How to Get Paid to See the World

Do you want to get paid to travel? Several jobs will allow you to travel and enjoy lucrative compensation and benefits. Here’s a lowdown on those desirable travel jobs.

Not everyone wants a desk job or an indoor career that lets you go outside only when the sun has started to set. If you thrive in exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures, a job that involves a lot of traveling is for you. This article will list the best travel job options to start you packing. 

Jobs That Allow You To Travel

Who wouldn’t want to get paid to see the world? You can be a flight attendant, tour guide, travel agent, or cruise ship worker. These jobs are among the various ways to earn money while exploring incredible beaches in Cartagena, Colombia, or the Rockies, closer to home. 

Many of these jobs come with great pay packages and perks. Here are the 16 best travel jobs for you. 

1. Travel Nurses 

Travel nursing jobs allow adventurous healthcare professionals to traverse different parts of the country while providing much-needed services to various communities. 

Travel nurses typically work in high-demand areas such as labor and delivery or the cardiac cath lab, providing vital support to patients and staff. 

Additionally, travel clinical nurses bring a unique perspective to the healthcare system, providing a fresh set of eyes on potential improvements or innovative approaches to care. 

2. Teach English Abroad 

It’s no secret that one of the best ways to see the world is by getting paid to travel. And what better way to earn your keep on the road than by teaching English? Although some might view it as a 9-5 job in a foreign country, teaching English abroad has many perks that other travel jobs can’t compete with. 

Colombia is a very popular destination to teach English, with its white sandy beaches and friendly locals. Whether staying in Cartagena or Bogota, you’ll have a great time immersing yourself in the local culture and traveling around.

Most programs provide free or heavily discounted housing, meaning you’ll have a comfortable place to come home to after a long day of exploring. You’ll also have plenty of vacation days to play with, giving you ample opportunity to see everything your host country has to offer. 

3. Photographer 

Being a photographer is one of the best travel jobs out there. You get to see amazing places, capture their beauty through your lens, and get paid to do it. 

But, of course, being a successful photographer requires more than just having a good eye; it also takes a lot of practice and hard work. 

It can be an enriching career if you love photography and are willing to put in the effort. In addition to getting to travel to amazing places, photographers also have the opportunity to meet interesting people and learn about different cultures. 

4. Tour Guide 

Being a tour guide is often hailed as the best job in the travel industry. It’s not hard to see why. Tour guides get to show visitors around unique places, share their knowledge of history and culture, and help create once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

But being a tour guide is more than just leading people around and pointing out sights. It’s also about ensuring everyone feels welcome and safe, handling problems with grace and diplomacy, and always being ready with a helpful suggestion or an interesting story. In short, it’s a demanding but immensely rewarding job. 

5. Translator 

If you are fluent in at least two languages, you could work as a translator in parts of the world needing such service. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for translators and interpreters to see a 20% increase until 2031. With an average salary of $19.67/hour, a translator or interpreter can make as much as $66/hour if certified by the American Translators Association. 

6. Scuba Instructor 

Have you always dreamed of swimming with dolphins? Or maybe you’re more interested in exploring sunken ships and lost civilizations. Either way, a career as a scuba instructor could be the perfect job for you. 

As a scuba instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to travel to some of the most beautiful and exotic locations on earth. For example, the San Adres islands in Colombia are a paradise for divers with their vibrant coral reefs and incredible marine life.

You’ll also get to share your love of the underwater world with others and help them safely explore its many wonders. 

7. Digital Nomads 

With the rise of the digital economy, more and more people are finding that they can work remotely from anywhere in the world. Such convenience has led to a new breed of traveler known as the digital nomad. 

Digital nomads are often young, tech-savvy professionals who can work online from anywhere with an internet connection. While this lifestyle has its perks, it can also be quite challenging. 

For one thing, digital nomads often have to deal with constant upheaval as they move from place to place in search of the perfect location to set up shop. Additionally, they often have to contend with loneliness and isolation as they set out on their own without the support of family or friends. 

8. Work At a Hostel

Hostels are communal accommodations offering travelers low-priced accommodations. For a lower rate, guests typically share a room and cook their own food. 

For many people, working at a hostel is the perfect way to subsidize their travel expenses and see the world on a budget. Plus, it’s a superb way to meet other like-minded travelers from all over the globe. 

Popular destinations to work in hostels are Bocas del Toro, Panama, Rosario Islands, Colombia, or Arenal, Costa Rica. 

9. Cruise Ship Workers

Cruise ship workers have one of the best travel jobs. Not only do they get to travel to different places, but they also get to meet new people and experience different cultures. And, best of all, they get paid to do it! 

Cruise ship workers work on a cruise ship for six to eight months. 

During that time, they are responsible for various duties, such as serving food and drinks, cleaning cabins, and providing customer service. In addition, they also have the opportunity to participate in activities like sports and entertainment. 

While the work can be challenging, it is also very rewarding. And at the end of each contract, cruise ship workers are given a vacation to explore the port city where the ship is docked. 

10. Airline Pilot

An airline pilot operates the flying controls of an aircraft. You need a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science and an airline transport pilot certificate to be able to fly any aircraft. It takes a lot of training to get the necessary qualification to become an airplane pilot.

As a pilot, you’ll be able to visit many countries and places throughout your tenure. It is one of the many perks of being an airline pilot. But with this benefit comes the big responsibility of ensuring that your passengers are safe and sound throughout their journey.

11. Flight Attendant 

The role of a flight attendant is much more than serving drinks and snacks to passengers. They are responsible for the safety and security of everyone on board, and they undergo extensive training to ensure they are prepared for any situation. 

Flight attendants have the opportunity to travel to amazing places all over the world. They experience different cultures and meet new people while earning a good salary and enjoying benefits like free flights, paid hotel visits, and a flexible schedule. 

12. Ski Resort Jobs 

When most people think of ski resorts, they picture luxury lodges, slopes blanketed in powdery snow, and sipping hot cocoa by the fire. But they may not realize that ski resorts offer various employment opportunities, from entry-level jobs to highly-skilled positions. And for many people, working at a ski resort is one of the best travel jobs.

There are several reasons why working at a ski resort is such a great travel job. Most resorts are in beautiful, natural surroundings, meaning employees enjoy the stunning scenery and fresh air daily. 

Working at a resort allows people to meet new people worldwide and forge lasting friendships. And, of course, being able to hit the slopes during breaks and after shifts is a huge perk! 

13. Freelance Travel Writer 

Have you ever wished you could get paid to travel the world? As a freelance travel writer, that’s what you can do! You’ll be able to combine your love of writing with your passion for travel. 

You can work from anywhere worldwide, setting your hours and choosing your projects. And best of all, you’ll get paid to do what you love! If you’re thinking about becoming a freelance travel writer, you should keep a few things in mind. 

Foremost, it’s essential to be a good writer. While you don’t need to be a Hemingway-level wordsmith, you should be able to communicate clearly and effectively. Also, you should be well-traveled. The more experience you have with different cultures and customs, the better equipped you’ll be to write about them. 

Also, it’s helpful to have some knowledge of the publishing industry. Knowing how to pitch and publish articles will give you a big advantage in this competitive field. 

14. Traveling Street Vendor

Few things are more indicative of a cityscape than the sound of a street vendor crying out their wares. These hard-working people are essential to urban life, from steaming hot dogs to making ice cream. And for those who love to travel, working as a street vendor can be the perfect job. 

Street vending allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet new people, and see some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Best of all, it’s a flexible job that you can fit around your travel plans.

15. Volunteering

Volunteering is often a great way to see the world while doing good. And while there are undoubtedly many benefits to volunteering abroad, it’s important to do your research before committing to a placement. 

Various platforms can connect you with volunteer opportunities worldwide, such as Volunteer World, Go Abroad, and Grassroots Volunteer. Projects can vary widely, from environmental conservation to teaching English to working with refugees. 

16. Travel Agent

Traveling is often seen as a leisurely activity, but it can be quite demanding for those who do it for a living. Travel agents are responsible for making travel arrangements for their clients, often with little notice and on a tight budget. 

Being a travel agent can require long hours researching flights, hotels, and activities and dealing with last-minute changes and cancellations. But it can be the perfect job for those who love to travel. Travel agents get to meet new people and learn about different cultures as they get the chance to see the world while doing research or enjoying job-related perks. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Travel Jobs

What Are Jobs That Allow You To Travel?

Healthcare jobs are some of the most common occupations that offer travel opportunities. For example, many nursing jobs require you to travel to different hospitals or facilities to provide care for patients. In addition, locum tenens jobs are becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry. 

Other good travel jobs include photographer, freelance travel writer, translator, scuba instructor, or become a digital nomad. You can set career goals within these job opportunities without strict qualification requirements and earn a decent salary.

What Is the Highest Paying Traveling Job?

There are many traveling jobs, from tour guides to flight attendants. But which job pays the most? 

Some of the highest-paying traveling jobs include airline pilot, cruise ship director, travel publicist, hotel manager, etc. These positions earn a 6-figure salary, making them the highest paying traveling jobs.

Conclusion – Travel Jobs

As this article shows you, plenty of travel jobs are available in the market. 

Consider that if your dream job requires regular travel, you should possess considerable skills and experience to do a better job than the locals. Good for you if you already have those bases covered; otherwise, it would be a good idea to do more research on your dream job and upskill, if necessary.

Now, get that travel job and turn your dreams into reality! 

This article originally appeared on Hello Sensible.