If you don't like working the normal hours of an office person stuck behind a desk all day, consider finding a job that allows you to travel. There are a variety of ways you can work while traveling, including working in the travel industry, joining international organizations, and teaching abroad. Know your skills and choose the option that fits your interests to find a job where you can make money on the go!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Working in the Travel Industry
Step 1. Become a flight attendant and fly around the world as part of the job
Flight attendants fly every day and often have to stay in exotic places. All while earning a good income and receiving pleasant benefits, such as discount flights. Experience in the service or customer service industry will help you land a job as a flight attendant.
- The requirements for getting a job as a flight attendant vary by airline. In general, you should be in good physical health, be able to stand for long periods of time, and be able to reach carry-on baggage.
- Many airlines open flight attendant vacancies on their sites. Search the internet for job vacancies from airlines operating at airports in your area.
- You should know that the working hours of flight attendants are often unusual, especially in the early days of being hired. In addition, at the beginning you can't choose the destination of the flight.
Tip:
Other skills such as fluency in foreign languages, CPR, and being able to provide first aid can also help you land a job as a flight attendant.
Step 2. Work on a cruise ship to travel around the world with free rooms and accommodations
Working on a cruise ship will give you the opportunity to travel full time while earning a salary and living free on a cruise ship. Search the internet for job openings on cruise ships that match your experience and interests.
- The cruise ship is like a miniature floating city. So chances are you can find just about any type of job imaginable aboard a cruise ship. From restaurant waiters to stage performers. People with all kinds of work experience and backgrounds are in high demand on cruise ships.
- You need to know, working on a cruise ship is not always fun and full of fun. You often have to work long, heavy shifts. However, you will get the opportunity to stop at faraway ports around the world which of course can be explored.
- Usually, cruise ships will depart from the main port. So if you don't live in a port city, go there to start working on cruise ships.
Step 3. Become a travel agent to get great deals on travel and accommodation
If you've spent a lot of time exploring other places, chances are you could have a successful career as a travel agent. Travel agents provide the best advice regarding accommodation, entertainment, dining and other attractions to clients.
- While travel agents technically don't get paid to travel, they often get offers for hotels and tours. So, they can suggest it for clients. Working as a travel agent will also let you learn how to find the best deals on flights to different places around the world.
- With the proliferation of online booking sites and travel comparison sites, the travel agency profession has seen a decline in recent years. However, many people still trust agents to find the best travel options due to their experience and expertise.
Step 4. Become a tour guide if you have people skills and knowledge of tourist attractions
Apply for jobs with major tour companies that will have you take tour groups to different destinations. Another option is to start traveling and try to find a tour guide job in the local area, no matter where you are at the time.
- To be a successful tour guide, you must have local knowledge, including the history of a particular area. If you don't know anything about the place, do some research and gather knowledge that can help you land a job as a tour guide.
- You need to know, this job is very seasonal. It will be easier for you to find work as a local tour guide during the holiday season.
- To be successful as a local guide, you need to be able to manage a large group of people and keep them interested during a guided tour.
Method 2 of 3: Working for International Organizations
Step 1. Join the Peace Corp to help disadvantaged people in developing countries
The Peace Corps is an American government aid organization. Visit the Peace Corps website at https://www.peacecorps.gov/ to find out the requirements for joining and the types of jobs you can apply for.
- You need to know, working for the Peace Corps will be far from a luxury. You will often be assigned to very remote areas with limited infrastructure. Other than that, don't expect to make a lot of money here. You will receive a modest income and accommodation, but this one is more about “giving something to the world” than making money.
- American citizens who complete tenure with the Peace Corps will have priority recruitment opportunities at the State Department upon their return. This is a great option if you aspire to work as a diplomat or other foreign service worker abroad.
Step 2. Be a foreign service worker to represent your country abroad
Foreign service workers travel and live abroad, representing the country on issues such as immigration, diplomacy, and international aid. Check on the internet to find out the requirements needed as a foreign service worker.
- Each country has different requirements. In general, you must pass a qualification test to demonstrate that you are fit to represent your country before choosing a career path in the foreign service department.
- For example, if you are an American citizen, you can find job requirements on the U. S. State Department website. at
Step 3. Work with an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) to be able to travel abroad and provide humanitarian assistance
There are many international non-governmental and non-profit organizations where you can work and travel to help resolve issues such as human rights and disaster relief. Different organizations recruit people with different career backgrounds. So, research to find a suitable organization.
- Some examples of NGOs include Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, and USAID.
- A background in health or social services will be very useful for getting a job in an NGO. for example, Doctors Without Borders employs medical professionals or medical students to provide medical care to remote communities or people in disaster-stricken areas.
Warning
Working for a foreign aid organization can be physically and emotionally draining
You will often face harsh realities such as conflict and illness. You are also likely to be sent to poor areas where basic necessities are minimal. However, if you are ready for a job like this, you can make a big difference in the lives of people all over the world.
Method 3 of 3: Looking for Other Types of Work
Step 1. Work as an au pair if you like taking care of children
An au pair is a foreign caregiver who lives with a family being fostered abroad to care for their children. There are many sites online that help connect babysitters with potential families.
- Pay as an au pair varies depending on the country and program taken. At a minimum you will get room and accommodation in the family home where you will work, as well as a small salary to cover personal needs.
- The advantage of being an au pair is that the family you live in will take you along when you travel because you have to look after their children. You will also have free time on the weekends to wander around and see the country, or even visit the nearest neighboring country.
Step 2. Teach English abroad if English is your first language.
Earn a certificate as an ESL teacher at an organization like TEFL or TESOL to increase your chances of getting a job. English teachers are in great demand in many countries around the world. So, there are many opportunities available, depending on where you want to go.
- Asian countries such as Korea and Japan are known to pay very well, even providing housing for English teachers. Consider seeking opportunities in these countries if you want the rewarding experience of living abroad.
- If you have a bachelor's degree and teaching experience, there is a greater chance of earning a higher salary as an English teacher.
Step 3. Become a translator if you speak more than 1 language
Apply for a job with a language service provider to travel the world helping people communicate. Apart from having to be fluent in at least 2 languages, computer and business skills will also help you get a job as a translator.
The countries that have the most language service providers are the United Kingdom, the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic
Step 4. Become a travel writer if you have a passion for writing as well as traveling
The easiest way to work as a travel writer is on a freelance basis. Many publications will pay for writing about new hit travel destinations and interesting travel stories.
- To work as a freelance travel writer, you can look up information on websites and/or contact editors from well-known publishers such as The New York Times, Conde Nast, and National Geographic.
- This travel writing job is in high demand, but the market demand is sometimes inconsistent. These jobs are often project based and you will need to have some savings to fund the trip upfront.
Tip:
Another option to make money as a travel writer is to create your own travel blog and make money by placing pay-per-click ads and affiliate links within the blog.
