14 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

These best travel jobs allow you to go beyond the office to work across the country or abroad.

A fit, female hiker stands atop a snow-covered rocky high point while bathed in the colors of sunset at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed to vehicle traffic in the winter. To experience this solitude, people must hike from the South Rim to the North Rim and back. Hiking Rim to Rim to Rim requires dedication, fitness, and preparation for winter conditions.

(Getty Images)

Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs.

There are all kinds of jobs that have travel built into the experience, and these careers are also accessible with different levels of education. We’ve taken the top travel jobs from the 2023 Best Jobs rankings to give you a selection to choose from.

Travel regionally, nationwide or even take your job outside of the country with these jobs. All salary and job growth data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Young Stock Trader Shows to the Executive Managers Cryptocurrency and Trade Market Correlation Pointing at the Wall TV.

Getty Images

Management Analyst

Median Salary: $93,000 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 11%

Management analysts aid companies in improving efficiency, which also leads to better revenue. Frequent travel is part of a job that requires making sure the clients’ needs are met. Some management analysts may work more than 40 hours a week.

Learn more about management analysts .

Asian businesswoman trading stock on computer

Financial Analyst

Median Salary: $81,730 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 9%

Financial analysts provide guidance at the corporate and individual level regarding investments and ways to make profit. They travel to company sites and other locations. Financial analysts may travel to visit organizations and get a sense of how they work from the ground up. They also attend conferences to network with colleagues.

Learn more about financial analysts .

Adult female therapist guiding young girl in speech therapy for a therapy exercise

Speech-Language Pathologist

Median Salary: $79,060 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 21%

A speech-language pathologist treats patients with speech, language or voice disorders, and those who have trouble swallowing. Speech-language pathologists may be able to travel cross-country to provide services to clients in offices, schools and health care facilities. Job growth in this area is much faster than average at 21% with a low 1.7% unemployment rate, so there’s career stability in this profession as well.

Learn more about speech-language pathologists .

Shot of group of business persons in business meeting. Three entrepreneurs on meeting in board room. Corporate business team on meeting in modern office. Female manager discussing new project with her colleagues. Company owner on a meeting with two of her employees in her office.

Business Operations Manager

Median Salary: $97,970 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 6%

Depending on where they work, business operations managers may need to travel to other branch offices of their company to provide services. Business operations managers have a variety of duties including overseeing daily operations, handling staff schedules, assigning work and other managerial or administrative duties.

Learn more about business operations managers .

Detail shot of electrician testing voltage on a fuse box on construction site.

Construction Manager

Median Salary: $98,890 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 8%

Construction managers travel to different building sites in order to oversee construction projects. They are also involved with planning and keeping track of budgets. Construction managers may need to be on site in a field office for a project to make decisions on the spot. They may also need to travel between different building sites.

Learn more about construction managers .

Businesspeople making a plan

Marketing Manager

Median Salary: $135,030 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 10%

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

Learn more about marketing managers .

Pilots flying airplane in cockpit

Median Salary: $134,630 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 6%

Pilots travel constantly, flying aircraft commercially or privately. Airline pilots make scheduled flights for passengers. Commercial pilots may have a range of duties in addition to flying, such as scheduling flights and arranging maintenance.

Learn more about pilots .

Stationary engineer at work

Petroleum Engineer

Median Salary: $130,850 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 8%

Petroleum engineers design strategies and equipment for extracting oil and gas from drilling sites. They travel frequently to visit drilling sites and meet with oil field workers and clients. They also consult with other engineers.

Learn more about petroleum engineers .

Two rope access technicians working on higher wind turbine blades.

Wind Turbine Technician

Median Salary: $56,260 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 44%

Wind turbine technician rated No. 2 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree, due in part to its relatively high salary. Since they install and repair wind turbines, wind turbine technicians may experience a lot of travel depending on where they work. Some wind farms are located in rural areas. The 44% expected job growth is much faster than the average for all jobs.

Learn more about wind turbine technicians .

Male engineer using digital tablet while examining manufacturing machinery in factory.

Civil Engineer

Median Salary: $88,050 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 7%

Depending on the demands of their specific role, civil engineers may work in an office, travel to job sites or occasionally travel abroad for work projects. Civil engineers design, build and supervise main infrastructure projects or systems, such as buildings, roads and bridges.

Learn more about civil engineers .

Representative men of different countries sitting at table on conference and listening to speech interpretation in headphones

Interpreter and Translator

Median Salary: $49,110 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 20%

Liaison or escort interpreters may travel for their job. Interpreters and translators facilitate communication in different languages, converting written and verbal communication. They may also take their work abroad and travel while they work.

Learn more about interpreters and translators .

Waist up portrait of steward showing the safety rules and instructions for using oxygen masks in the commercial airplane

Flight Attendant

Median Salary: $61,640 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 21%

Flight attendants travel wherever an aircraft goes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. They also communicate with pilots regarding flight details and potential cabin conditions. Flight attendants may stay away from home some nights.

Learn more about flight attendants .

Woman soldering machine in workshop

Medical Equipment Repairer

Median Salary: $49,910 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 17%

Medical equipment repairers must sometimes travel a long distance to repair patient care equipment such as monitors, defibrillators and ventilators. They must also be on call to work in emergencies.

Learn more about medical equipment repairers .

A man hikes in rain on the Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop trail in Pisgah National Forest southwest of Asheville, North Carolina.

Environmental Science and Protection Technician

Median Salary: $47,370 Expected Job Growth by 2031: 6%

Environmental science and protection technicians may need to travel to do necessary fieldwork or meet clients. They investigate pollution and how it affects public health. Working in the field like this means they may spend time outdoors, as well as in an office or the lab. Fieldwork may be seasonal.

Learn more about environmental science and protection technicians .

Oil Well Pump Pumpjack & Worker Silhouettes

These are 14 great travel jobs:

  • Environmental Science and Protection Technician .
  • Medical Equipment Repairer .
  • Flight Attendant .
  • Interpreters and Translator .
  • Civil Engineer .
  • Wind Turbine Technician .
  • Petroleum Engineer .
  • Marketing Manager .
  • Construction Manager .
  • Business Operations Manager .
  • Speech-Language Pathologist .
  • Financial Analyst .
  • Management Analyst .

More From U.S. News

career in travel

Best Jobs That Don't Require a Degree

career in travel

25 Best Jobs That Pay More Than $100K

career in travel

25 Highest-Paying Associate Degree Jobs

Recommended.

career in travel

You May Also Like

8 inspirational quotes for work.

Jamela Adam Dec. 8, 2023

How Much Will Salaries Increase in 2024?

Jamela Adam Dec. 4, 2023

Is Oil and Gas a Good Career Path?

Jamela Adam Nov. 28, 2023

8 Workplace Trends to Eye for 2024

Robin Madell Nov. 27, 2023

6 Work Trends to Be Thankful For

Robin Madell Nov. 17, 2023

career in travel

How to Handle a Toxic Boss

Jamela Adam Nov. 15, 2023

career in travel

How to Navigate Hybrid Work

Jamela Adam Nov. 10, 2023

career in travel

What Is a Toxic Work Environment?

Jamela Adam Nov. 8, 2023

career in travel

Combat Procrastination at Work

Robin Madell Nov. 3, 2023

career in travel

What Is Career Cushioning?

Robin Madell Oct. 31, 2023

career in travel

Questions to Answer as a Job Reference

Ray Bixler and Jamela Adam Oct. 25, 2023

career in travel

5 Leadership Styles for the Workplace

Robin Madell and Jamela Adam Oct. 24, 2023

career in travel

A Guide to Calling in Sick

Maryalene LaPonsie Oct. 23, 2023

career in travel

Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Hallie Crawford Oct. 20, 2023

career in travel

Requesting a Leave of Absence From Work

Jamela Adam and Robin Madell Oct. 17, 2023

career in travel

10 Communication Skills for Your Resume

Jamela Adam and Robin Reshwan Oct. 16, 2023

career in travel

Teen Jobs That Pay Well

Geoff Williams Oct. 13, 2023

career in travel

20 Companies Hiring Remote Workers

Jamela Adam Oct. 12, 2023

career in travel

How to Write an Objective for a Resume

Hallie Crawford Oct. 11, 2023

career in travel

6 Expert Tips for Interview Success

Jamela Adam Sept. 29, 2023

career in travel

  • Online Degree Explore Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees
  • MasterTrack™ Earn credit towards a Master’s degree
  • University Certificates Advance your career with graduate-level learning
  • Top Courses
  • Join for Free

15 Jobs that Allow You to Travel

Explore the exciting career possibilities that let you travel while earning an income.

[Featured Image] A woman is outside working.

If you have been dreaming of exploring a new city and tasting food from different cultures, you’re not alone. The ongoing pandemic brought travel to a halt for a time, leaving many of us yearning for an escape. 

A study conducted by researchers from Washington State University found that those who traveled multiple times a year at least 75 miles from home were 7 percent happier than those who did not [ 1 ]. Incorporating travel into your life can be beneficial for your career as it can foster empathy, creativity, adaptability, and resiliency—invaluable skills in any workplace.

In this article, we’ll cover the different types of jobs that are both in-demand and may offer the flexibility to allow for more travel.

Types of jobs that allow you to travel

There are plenty of opportunities to incorporate travel into your career. You might not be ready to take the leap of quitting your job to become a dive instructor in Fiji, but perhaps you want to work remotely to explore a few different locations. Others might be opting for a career that allows for occasional travel, to conduct research or to execute an event.

Here are the different types of jobs that can be conducive to travel:

Fully remote jobs

Trade jobs that allow continual or frequent travel

Jobs that offer long breaks or sabbatical leave

Jobs based in a foreign country

*All salary and job outlook data represents median salaries in the United States and is sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (January 2022), unless otherwise stated

The COVID-19 pandemic has helped make remote work the new norm, especially among “knowledge workers.” Having the freedom to work remotely means you may be able to work just about anywhere with an internet connection. This may require you to be extra vigilant of time zones so you don’t schedule meetings with your clients or colleagues at odd hours. Remote jobs can be an excellent way to stay employed while traveling.

Read more: 10 Remote Work-From-Home Jobs that Pay Well

1. Web/graphic designer 

Like many others on this list, plenty of web and graphic designers today are becoming digital nomads, meaning they are location-independent. Whether you’re a freelancer with your own clients or working under a fixed contract with a company, design work can typically be done anywhere with a good internet connection.

Median salary: $77,200 

Job outlook: 13 percent (faster than average)

Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Read more: What does a graphic designer do?

2. Software developer 

This in-demand career is a great option for analytical, detail-oriented individuals with a background in computer science or information technology. Software developers write code to create or update computer applications and programs, work that can often be done remotely. 

Median salary: $110,140 

Job outlook: 22 percent (much faster than average)

3. Cybersecurity analyst 

As a cybersecurity analyst , you are responsible for executing security measures to protect a company’s computer systems. Like web-based designers and engineers, this work can be done remotely. Take advantage of this by working from home and taking short trips, or switching up your location every few months.

Median salary: $103,590

Job outlook: 33 percent (much faster than average)

Read more: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

As a writer, you have the opportunity to work from anywhere. Your salary can vary depending on whether you are a content or SEO writer, copywriter, grant writer, academic researcher, journalist, or novelist. Since writing tends to be done on a computer, you can typically continue working while you travel.

Median salary: $67,120

Job outlook: 9 percent (as fast as average)

Trade jobs that allow for frequent travel

Some trade jobs enable you to continually be on the move or to be assigned to a location for a few months at a time. Some of these jobs require only a high school diploma plus training. If you crave continuous movement and change, then these may be a good fit for you.

5. Flight attendant 

As a flight attendant, you can travel to many cities around the world in addition to receiving flight benefits for you and your family. To become a flight attendant, you must be physically fit to stand for long periods of time and help passengers with luggage, have experience with customer service, and be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Flight attendants often start with domestic flights before moving on to desirable international routes. 

Median salary: $59,050

Job outlook: 30 percent (much faster than average)

Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent and FAA certification

6. Travel nurse 

Travel nurses are employed by a nursing staffing agency instead of a hospital, which means you can travel domestically or internationally to a new location when hospitals need temporary nurses. To become a travel nurse, you need to be a licensed and registered nurse with at least a year of experience working in acute care. Salary depends on location and demand. During COVID-19, for example, travel nurse pay increased to over $10,000 per week.

Median salary: $75,330 (registered nurse)

Entry-level education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, plus licensure exam

A huge perk of becoming a pilot is being able to travel to different destinations. Depending on the airline, pilots tend to have a minimum of 12 to 15 days off per month, called “reserve days,” that are often spent in hotels far from home. Becoming a commercial pilot requires a license from the FAA. Pilots tend to start out flying charter flights and tours before they can fly customers on domestic and international routes.

Median salary: $130,440

8. Yoga or sports instructor 

This is perhaps one of the most exciting jobs with flexible hours and travel potential. Teaching yoga, sports, or recreational activities like diving, skiing, ziplining, surfing, or soccer can be a fun way to live in a new place. These jobs tend to be popular in tourist destinations—think living in the mountains or dreamy beach locale while earning an income.

Median salary: $40,510

Job outlook: 39% (much faster than average)

Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent, plus yoga teacher training or other sports certification

Jobs that allow you to take long breaks

These jobs operate either on a school timeline or a project basis, allowing for weeks or months of free time. Pursue one of these jobs, and use that extra free time for travel.

9. Professor

Becoming a professor usually requires a PhD, making this job a good fit for someone already pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree. Professors often get summer and winter breaks during which they may attend conferences, plan classes, prepare budgets, or go on vacation. Sabbaticals are typically six months and are available every seventh year, unless the university’s policies allow otherwise. This time can be used toward conducting fieldwork abroad (researching sea turtles in Costa Rica or archival studies in Egypt, for example), writing a book, or developing new programs and pedagogies.

Median salary: $80,560

Job outlook: 12 percent (faster than average)

Entry-level education: Usually a PhD, but sometimes a master’s degree is enough for community colleges

10. K-12 teacher 

As a K-12 teacher, your summer breaks provide a relief from 180 days of teaching. During the school year, teachers spend a lot of extra time planning classes, grading papers and exams, and developing fun activities for students. When summer rolls around, take advantage of the extended break to travel. 

Median salary: $62,870 (high school teacher)

Job outlook: 8 percent (as fast average)

Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree, plus state-issued certification or license

11. Management consultant 

Management consultants take on projects with companies where they lead strategy and business analysis to improve efficiency. For some consultants, this requires traveling up to four days a week (Monday to Thursday) or being based in a new location for months at a time. 

Management consulting is notoriously competitive because it is considered prestigious, well-paid, and good training for entrepreneurship, at the cost of long hours. If you don’t mind a bit of grind while you explore a new city or location, this might be a good career choice for you.

Further, there is a growing trend of companies providing benefits such as flexible paid leave and sabbaticals.

Median salary: $87,660

Job outlook: 14 percent (faster than average)

These jobs allow you to live abroad for months or years. Often, these jobs require you to teach, research, or work collaboratively with the local community. If you are excited about a purposeful career advocating for a social issue or an adventurous job reporting news on global politics and the economy, then this might be a satisfying career option.

12. Non-governmental organization (NGO) worker 

As an NGO worker, you may be in charge of implementing programs in countries with developing or emerging markets, usually addressing social or political issues such as poverty, hunger, disaster relief, environment, or peace and security. You might be in charge of communications, partnerships, or fundraising. The exciting part is that you get to live in the country for an extended time, fully immersed in the local culture. It can be a life-changing and rewarding experience.

Median salary: $69,600 (social and community service managers)

Job outlook: 15 percent (faster than average)

13. English teacher  

Teaching English can be a fulfilling way to spend a year living in a foreign country. Outside of the classroom, enjoy sightseeing, attending local festivals, eating street food, and embarking on adventures with new friends. Typically, a TESOL or TEFL certification is required.

There are many teaching exchange programs, such as Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) , English Program in Korea (EPIK) , and the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) that hire young adults to teach English abroad. Other similar reputable programs include the British Council and Council on International English Exchange . Another option is to teach subjects like history, literature, science, art, or math at international schools, which tend to be located in cities globally.

Median salary:  $50,953 (average salary from Glassdoor)

14. Foreign correspondent  

If you are trained as a journalist or photojournalist, you may be interested in taking your career abroad. There is a great need for reporting on the political and economic situation in other countries. As a journalist based overseas, you have the opportunity to interview and interact with locals on a daily basis to understand what’s really happening on the ground, while enjoying an unconventional and exciting lifestyle.

Median salary: $49,300 (news analysts, reporters, and journalists)

Job outlook: 6 percent (as fast as average)

15. Anthropologist 

Conducting fieldwork and ethnographic research is a significant part of studying the development and behavior of humans and their environment. Fieldwork for research organizations, government agencies, consulting firms, and universities often requires traveling for extended periods. While some anthropologists today are beginning to study local cities and towns to create sustainable social change, many conduct participant observation in foreign contexts for an unbiased perspective.

Median salary: $66,130

Job outlook: 7 percent (as fast as average)

Requirements: Master’s degree or PhD

Tips for transitioning into a travel-friendly job

Traveling more does not necessarily mean losing your place in your career. These options offer opportunities for you to continue working while satiating your desire for new adventures.

When considering whether to switch careers or plan ahead for a future role, it is important to understand whether you want to travel with your work or simply have a job that offers more vacation time to travel for pleasure. Here are some tips to help you decide what feels right:

Start small. If you are considering a remote job or living in another country for an extended amount of time, perhaps you can visit that country first on vacation before committing to a year. Or, take a weekend trip nearby to know whether you seek an urban or rural outdoorsy lifestyle.

Understand what type of job works best for you. Consider your lifestyle and family needs, and figure out what your transferable skills are.

Don’t quit your day job right away. If you are hoping to transition into a remote career, such as graphic design or writing, start by taking classes to brush up on your skills or creating a portfolio in your spare time. 

Take the leap . Once you have decided on a financially responsible plan, pushing your comfort zone can be scary. But oftentimes, a calculated risk can reap positive rewards. Try to adopt a growth mindset. It may be a tough adjustment moving to a new city or country, but trust that you can make it work.

Start building the skills you need for an in-demand, remote-friendly job with a Professional Certificate in user experience (UX) design , cybersecurity , social media marketing , or teaching English as a second language (TESOL) . Learn from industry leaders at your own pace, and earn a credential for your resume.

Related articles

Transferable Skills: How to Use Them to Land Your Next Job

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills: What’s the Difference?

10 Remote Work-From-Home Jobs that Pay Well

Article sources

1. Tourism Analysis. “ Would You Be More Satisfied with Your Life If You Travel More Frequently? , https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/ta/2021/00000026/00000001/art00006;jsessionid=1djuiwphlb0fg.x-ic-live-03.” Accessed February 10, 2022.

Keep reading

Coursera is the global online learning platform that offers anyone, anywhere access to online course...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Take $100 off your annual subscription

  • For a limited time, you can get a new Coursera Plus annual subscription for $100 off for your first year!
  • Get unlimited access to 7,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Yale.
  • Build the skills you need to succeed, anytime you need them—whether you're starting your first job, switching to a new career, or advancing in your current role.
  • Meet the Team
  • Talk to The Broke Backpacker
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

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.

computer on a table facing a valley view

  • Making Money Travelling the World:Types of Travel Work

The 35 Best Travel Jobs in 2022

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.) 😉

career in travel

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

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

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

1. Make Money Blogging

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

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

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

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

How Much Can You Earn?

  • From $0 – $50,000 per month!

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

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

career in travel

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

Work and Travel teaching english

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

teaching english online is a job that lets you travel

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.

english teacher

Earn $$$ ONLINE Whilst Travelling the World!

Keen to live the digital nomad dream while travelling the world? Who the hell isn’t?

Teaching English online is a surefire method to earn a consistent income on the road. Work from anywhere, change some lives, and earn some dollaridoos while you do it!

Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start  teaching English online .

4. Dropshipping

A diagram showing the process of dropshipping - a method of earning income online as a traveller

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

digital nomad in front of mountains looking happy

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

Stylised image of crypto currency - another online job for travellers

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

volunteer in colombia

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!

career in travel

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

A freelance photographer - another job that involves travelling

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

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

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

9. Teach Yoga

A working traveller doing yoga in the mountains

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.

people working out in a gym

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

leading a group of people through a hike in the mountains

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

grayl geopress filter bottle

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

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

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

12. Travel Tour Guide

A tour guide - a no experience travelling job

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

People working on a boat - more jobs involving travelling

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

work and travel

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

Woman selling bracelets as a travelling job with no experience

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

Hippies buying junk of smart working travellers

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

Aether Backpack

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

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

17. Busking

A man working as a travelling busker with his dog

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

A scuba instructor at work while travelling

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

Surfing instructors in the waves - more jobs on the road

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.

career in travel

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

20. Buy A Place and Rent It

A dude looking at a street of potential investment opportunites so he can make money wile travelling

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

Some cute dogs - housesitting or how to travel for a living

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

A kid waiting for his working travelling 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

A dude working at a hostel - one of the easiest and best travel jobs

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

bartender making drinks at a bar

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

career in travel

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

25. Become a Party Promoter/Brand Ambassador

Party ambassadors: jobs where you travel (and party)

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

work and travel seasonal jobs like these construction workers

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

A construction worker - another best job for travelling and working anywhere

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

A car delivery driver - a job that requires travel

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

Someone cheffing - the best job to have while travelling if you ave the patience

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

A - the best job for travel that pays well

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

flight attendant - another job that requires travel

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

mockup of a person holding a smartphone in white background with Holafly logo

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected. It’s just that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

32. New Zealand/Australia Work Visa

A kangaroo photographed by a traveller working in the Outback in Australia

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

Ski resort supplying seasonal work for travellers

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

A tattoo arist - another of the best jobs for travel

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

peace corps - a travel job and lifestyle

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!

career in travel

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!

A digital nomad works on the road from a mountaintop

Updated November 2022 by Samantha Shea

career in travel

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

Elina Mattila

Best Travel Jobs Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

promotional sidebar image for booking.com

IMAGES

  1. 8 Exciting Careers For People Who Like To Travel

    career in travel

  2. 7 REASONS TO CHOOSE CAREER IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM

    career in travel

  3. What Are The Careers In Tourism

    career in travel

  4. Why Pursue a Career in Travel and Tourism

    career in travel

  5. Career Opportunities in Travel and Tourism Industry

    career in travel

  6. Top 5 Job Prospects In Travel And Tourism: All That You Need To Know

    career in travel

VIDEO

  1. Jobs in Tourism

  2. Career in Travel and Tourism after Graduation 2019-2020

  3. Helsfyr (station) in Oslo#emploi #job #jobs #new #travel #emploi #2022 #2023

  4. Travel and Tourism Course Details || Eligibility, fees, scope, salary and many more

COMMENTS

  1. How To Get Into the Travel Industry (With Tips)

    1. Decide on a job type Since the travel industry covers every aspect of travel and tourism, there is a large range of potential careers. Ask yourself what parts of travel interest you. If you like talking to people, you could consider being a travel agent, or work in hospitality.

  2. Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

    14 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel. Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs. There are all kinds of jobs that have travel built into the experience, and these careers are also ... Management Analyst. Financial Analyst. Speech-Language Pathologist. Business Operations Manager.

  3. 14 Positions That Require Frequent Travel

    Popular jobs that involve travel 1. Cruise ship chef. Primary duties: Cruise ship chefs perform many of the same duties as any chef, including prepping... 2. Train conductor. Primary duties: Conductors work with a team to ensure trains run according to schedule. They must be... 3. Flight attendant. ...

  4. 15 Jobs that Allow You to Travel

    In this article, we’ll cover the different types of jobs that are both in-demand and may offer the flexibility to allow for more travel. Types of jobs that allow you to travel. There are plenty of opportunities to incorporate travel into your career.

  5. 30 In-Demand Travel Jobs (With Salaries and Duties)

    What is a travel job? Travel jobs are positions that require individuals to make trips to various locations to perform specific duties. This can include tasks like research, giving speeches or teaching. How much a person travels within their job may depend on their company, job duties and industry.

  6. 20 Jobs for People Who Like To Travel and Earn Money Doing It

    20 great travel jobs Before you begin your job search, you may be wondering, “How can I travel and make money?” Some travel jobs pay well while others may be more about the experience you’re looking for in life, with money being less important. Here are 20 jobs to consider if you want to travel while you work.

  7. 35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

    The 35 Best Travel Jobs in 2022 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… Jobs WHERE You Travel