it, just in case you lose any!

RELATED: How to Ask Your Boss for More Vacation Time (The Right Way)

Book The Right Hotel

Booking a hotel room seems pretty basic, right?

Hop onto a site like Booking.com , put in your budget range, select the “I’m traveling for work” box (which allows you to filter for key amenities like free wifi or included breakfast), and you’re done.

Well… it’s not that easy .

When traveling for work to a new city, other factors that you can’t always control come into play.

First of all, you might be limited to a specific hotel or hotel chain your company has a negotiated agreement and special rate with, which means you won’t have a choice as to where you stay. However, if your company doesn’t have a specific hotel requirement, you have to make sure to familiarize yourself with the city and the surroundings using Google Maps. The worst thing you could do is accidentally choose a hotel far away or in an unsafe neighborhood. 

To avoid this, figure out where your meetings or work obligations will be, and try your best to book a hotel room as close as possible to it.

You might have to pay more for a hotel with a convenient location, which will no doubt save you travel time and the stress of navigating a new city. But keep in mind that more expensive accommodations should be discussed with your company in case they fall outside of the suggested hotel budget listed in their travel policy.

What if you’re not the one booking your hotel room? Speak to the person in charge of corporate travel at your company and give them a list of your preferences, such as:

• Walking/driving distance to the location(s) you need to visit for work
• Amenities like reliable wifi, secure parking, a business center, etc.
• Desired neighborhood preferences
• Hotel policy and procedure for booking with a card that is not in your name

Related: Where Traveling for Work Meets Actually Enjoying Yourself – How Cambria Hotels Cater to Business Travelers

Give Yourself Enough Time for the Unexpected

Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, you need to expect the unexpected.

• Flights can get canceled or delayed.
• Traffic delays can prevent you from getting to a meeting on time.
• The airline could lose your bags in transit.

While these scenarios may be out of your control, you can give yourself a bit more breathing room to react and recover by doing these things:

• Instead of flying into the city the same day as your meeting, fly in the night before.
• If you’ve booked a red-eye flight, try to give yourself enough time to catch up on sleep before your first meeting.
• Driving to your meeting? Give yourself a bit more time in case traffic is bad or parking is difficult.
• Book a direct flight whenever possible. It will help you avoid missing connections and get you to your destination more quickly.

By following these tips, you’ll arrive on time, feel fully rested, and be stress-free so you can perform at your best!

Plan Your Sightseeing AFTER Important Meetings

If you’re a long-time reader, you’ll know I’m all about maximizing my work trips by using them to help me explore more of the world.

While work travel isn’t a vacation, if you’re smart with your time and plan ahead, you can squeeze in a weekend trip or quick adventure by simply extending your business trip by an extra day or two.

The trick here is to always plan your sightseeing after your meetings or when the conference you’re attending has ended. Give yourself the time to solely focus on your work so you can show up and be 100% focused on the tasks at hand.

Then, when work is over, reward yourself!

Book that NYC food tour of your dreams. Go on a short hike up Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City , or spend an afternoon wandering around the Desert Botanical Garden in Tempe, Arizona.

Just don’t go too crazy with your itinerary. Give yourself ample time to explore without rushing, and keep your sight-seeing goals reasonable, because exploring after work trips usually doesn’t leave you with as much time as if you were just going on vacation.

I promise if you dial back a bit, you’ll enjoy the whole experience more, and you’ll have some time to reset before you’re back at work.

And who knows? You could stumble onto a gem you didn’t know about and would have missed if you stuck to a super rigid itinerary.

RELATED: 9 Tips for Working While Traveling and Staying Productive

Don’t Ditch Your Healthy Eating & Workout Habits

When you travel, it’s easy to accidentally skip a meal here or there with all the running around, or order a super decadent meal because it’s quick and easy (and you’re likely not paying for it).

While indulging in fast food and networking cocktails is all fine and well (and often comes with the territory of entertaining clients and attending events), moderation is key – especially if you’re on the go often!

As a business traveler, you need to fuel your body with things that will make you feel good and maintain your energy levels whenever possible. If you don’t, you might feel sluggish in meetings, and your motivation will plummet before the end of the day, making it hard to concentrate and do your job.

Here are my tips for staying healthy while on the road:

• Don’t skip breakfast. You need to give your body enough energy to last throughout the day, and breakfast is especially important if you’re normally a breakfast eater when you’re home. When ordering your meal, choose something like granola and yogurt, or eggs and turkey bacon, instead of a pastry. Sugary treats don’t give you long-term energy, and you’ll crash from your high before it’s time for lunch.
• Stay hydrated. I always travel with a reusable water bottle, and I bring it wherever I go throughout the day. Lots of conference setups will typically have water refill stations anyway, and you can feel good about skipping the unnecessary plastic if you’ve already brought your own.
• Keep snacks in your bag. Not all airline food is great, and some meetings mentally drain you before lunchtime. Keep a few snacks like protein bars in your bag to munch on throughout your business trip. It will keep you satiated and stop you from spending money on overpriced airport food.
• Research nearby cafes and restaurants. You’re less likely to opt for some Taco Bell if you have a list of healthy eating options at your fingertips. Before your work trip, spend some time researching nearby eateries with healthier menu options for lunches and dinners on the days you don’t have work commitments.
• Try not to skip workouts. Before you start the day, a solid workout can clear your mind, help you sleep better, and keep your fitness goals on track. If your hotel comes with a gym, use it. If it doesn’t, log onto YouTube or turn to pretty much any online bodyweight-only workout program.

Related: 5 Workout Ideas That Can Be Done At Home or On the Road

Pace Yourself at Work Events

When you’re having after-work drinks in a new city, it’s tempting to have more than one.

That’s totally cool, but remember – alcohol and a good night’s rest don’t mix.

It’s long been said that the effects of alcohol significantly reduce the quality of sleep and the amount of time spent in REM.

REM is a mentally restorative type of sleep, and when you’re traveling for work, you want to maximize your time there as much as possible.

I know when I’m away on a business trip, my days are usually packed with back-to-back meetings. The only way I can get through those days is by having a good 7-hour sleep and keeping my night outs short and to a minimum.

If your meetings are out of the way though, by all means, treat yourself on the last night in a new city!

Packing for Business Travel Tips

To end things off, here are some quick packing tips to always keep in mind as a corporate traveler:

• Try to stick to carry on only when possible
• Invest in a sharp-looking purse or tote that can be used both for travel and for meetings
• Pack any items you need to help you fall asleep faster (eye masks, melatonin, earplugs, etc.)
• Pack clothes that don’t wrinkle easily
• Use garment bags to help keep items wrinkle-free, and shoe bags to avoid accidentally dirtying your clothes
• Bring back-ups of important meeting resources (have copies of your presentation on a USB or Google Drive, pack extra business cards, etc)

Business Travel FAQ

• Can I deduct my business travel expenses? Yes, you can. However, you need to check with your employer or whoever helps you with your taxes to confirm what is and isn’t covered.
• What business jobs allow you to travel? In most industries, sales reps and client-facing contributors usually travel the most to attend client meetings and build up relationships. But, all kinds of career paths can have travel perks. Marketers often attend conferences and set up events, specialists in various fields have their annual trade shows, and consultants often hop on planes to visit their customers in person. Looking for something more remote with added travel flexibility? Consider one of these 18 careers that you can do 100% remotely from anywhere in the world. 
• What is good business travel etiquette? Good business travel etiquette is observing and practicing cultural and social norms and representing your personal brand and your company’s with poise wherever you go. It also includes the same principles you’d follow when in the office – showing up on time, preparing your notes, dressing appropriately, and treating your colleagues with respect. 
• What is business travel accident insurance? Business travel insurance is a plan that protects employees who travel for work domestically or internationally. It usually covers occupational and non-occupational accidents and health cover while traveling on company business. Consult your travel policy or ask your employer if this will be available to you when you travel.

If you’ve traveled for work, what are your top tips for first-time business travelers? If you haven’t, tell me below where you’re headed!

Read This Next:

• How to Find a Coworking Space You’ll Love
• 9 Tips for Working While Traveling and Staying Productive
• Where Traveling for Work Meets Actually Enjoying Yourself: How Cambria Hotels Cater to Business Travelers
• How to Prevent Burnout When Traveling for Work: 5 Tips
• 6 Tips For Embracing the Work From Home Lifestyle
• How to Stay in the Zone When You Work From Home

Pin For Later:

Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

Recent Adventures:

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• Updated on: July 22, 2021

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How To Answer “Are You Willing to Travel?” Interview Question (With Examples)

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Find a Job You Really Want In

Summary. To answer, “Are you willing to travel?” in an interview, give an example that demonstrates your willingness to travel and communicate any boundaries or limitations you may have. You should also clarify what the travel expectations would be before accepting the job.

When getting asked if you’re willing to travel for your job, the instinctive response would be to say yes. After all, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to explore a new place on your company’s dime?

Here are a few things to consider before accepting a traveling position:

Key Takeaways:

When answering this question it is important to talk about positive travel experiences, demonstrate a thorough understanding of the job, and talk about networking.

You should avoid lying about your availability, any negative travel experiences, and go overboard when talking about the good experiences.

Before taking the job, it is important to clarify travel percentages, any expenses you may have, and what type of travel it is.

How to Answer “Are You Willing to Travel?”: Dos and Don’ts

Example answers to “are you willing to travel”, what you should ask about travel during your interview, what does “willingness to travel” really mean, are you willing to travel faq, final thoughts.

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When it comes to actually answering the question when it’s posed to you by a hiring manager, there are a few things you ought to bring up — and some things you should just avoid entirely .

The DO’s:

Talk about positive travel experiences. They’re looking for someone who is comfortable with spending a lot of time away from friends, family, and the home office — you want to do as much as you can to assure them that traveling is something you find invigorating and fun.

So go ahead and bring up that study abroad trip, even if it’s a little out of date.

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the job. Whatever it is you’re doing, your company won’t just be sending you places so you can eat cool food in new places.

They want you to work, and understanding that you’ll be working regardless of whether you’re traveling is important to be considered for the job.

Bring up the unique job responsibilities of the position as you understand it and explain your commitment to fulfilling them.

Talk about networking . A lot of work in a traveling position requires talking to other human beings and making business connections that stick.

For this reason, it’s important to show hiring managers that you know how to make these kinds of connections by talking about networking experiences you’ve had in the past — and it wouldn’t hurt to engage in a little small talk during the interview itself, either.

The DONT’s:

Lie about your availability. If you can’t travel at all, don’t apply in the first place, but your employer needs to have a realistic understanding of your ability to travel if they’re going to hire you for the position .

So if you can’t do weekends or certain percentages of the week, let the hiring manager know up front.

Focus too heavily on your availability either. Giving a specific maximum amount of travel you’re able to do can look bad as well, especially if that maximum is below the company’s expectations. So tell them your availability, but don’t spend too much time on it.

Bring up negative travel experiences: These are fine to talk about once you have the job, but during the interview process it will just make you look like you associate these experiences with traveling and that you are even perhaps lying about how comfortable you are with traveling.

Go overboard talking about good experiences: As bad as it is to talk about bad experiences, it can be just as damaging if the only good experiences you talk about are vacations or day trips.

After all, they expect you to work while you’re on these trips, so if they think you associate traveling just with vacations and relaxing, they might not have the most faith in your dedication to work.

Yes, I’m absolutely willing to travel. I spent a year studying abroad before graduating last year, and I learned that I love experiencing new places and meeting new people regularly. During my internship at The Coastal Society, I regularly traveled to different coastal sites to meet with marine biologists and gather data. I really enjoyed that aspect of the job, so I’m definitely open to making travel a bigger part of my professional life.

I am certainly willing to travel for work. At my last job in sales, I spent about half my time on the road, so the roughly 25% travel time we discussed for this job sounds more than acceptable. I just have a few more questions about how frequently trips are taken for this position and the typical length of a business trip.

While I’m willing to travel (and love traveling), my spouse works on the weekends and we have three kids at home. As such, I need to keep my weekends free for childcare. But any travel during the workweek I can happily accommodate.

The reasons why the company needs you to travel can vary wildly, and as a result, the particular travel experiences you’ll have could vary even for two similar positions.

It’s important for this reason to figure out exactly what sort of travel the company expects you to undertake before you get too far into the interview process .

A few things you should clarify before you take the job:

Travel percentage. If a job is advertised as having a travel percentage of 20%, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re traveling every Friday, or alternatively that you’re only traveling one week of every month.

That 20% is an average , and what it represents can vary dramatically by career, so make sure you ask your hiring manager to tell you exactly what the travel percentage means for the position you’re applying for.

Expenses. Namely, are they paid? How much of your food is being covered? Gas? Other travel expenses?

It’s important to know this beforehand — while many places will reimburse you for every expense you incur while on the road, it’s important to know what the company’s official policy is for travel.

Type of travel. Will it mostly be flying? Will you be expected to drive to the locations you’re going to? Where will you usually be traveling to?

Where would the company prefer that you stay while you’re there? Will you be staying anywhere at all, or are the trips too short for this?

There are two major kinds of travel jobs :

Seasonal jobs. These exist only for a few months or even just a few weeks and may require you to travel for the entirety of the time you’re working the gig.

“Regular” job that require travel. For these kinds of jobs, the amount of traveling that occurs can vary dramatically depending on the position.

Here are a few things that might be expected of you if you enter a job like this, seasonal or not, and some things you should keep in mind before giving your final answer.

You might have to make day trips, but the company may not be willing to pay for you to stay overnight. This could mean long work days punctuated by large amounts of travel which could keep you awake for 16 hours or more.

Alternatively, you might be sent very far away and be expected to fend for yourself once you get there. You may not have much, if any, time to explore this place between takeoffs — you might just be working the entire time.

Relocation should NOT be expected of you unless it’s discussed at this time as well. It’s also important to note that there is a big difference between being willing to travel and being willing to relocate.

What does it mean when a job asks if you’re willing to travel?

When a job asks if you’re willing to travel, it usually means there is at least some travel required for the position. The exact amount will vary, but there will typically be enough for interviewers to find out how well your willingness to travel aligns with the job’s requirements.

How do you put willing to travel on your resume?

You can put willing to travel on your resume by noting how much you traveled at your last position. This will point out to recruiters that you’ve at least been willing to travel in the past and may be willing to again.

If you haven’t had a position that requires travel before, you can note your willingness to travel in your resume summary . This is usually only a best practice if you’re aplying for a job or are in an industry that typically requires travel. Otherwise, it could look out of place and come off as ignorant.

Traveling is often one of the most exciting parts of any job that includes it and, despite the huge amount of work that gets compressed during these trips, it can be very fun if you’re adequately prepared for it.

When it comes to working travel jobs, you really have to be ready to go all in. That’s why it’s so important to understand what a company is asking when they want to know if you can travel.

Not only will it make you look proactive and interested in the position, but it can help keep you from getting in over your head with a situation you’re not comfortable with or ready to undertake.

And whatever you do while you’re out exploring the world, make sure you don’t stray too far from the hiking trail. That’s how you get bear maulings, and those usually aren’t covered under company expenses.

Anyhow, best of luck to you! Here are some other links to help you on your way.

• 3 Tips For Successfully Calling In Sick (Even If You’re Not)
• 13 Job Search Mistakes You Might Not Even Realize You’re Making
• 3 Steps To Reject A Job Offer Without Burning Bridges

Illinois Graduate College – Sample Interview Questions

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Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.

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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
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• 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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Currently job searching for something new, and with my background looking for something in an area/regional sales role, accounts management ect; 

Just curious for those who travel for work...if a job posting says 25% travel - what does that mean to you? One week a month? One night a week? I know it will be very specific to the particular job and territory, but just curious if anyone took a 25% travel job and could tell me what their month looks like. Thanks!

With sales, that could equate to a few small trips a month. It isn't often you would need 1 week long trip for sales like you might need in an operations or technical position. It could also vary based on the territory size. My territory is my state, so I do a lot of day long trips with no overnight stay. I have friends who manage a region that overlaps neighboring states (usually half of a state) that also avoid overnight trips.

So I just found this because I was curious... hope it helps!

1. What percentage of the job will require travel?

25% doesn’t sound like a lot until you do the math. Depending on how your travel is scheduled, you might be gone a little over a day each week or one week each month or three months each year. Here are estimates of common travel percentages:

• 10% = 1 day every two weeks or 2-3 days every month or 1-2 months each year
• 25% = 1-2 days each week or 1 week every month or 3 months each year
• 50% = 2-3 days each week or 2 weeks every month or 6 months out of each year
• 75% = 3-4 days each week or 3 weeks each month or 9 months each year
• 100% = I hope you like the food in airports and drive-thrus
• t TaterTotsAlot Posted 03-22-17 My husband has a job just like this - regional sales engineer (but it's really accounts management/sales). His is closer to 50% travel, and he has complete control of when and how long he travels. It usually looks like: one week per month (4 day trip to a major customer), and then three weeks per month of shorter trips to other regions/cities for quick overnight trips, but some of them can be 3 day trips. Advertisement | page continues below

It doesn't matter what it means to us. It matters what it means to them.

It could be any of the following-

5 days a month (20 business days x 25%)

5.5 days a month (260 business days a year x 25% divided by 12)

7.5 days a month (30 days in a month x 25%)

7 days a month (7 days a week times 25% times 4 weeks)

Those days may or may not include the actual travel time too. For example, I'm on the West Coast. When I needed to go anywhere, I had to spend a day just traveling to get to the Midwest or East Coast. Then I usually flew home immediately after my meeting, so late afternoon local time, which would get me home sometime between midnight and 3am. I could have stayed and flown out the next morning, but usually chose to get headed home. They may only be looking at the one day that the meeting takes, when really, there are 3 days (or 2.5) involved.

It could mean 2 days a week every week. It could mean a week a month every month. It could mean 3 months a year in a solid block, or a month every 3rd month...

It could mean flying somewhere and staying over or driving long distances every day but sleeping at home every night.

And of course you always need to round up because that will only be an estimate.

So, my advice is to apply, then during the interview with the hiring manager (because the HR person probably doesn't know the details), just say "Tell me about the 25% travel. What would that entail?" Then decide if that works for you.

Thank you all for input! I realize it could vary greatly depending on the scope of the territory, and the portfolio size of clients. This particular job that states 25% travel would be an awesome challenge/ opportunity for me. I just heard from the recruiter and have an initial screening interview scheduled tomorrow - wish me luck!

• a Aylasmoma Posted 11-20-21 Total zombie thread everyone

Where to go next

The 15 places in America where people travel the most for work

Posted: December 7, 2023 | Last updated: December 7, 2023

Metros with the highest share of business travelers and their top destinations

Whether emerging tech hubs or venture capital havens, business travel destinations are about as diverse as the travelers' origins. Like so many other industries, though, business travel has changed in the post-pandemic era, with new traveler itineraries and destinations, transportation protocols, and frequency of travel.

In the mass shift to remote work, many businesses welcomed virtual meetings as sufficient alternatives to in-person ones requiring costly travel. And some companies let employees choose whether or not to attend business trips in person.

Those trends continue, even as businesses nationwide further reduce travel budgets in the name of sustainability. Deloitte estimates that by 2025, 3 in 10 companies will have reduced their travel budgets by more than 11%. Though a return to pre-pandemic spend volume by around late 2024 is likely "adjusting for lost growth and inflation indicates that in real terms, corporate travel will likely be smaller than it was prior to the pandemic," according to a 2023 study by Deloitte . Business travel remains a vital component of entrepreneurship, providing opportunities for in-person networking, market research, and dealmaking

Using data from the Federal Highway Administration's National Household Travel Survey , TravelPerk determined which metro areas recorded the most long-distance business trips in 2021, the latest year for which data is available. Metros are ranked by the share of work trips 300 miles or greater and rounded to the nearest 10th of a percent.

Where business travelers are coming from

During the COVID-19 pandemic, American workers gravitated away from major metro cities such as Los Angeles and New York City, in part to avoid areas with high population density and transmission rates.

That exodus also reflected a shift in priorities as the proliferation of remote work led residents to hunt for larger, more affordable homes. Some cities that welcomed relocators are now home to those who travel the most for work, including Las Vegas and Denver .

#15. Ann Arbor, Michigan

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.0% (708,930 trips) - Top destination: Raleigh, North Carolina (166,155 trips)

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, renowned for its research programs. The institution is the top employer in the city , followed by its accompanying health care system. Thus, it is no surprise that Raleigh, one-third of North Carolina's Research Triangle, is the top destination for Ann Arbor workers.

#14. Albuquerque, New Mexico

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.1% (2,124,090 trips) - Top destination: Chicago (922,579 trips)

The largest city in New Mexico is home to a variety of diverse industries, including agriculture in the Rio Grande River valley and military research and development at the Kirtland Air Force Base. The city is also home to New Mexico's primary international airport, the Albuquerque International Sunport, which operates an average of 415 daily takeoffs and landings.

#13. Cape Coral, Florida

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.1% (1,927,728 trips) - Top destination: Chicago (174,559 trips)

Cape Coral is a southwestern city in Florida near the Gulf of Mexico, making the tourism industry a popular employment choice. The top employer, however, is Lee Memorial Health System , one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the state.

#12. Kauai County, Hawaii

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.1% (248,506 trips) - Top destination: Hawaii County, Hawaii (148,207 trips)

Kauai County is home to a thriving tourism industry. The top four employers in the city are hotels and resorts, led by the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Located 305 miles away, Hawaii County hosts an annual tourism conference that draws industry professionals from inside and outside the state.

#11. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.2% (1,518,998 trips) - Top destination: New York, New York (77,495 trips)

Many of the top employers in Myrtle Beach revolve around tourism, as the beach city attracts nearly 19 million visitors a year. However, the city is also home to an emerging aerospace workforce—an industry that has grown exponentially in the past decade —and hosts the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics training location.

#10. Orlando, Florida

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.2% (7,686,644 trips) - Top destination: Atlanta (1,101,956 trips)

Home to Disneyland and Universal Studios, Orlando has a heavily tourism-dependent economy and workforce. The city's top employer, Walt Disney World Resort,  employs over 58,000 residents . The top destination for business trips of Orlando workers is Atlanta, home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world.

#9. Panama City, Florida

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.2% (693,145 trips) - Top destination: Atlanta (129,748 trips)

The economy in Panama City, Florida, is largely driven by the military—the top two employers in the city are the Tyndall Air Force Base as well as Naval Support Activity Panama City. The top destination for business travelers, Atlanta, is within a two-hour flight of 80% of the United States' population.

#8. Crestview, Florida

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.2% (960,107 trips) - Top destination: Dallas (79,798 trips)

Crestview in Okaloosa County is home to a large military presence, attracting related industries such as defense contractors and research and development. The city is just north of the largest U.S. Air Force facility in the world, Eglin Air Force Base.

#7. Juneau, Alaska

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.2% (94,311 trips) - Top destination: Anchorage, Alaska (40,248 trips)

Nearly half of Juneau's workers are employed by the federal government since the city serves as the regional headquarters for several agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and NOAA Fisheries. The top destination for business travelers from Juneau is also in Alaska—Anchorage, home to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

#6. Salt Lake City

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.3% (3,902,861 trips) - Top destination: Chicago (384,788 trips)

Salt Lake City is home to the University of Utah, the city's top employer with over 20,000 workers. The state's economy, overall, is one of the most diverse in the country , according to the Hachman Index of Economic Diversity.

#5. Mobile, Alabama

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.3% (1,495,069 trips) - Top destination: Chicago (822,025 trips)

Mobile, Alabama, features a thriving trade-based economy thanks to its designation as Alabama's only seaport. The city is also home to the first of only two U.S.-based Airbus manufacturing plants.

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.3% (8,779,905 trips) - Top destination: Chicago (553,969 trips)

Denver is driven by a diverse workforce comprised of professionals in emerging fields such as fintech, bioscience, and energy. The city is experiencing rapid startup growth and is ranked 12th in the country for its startup ecosystem , according to Startup Genome.

#3. Las Vegas

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.4% (7,699,779 trips) - Top destination: San Francisco (439,540 trips)

Apart from a nearby military base, the city's police department is the top local employer for Las Vegas residents , followed closely by a myriad of hotels and other tourism-related companies. The top business travel destination, San Francisco, is well known among professionals and entrepreneurs for its venture capital and investment opportunities.

#2. Carbondale, Illinois

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.6% (516,989 trips) - Top destination: Chicago (451,258 trips)

Southern Illinois University and its accompanying medical system employ the most local residents by far, providing jobs to over 10,000 people. Business travelers tend to gravitate toward Chicago, home to the McCormick Place convention center, one of the largest in the country, and a go-to spot for large conferences and trade shows.

#1. Ketchikan, Alaska

- Share of business trips over 300 miles: 1.7% (55,461 trips) - Top destination: Seattle (32,290 trips)

Driven largely by the state's natural resources and wildlife, Ketchikan's economy serves as a transportation hub and the main source for local fishing canneries. The small city is home to the Ketchikan International Airport, which jets passengers to cities around Alaska and over to Seattle, the most popular destination for the city's business travelers.

Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Curtis Yee. Photo selection by Ania Antecka.

This story originally appeared on TravelPerk and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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Solo travel: the 'ultimate indulgence in 2024'

Why more of us are choosing to go on holiday on our own

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The number of holidaymakers choosing to go it alone is rising, whether in escorted groups, or independently. And it is an active choice, not forced by an inability to find a travelling companion. 

"Rather than a function of necessity or compromise, holidaying alone has become the ultimate indulgence in 2024: a rare chance in this ultra-demanding world to put one's own needs and priorities first," said the London Evening Standard .

"Regardless of life stage or relationship status", many more people are taking solo trips, "not because they have to – but because they want to", said the newspaper. 

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And one factor fuelling the independent travel trend may be an after-effect of the pandemic's enforced isolation, which "emboldened" people with a 'now or never' attitude", rendering them "more confident than ever about spending time in solitude".

And that solitude can have benefits for our wellbeing. Research by Netta Weinstein, a professor of psychology and clinical language sciences at the University of Reading, has shown that there is a big difference between imposed solitude and chosen solitude, reported The Guardian .

"Having space gives us time to connect with ourselves, and connecting with ourselves benefits our wellbeing," said Weinstein. A key factor appears to be the sense of autonomy we get from being alone. "What we found was that, on any given day when people felt autonomous and competent in solitude, they feel better on that day," she added.

According to an Abta report, 16% of travellers went on holiday by themselves in the year to August 2023, compared to 11% during the previous year, said Travel Weekly . In the 35-44 age group, the proportion of solo travellers more than doubled to 13% in 2023 from just 6% in 2022.

The main attraction of a solo trip is being able to do what you want, when you want. Being on your own is a "chance to really savour the world around you – at your own pace", said Annabelle Thorpe in The Observer . There are "no compromises to be made, no itineraries discussed; get up when you want, eat what you fancy, do nothing or everything, talk to the friendly person next to you at breakfast, or pop in your headphones and ignore them completely". 

And this freedom can bring a change in behaviour. "When I'm travelling alone, I become the best version of myself," said Thorpe: "the most decisive, the most charming, the most curious. I see more, go further, strike up conversations with people I'll never meet again, yet always remember."

And it's not just for single people. For those in a relationship, differing work patterns and destination preferences also play a part. "Like many women who travel alone, I have a partner, but his life is a lot less flexible than mine and he doesn't always want the kinds of breaks I do," said Joanna Moorhead in The Guardian.

Research by online travel agent Opodo.com in 2023 revealed that 41% of us prefer to travel alone, reported The Telegraph . "It puts us in control of decision-making", giving us the option "to linger for hours in a museum without our partners or children having a meltdown, or to undertake a lung-busting hike to the top of a mountain to be made small by nature when our close ones prefer the indoors". 

And apart from the sightseeing, solo travel "gives us tranquil time for personal reflection and growth".

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