The Best Traveling Jobs In The World

Looking for a travel-related job? This post offers enjoyable and realistic ways to pursue your aspirations while traveling.

There are many wonderful travel jobs out there—you just need a passion for traveling and the will to find them! This post offers a realistic way to travel and work.

What jobs allow you to travel the world?

Before discussing each career that requires travel, let’s briefly discuss work travel. High-level travel employment categories include:

1. Travel industry careers

Looking for a solid work in hospitality or tourism? Consider working in the travel industry in one of the following areas:

•  Art, amusement, and recreation.
• Hotels and lodgings.
• Restaurants, bars, and other food and beverage services

Though initial compensation is often low, there are numerous prospects for career advancement in the travel industry. You can also have flexible hours and the opportunity to meet new people. Careers in the travel business include travel agents, hotel sales and marketing professionals, tour directors, and tourist board employees.

2. Digital nomads

Digital nomads are persons who work remotely. Rather than working in a set office location, they can usually work on a laptop from anywhere in the world. They only need an internet connection and a workspace, which might be a bedroom, coffee shop, hotel lobby, or co-working facility.

3. Expats – Jobs that require travel and pay well

Expatriate (expat) occupations allow citizens of one country to work in another. These are often high-skilled vocations that allow you to reside abroad for a set period of time.

ESL teachers and government workers are two common types of expat occupations. However, almost every firm with foreign operations can provide abroad employment (for example, computer science jobs, SEO, healthcare opportunities, engineering positions, and so on).

4. Backpacking jobs

These employment usually do not require a college degree or even a work visa. Backpackers often work as artists, hostel workers, farmers, street vendors, or musicians. Another frequent backpacking profession is working in a hostel.

The best travel jobs in 2024

These travel jobs are not for everyone. Some high-paying travel professions demand significant skills and expertise, while others require no degree.

1. Travel Writer – One of the best travel jobs for digital nomads

Income range: $30,000 – $80,000 per year

If you enjoy visiting and writing about exotic locales, this travel job is calling your name.

Travel writers have two good ways to generate money and travel. Travel diary and publication freelance writing is one option. Small newspapers will pay you per piece, while larger ones will provide you free trip experiences.

Travel writers can also succeed by starting their own blogs or publications. This site makes money from adverts, affiliate links, and sponsored content. Writing and storytelling are your passions? Try this travel career.

2. Traveling DJ

Income range: $500 – $5,000 per gig

You a music fan with significant wanderlust? Why not combine your passions and become a travel DJ?

You can travel the world as a DJ, spinning the latest rhythms and entertaining partygoers at elite events and clubs. Imagine DJing on a Mediterranean yacht, a Tokyo rooftop party, or a Rio de Janeiro beachclub. Endless possibilities!

It’s not all fun and games. Travel DJs must know many music genres and be able to read a crowd and keep the celebration going. You must also know how to use DJ software and equipment.

If you have the talents and enthusiasm, becoming a travel DJ could be the perfect way to travel and make a livelihood doing what you love. Pack your headphones and dance shoes for an unforgettable journey! Does this job travel the world best? Absolutely!

3. English Teacher

Income range: $2,000 – $6,000 per month

Can you speak English? If you’ve made it this far, probably yes!

There are many teaching possibilities abroad for English native speakers. This usually requires at least one of the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification
• Previous teaching experience

Take your pick—almost every country needs English teachers. Many high-skilled teachers choose Japan, although Southeast Asia and South America offer more jobs and lower living costs.

When applying to teach English abroad, inquire about airfare reimbursements, travel stipends, and free housing! Co-teaching abroad is a meaningful way to give back to your community and make money while traveling! Also consider tutoring.

4. Telemedicine jobs

Income range: $40 – $250 per hour

This is one of the top online travel jobs.

Not everyone must visit a doctor today. Telemedicine is a new healthcare sector established by technology. Doctors and nurses can prescribe drugs online in numerous states and countries, often from home. This profession is remote, so you can travel and explore the world.

Travel nursing is another healthcare option. These are temporary occupations at hospitals and medical facilities worldwide.

5. Au Pair is a top travel job for young peopl

Income range: $200 – $300 in pocket money per week

This is one of the most popular career travel alternatives for young adults in Europe.

Au pairs work for a host family for free housing and board and a stipend. You’re responsible for childcare and housework.

Many Au Pair agencies exist worldwide, but these 15 are recognized by the U.S. State Department. Au pairs are usually 18–30 years old, however each country has different restrictions.

Being an au pair is great for cultural exposure. If you’re lucky, your host family may take you on vacation!

6. Jobs where you travel as an architect

Income range: $50,000 – $120,000 per year

Are you an amazing designer that loves traveling? Try your hand at becoming a traveling architect! You can design some of the world’s most beautiful and inventive buildings as a traveling architect. Imagine building a Dubai skyscraper, a Kyoto temple, or a Costa Rican eco-village. Endless possibilities!

Traveling architects must be well-versed in building design, construction, and codes. To realize your designs, you must be a master collaborator with clients and contractors. If you’re up for the challenge and love discovering other cultures and ways of life, becoming a traveling architect may be perfect for you. Bring your sketchpad and adventure spirit to create your way across the world!

7. Tour Guide Traveling Jobs

Income range: $15 – $50 per hour

Be a local tour guide or work for an international tour business. This is a terrific way to make money and share your travel enthusiasm.

This is an easy way to get started in the industry while learning about a destination’s culture, history, and top spots. Creating Airbnb experiences and delivering personalized tours could lead to entrepreneurship. Food, picture, and history tours are popular. International trip operators like Rick Steves Europe, G Adventures, and Intrepid Travel pay well. Due to the epidemic, several tours are canceled.

8. Video editor

Income range: $12 – $35 per hour

Are you ready for a fun, well-paid travel career that lets you see the world and be creative? Just look at video editing! Video editors can go to exotic locales, gather great film, and create stunning masterpieces.

Consider the various distinct destinations you could visit, from Tokyo’s bustling streets to Bali’s beautiful beaches. You’ll also collaborate with talented filmmakers and creatives to realize your concept.

Not only does video editing involve travel, it also lets you express your creativity. You can try new styles and techniques and push the limits. Watching others react to your finished work is a rewarding experience.

Remember the employment rewards! Work with cutting-edge technology and use the newest software and equipment. Pay can also be nice.

Video editing offers adventure, creativity, and technology, so it may be right for you. Practice your talents for the trip of a lifetime!

9. WWOOFing is one of the best jobs for travel

Income range: N/A – free room & board, but no pay

Looking for a cheap way to travel? Try WWOOFing.

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a cultural and educational initiative that offers free housing and farmwork. Helping at a farm will teach you about organic agriculture and sustainability, two vital themes that are changing our planet. As an exchange program for global thinkers!

WWOOFers usually work half the day on the farm and half exploring. There are over 1700 US organic host farms and many more worldwide (130 countries!). A travel job that lets you explore the world and give back is the best!

10. Travel Agent

Income range: $30,000 – $75,000 per year

Earn money traveling as a travel agent!

With the internet, many expected travel agencies would disappear. People can book things online, right? Slow down.

Despite a long downturn, the travel agent industry was doing well before the epidemic. Travel agents’ skills and experience are invaluable, especially for busy people who prefer help with itineraries rather than planning and booking.

Unfortunately, travel review sites like TripAdvisor lack context that would help travelers make informed judgments. For instance, you don’t know what life experiences influenced a positive or negative evaluation. Thus, you cannot determine if a hotel or attraction is right for you. However, a travel agent can offer tailored advice based on industry and destination knowledge. They are professionals who have traveled extensively and understand travelers’ tastes.

There are no degree requirements to become a travel agent, but you need travel experience, communication skills, and attention to detail.

11. Street Performer – a creative travel job that’s location independent

Income range: $57,000 – $91,000 per year

Wherever tourists are, money may be made. Street performers and musicians are some of the most imaginative travel jobs since they let you show off your talents!

Do you play guitar well? Break dancing or magic? In London, NYC, Barcelona, and Bogota, you can monetise almost anything. Some areas require permits, so do your research. This is one of the top travel jobs for entertainers.

12. Customer Service Agent

Income range: $33,000 – $59,000 per year

This job can be done remotely from any place. Customer service, fast internet, and a stylish home base are enough!

This position requires good listening and coolness, which are useful when traveling overseas. While traveling, interpersonal issues and miscommunications often arise. This job can help you address them. Thus, it’s one of the finest travel jobs!

13. Traveling yoga instructor

Income range: $39,000 – $74,000 per year

One of the best go abroad jobs for fitness gurus. Work as a resort yoga, Pilates, Zumba, or dance instructor. Personal trainer certification is another option.

Yoga instructors can work at hotels and resorts. Lead yoga retreats overseas! Who wouldn’t want to meditate or do yoga in Bali or Tulum?

Fitness instructors make great full-time or part-time travel jobs. Such a job is needed anywhere people live!

14. Translator – Among the best jobs for travel lovers

Income range: $47,000 – $100,000 per year

If you speak various languages, consider translating! This travel profession is in demand worldwide and may be done online.

Helping others communicate is the most satisfying act. This is a great travel job for expatriates and digital nomads because they can travel abroad.

15. Hotel Professional – one of the best travel industry jobs

Income range: $16 – $26 per hour

Do you like helping people and giving excellent service? For travel enthusiasts, hotel work is one of the best!

Hotels rarely require degrees, and you can advance swiftly. You can go from entry-level to manager in a year and be sought after by global hotel companies.

Numerous international hotel pros. In this transient sector, hotels may change every 6-12 months. Major hotel chains provide many domestic and international chances to develop you into a well-rounded and global hotel professional. These organizations handle the visa procedure for living and working overseas, making it easier than doing it yourself. If you like traveling, the hospitality sector is hard but rewarding.

16. Travel journalist

Income range: $85,000 – $97,000 per year

A writer with an adventurous spirit? Why not combine your skills and become a traveling journalist?

Traveling journalists get to cover the world’s most intriguing and significant stories. Imagine reporting on a Cairo revolution, a Philippine natural disaster, or a Rio de Janeiro cultural event. One of those great careers that lets you travel the world.

But writing isn’t everything. Traveling journalists must have a knack for storytelling and the capacity to see the human side of any circumstance. You must also be able to adapt to different cultures and surroundings.

If you’re up for the challenge and appreciate discovering new places and cultures, becoming a traveling journalist may be perfect for you. Bring your notebook and curiosity to share the world’s stories from the front!

17. Consultant Traveling Jobs

Income range: $49,000 – $110,000 per year

Are you an expert (or planning to become one)? Consulting is an option! One of the highest-paying travel professions.

Industry professionals can solve complicated challenges as consultants. This specific knowledge is sought worldwide. Social media consultants are in demand and one of the top digital nomad travel careers! Consultants make good money and travel widely. A win-win for travel jobs!

18. Travel Photographer

Income range: $33,000 – $54,000 per year

Do you like capturing vacation memories? Perhaps trip photography is in the cards!

Professional travel photographers have many income options. Selling prints and high-resolution downloads is a fast and easy way to make money. Simply register on stock picture sites like Shutterstock and open an Etsy business.
Working with destinations and businesses is another way freelance travel photographers generate money. Provide high-quality images and films to tourism boards, hotels, restaurants, and other travel businesses. With enough social media presence, you can become an influencer.

Finally, with enough professional trip photography, you may create lessons and “how to” films. Potential photographers are constantly interested in buying these courses and learning from the finest. No wonder this is a top travel career!

19. Virtual Assistant – one of the best digital nomad jobs for travelers

Income range: $12 – $20 per hour

Virtual assistant is one of the most accessible careers. This type of work usually doesn’t require a degree and can be done remotely.

These remote occupations are popular and encompass scheduling, calendaring, customer support, bookkeeping, online research, event organizing, social media, and more.

Virtual assistants can accomplish almost everything online. You just need to find your niche and offer things you enjoy and are in demand. Upwork.com has thousands of remote VA jobs.

Instead of personal assistants who must go to the office every day, you can work from home or abroad! VAs are one of the most sought-after travel careers.

20. Flight Attendant – a great way to get paid traveling the world

Income range: $30,000 – $73,000 per year

Become a flight attendant to see the world! The job is hard, but it offers benefits. Flight attendants get huge savings on airline tickets, hotels, and rental cars, and reduced rent since they travel the world. This is one of the coolest, well-paying travel jobs.

Flight attendants have maximum flexibility. You can easily switch flights with coworkers to maximize in-flight hours and take more days off. Major airlines offer significant medical, retirement, and overtime benefits. Unfortunately, flight attendants must endure rigorous training, rude passengers, and plenty of movement. If you love traveling, it’s worth it!Flight attendants make money traveling and have more flexibility than desk workers.

21. International Aid Worker

Income range: $30,000 – $40,000 per year

Travel while helping others? Consider foreign aid work! One of the best and most rewarding travel jobs. The Peace Corps and Red Cross are two of several international groups seeking aid. Aid workers are in demand worldwide for health and social services, natural catastrophes, and warfare.

Working at an IGO is another method to help others while living overseas, along with volunteering. The UN, NATO, and WHO are prominent IGOs. Most positions in these companies need degrees, foreign language abilities, and other certifications. International humanitarian work is one of the most rewarding travel careers!

22. Ski Instructor

Income range: $24 – $40 per hour

All across the world, ski resorts hire seasonal instructors. You can spend part of the year in Canada and the Alps and part in Argentina, New Zealand, and Chile. This lets you enjoy winter year-round!
Resorts may require different certification levels. Before applying, get that qualification, especially in your teaching country. If you reside near ski resorts, this work may not need travel. But it helps if you want to travel!

23. Diving Instructor

Income range: $19 – $35 per hour

This fascinating career lets you travel and teach scuba diving. Visit exotic places like Australia and Hawaii while seeing underwater beauty. Check out the Professional Association of Diving Instructors for scuba diving teacher training and certification.

24. Archaeologist

Income range: $50,000 – $70,000 per year

What a great travel job for history buffs! They explain human geography and how civilizations—including customs, values, and traditions—formed.

Archaeologists excavate to understand human history. This requires investigating, researching, and evaluating cultures and history. It demands a lot of travel, often to isolated regions and for lengthy periods. Archaeologists work at museums and historical sites in addition to fieldwork.

This job won’t make you rich, but it’s enriching and you’ll travel a lot!

In addition to archaeologists, geographers and anthropologists provide similar opportunities and jobs for travel lovers!

25.  Day Trading Stocks

Income range: $20,000 – $200,000 per year

This popular location-independent job lets you make money while traveling.

Free trading apps like Robinhood let you trade stocks without costs. This is the finest way to learn day trading and test ideas. It needs patience and careful diligence, and you may lose money. Long-term, the payback can be great!

26. Traveling Bartender

Income range: $12 – $22 per hour (not including tips)

This employment is available almost everywhere, especially in touristy areas with many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. A basic grasp of the local language and bartending experience are enough. A recognized bartending school may be needed to work at a high-end bar.

Being a traveling bartender is a terrific method to meet other travelers since nightlife is a major appeal. It’s always popular!

27. Massage Therapist

Income range: $30 – $110 per hour

This travel career will satiate your wanderlust while balancing work and life. As a massage therapist, you can travel with a sports team, cruise line, hotel, or freelance.

Wellness resorts and massage therapy are in demand wherever tourists are. Join forces with a hotel, resort, or local business to satisfy demand. Does this rank among the best travel jobs? It is!

28. Cruise Ship Traveling Jobs

Income range: $16,000 – $20,000 per year

Being a cruise ship employee is an excellent travel opportunity for people from many walks of life. While sailing across the world, you can work as a cook, entertainer, tour manager, housekeeper, waiter/waitress, and many other jobs. You can not only visit a range of sites, but you will also receive free food, lodging, and transportation.

29. Oceanographers are among the best travel careers

Income range: $63,000 – $98,000 per year

Do you love ocean wonders and want to travel? Why not combine your passions as a wandering oceanographer?

Traveling oceanographers can research marine life and human effects. Imagine studying coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef, following whales in the Arctic, or analyzing Mediterranean ocean currents and climate change. This is one of the most unusual careers to travel the world with so many options. But it’s not only pleasure and adventure. Traveling oceanographers must comprehend ocean science’s methodology, tools, and ideas. You must also be adaptable to diverse situations.

If you’re up for the challenge and love adventure, becoming a traveling oceanographer may be perfect for you. Bring your scuba gear and curiosity to explore the world’s oceans and learn their mysteries!

30. Software/Computer Engineer

Income range: $90,000 – $140,000 per year

Most are freelance website and app developers living in affordable places. This is a terrific way to work and travel. Computer science or engineering degrees are necessary for most occupations. However, freelancer.com has many gigs for those without one. This is a hard but lucrative travel job!

31. Work at a Hostel

Income range: $14 – $23 per hour

Want to make money while traveling? A backpacker’s hostel job is one of the greatest for meeting people worldwide. Working at the front desk or housekeeping earns you free accommodation and board. Some hostels feature bars, so you can bartend too!  Working at hostels is usually temporary. If you stay longer, you can negotiate a paid position.

32. Web Developer – one of the best expat jobs

Income range: $64,000 – $130,000 per year

Looking for global jobs? While not a traditional travel job, it certainly fits the bill!

Web development is a prominent digital nomad career that may be done anywhere. HTML, JavaScript, and CSS are needed to build and maintain websites. These are easy from a Caribbean beach chair (or anywhere with excellent internet).

WordPress and Adobe website and graphic designers are also in demand. A degree is helpful, but you can learn to code and program websites and apps for free online. It’s a foolproof approach to work and vacation!

33. Pilot – the best paying travel job for jetsetters

Income range: $150,000 – $240,000 per year

If you’re seeking for employment that need you to travel around the world, this is it.

Pilots are among the highest-paying travel occupations in the world. You’ll be able to fly around and view some of the world’s most beautiful spots. It takes a lot of flight hours and special training, but after thousands of hours in the air, you’ll be ready to become a commercial airline pilot!

34. Truck Driver

Income range: $39,000 – $97,000 per year

If you enjoy road journeys, you might be interested in becoming a truck driver. It pays well, does not require a degree, and provides a change of scenery that is not available with standard desk work. Truck drivers are in high demand, so you’ll have the opportunity to travel regularly. What more could you want from a good travel job?

35. Airbnb Owner – a great travel job to make money while traveling the world

Income range: $1,200 – $2,100 per month

Rent out your home or condo on Airbnb while you travel the world.

You can make a lot of money doing this, which will help you pay your rent or mortgage as well as fund your trips. Just make sure you have contactless check-in options (such as a keypad) so you don’t have to be present to let people through the door.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are some popular questions and answers regarding traveling careers in 2024.

1. What is the highest paying travel job?

The world’s highest-paying travel profession depends on location, sector, and expertise. If you want a high-paying, travel-intensive job, become an oil and gas consultant or executive. These jobs can pay six figures and require substantial international travel to manage projects and conduct business. Another high-paying travel career is technology consulting, where you may travel the world to assist corporations adopt new technology systems. These positions pay well and require travel.

2. How much money can I make as a travel job?

The earnings potential for travel jobs varies based on the position and your skills, however many high-paying travel jobs pay six figures or more.

3. What is the best job if you want to travel?

There are several careers that allow you to explore the world while earning a living if you’re a wanderer at heart!

Travel writers and bloggers spring to mind. Imagine being paid to travel, stay in luxury hotels, and eat wonderful meals while writing about your experiences. Like getting paid to live your best life!

Photography is another dream job that mixes travel and employment. Imagine getting paid to photograph the world’s beautiful landscapes and diverse civilizations. Imagine getting compensated to make a graphic journal of your trips. Flight attendants get to travel and stay in different areas while earning a decent wage and benefits. If you want to travel and be paid, the world is your oyster! You just need a job that matches your talents and interests.

4. How can I travel for a living?

Want to turn your travel dreams into a reality? Look no further! Here are a few ways to travel for a living:

• Become a travel blogger or influencer and document your adventures online for the world to see.
• Work as a travel agent and help plan dream vacations for others while getting discounts on your own trips.
• Take the road less traveled and become a tour guide, leading groups to exotic destinations and sharing your knowledge of the local culture.
• Or, you can pack your bags and become a digital nomad, working remotely while exploring different parts of the world.
• Become a Flight attendant and fly the world for free with free accommodation and meals.
• Get into the travel industry like working in a cruise line or a hotel chain and get the chance to travel and work in different parts of the world

5. How do I start a travel job?

First, pack your bags and get your passport! Actually, if you want to work in travel, you must be ready to go at any time.

Let’s get to work. Find out what kind of travel career you want before starting. Want to blog about travel? A tour guide? A flight attendant? Want to organize distant travel or retreats? Each career has different requirements and qualifications, so do your homework to find the ideal one.

Building your resume and portfolio begins once you know what you want to do. If you want to be a travel blogger, you need a website or blog that shows your writing and pictures. When applying to be a tour guide, you’ll need expertise leading groups and understanding of the destination.

Apply next! Apply to several travel sector jobs. More applications increase your chances of getting your ideal job. Finally, bring your sense of adventure and positivity! Because a travel job is about the trip, not the destination.

6. Can you get paid to travel the world?

You can get paid to tour the world! Imagine getting paid to travel, meet new people, and eat wonderful food. Sign me up!

Many jobs allow you to travel and get compensated. From flight attendant to tour guide, travel blogger, digital nomad, travel photographer, and more. Each job requires different qualifications and talents, yet they all pay you to travel!

Imagine being paid to travel the world, stay in luxury hotels, and have your bills covered. It’s like a paid travel VIP. Travel writing pays you to discover new locations and share your experiences. Like modern Marco Polo, but with a stable paycheck.

You can transform your wanderlust into a paying profession! Many options exist to tour the world for money. You just need the necessary abilities and determination.

Yes, you can get paid to travel the world—just find the perfect career and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

7. Can I travel and work at the same time?

You bet! With the rise of the digital nomad lifestyle, more and more people are discovering methods to work remotely while traveling. So, whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or have a job that allows you to work remotely, you may travel the world while carrying your laptop.

More advice on how to work and travel the world

There are numerous wonderful travel jobs available around the world, but which are best for you?

When looking for a full-time travel employment or a side hustle, you may discover that some travel-friendly occupations are not always readily available. After all, if it was that simple, everyone would do it!

Many of these travel occupations involve a significant commitment, requiring specialized training and a strong sense of passion, the latter being the most crucial. If you love to travel, you can undertake any of these jobs. You may be sure of that!