travel massive jobs

• Human Resources

Travel Massive Jobs Board

The Travel Massive Jobs Board is a job posting platform hosted by Travel Massive — an online travel community that caters to more than 80,000 travel professionals, digital nomads, and content creators across the U.S. and abroad.

The Travel Massive Jobs Board features an easy job posting process and a variety of hiring tools, such as social media promotion and employer branding.

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At-a-Glance:

Travel Massive is a well-established online community that shares global travel news, events, and jobs to its audience of more than 80,000 tourism professionals, freelancers, influencers, and travel startups. The platform's jobs board advertises a wide range of local and international roles in hospitality, recreation, marketing, and more.

The jobs board offers a range of hiring tools, including social media promotion, featured listings, and employer branding. With more than 25,000 U.S.-based members, the platform is a valuable resource for companies in search of local talent.

• Travel Massive allows employers to post a wide range of seasonal and full-time travel-adjacent jobs at all career levels.
• The job board is more affordable than some niche competitors, such as CoolWorks .
• Listings are shared to the site's weekly newsletter, as well as its Twitter and Facebook pages, for increased visibility.
• Employers can add their company logo to job posts to aid brand awareness.
• The job board caters to more than 25,000 local travel professionals.
• Listings can be added to the platform's home page for maximum exposure.
• The job posting process is quick and easy.
• Vacancies are sent to candidates via weekly email alerts.
• Travel Massive does not offer a free job posting plan.
• The platform lacks resume searches, candidate matching, and applicant tracking tools.
• The jobs board is costly compared to some niche platforms, such as Summer Job Finder .
• Listings aren't shared to other job boards.

Reputation:

We were unable to find any online reviews of the Travel Massive Jobs Board.

A single 30-day job post on the Travel Massive Jobs Board costs $149.00. Employers also have the option of listing their company on the Travel Directory with plans starting from $29.00 per month.

Travel Massive vs. Adventure Job Board:

While Travel Massive and Adventure Job Board both advertise travel, outdoor, and recreation roles, the latter offers a free job posting option with paid posts from $147.00 per post. Travel Massive is more feature-rich than Adventure Job Board but does not offer any free postings with a basic 30-day job post costing $149.00.

Travel Massive vs. CoolWorks:

Like Travel Massive, CoolWorks offers company branding and featured listings. However, Travel Massive offers employers greater visibility, with social media promotion and newsletter advertising tools. The two are similarly priced with Travel Massive charging $149.00 per post, while CoolWorks' pricing starts from $139.00 per post.

Travel Massive vs. JobMonkey:

Travel Massive and JobMonkey are both niche job boards catering to travel professionals and job seekers in search of unique employment opportunities. JobMonkey has a wider variety of job posting plans that start at $99.00 per post while Travel Massive charges $149.00 for a basic 30-day job post.

Key Information

What does it cost to post a job on the travel massive jobs board.

Travel Massive charges $149.00 for a 30-day job posting.

How do I create an account on Travel Massive?

• Navigate to Travel Massive's home page and click on "Sign in" on the right-hand side of the top menu.
• Add your email address and click on "Continue."
• Add your name and click on "Register."

What are some alternatives to the Travel Massive Jobs Board?

• Adventure Job Board .
• CoolWorks .
• JobMonkey .
• Summer Job Finder .
• Backdoorjobs.com .
• Occupation Wild .
• HotTravelJobs.com .

Related Articles:

Tour guide job boards, part-time job boards, leisurejobs, all cruise jobs, wander jobs.

10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

These best travel jobs allow you to build a fulfilling career while traveling domestically or internationally.

Getty Images |

Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs.

Getting a 9-to-5 job doesn't mean you have to put your dream of traveling the world on hold. Many professions nowadays not only provide financial stability but offer the exciting perk of frequent travel. Let's explore some of the best jobs that allow you to build a fulfilling career while satiating your wanderlust.

We've taken the top travel jobs from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs rankings. These jobs are described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as having a travel component.

10. Cartographer

Median salary: $71,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Cartographers collect data to create detailed geographic maps. They use advanced tools like geographic information systems, or GIS, for spatial analysis, ensuring accuracy in representing terrain, features and other information. Although cartographers spend much of their time in offices, specific jobs may require extensive travel to locations that are being mapped.

Learn more about cartographers .

(Caiaimage | Paul Bradbury

9. Public Relations Specialist

Median salary: $67,440 Expected job growth by 2032: 6%

Public relations specialists' main job is to generate positive publicity for their clients and help them maintain a good reputation. They can work in various industries, including corporate, government, nonprofit or agency settings. As a public relations specialist, you may travel often to engage with the media, attend events and build relationships with stakeholders.

Learn more about public relations specialists .

8. Construction Manager

Median salary: $101,480 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, collaborating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects adhere to budgets, timelines and quality standards. Since construction managers often manage several projects simultaneously, they may need to frequently travel among sites.

Learn more about construction managers .

7. Sports Coach

Median salary: $44,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 9%

Sports coaches help athletes develop to their full potential and reach maximum performance. The travel frequency for sports coaches, especially in major leagues like the NFL and NBA, is high. These coaches often accompany their teams to away games in different states, which means they spend lots of time on the road.

Learn more about sports coaches .

6. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $63,760 Expected job growth by 2032: 11%

Flight attendants travel wherever an aircraft goes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. They also communicate with pilots regarding flight details and cabin conditions.

Flight attendants' travel frequency depends on factors such as their seniority and the airline's scheduling policies. Junior flight attendants often have less control over their schedules and may work more weekends and holidays.

Learn more about flight attendants .

(Getty Images) |

5. Sales Manager

Median salary: $130,600 Expected job growth by 2032: 4%

Sales managers are responsible for directing an organization’s sales team. Some of their duties may include setting sales goals, analyzing data, developing training programs for sales representative and addressing any changes necessary to meet customer needs. Depending on the company, sales managers may have to travel to national, regional or local offices and attend in-person customer meetings.

Learn more about sales managers .

4. Operations Research Analyst

Median salary: $85,720 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Operations research analysts use advanced techniques, such as data mining and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. They help businesses solve a wide range of problems, including supply chain optimization, production planning and inventory management.

Although operations research analysts typically spend their time in offices, they may travel occasionally to meet with clients.

Learn more about operations research analysts .

3. Management Analyst

Median salary: $95,290 Expected job growth by 2032: 10%

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are experts who specialize in helping companies improve efficiency and increase profits. How often management analysts travel depends on the company they work for and their current projects. However, those who pursue a career in management consulting can expect to travel quite frequently to meet with clients.

Learn more about management analysts .

2. Marketing Manager

Median salary: $140,040 Expected job growth by 2032: 7%

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

Learn more about marketing managers .

Median salary: $113,990 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks using mathematical and statistical models. They often work in industries such as insurance, finance and retirement planning, determining the likelihood of events and their financial impacts.

Travel frequency for actuaries varies depending on the employer and their specific job role, but some may travel occasionally to attend meetings or meet with clients.

Learn more about actuaries .

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Travel Jobs: The 60 Best Jobs for Travelers & How To Get Them (Secrets of a 10-Year Nomad)

Do you want to be a full-time traveler? Does the “real world” leave you running for the exit? Then it’s time to take a look at these travel jobs!

You can absolutely get travel jobs with no experience in travel and with only a little work history.

I myself was a modern nomad for around 10 years. I started getting seasonal travel jobs during college, with very little work experience. Along the way, I met people older and younger than me from all sorts of backgrounds. Most of us in this nomad circle find it very easy to find new travel jobs when we’re ready to move on to the next adventure.

You DON’T need to become a flight attendant, a traveling business executive, or even have a college degree to get exciting new travel jobs year after year. There’s no need to trap yourself in a stuffy, rigid career with a single company. Travel should come with the freedom to wander, and with these jobs, it does.

Here are 60 adventurous jobs for travelers of all ages and experience levels. You’ll also find examples and links to adventurous travel jobs you can apply for right now .

Keep in mind that all travel jobs on WanderJobs come with staff housing.

Part 1: Adventure Travel Jobs

1. international travel tour guide.

Lead tour groups on multi-city, multi-country cultural or adventure tours. Required Experience: High

As a travel tour guide, you may be traveling through quaint European cities to sample local wines and chocolates, attending cultural events, and meandering through bustling marketplaces. Or you may choose to lead a group of teens on an outdoor adventure tour, hiking the Himalayas, surfing in Hawai’i, and volunteering in Peru. With this travel job, you’ll have the same accommodations as the guests, which, for the more bougie tours, can mean some of the most luxurious accommodations of any job on this list. You may be put up in some stunning hotels. For some teen tour companies, you may be camping or staying in hostels. Your food will be the same as the guests, so it’s generally very good quality. While exciting, this is a very challenging role. There is little off time, as you’re living and traveling with the group you’re leading. Many tour groups put two guides in a group to break up the enormous work load. Though many companies offer multiple tours that go to many different destinations, it’s not always possible to choose where you get placed. Usually newer guides are given easier assignments, but many companies at least take your preferences into account.

How to Get a Travel Tour Guide Job:

These companies look for well-traveled applicants with high self-confidence and a very outgoing personality. You must be friendly, responsible, and highly organized. This is a job for people who are high-energy and have a good amount of work experience. You can browse Travel Tour Guide Jobs here.

2. Conservation Crew

Work to preserve trails with a small team in this manual-labor heavy outdoor job. Required Experience: Low

Trail teams usually consist of a handful of young people who are willing to put in a hard day’s work, face the elements, and survive off of peanut butter sandwiches. The locations are enviable; you could find yourself in a ponderosa forest in Flagstaff, the lush Pacific Northwest, or even in tropical American Samoa. It’s the sort of job where the challenge brings great rewards. A hard day’s work using your muscles, being immersed in nature, and bonding with your small team makes you feel proud, calm, and connected at the end of the day. Many trail crew positions require a few weeks on, a few weeks off, in a cycle of a few months. Some positions come with housing during your off time (you’ll be camping on the job), but sometimes you’ll need to find your own. Food is up to the team, and the goal tends to be survival calories and keeping pack weight down, not creating gourmet delicacies. Trail conservation positions are often volunteer-based, though not all are. The paid positions are usually for more supervisory roles after you’ve had some experience on a volunteer team. Volunteers may be paid in small stipends and small education grants.

How to Get a Conservation Crew Job:

The two best known sources of conservation crew positions in the US are the Student Conservation Association and the American Conservation Alliance . You won’t need much experience to get a volunteer position, but you’ll need some to be a paid team leader.

3. Travel Camp Leader

Guide youth and teens on multi-country cultural and outdoor adventure trips. Required Experience: High

Travel camps boast bucket-list worthy itineraries. As far as a travel job goes, it’s hard to beat one where you’re literally traveling from beautiful place to beautiful place. These companies usually sell expensive packages to the parents of school-aged kids, which means:

• You’ll be going to exiting places, some that would be hard to get to on your own
• There are many physical adventures, since the kids have the energy for them

A real itinerary from one company includes:

• Fly in to an island city in Guatemala
• Bike through a tropical rainforest environment to explore Mayan pyramids
• Roam ancient ceremonial caverns
• Enjoy a zipline tour
• Relax by the hotel pool
• Sample local chocolate

This is an adventure you can share with the kids. If they’re doing it, you can be sure you’ll be doing it too, as a participant and role model. But that also means there’s no time off. It’s a 24/7 job.

How to Get a Travel Camp Leader Job:

These companies are looking for a bit more leadership experience under your belt. They want employees who are well-traveled and culturally aware, and appreciate foreign language skills. You’ll also need to be a good communicator. The easiest way to find travel camp companies is to search google as if you’re a kid looking to sign up to attend one. Then find the employment page when you’re on the site. “International teen travel tours” is a good search term to start with. You’ll also find some travel camp tours on WanderJobs.

Care for children and preform light household duties while living abroad with a host family for a year. Required Experience: Low

This travel job is an old classic. To get the flavor of what it means to be an au pair, think of the movie The Sound of Music. While you are technically employed by the family, the idea is that in some sense, you are joining as part of the family and helping to raise the kids. In this US, Au pairs are paid with a stipend of a minimum of around $200/week. Au pairs seek employment in countries other than their own. One of the biggest benefits of this line of work is the cultural and language exchange between family and au pair.

You’ll go on vacations with your host family, meet their friends, attend recitals and barbecues and celebrate holidays. It all comes down to the match between au pair and family, which makes or breaks the experience.

I was very fortunate to grow up with au pairs from Norway. Each year, a new young woman came to care for me and my brothers, and most of them were very good matches. (A few left quickly.) Those who stayed are still, 20 and 30 years later, a loving part of our family. They visit us when they are in the states, we have stayed with them and their families in Norway, we exchanges letters and Christmas gifts and attend each other’s weddings.

However, there are some very bad stories of women coming from other countries and feeling completely trapped with families who verbally abuse them and make them work well beyond the hours indicated in their contracts. While there is usually a possibility of being placed with a different family if this happens, be very cautious and listen to your gut if a red flag comes up.

How to Get an Au Pair Job:

You’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you’re a good, reliable, and kind person who is good with children. Since au pairs are usually in their late teens, not much previous work experience is expected. Au pairs tend to be young women. Young men have a tough time being placed, as host families aren’t always comfortable leaving their kids with a man they’ve just met.

However, this is rapidly changing with the childcare crisis brought on by the Covid pandemic. Many families are now considering hiring young men for the first time, and it’s possible the perspective shift will be long-lasting. As of summer 2020, host families in the US are desperate for childcare, and au pairs are getting interview requests from up to fifty families, according to the 7/26/20 New York Times article, Au Pairs Get the Upper Hand. It seems likely that families will be willing to consider even domestic au pairs and forgo the benefit of an international cultural exchange.

There are many au pair matching sites where you can find a host family and make sure you feel comfortable with them before making a commitment.

5. Gap Year Program Leader

Lead older students on multi-country, adventure, and volunteering trips geared toward education and personal growth. Required Experience: High

Working as a gap year leader offers a slightly different experience than working as a travel tour leader. The people you’ll be leading are usually high school or college-aged youth who are actively looking to expand themselves as people and gain an education before heading off for their next year of college.

Many of the itineraries will resemble the highly adventurous itineraries of other travel camps. In addition, there may be more formal educational lectures, time for reflection and journaling, or preparing personal mission statements.

How to Get a Gap Year Leader Job:

You’ll need plenty of travel and leadership experience and at least a college degree.

Just like finding a travel camp company, the simplest plan is to search google as if you’re looking to attend a gap year program. Then find the employment page when you’re on the site.

6. SCUBA Instructor/Guide

Help tourists have safe, fun SCUBA diving adventures in warm tropical waters. Required Experience: High

Unlike other travel jobs on this list, SCUBA is more of a career commitment. It requires certification and experience in a very specific niche, so you need to have interest in committing to SCUBA long-term to make it worthwhile.

Those who I’ve met who are SCUBA instructors make it part of their personality. They love it, and it’s easy to understand why. Dive instructors usually live on islands and in tropical locations, where relaxed and laid-back attitudes are the norm. You get to spend time in the ocean, seeing beautiful reefs and sharks and fish, and tour groups max out at just a few people to keep it manageable. You’ll have to care for a lot of equipment, do regular checks, and be comfortable guiding tourists through potentially dangerous situations. An outgoing personality is much less important than generally good communication skills.

How to Get a SCUBA Job:

The most important thing you’ll need to do is become certified as a professional divemaster through PADI and log many hours SCUBA diving.

SCUBA instructors should be extremely responsible, organized, and safety-oriented people. SCUBA jobs can be a bit more challenging to find. Often job boards for SCUBA slowly turn into advertisements for certification courses. For now, you can try DiveJobs .

7. Zip Line Guide

Lead guests through a zip line course and tell them about the area. Required Experience: Medium

Zip line guides work in pairs to take small groups of tourists through areas of natural beauty in a thrilling way. Being a zip line guide (as I know from short personal experience) is physically challenging and mentally draining. But it can be a lot of fun. The guests are usually in a good mood and excited to be doing something from their bucket list. A good zip line company will provide a lot of safety training- weeks- which makes for great team bonding among coworkers. Zip lines are generally built in beautiful places, which means you’ll be working outdoors in a nature or even wilderness setting. Leading a group of guests means you’ll need to make a safety presentation, get them in harnesses, and hook and unhook them from the zip lines. Often you’ll be giving a general informational tour while up on the course. This means you’ll be doing some public speaking, but it’s an amount that even a shy person can get used to. Tips for zip line guides can be pretty darn good.

How to Get a Zipline Guide Job:

Search zip line guide jobs on WanderJobs or on any major job board.

8. Small Vessel/River Cruise Staff

Live and work aboard a smaller and more luxurious cruise vessel catering to older and wealthier guests. Required Experience: High

Sometimes the allure of being aboard a boat and exploring different ports is too strong to ignore. Luckily, working aboard a massive cruise liner is not the only option. River cruises are smaller and more intimate, and offer guests a higher level of service. For this reason, the job competition is a bit tougher. Small cruise itineraries include off-the-beaten-path locations, such as:

• The Puget Sound
• Small, less-trafficked tropical islands
• European river tours
• Custom itineraries
• & lots more

In addition, charter cruises often have a more environmentally or culturally-friendly slant. They may be opportunities for guests to participate in hands-on education, and “excursions” off the ship are significantly more thrilling and less touristy. To get an idea, National Geographic has a few passenger ships, and offers a breathtaking Journey to Antarctica cruise with a $16,000 price tag. You’ll still be in close quarters with your coworkers pretty much constantly, but all in all, staff life on a small cruise is less of a party atmosphere than on a cruise liner.

How to Get a Small Vessel/Charter Cruise Job:

A google search is best. Again, do the search as if you’re looking to pay to be a guest on the cruise. Once you find a company you like, look for its employment page. You will need to be well traveled and have excellent customer service skills to get one of these jobs.

9. Scenic River Float Guide

Safely row guests through currents on guided river raft tours.

Required Experience: High

As a scenic river tour guide, you’ll steer a raft full of tourists down a large, slower-moving river, while giving them a guided tour along the way. It’s a highly physically and mentally demanding job. It takes an all-around strong and confident person to excel as a river guide. Unlike whitewater, the current is fairly calm. Tourists come for the scenery and a relaxing adventure rather than an extreme thrill. Imagine floating down the Snake River famously photographed by Ansel Adams, while watching for eddies and dangers and pointing out eagles and beavers along the forested shoreline. There is still a high amount of danger inherent in scenic river guiding. Rafts have been overturned by logs, rocks, and surprising currents. If a raft is overturns, things can become chaotic and unsafe, sometimes to the point of fatality. There is an art to mastering the river, and because of this, river rafting is a commitment and more of a career choice than some other jobs on this list. A good company will provide a huge amount of safety training, and will likely also require applicants to be trained and certified before even applying for a job. If you can handle the responsibility, working as a river guide can be a very rewarding experience. There may also be opportunities for crossover into whitewater rafting jobs. It’s an excellent job for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to Get a Scenic Float Guide Job:

I haven’t yet found any reliable source of leads for this type of job. Try searching google for any combination of “scenic river float guide jobs” and “river rafting jobs”.

10. Kayak Guide

Lead a caravan of kayaks through calm and beautiful waters. Required Experience: Low

Kayak guides lead tourists on lake tours or coastal ocean tours, weaving out of narrow, magical tree-lined inlets. It’s one of the simpler ways to get out on the water for work. You’ll need enough people skills to kindly introduce yourself and teach kayaking safety basics, but it’s an easy choice for introverts. Once you’re out on the water, it’s just a game of follow the leader and making sure nobody falls behind. You will need strength and stamina for paddling, but that will build over time.

You’ll usually be leading people of many different ages, and often families, on a single tour. Kayak guides are needed in many different types of environments. From small lodges on cold Alaskan waters and while migration routes, to Mediterranean environments with rocky, scrubby shorelines, you’ll be able to seek out a location that fits your preferences. There are even night kayak tours in bioluminescent bays. Each stroke of the paddle through the water causes bacteria to glow an etherial blue. It’s quite beautiful and relaxing.

How to Get a Kayak Guide Job:

Find Kayak Guide jobs on WanderJobs .

11. Ski/Snowboard Instructor 

Help vacationers (often groups of kids) improve their skiing and snowboarding skills. Required Experience: Medium

Ski instructing is one of the best known seasonal jobs for young people. There are abundant positions available every ski season across the globe, so if you want a ski job and you know how to ski (and are decent at interviewing), you will probably be hired.

The culture on mountains and among seasonal ski employees is very specific. This, in my opinion, is the most important thing to consider before accepting a ski job, even more important than your love of the sport. You’ll be around lots of young people who like to party, to “work hard, play hard,” who aren’t yet settled in life and want to “go big or go home.” Duuuuuddddeeee!

This is a job absolutely best left to extroverts, and ideally young extroverts. You’ll of course also need to be fit and comfortable with lots of public speaking.

Ski and snowboard instructor jobs come with mountain passes so you can spend as much of your free time on the slopes as you want. This, of course, is one of the main reasons people commit to a season on a mountain. If there’s fresh snow, it’s yours to shred, and there will be lots of coworkers around to join you.

There is a hierarchy of ski jobs, and if you stay in the game for a while you can move from a bunny slope youth group instructor to giving private adult lessons, or even work your way to a ski patrol position.

Not all mountains offer housing for their ski instructors, but many do. Those that don’t may at least have resources to help you find your own housing before you arrive.

How to Get a Ski Instructor Job:

While it’s possible to get certified as a ski instructor before applying for your job, I don’t recommend this. Your home mountain will train you, and if they require further certifications for teaching at higher levels, you can earn those after you start working. I wouldn’t pay to be certified before actually starting work.

Find ski and snowboard jobs on WanderJobs or any major job board.

12. High Ropes/Aerial Course Guide

Teach tourists to safely navigate ropes courses, preform safety checks, and be present to help if needed. Required Experience: Low

Aerial high ropes courses can be found near many wilderness lodges, as they’re often a draw for they same type of outdoorsy tourist. They’re also found near cruise ship ports, which brings a whole ‘nother type of guest. So while you’ll have a beautiful view and access to fun recreational activities, the job itself is genuinely pretty dull.

Aside from a thorough daily safety check of the course and all gear, there isn’t all that much to the job. You’ll spend a lot of time staring up at guests as they go through the course, walkie-talkie in hand, making sure nothing dangerous happens. Occasionally you’ll have to shout up encouraging tips from the ground, or “rescue” someone from an obstacle they can’t solve.

High ropes guides often cross over into rock wall and zip line territory.

It’s an easy, low-responsibility job for a first time seasonal worker. The title “guide” is a bit of an exaggeration; it may feel like more of a babysitter position.

It’s a good job for young people.

How to Get a High Ropes Guide Job:

Search for jobs here on WanderJobs or on any major job board.

13. Horse Wrangler

Care for and train horses and lead guided horseback tours.

Horse wrangling requires early mornings, long hours, and intense physical labor. Most available jobs are on ranches in the western US. 

If you have experience with horses, love being outside, and don’t mind getting dirty, then this could be an exciting job. In addition to herding animals, wranglers are responsible for feeding, saddling, grooming, and training the horses, leading trail rides, and cleaning the stalls. 

Horse wrangling requires working around the clock and is best for people without many commitments. Your responsibilities will depend a lot on your prior experience, training, and seniority. As a beginner, you probably won’t be doing much wrangling – you can expect to start out shoveling manure and grooming the horses. 

There are various horse wrangler jobs available on public land as well as privately owned ranches. Each ranch has its own set of rules, requirements, and exclusions that you’ll want to review carefully before deciding where to apply.

Once hired, you’ll likely attend wrangler school for four to six weeks. You will learn essential skills, including trail riding and horseshoeing, and cover topics such as horse behavior and anatomy. 

Ranches cultivate a close community where employees are treated like family. Personal life and work often blend together. While permanent positions include paid time off, many of the seasonal ranch jobs require you to work straight through the season with no weekends or vacation days. 

Due to the remote location, there are few activities available off of the ranch. Workers typically spend the little downtime they have exploring the countryside or relaxing by a campfire.  

Most ranches provide employees with family-style meals and dormitory lodging. Depending on your attitude going into the job, horse wrangling could be one of the most rewarding or most miserable experiences of your life. If you’re willing to trade sleep and time off for riding horses and watching the sunrise over the mountains, then you’ll likely find a lot of personal growth and fulfillment in working on a ranch. 

How to Get a Wrangler Job:

Browse through ranches on WanderJobs and check individual company websites to see if they are currently hiring for wrangler staff. The competition is high, so it’s worth reaching out to companies to establish a relationship even if there are no positions open.

14. Backcountry Guide

Lead overnight backpacking trips into the wilderness.

If you love the mountains and are always seeking out wilderness adventures, becoming a backcountry guide could be a good employment option. In addition to guiding groups safely in remote areas, guides are responsible for coaching clients through physically and mentally demanding situations, teaching them the technical skills needed to navigate tough terrain, and managing risk. 

To land a job as a backcountry guide, you’ll need advanced certifications in wilderness safety and first aid, a backcountry food handlers permit, and proven expertise in disciplines like rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, ice climbing, mountaineering, and ski touring. The position entails a large amount of responsibility – backcountry guides must have sound decision-making in risky situations, excellent interpersonal skills, and passion for adventure. 

As a beginner, it’s best to join a local alpinist club and explore training options with a mountain guide association. Depending on your location and what field you’re hoping to work in, you may need a certification from the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), one of the industry’s most recognized and respected organizations. 

Getting the necessary certifications can be a long process, but if you’re prepared for the rigors required, you will join a close international community of intrepid explorers. Backcountry guiding affords ample opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most amazing wilderness areas. When you’re not camping in the backcountry, you’ll likely have free housing at a mountain hut or remote resort. 

How to Get a Backcountry Guide Job:

Browse Backdoorjobs for available backcountry guiding positions.

15. Fruit Picking Abroad

Harvest, sort, & pack fruit on farms with other travelers in Australia.

Required Experience: Low

Picking fruit is a physically demanding job that requires early mornings and long hours in the sun. You’ll likely have aches and pains – particularly at the beginning – from the repetitive motions and hard labor. 

Fruit picking jobs exist in any agricultural area, but different regions have varying levels of open positions based on the availability of migrant labor. The most interesting opportunities for young people are located in Australia, where it’s possible to extend your visa by a year in exchange for three months of fruit picking, and in New Zealand.

While most jobs are seasonal, fruit-picking work is available in Australia year-round. Positions down under typically attract students and backpackers, so you’ll likely work with an eclectic group of travelers from around the world. 

There are no particular skills or previous experience required to get a job picking fruit. As long as you are willing to work hard and show up on time each day, you shouldn’t have a problem holding onto your job throughout the season. 

Many farms offer workers accommodation for free or at a reduced price. The type and quality of housing vary substantially from one farm to the next. You could be placed in a crowded caravan with six other people, or get a small bungalow all to yourself. 

How to Get a Fruit Picking Job:

On the Australian Work Travel Visa, you can work and play your way through the country and apply for many different jobs. Fruit picking seems to be one of the lower hanging fruits- pun intended. The job search and application process is a little more messy and requires more spontaneity and flexibility. Here is a handy guide .

16. Yacht Crew

Work for an individual employer or traveling family aboard a private yacht or sailing vessel.

Required Experience: Medium

While yachting is associated with luxury, working on a private yacht is rarely glamorous. The experience is highly dependent on the owners of the yacht, the captain, and the guests on each voyage. Some clients are relaxed and down to earth, while others can be demanding and even rude. 

In general, being part of a yacht crew is tiring work with long hours – on a typical day, you should plan to wake up before dawn and work well past sunset. Responsibilities include cleaning the yacht, assisting with food and beverage service, and fulfilling clients’ various requests. 

If you love the sea and are ready for the service industry’s demands, working on a yacht crew can be a great way to sail for free while also earning some income. Crew positions are available on private yachts worldwide. As long as you have exceptional customer service and at least some knowledge of boats, you have a good chance of being hired. 

Crew cabins tend to be cramped and lack the luxurious feel of the rest of the yacht. Since you’ll spend a lot of time with the other staff members in close quarters, the group’s personality can make or break your experience. 

How to Get a Yacht Crew Job:

One of the best known yacht job boards is Find a Crew . Since you’ll be talking to individuals rather than incorporated companies, the process can be a little sketchier. Use your judgement.

17. Bicycle Trip Leader

Lead guided travel tour trips through picturesque cities and adventurous locations.

Traveling by bike is an amazing way to see the world. If you enjoy cycling and love working with people, then guiding bike tours could be an exciting and enriching experience. 

Becoming a cycling trip leader requires a high level of physical fitness, positivity, and dependability. Tours range from single-day trips to month-long adventures and are available in stunning locations worldwide. 

As a guide, you’re responsible for guests’ safety and are on call 24/7. You should be prepared for long hours and ready to handle medical emergencies like illness or bike accidents. You’ll also need to know how to service bicycles since guests on the tours are likely to experience issues such as flat tires and broken chains along the way. 

In addition to ensuring everyone’s safety, guides are responsible for immersing guests in the local culture and customs. You’ll need to be very familiar with the area and have excellent navigation skills in case you need to make any unexpected detours due to weather conditions or guest preferences. 

Bike guides tend to be a fun, extroverted group with lots of opportunities to socialize and explore the local area when you’re not working. 

When you’re on a trip, you’ll receive free accommodation in the same hotels the guests are staying (although it’s usually in a lower quality room). Not all companies cover accommodation costs when you’re not with clients, so you’ll want to consider this when applying to these travel jobs. 

How to Get a Bicycle Trip Leader Job:

Search Google as if you’re looking to pay to attend an international bicycle tour. When you find a company you like, search for its employment page.

18. Whitewater Raft Guide

Safely guide guests through physically challenging white water rapids. Required Experience: High

If you are passionate about adventure, love the water, and handle risk and unpredictability with grace, then whitewater raft guiding could be a good option. Raft guides depend on one another to safely make it out of the rapids each day, which fosters a type of trust and bond that can be hard to find in other jobs. In general, you can expect to work with a fun group of people who spend their free time enjoying the outdoors and drinking around a campfire.  The travel job is best for young extroverts who love working with people and are ready for long hours and physically demanding work. Positive energy is critical – guides must keep the stoke high even when their extremities are numb, and the guests are miserable. 

Becoming a raft guide takes hard work. There is a steep learning curve, with intensive training and various certifications required or recommended.

The first step is to attend a 7-10 day guide school with a rafting company, followed by another 2-6 weeks of unpaid training once hired. The training is intense and seeks to weed out those who can’t handle the physical and mental demands of whitewater raft guiding. 

Many guides also complete courses in or become certified as:

• advanced wilderness first aid
• wilderness first responders
• swift water rescue certifications
• CPR & first aid

While not all of these are required, the more certifications and experience you have, the more you can expect to earn.  NOLS is a well-known outdoor adventure certification school. On the other side of this rigorous process, there is a close-knit international community of guides with many opportunities to travel. Keep in mind that requirements may vary across borders and from state to state within the US. 

Many rafting companies offer basic housing, often in the form of guide camps near the river. Amenities are sparse, with guides living out of tents, their cars, or old RVs. Raft guiding is not a lucrative travel job – even with the free housing, it’s unlikely that you’ll come out of your first season with more than a few hundred dollars saved. 

How to Get a White Water Guide Job:

Search for white water jobs on WanderJobs and Backdoorjobs .

19. Wilderness Therapist

Help youth overcome mental health issues with nature and counseling. Required Experience: High

Wilderness therapy combines nature and counseling to help at-risk youth cope with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, ADHD, technology addiction, and other mental health issues. 

It’s helpful to have outdoor experience and a background in social work or psychology. But if you enjoy nature and working with youth and are willing to work hard, it’s possible to overcome a lack of experience. 

Wilderness therapy is gaining popularity worldwide, but many programs remain concentrated in the US, the UK, and New Zealand and run seasonally. You’ll be with students 24-7, teaching a variety of outdoor and survival skills that can be transferred into everyday situations.

Students will need help coping with new physical and mental challenges and mentorship as they seek self-improvement. The job certainly has its difficulties, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You can have a profound impact on others’ lives and experience significant personal growth.

People who choose to work as wilderness therapists find supportive communities and build lasting friendships with their colleagues. 

The structure of wilderness therapy programs varies by company. Sometimes students spend a week in the classroom with a licensed clinician, then a week in the wilderness with a guide. Sometimes the two are combined and require guides to have more extensive clinical training.

Many programs follow a rotating schedule with one or two weeks on, and the next one or two weeks off. When you’re working, you’ll be camping in the backcountry with your group. Not all companies cover accommodation during your time off. 

How to Get a Wilderness Therapist Job:

Backdoorjobs has lots of wilderness therapy jobs to browse.

Part 2: Hospitality Travel Jobs

20. cruise ship jobs.

Work in a customer service role or behind-the-scenes aboard a mighty international cruise liner. Required Experience: Medium

Cruise ship jobs seem to hold the allure of adventure. While they do allow you to see new places, the adventures tend to be a bit more surface-level, hedonistic, and rife with difficulties than other options. There are so many jobs available on cruise ships to match different experience levels and interests. They truly are like floating cities, and will need staff to help with cooking, cleaning, entertaining, sailing, styling hair, serving, retail, maintaining the ship, childcare, and much, much more.

The benefits of working on a cruise ship are:

• visiting a handful of new countries in a short period of time
• making new friends from around the world
• saving a good amount of money you earn

But the downsides are substantial. These include:

• an extremely long workweek and little free time
• a social life heavily dependent on drinking at the staff cantina
• little time off the ship
• lack of internet/cell coverage
• tiny, shared living quarters
• apathetic management

It must be said that cruise liners and their guests very actively harm the “tourist towns” in which they dock and make life in these places significantly more depressing for locals.

Despite all this, some people LOVE working on a cruise ship. In fact, my friend Marissa shared an in-depth experience of her time working aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship on my Once Upon a Wander podcast .

Some people though, including a few I met who worked on Carnival ships, found cruise ship life stressful and unpleasant. Do some research and make sure it feels right to before applying to work on a cruise ship. Or just take my recommendation and stay away altogether. There are so many better options.

How to Get a Cruise Ship Job:

It’s important to research the companies you are interested in applying to. Not all cruise jobs are equal. Some are more… notorious than others. It’s probably best if introverts steer clear of cruise ship jobs, as you will get little alone time. However, the jobs themselves are so varied that you may still find something that suits you if you don’t want to interact directly with guests. The required experience level varies greatly by job, with the easiest jobs to get generally being in the housekeeping department. It can end up being many months after you’re hired before you’re actually placed on a ship. You can browse Cruise Ship Jobs here or on any major job site, including Indeed .

21. Lift Operator (Liftie)

Safely operate ski lifts and check guest passes during the winter season. Required Experience: Low

A liftie job is the easiest entry point to working on the ski slopes. A common choice for younger people, operating the ski lifts requires a lot more standing around and a lot less responsibility than the more coveted positions of ski/snowboard instructors or ski patrol. It is expected that ski resort employees working on the mountain will receive a free season lift pass, which is one of the biggest draws. Some, but not all, mountain resorts will provide employee housing and/or meals. The culture of a ski job is not for everyone. If skiing or snowboarding every day brings you a genuine thrill, and you enjoy bonding with others over beers and drinking, it’s probably a good fit. But if hearing “gonna go shred some sick gnar” or “get that fresh pow, man” on the regular isn’t your cup of tea, maybe look elsewhere.

How to Get a Liftie Job:

Look for lift operator positions anywhere you’d find ski instructor jobs. You can start here .

22. Housekeeping

Clean guest rooms & common areas and fold laundry. Required Experience: Low

Housekeeping is one of the easiest entry points into the travel job arena, period. Just about any company you’ll find on WanderJobs needs housekeepers. Lodges, resorts, retreat centers, ranches… they all need to be cleaned. It’s one of the largest employee departments in tourism. Because of the ease of entry, housekeepers usually make up the youngest department in seasonal travel companies. Many of them are teenagers and early 20s. The work itself is surprisingly physical and it helps to be in good shape. It’s a good choice for someone who doesn’t want to interact with the customers.

Usually you’ll be put into pairs or small teams to clean guest rooms, so you’ll be able to chat with your partner or listen to music. It’s genuinely a lot of fun.

When you’re cleaning alone it’s nice to just listen to a podcast or enjoy the peace and quiet. I consider it to be kind of relaxing and even meditative.

How to Get a Housekeeping Job:

Housekeeping is the #1 easiest travel job to be hired for. After getting your foot in the door at your preferred company, it’s easier to get a new position (or become a housekeeping supervisor) the next season.

There are many housekeeping positions on WanderJobs .

23. Wilderness Lodge Staff

Hospitality positions in wilderness locations include everything from housekeeping to kitchen crews. Required Experience: Low

Wilderness lodges come in all sorts of locations and sizes. I’ve worked for a wilderness lodge with a staff size of 160, and another with a staff size of 4.

Both experiences offered an incredibly peaceful slice of life, where you could step outside your door and be right in nature. You’ll be able experience real quiet; nothing but the rustling leaves and soothing waves on the lake. Wilderness lodges seem to attract a good type of person, and also a wide variety. I’ve met a lot of artists, thinkers, and adventurers in these places. There are SO many types of travel jobs to chose from at a lodge that it’s likely you’ll be able to find something that suits you.

Jobs often include:

• Housekeeping
• Front desk & customer service
• Activities staff
• Office staff
• & many more

Larger lodges may offer three hot meals per day in addition to housing. Lodges in National Parks, designated as official National Park concessioners, often have Employee Dining Rooms (EDRs) with fresh, tasty food for staff. Hanging out with friends is a wonderful experience when you’re so close to nature. Expect lots of stargazing, camp fires, porch parties and hiking. Listen to my Once Upon a Wander podcast interview with coworker Nita . She describes what working at a wilderness lodge in the Grand Teton National Park meant to her.

Read my review of life at a wilderness lodge in Minnesota .

How to Get a Wilderness Lodge Job:

For google searches, it’s helpful to search wilderness lodge + location + staff housing. For example, “wilderness lodge Alaska staff housing.” Many wilderness lodges are so far from the nearest town that they need to offer staff housing or they wouldn’t have staff. Find Wilderness Lodge Jobs on WanderJobs .

24. Front Desk/Reception

Check in guests, make sales, answer the phone, and preform other customer service duties. Required Experience: Medium

Front desk positions are a good choice for people who want to live and work in beautiful places but who don’t necessarily consider themselves “outdoorsy” or don’t want the adventure to come from the job itself. These positions are usually a bit cushier, and as with any office job, there’s more opportunity to sit down, have a slow cup of coffee, and be in a climate-controlled environment. Each day will have a rush and a lull, but you do have to be prepared to deal with many customers wanting attention at once. The downtime tends to balance it out, though. In one of my front desk positions, I was on the night shift in a gorgeous wilderness lodge. Most guests had already hunkered down for the night by the time I clocked in, so I liked to sit in the office, stare off at the lake, or read a nice book. In another of my front desk positions, this one at a zip line, the day was much more fast-paced. I had to stand outside in the sun and check in hundreds of guests each day. Both positions required learning a somewhat confusing point-of-sale system and knowing how to answer detailed questions about the business, but there were never any huge challenges.

How to Get a Front Desk Job:

Look for any job on WanderJobs marked as resort, hotel, hostel, lodge, or retreat center. Any place that operates as a place for guests to spend the night will need front desk staff.

25. Activities Leader

Keep guests entertained and engaged. Required Experience: Medium

This is a travel job for people who truly love meeting and engaging with new people. An activities leader should be friendly, warm, and outgoing. She should not be afraid of looking silly or acting like a goof to make others happy. Ideally, making others happy should be a driving force for her own happiness. Companies that hire activity leaders do so for many reasons. Each company will have a very different schedule of events. Some sample activities include:

• guest picnics and bonfires
• guided nature walks
• art classes
• tournaments
• & much more

You’ll need a lot of mental stamina to be successful in this position. Public speaking skills are important.

How to Get an Activities Leader Job:

Find activities lead jobs with room and board on WanderJobs by searching for companies with at any resort, retreat, ranch, or hotel. Summer camps and year-round camps (like YMCAs) are also a great place to find Activity positions if you’re interested in working with youth.

26. Retreat Center Staff

Work and live on a campus geared toward the peaceful spiritual growth of its guests and employees.

Working at a retreat center is an experience unlike any other I’ve had. When you consider what a person really, truly needs to be happy and fulfilled in life, you have to admit that living in a strong community with other people and being in nature are very near the top. Retreat centers give you these.

Both retreat centers where I’ve worked and lived were places for people of many different backgrounds, ages, and nationalities to come together and live a more natural way of life. Beautiful facilities in nature and fresh healthy meals fostered a calm, creative way of life.

Part of the draw of a retreat center is the location. They tend to be more remote: in the mountains, tucked in a forested valley, by a cliff on the sea. I’ve found nothing yet to match the feeling of peace and connection I’ve found at these places.

Retreat and conference centers require employees in many different areas: kitchen, housekeeping, front desk and customer service, spa, events, management, etc. It’s just like a resort, but specifically for people who want to rest and restore, or learn, or create.

Groups of guests come to learn yoga, martial arts, meditation, art, writing, communication, dance, etc. Many retreat centers allow employees to participate in many of the events on campus, so it’s usually a fun environment.

It’s easy to make friends at retreat center jobs. You’ll find lots of kind, open-minded liberals and people trying to better themselves or take a break from the rat race.

Some retreat centers (like those listed on WanderJobs) offer paid positions, but many more are work-exchange/volunteer only. Some will actually charge the volunteers a monthly fee for room and board, and while this may sound ridiculous, it can lead to some of the best experiences of your life. Still, no need to pay when you can just find a travel job that pays you.

How to Get a Retreat Center Job:

Search for retreat center jobs on WanderJobs.

You can also browse Find the Divine and Retreat Finder , but as these aren’t job sites, you have to click on individual retreat center web sites to see if they do have employment or volunteer positions available.

27. Lifeguard

Because you’re responsible for everyone’s safety at the pool or on the beach, being a lifeguard requires constant vigilance and an ability to handle medical emergencies. 

From rescuing children who are panicking to dealing with drunk adults, you must be prepared to handle a wide range of dangerous situations in the water. You must be a physically fit and strong swimmer, have a lifeguard certification, and complete CPR and first aid training.

Lifeguards may also teach swimming or water aerobics classes and clean and maintain the swimming area. 

Expect a party culture with a lot of socializing. After work, there are often friendly competitions between lifeguards, such as swimming, paddle boarding, and boat races. 

Lifeguarding culture remains somewhat male-dominated. Women working as lifeguards often report feeling like they need to prove themselves and say men are given more responsibility and promoted faster.

You’ll also need to be able to deal with boredom. Lifeguards can’t read or look at their phones while working and need to find alternative ways to entertain themselves when the pool or beach is deserted. 

Many classic lakeside sleep-away camps recruit lifeguards to keep the swimming campers safe.

How to Get a Lifeguard Job:

Overnight summer camps are one of the best places to find lifeguarding positions with housing. You can usually earn a lifeguarding certificate at your local YMCA or swimming pool.

28. Restaurant Host

Greet guests, take some orders, and help keep the floor running smoothly.

Restaurants worldwide are social, fast-paced environments where the atmosphere can change quickly. The culture you’ll find depends on what kind of restaurant you work in and where it’s located. 

Restaurant staff in the US tend to be on the younger side, but many countries have hosts, waiters, and chefs of differing ages. Some restaurants have strict rules and dress codes, while others are more casual and allow for greater self-expression.

It’s possible to get a travel job as a restaurant host with minimal experience, but positions with the best perks (and housing) will be awarded to those with previous training in hospitality. You also may benefit from speaking a foreign language or two.

Restaurant hosts are responsible for a guest’s first impression and must have excellent customer service skills. In addition to showing guests to their table, answering the phone, and taking reservations, you help clear tables and assist the waiters as needed. 

The restaurant industry certainly isn’t for everyone. Before taking a position as a host, you should prepare for long and unusual hours with many spent standing up. You’ll need to maintain composure in an ever-changing, high-stress environment. If that sounds exciting, working as a restaurant host could be a fun and worthwhile experience. 

How to Get a Restaurant Host Job:

Search WanderJobs for lodges, hotel jobs, restaurants, and resorts. Most places with overnight accommodations for guests have a restaurant.

29. Spa Attendant

Help youth overcome mental health issues with nature and counseling.

Spa attendants are responsible for fostering an environment that helps others relax. Working alongside massage therapists and aestheticians, attendants support clients in seeking out self-care and making healthy changes in their lives. 

There are no specific requirements to become a spa attendant. Still, it works in your favor if you have prior customer service experience, have worked in the hospitality or wellness industry, or have cosmetology certifications. As long as you are organized and professional and have excellent interpersonal skills, it’s possible to get a travel job as a spa attendant. 

If hired, your duties will include assisting customers, selling treatment packages, cleaning the facilities, and helping aestheticians and therapists prepare for clients. You’ll also be responsible for administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and managing inventory. 

Spas and wellness centers worldwide tend to have a team-oriented environment that attracts young, health-conscious employees. Working in this type of setting can be incredibly calming and enjoyable. 

Like all jobs, working in a spa is stressful at times. Customer service roles are known for being mentally and emotionally draining, and you’ll need to spend many hours a day on your feet. Depending on the spa’s operating hours, you may have long shifts and be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends. 

You’re most likely to find housing included at spas in large or remote resorts and on cruise ships. If you work at a spa in one of these settings, you can expect to meet interesting people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. Resorts often have perks like free access to facilities and fun events. Through these activities and those you discover on your own in your free time, you’ll get to know other employees within the wellness center and throughout the entire resort or ship. 

How to Get a Spa Attendant Job:

After searching for resort, hotel, and lodge jobs with housing, find out which of those have spas. Or try a keyword search on WanderJobs for “spa”.

30. YMCA Camp Counselor/Leader

YMCA camps offer a range of counselor and leadership jobs with different requirements. You can find anything from junior counselor positions geared towards high schoolers to activity specialist roles intended for those with professional teaching experience. 

Depending on your skill set, there may be an opportunity to specialize in areas like sports, swimming, or arts and crafts. 

Working at a YMCA camp tends to be a seasonal job. While some camps offer year-round programs, most operate primarily in the summer when kids are out of school. 

A majority of YMCA camps are located in the US and Canada, so if you’re looking for a travel job overseas, this may not be the right fit. Even without traveling abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from around the world, since YMCA camps attract a diverse bunch of international campers and counselors. Camp communities offer fantastic opportunities to make lasting friendships, but they can be a bit cliquey. 

To get a job as a YMCA camp counselor, you must have excellent leadership and enjoy working with children. If hired, you’ll likely need to undergo additional training focusing on communication skills, conflict resolution, leadership, child safety, first aid, and CPR. 

Working for a summer or two as a YMCA counselor can be a very enriching experience. However, you must remain positive, energetic, and bubbly even when you’re covered in mosquito bites and haven’t had dry socks in two weeks. As a result, camp counselors often report feeling drained by the end of the summer. 

Typically staff members spend the summer living in cabins with the campers. Different camps have varying levels of sophistication in their accommodations for counselors. Depending on your level of comfort with camping, you’ll want to consider a particular camp’s facilities before applying.  

How to Get a YMCA Leader Job:

Search major job boards (like Indeed) for “YMCA camp residential”.

31. Hostel Jobs

Preform various guest service duties in a highly social traveler environment.

Hostels are abundant worldwide and are among the classic places people turn when looking for a travel job that includes housing. There is a lot of flexibility depending on your desired environment. You can find hostels in urban centers, around national parks, and next to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

With opportunities to work at reception, as a housekeeper, in the kitchen, and more, it’s easy to find work in this sector. 

Working at a hostel rarely requires any specific prior experience and is a great way to gain some additional skills, such as bartending, event planning, or waiting tables. One thing you do need is a love of meeting new people. 

Hostels are very social spaces with little privacy, so if you’re an introvert looking for peace and quiet, a hostel job is probably not for you. The culture is perfect for extroverts who thrive in new situations, as the vibe of a hostel is constantly changing with the fluctuation of guests and employees. If you take a travel job at a hostel, you’ll join an eclectic group of people who were attracted by the opportunity to live abroad for free. 

In addition to interesting coworkers, you’ll also get to know guests from far corners of the globe. At any given hostel, you’re likely to find a diverse collection of individuals, including artists, digital nomads, backpackers, and other free spirits. In general, the crowd tends to be young and will be up for partying any day of the week. 

Since hostel employees live and work in the same space, work-life and downtime can be hard to separate. Many hostels operate on a work exchange basis, but some will pay you a small wage in addition to providing free or reduced-price housing. Regardless of which option you end up with, you’ll probably share a room with at least one other staff member. 

How to Get a Hostel Job:

Search the major job boards. Not all hostel jobs come with housing- especially those in cities- but if not, it’s worth it to contact the manager to see if they would be able to work something out with you.

Many hostel workers do unpaid work-exchanges. There are many of these types of experiences on Workaway.info .

32. Retail & Gift Shop Staff

Stock and sell trinkets and snacks to tourists.

Retail jobs are your standard shop experience. You’ll spend much of your time standing in one spot (behind the register) and checking people out.

There are lulls and rushes, but the work isn’t known to be exciting. It’s extremely repetitive.

On the bright side, you’ll probably get to know a small number of coworkers well, and there can be some good people watching.

How to Get a Retail/Gift Shop Job:

Many national park concessioners (#34 travel job on this list) hire retail staff specifically for their shops. At other companies, retail is often a job integrated with positions like front desk and check-in.

33. Marina Attendant

Help customers with boats, pump gas, do basic maintenance checks.

This is one of the many travel jobs on the list that I’ve done personally- that’s me in the picture! Marina work is a cool gig. One of the best things about working at a marina is the view. Few workplaces are more beautiful than the shores around a lake or ocean, and it’s exciting to be able to watch storms rolling in from the distance.

The position requires being on your feet most of the time and interacting with many people on a daily basis. Marinas can get very busy, and when they do, it can feel a bit stressful. People who rent boats at marinas or own boats generally have a good amount of money, and sometimes the sorts of attitudes can come with that. You’ll have to be able to field customer questions while making sure you do everything in a very safe way. Some marinas are more relaxed than others. Personally I would recommend finding one that only serves as a place for people to keep their own private boats rather then renting out boats to customers. There’s a good amount of time to chat with your coworkers and appreciate the view. If your marina does rent out boats, it will be your job to teach the customers to use them. For people with their own boats, you’ll be expected to ferry them out to their buoys. There’s no question that driving boats around all day is a lot of fun. The customer rushes are mitigated by periods of downtime, especially in the early mornings, when you’ll have the whole beautiful, quiet lake to yourself as the sun comes up. I used to love playing music on my phone and drinking coffee in the marina office at twilight, looking out at the mountains and lake. At this point you’ll have to prepare for the day, maybe do some paperwork, and check on the boats and dock.

Whatever your skill level is with boats (mine was near zero when I was hired), it isn’t that challenging to learn to drive them well enough to dock them and tow them safely and skillfully.

How to Get a Marina Job:

Search WanderJobs for marina positions , or browse TripAdvisor for wilderness lodges on your lake of choice.

34. National Park Concessioner Staff

Perform customer service & hospitality duties while living with other travelers in a national park.

Many private companies help provide additional services to visitors within each national park, including lodging, tours, and retail. In the US, National Park Service concessioners employ more than 25,000 people during peak seasons at places like restaurants, hotels, concession stands, and gift shops. 

Because concessioners are hired by private companies rather than the federal government, many say the hiring process is more straightforward and flexible than getting a job as a park ranger. Since many rangers start out working concessions, this is a great way to get your foot in the door and open up additional opportunities with the National Park Service. 

While the concessioner jobs are often indoors, you’ll get to spend the season living in one of the nation’s most beautiful places. Many employees at national parks are outdoor-minded folks who love adventure. You’ll be able to spend your days off exploring the park and surrounding area with coworkers and will likely have the chance to try some fun outdoor activities like rafting, rock climbing, or snorkeling. 

Not all concessioner staff positions include housing, but it’s not uncommon to receive subsidized room and board. Don’t expect anything luxurious – most park employees live in basic dormitory-style lodging or RVs. But it’s a wonderful way to live in a community of people with similar interests, and employees in these places often feel like families.

How to Get a National Park Concessioner Job:

The two major National Park concessioners are Xanterra and Delware North, and searching the sites of those two companies will provide most of the travel job opportunities. However …

Those are huge companies and are infamous, like Vail Resorts, for treating their employees like numbers and not like people. In traveler circles, it’s called Xanterrible.

It’s harder to find the smaller companies because most websites are in disguise, and it’s not till you reach the employment page that you’re redirected to the automated Xanterra or DN database. But smaller companies exist!

The official National Park list of Authorized Concessioners can be found on their website .

35. Overnight Summer Camp Counselor

Lead groups of kids through traditional summer camp activities.

Working as an overnight camp counselor is a great summer travel job for young extroverts who love working with kids. You can choose from a wide selection of camps throughout the US and Canada, as well as some international ones. 

Options range from classic YMCA-style summer camps to specialty programs focusing on music, theater, or sports. General overnight camps expect employees to enjoy working with youth and have a positive attitude, while specialty camps require additional expertise in that particular field. 

Each camp has a different vibe and traditions, so you’ll want to do some research and select one that is a good fit. No matter which location you choose, you’ll find a unique environment with countless learning experiences. Camp culture fosters life-long friendships among both campers and counselors. Kids carry summer camp memories well into adulthood, so it can be very fulfilling to be a part of campers’ life-changing experiences. 

Although working as a camp counselor is fun and rewarding, it doesn’t come without challenges. The job rarely includes any alone time, which can be tough even for the most extroverted individuals. Counselors stay in the same cabins as campers, and supervising a group of children 24 hours a day is exhausting by the end of the summer. 

How to Get a Camp Counselor Job:

There are many sites dedicated to camp listings, including Camp Resource and Camp Channel . But since there are so many hundreds of camps not listed on these sites, it’s easier just to pick the area you want to go and do a google search for overnight camps in that location.

Drive guests, haul gear, act as a tour guide.

There are possibilities to work as a tour group driver on trips ranging from classic sightseeing tours to multisport adventures worldwide. Some tour companies employ drivers for the entire season, while others hire them as external contractors for a week or two at a time. 

To get one of these jobs, you’ll need a valid commercial driver’s license in the countries visited, excellent customer service skills, and a proven commitment to passenger safety. The vehicle’s size may vary from group to group, but you should be comfortable maneuvering large vehicles with a trailer full of equipment in tow. 

While most of the job is spent sitting, you will also get some exercise through the frequent loading and unloading of luggage and gear, such as bikes and kayaks. The position includes a lot of downtime when the guests are out sightseeing or staying in the same spot for a few days. You’ll therefore have the chance to explore many different places along the route. However, if you’re hired as an external contractor, the job could be a bit lonely. 

In addition to wages, drivers typically receive free lodging in a hotel for the tour duration. Sometimes they’ll stay in the same location as guests, while others they’ll be placed in a different hotel nearby. 

How to Get a Driver Job:

Whitewater rafting and other gear-based outdoor companies sometimes have dedicated drivers to haul the gear from one place to another, and to meet the guests once they go down river.

For coach-bus tour driver jobs, the best way to find a company is to search google as if you’re trying to pay to join a tour as a guest. “Coach bus tours national parks” or “europe coach bus tours” would be good searches, for example.

Contiki is an example of a coach bus tour company in Europe, though they only hire people with European passports.

37. Hotel & Resort Jobs

Work in guest services, desk jobs, or support positions at hotels & resorts.

Hotels and resorts offer tons of different employment opportunities all over the globe. There are openings for bartenders, chefs, waiters, restaurant hosts, housekeepers, concierges, event coordinators, entertainers, fitness instructors, massage therapists, lifeguards, and more. 

In addition to living in a desirable destination, you’ll receive perks like free or discounted access to the resort’s facilities. One of the other benefits is meeting interesting guests and working with people from around the world. Since many hotel and resort employees are far from “home,” coworkers can become like family.  

Most upscale hotels and resorts include housing for employees, especially those located in remote areas. The accommodation itself is rarely luxurious – no matter how fancy the resort, you’ll probably live in shared housing with 4-5 other people. 

Working at a hotel or resort offers flexible hours; however, shifts can be long with few breaks and little downtime, and the pay is not always sufficient for the hours required. Like other hospitality industry jobs, employees at hotels and resorts regularly report feeling drained by the end of the tourist season. 

But for many, the ability to wake up with a swim at a world-renowned beach or hit the slopes after your shift at a famous ski resort makes the long hours worth it. 

How to Get a Hotel/Resort Job:

WanderJobs lists lodge & resort jobs and hostel & inn jobs . If you’re searching in google, choose more remote or even island destinations, as they are more likely to offer staff housing.

38. Workamping Campground Host

Register campers, keep campgrounds safe and clean.

Workamping is an option for couples or individuals who love to camp and are looking for ways to do so cheaply. It’s a position often filled by seniors and people.

You’ll need your own RV to live in.

Campground host positions are available at privately owned parks as well as state and national parks in the US and Canada. While uncommon, it is possible to find workamping openings in other parts of the world, especially in Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. 

Working as a host involves various duties around the campground, such as cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, registering campers, answering visitors’ questions, reporting any rule violations to management, and working in the campground shop. In exchange for your work, you’ll receive a free RV campsite complete with water and electricity hookups. 

Hosting contracts usually extend for 3-6 months. The requirements, hours, and expected time commitment will depend on the campground. Regardless of your schedule, you should plan to work throughout the peak season and on weekends and holidays. 

Workamping has numerous benefits, including spending time in beautiful natural areas for free and meeting folks who also love the outdoors. But there are downsides as well. You’ll likely have to deal with unruly campers and take care of less desirable tasks like picking up trash.  

It’s also my belief- from research, and from talking to people when I attended the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous in 2020 as a speaker- that workamping can get pretty exploitive. It seems that many employers treat their employees badly, overwork them, underpay them, and do not honor contracts in ways that seem illegal. I’m not sure why this particular travel job was so popular with the retired population, but it was. I personally would avoid it at all costs.

Many, but not all, workamping jobs include a salary. Volunteer positions typically require about 20 hours of work a week, while those that come with additional wages involve around 40 hours a week. So they say; in practice, overworking seems to be common.

How to Get a Campground Host Job:

Most Workampers I spoke to at RTR found their jobs through Workamper News .

Part 3: Career Travel Jobs

39. english teacher abroad.

Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) to students at a high school abroad. Required Experience: Medium

A native English speaker with a good command of the language can become an English teacher abroad far more easily than becoming a teacher within the US. The certification process for a TEFL certificate is relatively quick, cheap, and easy. I myself earned the 100-hour online certificate and a 50-hour younger learner certificate in about half the suggested time.

That said, for some reason actually finding a travel job as an English teacher (as of 2020) requires sifting through an absolutely baffling quagmire of scams and misinformation. Does this school want to hire me or is this a company trying to sell me a course? Why won’t the man who I just paid to get my results after taking my certification test respond to any of my emails? Why do I have to go to the country and look for a job after I get there? Theses questions and more plagued me and my ex, and I’m sure many others. Eventually, after moving to Japan to get a travel job teaching English, failing to do so, moving back to the US, and getting scammed, my ex managed to find a job teaching in a good school in Japan and is going on his second year-long contract. I’ve known many people who have taught English abroad (I volunteered with some permanent teachers in Thailand), but as far as “how to get a job teaching english abroad” goes, you’re rather on your own.

How to Get a TEFL Job:

First, become TEFL certified. Most companies require a minimum 120-hour certification and a bachelors degree, though there are companies that do not require a degree.

There are many companies that offer certification, with a median price of about $300 for 120 hours. The cheapest I’ve found is Global TEFL , which was $90/120 hours at the time I wrote this article. Then, do tons and tons of research to find current job openings for English teachers. You may find jobs in China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and other locations.

There are also TONS of online opportunities if you’re looking to continue to travel while you teach. Here’s a quick guide by Goats on the Road.

40. Maintenance 

Repair, build, and haul things as needed. Required Experience: Medium

Most any company, especially those that include guest lodging, requires skilled maintenance staff. In the on season, you’ll be doing general repairs and will often have access to a truck or golf cart, and a workshop or shed. You may find yourself painting, chopping wood, and responding to guests’ request for lightbulb changes in addition to more skilled labor. The maintenance team tends to be one of the smaller operations of a seasonal company and the teams are given more power and freedom to make their own decisions and schedules. It’s often a good gig for introverted types. Sometimes in the off-season, a more remote wilderness lodge will shut down but will still require a skeleton crew consisting of a maintenance worker or two. It’s an unusual way to experience a quiet winter of solitude.

How to Get a Maintenance Job:

Even when maintenance is not listed as an open position on the employment section of a company’s website, it may be worth it to email the company and ask them if they could use some more help.

Maintenance is one of the travel job categories in which it pays to become an expert in your field. An experienced, highly skilled maintenance worker will always be valuable. Find live-in maintenance travel jobs at any resort, retreat, ranch, or hotel listed on WanderJobs.

41. Chefs & Cooks

Prepare and cook meals for guests and staff.

Every kitchen requires a team of cooks of different experience levels and with different amounts of responsibility in order to run properly. A chef at a seasonal company (I’ve worked with many) absolutely doesn’t require a culinary degree, but does require a high level of confidence and skill.

However, head chefs and sous chefs often handle a stressful level of responsibility. Even if your skill is high, you may prefer to be a line cook or even a prep cook (my favorite), where it’s easier to zone out into your task or chat with the other cooks through the workday.

The jobs, from least to most responsibility are:

• Prep Cook (chopping, grating, juicing, repetitive tasks)
• Line Cook (cooking a few specific things, preparing salads)
• Sous Chef (cooking, menu prep, covering in the chef’s absence)
• Chef (ordering ingredients, cooking, menu prep, managing the kitchen)

There are two massively different types of kitchens: made to order, and buffets.

Made-to-order kitchens (which are by far the most common) are almost always more fast paced. This brings an extra level of stress, and sometimes the notoriously angry and narcissistic head chef who thinks he’s god’s gift to man. (I met one of these types at a restaurant in a seasonal travel job I left very quickly). Most places with seasonal jobs will only have this type of kitchen.

Buffet-style kitchens are usually found in two environments: retreat centers and staff dining rooms. Retreat centers usually have constantly changing menus of fresh, healthy, delicious foods.

Staff dining rooms (known as Employee Dining Rooms or EDRs at national park concessioners) vary by location. The food is generally good but not great, and it feels nice to help feed your coworkers.

Working in mess hall or a retreat center environment is much lower-pressure, and in my opinion, much more enjoyable than cooking in a ritzy made-to-order restaurant.

How to Get a Cook Job:

Most any resort, lodge, hotel, retreat center, summer camp, or hostel on WanderJobs will require cooks.

While it isn’t especially hard to start off as a prep cook, there are plenty of places to volunteer as a cook to get more experience before applying for a job. Retreat centers often need volunteer cooks, as do many families on the Workaway site.

42. Antarctica Research Station Staff

Help keep the remote research station running to support scientific discovery.

Getting a travel job in Antarctica is very competitive and requires a particular skill set. Apart from the scientists, research stations have various support staff such as:

• electricians
• firefighters
• boat handlers
• and more… 

Many employment contracts are limited to the summer (around November to February). Others extend through the winter (around March to October). There is a high cost associated with transporting staff to and from the bases, so preference is given to those willing to commit to longer contracts. Even in the summer, be prepared to cope with extreme and unpredictable weather. 

The culture differs from one research station to the next. Most communities have a small-town feel to them. There are movie theaters, bars, and coffee shops that host various events, such as pub quizzes, open mic nights, and karaoke. 

While each research station is stocked with medical supplies and has at least one on-site physician, advanced medical care for life-threatening conditions is often days away. Before heading to Antarctica, research station staff must pass a comprehensive medical exam, including blood tests, chest x-rays, and an EKG. Those hoping to stay throughout the winter must undergo additional medical and psychological tests to ensure they are fit to withstand the physical and mental challenges associated with isolation, frigid temperatures, and 24 hours of darkness for months on end. 

If alone time and privacy are important to you, this travel job is probably not the right fit. Despite being isolated, research station employees rarely get any time to themselves. The stations vary in size, but on average, you can expect around 40-50 staff during the summer and 10-20 in the winter. 

Accommodation, while free, is rustic and crowded – most workers reside in cramped tents or bunks on a ship, and getting off the base for some privacy is not an option. Except for those employed in transportation, support staff seldom travel away from their research stations. 

Before applying for a this travel job, I highly recommend reading the book South Pole Station by Ashley Shelby. Though fictional, it gives an incredibly realistic view into seasonal life in Antarctica.

How to Get an Antarctica Job:

The best place to start looking for a job is with your country’s Antarctica Program . There are around 70 different research stations run by programs from about 30 countries.

43. National Park Ranger (entry level seasonal)

Help educate guests and keep the park safe and clean.

One of the perks of working as a national park ranger is spending time in some of the world’s most stunning natural areas. This travel job is best for those who love nature, are passionate about conservation, and enjoy working with others. You must be willing to work outdoors in any kind of conditions, including extreme temperatures and stormy weather. 

Since park rangers are employees of the federal government, they tend to work a maximum of 40 hours a week. However, rangers must be prepared to work holidays and weekends when parks experience an influx of visitors. 

The culture among national park rangers depends on the geographic location of that particular park. In remote areas, there is a significant overlap in work life and social life, while parks located near towns or cities offer a better work-life balance and more non-park-related activities. Park communities typically resemble isolated small towns where everyone knows each other. 

The path to becoming a park ranger is a competitive one, with many people finding their way in the door through volunteer positions or internships. You’re more likely to be hired if you have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, geology, forestry, history, law enforcement, or a similar field. 

In most parks, seasonal workers are hired only for the summer. These contracts last from 4-6 months and do not include benefits afforded to permanent employees, such as health insurance and retirement contributions. 

Entry-level rangers typically start out collecting fees from visitors at park entrances or maintaining hiking trails. Over time, it’s possible to work your way up to a more desirable position, such as leading tours, researching wildlife, or working in the backcountry. 

Some parks provide free housing, while others deduct rent from your paycheck based on the cost of living in the surrounding area. Accommodation in the parks varies significantly and can range from newer apartments to run-down trailers. Seasonal employees are provided fully furnished rooms and can expect to have at least one roommate or housemate. 

How to Get a National Park Ranger Job:

Find park jobs with the National Park Service or the US Forest Service . If it seems like those official sites don’t have many listings, there may be more posted on a major job board like indeed.

44. Massage Therapist

Relax and help heal clients through bodywork.

Massage therapy is a job that requires a lot of endurance. It isn’t easy to use your muscles in that way for long periods of time.

Part of the fun is that there are so many different types of massage to choose from. When you take the first step to become certified, spend time to figure out what type of massage is most interesting to you and works best with your own body.

You need to be very good at first impressions and making someone feel comfortable as soon as they meet you. You need to look tidy and clean.

Massage therapy is an incredibly personal job. You’ll usually be in a room alone with another person for an hour or more, and in many forms of massage, the other person won’t be wearing clothes. Some clients won’t talk at all, and others will reveal all their traumas. You’re genuinely a therapist and should treat the role and the client with respect. When you have repeat customers, you’ll come to care about them and their well being.

A massage therapist will walk a way with a lot of money, and that is usually one of the biggest draws. It’s one of the few certifications left that doesn’t require a college degree but that can still provide a great payoff. Most clients will tip you as well.

How to Get a Massage Therapist Job:

First, of course, you’ll need to become a licensed massage therapist. The requirements for this vary by state so it can be a little tricky and will require some research and planning.

Massage travel jobs with housing are harder to find than most other travel jobs on this list. Most massage therapists are local, but companies with housing are sometimes hiring.

A roundabout technique to find massage travel jobs with housing is to look for spa jobs with housing (at resorts, lodges, retreat centers, etc), and then apply for any other job at the place. Once you are there and management knows you, it can be easier to suggest offering your services to the spa on the side. (This is how the massage therapist in the photo got much of his work at a retreat center).

Another workaround that many massage therapists I know personally have used is to do off-the-books massages for the staff while they work a different day job. When they are licensed in one state but not another (bureaucratic insurance nonsense!) it’s easier to just have friends pay you in cash. My friends have earned an impressive amount of extra income this way.

45. Accountant

Keep the books.

Nearly every organization requires some accounting work. Many companies hire full-time, in-house accountants, while others outsource the work to freelancers, consultancies, or accounting firms. 

The job requires excellent attention to detail and superior analytical, math, and computer skills. As an accountant, you’ll take care of various finance-related tasks, such as recording transactions, advising on financial decisions, and ensuring compliance with local laws. Those entering the field should expect some stressful situations and prepare to work overtime during tax season. 

The universal business need for bookkeeping services allows accountants a lot of flexibility in choosing where they want to work. Accountant positions are most likely to include housing at places mentioned in this post, including retreat centers, hotels and resorts, and national parks.

Minimum requirements to become an accountant in the US vary by state. If you want to do accounting or bookkeeping work abroad, you may need to obtain additional certifications and become familiar with the local tax laws and financial policies. 

This kind of work can be tedious and repetitive, but also very fulfilling for the right person. Accountants can contribute immense value to businesses and play a crucial role in an organization’s success. If you are financially savvy and like working with numbers, you will likely find the work rewarding. 

How to Get an Accountant Job:

These jobs aren’t always listed, so you may have to go through the companies on sites like WanderJobs one by one and contact them to ask if they are looking for an accountant.

These travel jobs are harder to get and there may be a lot of internal promotion, so a better bet might be to work your way up in a company after you prove yourself in a different position.

46. Lighthouse Keeper

Maintain the light and the property.

Lighthouse keepers historically played a crucial role in helping ships navigate safely to shore, but their place in modern society has dwindled. Today, lighthouses in many parts of the world are fully automated.

Those that still have keepers are usually managed by national parks or non-profits seeking to preserve these historic structures and their associated traditions. 

Current lighthouse keeper jobs are perfect for history buffs who love the sea or for those seeking solitude and an uncommon career opportunity. While available positions are scarce, they are possible to find in coastal areas worldwide. 

Keepers are responsible for tasks like cleaning and maintaining the lighthouse grounds, managing the gift shop, and providing information to visitors. Since many lighthouses are historical landmarks, they are popular field trip destinations for schoolchildren and unique venues for small weddings, reunions, or birthday parties. Prospective keepers should expect to assist with these types of events when necessary. 

Some lighthouses offer keepers free RV camping sites, a sleeping area inside the lighthouse, or private cottages on the grounds. Most lighthouse attendant roles are for volunteers only, but some do pay. One historic lighthouse in San Francisco, for example, offered a couple $130,000 a year, provided they continued running it as a bed and breakfast. 

I recommend the memoir Light Years by Caroline Woodward as a beautiful way to learn what it really means to live as a lighthouse keeper.

How to Get a Lightkeeper Job:

There very few manned lighthouses left; most are automated. Finding a job will take a lot of research into the light stations of various countries. Google search is the way to go.

From a modern day lighthouse keeper (in British Columbia) on Reddit : “the application is super hard to find actually so it does not get a lot of applicants. Also the process is insane as it is a government job. My application took over 4 months…”

47. Farmer/ Gardener

Plant, harvest, weed, build structures, and care for plants.

There are a variety of farming and gardening travel jobs available around the world at places like organic farms and retreat and conference centers. These settings usually offer a fun environment with young coworkers and an ability to connect with nature. 

Many eco-retreat centers have gardens that provide the ingredients for healthy meals. By working as a gardener, you’ll contribute to the center’s ability to provide sustainable, locally sourced food and experience the feeling of accomplishment that comes with eating food you grew yourself. 

Any farming or gardening role requires manual labor outdoors, so you should be ready to work hard and spend your days tending to the fields, orchards, or gardens. You’ll learn how to grow different fruits and vegetables and enjoy the perk of freshly picked, in-season produce. It’s an incredibly satisfying travel job, working with your hands and tending to the land. You’ll be tired and fulfilled at the end of a day.

Many of these positions are available for volunteers only, but finding a paid farming or gardening job is possible. The housing included tends to be dormitory-style and will likely involve one or more roommates. If you’re lucky, you may get a cabin or bungalow to yourself. To get a better paid position you may have to stick with one company long enough to take over when manager leaves.

How to Get a Farm/Garden Job:

Find farm and garden travel jobs on BackdoorJobs , or as unpaid positions through WWOOF . Also read #15 on this list to learn about fruit picking in Australia.

48. Human Resources

Hire staff, coordinate housing, activities and payroll, and deal with staff issues.

From mountain lodges to adventure tour operators, nearly every type of workplace on this list requires Human Resources staff. As a result, there are plenty of HR opportunities at interesting locales around the world. 

The type and quality of housing included with HR travel jobs (if any) and your responsibilities will depend on your workplace. Smaller businesses most often employ HR generalists who do a little bit of everything. Larger companies, on the other hand, may require employees to specialize in particular areas, such as onboarding and training, payroll and benefits, or employee relations. 

HR positions are focused on helping others and create many opportunities to build lasting relationships with coworkers. Since HR workers organize staff events and activities and oversee recruitment and hiring processes, they have a lot of power to shape the company culture. This ability to foster a positive work environment is one of the things many HR employees say they like most about their jobs.

Working in HR is a fun and fulfilling job, but it involves juggling many different responsibilities at once and can be stressful. If you want to work in HR, you’ll need excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as lots of patience. HR people continually have to address things that aren’t running smoothly within the company and may have to resolve disputes that arise between coworkers.

How to Get an Human Resources Job:

HR is a career-ladder decision, so you’ll need to prove experience before moving into the role. Often you’ll eyeball the role from inside a company before applying internally for the position when it eventually opens up.

Search one of the major job boards and get very specific with your keywords. Obviously include “human resources”, but also cycle through the types of places that would have housing included, like wilderness lodges and wilderness resorts, tour companies, cruises, and national park concessioners.

49. Managers & Supervisors 

Lead a department, create schedules, coordinate inventory, communicate with other departments.

Many of the travel jobs on this list have at least one related managerial or supervisor role. From managing a restaurant or housekeeping staff in a resort to supervising a group of rangers in a national park, there are numerous manager and supervisor positions available worldwide that include free housing. 

Becoming a manager requires extensive experience in your chosen industry and a proven track record of success. You’ll also need superior communication, excellent interpersonal skills, sound leadership, and an ability to resolve conflict effectively. Depending on your workplace, you may also need good customer service skills and patience for dealing with disgruntled clients who are always asking to speak with the manager. 

While you’ll still have the chance to meet and work with interesting people, it’s hard to become friends with coworkers when you’re the boss. Being a manager holds significant responsibility and can be more stressful than other travel jobs. You’ll need to make difficult decisions that are in the organization’s best interest even if they are unpopular among employees. 

The job also has its advantages – managers and supervisors often receive nicer accommodation than regular staff and are more likely to get private rooms or entire apartments. As a result, these roles are better than others for people with families or partners traveling or working alongside them. 

How to Get a Manager/Supervisor Job:

Becoming a supervisor or manager can range from extremely easy (such as moving up from a housekeeper to a housekeeping supervisor position within a single season) to very difficult (becoming a kitchen manager at bustling tropical resort).

Basically, if you want a supervisor job, stick with any company for a little bit longer than the other seasonal staff and you can pretty easily get one.

Many companies on WanderJobs will advertise manager and supervisor positions, but it’s also worth finding companies you like and emailing directly to ask if they have open positions. Some are only posted internally to current staff, but if you’re qualified, go for it.

50. Youth Educator

Teach youth about the outdoors, ecology, and natural sciences.

If you’re passionate about the outdoors, teaching others about the natural world can be a gratifying travel job. Outdoor education centers across the US and Canada hire educators to teach youth about wilderness survival, ecology, conservation, geology, and more. Educators may also be involved in activities like local conservation efforts or trail maintenance. 

Each center will have different requirements for employment. Generally, it’s preferable if you have a bachelor’s degree, a background in environmental science or a related field, knowledge of the outdoors, and some experience with teaching. Because outdoor education centers are popular field trip destinations for schoolchildren, you must enjoy working with kids. Some youth educator travel jobs are open to applicants of all ages, while others give priority to recent college graduates. 

Outdoor education centers typically attract adventurous, eco-conscious individuals. If that sounds like you, then you can expect to work with a fun group of like-minded people. Educators often get the weekends off, allowing them to explore local trails or relax in nature with coworkers. 

Many of these travel jobs are full-time, residential positions and include dormitory-style housing onsite. Contracts are mostly seasonal, but it is possible to find year-round roles, especially in warmer climates. 

How to Get a Youth Educator Job:

There are some youth education positions on WanderJobs , and more on BackdoorJobs .

51. Travel Nurse

Work in clinical settings in smaller towns around the US.

Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who fill vacancies at various US healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals. Becoming a travel nurse offers a unique opportunity to work in any US state or even the Virgin Islands while also fulfilling an essential need in the healthcare industry.

Typically, travel nurses work for independent staffing agencies that assign them to open positions for a short-term contract. You’ll be able to tell the agency what kind of environment you’re looking for, and they will find you an assignment that matches your skills and preferences.

Contracts usually last around 13 weeks but can be longer or shorter depending on the facility. RNs who are enjoying their existing assignments may be able to renew the contract and stay longer in that role. 

Responsibilities of a travel nursing job are essentially the same as a typical RN position. To become a travel nurse, you’ll need a nursing degree from either a two or four-year university, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, and at least one year of experience working as a nurse. 

Getting a job as a travel nurse offers many perks, including free housing, competitive compensation, and the ability to work in diverse clinical settings. Traveling positions tend to pay entry-level nurses a higher salary than permanent roles, making these jobs particularly appealing for younger people.

How to Get a Travel Nurse Job:

In the Covid age, there is now more than ever a need for travel nurses. There are many good job placement companies that will come up in a simple google search, like Nomad .

Of course, you’ll already need to be a registered nurse. This is a genuine career choice with high pay, long hours, and benefits.

Part 4: Travel Jobs for Digital Nomads

52. online freelancer.

Seek out clients and meet their needs remotely through individual contract jobs.

Online freelance opportunities are abundant for a wide range of professionals with varying levels of expertise. Some of the jobs are short-term projects, like designing a logo or writing a blog post, while others become long-term partnerships. 

Freelancers are much in need in the areas of:

• graphic design
• content writing
• ui/ux design
• virtual assistance
• translation

Working as an online freelancer requires a great deal of independence, self-motivation, and organization. If you like working with others and are looking for a fun group of coworkers, then freelancing is probably not the best fit. 

Many freelancers find that the benefits outweigh the lack of social life at work. Online freelancing has many advantages, including flexible hours, location independence, and control over your own schedule.

Jobs are available at every level – whether you’re a beginner in your field or an expert, you’re sure to find something that interests you. However, competition for freelance jobs is intense .

With more and more people ditching their nine-to-fives in favor of a flexible and nomadic lifestyle, the pool of freelancers looking for online work continues to grow. This competition can be especially frustrating for new freelancers trying to break into the industry.

Because of the location freedom that freelance work offers, it’s possible to find very affordable housing if you’re flexible about where you live. It’s a solid career option for digital nomads.

How to Get a Freelance Job:

The easiest way for most people to begin freelancing is to start with Upwork , where you can bid on the thousands of jobs posted. In order to get your first job (and therefore your first positive review), you’ll need to underbid everybody else and write a personalized cover letter. Even then, you’ll get a lot of rejections. If you have a friend on the site, it’s easier to get them to hire you for a quick gig and review.

Once you start gaining reviews, you can charge more money and get repeat clients. When those clients trust you (which they should if you consistently do a good job) you can start talking and getting paid outside of Upwork so they don’t take a cut of the profit.

Freelancing is essentially creating a small business for yourself. Ultimately the best thing to do is tell everybody you know what your skill is and that you are looking for clients, and build yourself up through word of mouth within your actual, real-life circle of friends, family, and community.

53. Teach English Online

Teach English as a second language to children or adults in other countries.

Teaching English online is a popular job among young travelers. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can essentially work from anywhere. 

There are loads of companies hiring online English teachers, each of which has its own requirements, preferred teaching style, and expected time commitment. Some companies are looking for previous teaching experience, while others only require employees to be native English speakers. 

Like most online jobs, teaching English remotely is best for self-starters who prefer working independently. To get a teaching job, you’ll probably need a certification such as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Both of these are relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain online. 

Most beginners start with part-time teaching jobs until they gain enough experience to compete for a full-time role. Many teachers say the job is best as a supplement to other work, so it could be combined with another job on this list that does include lodging. 

One of the most interesting aspects of this job is talking with people from diverse places and learning about other cultures. However, if you and your students live in different time zones, you may have to work strange hours. 

While teaching English can be a gratifying job, doing so online can get lonely after a while – especially if you’re a solo traveler. 

How to Get a Teach English Online Job:

Teaching English online requires the same preparation as finding a TEFL job aboard (#39 on this list). Most, but not all, companies will ask applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.

Begin by becoming TEFL certified with a minimum 120-hour course. Online courses run for about $300/120 hours. At the time of writing, Global TEFL is $90/120.

There are many companies hiring online TEFL teachers. Again, here’s a quick guide by Goats on the Road.

54. Telecommuter

Work a regular desk job from home.

COVID-19 has drastically reshaped the work landscape, and more companies are allowing telecommuting than ever before.

Unless your profession necessitates in-person work, you’ll likely be able to find a remote job posting in your industry. Whether you’re looking for a full-time role or a part-time position, there are all sorts of opportunities available now for telecommuters.

Since remote jobs are long-term contracts with a single company, they typically offer more stability than freelance work while providing some of the same flexibility.

In addition to saving money and time on commuting, remote work allows employees to have more freedom over their schedule and location. Telecommuting means you can live anywhere you’d like (as long as the time zone is compatible with your hours) and find a place that suits your budget. 

Like all jobs, remote work also has its downsides. Off-site employees miss out on the benefits of working at the office, such as free breakfast and socializing with coworkers. For some, working from home makes it difficult to unplug and can also be isolating.

Telecommuting jobs are therefore best for those who enjoy being alone or who already have a supportive community outside of work. 

How to Get a Telecommuter Job:

There are tons of job boards for people who want traditional careers but who also want to work from home. Flexjobs is just one of many. You can also search traditional large job boards.

55. Online Tutor

Help students with coursework in specific subject areas.

The need for online tutoring is on the rise – demand increased significantly this year since the pandemic has shuttered many schools’ doors around the world. 

Online tutoring offers a lot of flexibility and customization based on your preferences. It can be a full-time job or a side gig, and you can work for yourself or for a company that hires online tutors. 

As a tutor, you’ll provide one-on-one support for students in your chosen areas of expertise. You can select a particular subject, such as math or English, or focus on helping students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT. 

There are no specific requirements to become an online tutor, but you’ll need demonstrated excellence in your chosen field and good communication skills. If you’re hoping to get a job with a tutoring company, it helps if you have previous tutoring or teaching experience. 

Similar to other online jobs, working as a tutor can be lonely if you don’t have a supportive in-person community. But you’ll have the freedom to live and work from anywhere you choose. 

How to Get an Online Tutor Job:

The Balance Careers has a quick introductory guide to online tutoring.

Part 5: Work-Exchange & Volunteering Travel Jobs

56. housesitting.

Act as caretaker for people’s homes, pets, and plants while they are away.

With a vast selection of homes and environments to choose from, housesitting offers something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a small cabin in the woods or a luxury villa on the coast, you’ll probably be able to find it on various housesitting sites. 

In addition to taking care of the house, you may also care for homeowners’ pets. You’ll often encounter dogs and cats, but there are also options to housesit on a small farm or at homes with animals like horses, chickens, or even llamas.  

There are many online resources for anyone looking to get started housesitting, as well as a supportive global community. While taking care of someone’s home, you will feel more like a local than a tourist. The homeowners may introduce you to the neighbors and share their favorite restaurants and hangouts, which will quickly immerse you in the local culture and community. 

Housesitting is best for those with other sources of income. While it is possible to find positions that pay, most housesitting jobs offer free accommodation instead of a wage. As a result, it’s a good option for digital nomads, remote workers, slow travelers, retirees, and professionals on sabbatical. Housesitting is also an excellent choice for individuals who are considering moving abroad and want to see if a particular place is a good fit. 

How to Get a Housesitting gig:

There are so many housesitting websites. A google search will bring up those that are most current. Try Trusted House Sitters to start.

Work-trade on organic farms around the world.

WWOOFing, short for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, is one of the most popular ways to volunteer abroad. In exchange for room and board, WWOOFers typically work 4-6 hours a day on different farms, including vineyards, dairy farms, and apiaries. Duties include assisting with daily tasks such as caring for animals, weeding, picking vegetables, or making cheese. 

The workload, requirements, and overall experience vary significantly from one host to the next. All of the positions require manual labor, so you should be prepared to work hard outdoors regardless of where you end up. While no specific experience is needed, it helps if you have some background in agriculture or farming. Most countries require WWOOFers to be 18 years or older, but there are some exceptions.

The amount of time you work on each farm is up to you and your host. Generally, volunteers work for about 2-3 weeks, but in some cases will stay as long as 6 months. Positions are available in more than 50 countries and attract a diverse group of people. As a WWOOFer, you’ll meet volunteers from around the world, gain practical farming skills, and learn about sustainable agriculture in varied environments.

As a whole, WWOOFing is a unique way to travel cheaply, enjoy nature, live sustainably, and experience the local rural culture. 

How to Get a WWOOF gig:

Sign up for WWOOF (link is to the USA site), which costs around $40/year for a single account or $65 for a double.

Then create a profile and search and contact hosts.

58. Workaway

Work-exchange ~20 hrs/week with locals around the world in exchange for room & board.

I’m not being hyperbolic when I say Workaway may be the ultimate way to see the world.

These unpaid work-exchanges go like this: you give about 20 hours of your week to help your host with some job you’ve agreed on, and in exchange you receive free room and board for the duration of your stay.

That’s the basic principle. The real benefit beyond not paying for a hostel or eating out is the cultural exchange and the absolutely incredible opportunities for adventure. I’m not quite sure how to capture the allure of what Workaway has to offer without just giving you a sample of the available experiences:

• Join a family on a sailboat in an around-the-world trip and cook the meals
• Help build a treehouse on a honeybee farm in Japan
• Teach computer skills and build a playground for a forest school in Vietnam
• Rehabilitate puppies at an animal rescue shelter in St Lucia
• Guide guests at an ecolodge in Madagascar

There are opportunities for any sort of work you can think of, from child care, guest service, and language exchange to art, carpentry, gardening, and computer skills.

It’s so much better than a vacation because you’re living right with the locals and can learn about a new culture, and make a new “family” in each place you go. Nothing else can match that, and the feeling of having a way to contribute to your new community right from the get go. You could set up an entire round-the-world trip through workaway and only ever pay for transportation logistics.

How to Get a Workaway Gig:

Sign up for an account on Workaway .info . It costs about $45 per year but the quantity of amazing opportunities is almost unbelievable. You can browse the hosts without paying but won’t be able to contact them.

You’ll need to set up your profile, choose hosts, and reach out to them to set up each individual work exchange. Make sure your hosts have very positive reviews so that you stay safe in a new place. You can also link accounts with a buddy if you’ll be traveling with a friend or partner. Each of you will be required to have your own account.

59. Yoga, Meditation, & Spirituality

Lead classes and workshops in mind, body, and spiritual arts.

Yoga, meditation, and spirituality centers worldwide hire volunteers to teach classes and guide guests on their spiritual journeys. Although many positions are unpaid, they offer the chance to spend time in a very tranquil setting and help others on their paths to self-realization. 

These studios and retreat centers are usually located in scenic and peaceful locations, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking to relax in nature. The time commitment will depend on your contract. You’ll rarely work more than 30 hours a week, leaving plenty of time to explore the area. You could even combine this kind of position with an online job that pays. 

Getting a job as a teacher generally requires a background or certification in yoga instruction, meditation, or spiritual teachings. Some studios and centers also hire general volunteers who help with cooking and serving food, cleaning, grocery shopping, and gardening. 

Volunteering is a great way to connect with and learn from other yoga and meditation practitioners and offers enormous potential for personal growth. Most people will share a room with at least one other volunteer, but some positions offer teachers private rooms in exchange for their services. 

How to Get a Yoga, Meditation, or Spirituality Gig:

The Workaway website is a good way to find work-exchanges in the spiritual and movement arts. Paid positions with housing are much rarer and require clever online searching, though some can occasionally be found on Yoga Trade .

60. Fire Lookout

Watch for smoke and wildfires from a lookout station.

If you love the wilderness, are physically fit, and don’t mind being isolated, then working as a fire lookout could be a unique and rewarding travel job that also has a positive environmental impact.

A fire lookout is just what the name suggests: keeping a close eye on the forest for signs of smoke and fire, from a lookout perch in the wilderness. Catching a fire early is important in preventing wildfires before they become dangerous.

The US used to have more than 10,000 people working as fire lookouts, but that number has declined due to advancements in technology. There are only around 300 fire towers in the US today that are still manned, so getting one of these travel jobs is likely to be challenging. However, as wildfires become more frequent and widespread in the US and many other parts of the world, demand for fire lookouts is expected to grow in the coming years. 

The job requires excellent communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills. Many employers prefer at least an associate’s degree, with some requiring more advanced education. Prospective lookouts are more likely to be hired if they have experience in forestry or have worked as field technicians. 

Fire lookouts typically work for government organizations, such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. Many of the positions are reserved for volunteers only and include lodging and a small stipend. 

How to Get a Fire Lookout Job:

Many of the few remaining fire lookout jobs are volunteer based. Most are in the US, Canada, and Australia. You’ll need to apply well in advance of fire season. The jobs are challenging to find.

Here are some tips from a professional fire lookout on Reddit .

My Top Travel Job Search Tips :

• Search for travel jobs by location on a map
• Use a location keyword in your own google searches, plus jobs with employee housing, ie “alaska resort jobs with employee housing”
• Use these sites to find hundreds of travel jobs, volunteer positions, and free ways to stay
• When in doubt, search google as if you’re a traveling tourist and not a travel job seeker. Find a company you like and then look for its employment page.
• If none of the jobs you are finding include housing, look in more remote locations. Search for wilderness lodges, islands (not only tropical!), retreat centers, jungles, mountains, and the like.

About the author

30 Travel Jobs that You Should Know About

06/14/2022 by Emily Becker Leave a Comment

Now that the world is currently experiencing what experts are calling “the Great Resignation,” more and more people are contemplating quitting their 9-to-5 jobs to go explore the world. With so many incredible places on this planet to visit, can you blame them? Even before the pandemic, remote jobs were becoming increasingly common, only to be propelled forward once global lockdowns began. More people than ever are able to have completely remote careers doing exactly what they were doing before, or even switching their profession entirely.

In case you find yourself looking for a way to travel the world and work while you do it, here are 30 travel jobs that will give your wandering heart a bit of inspiration:

Table of Contents

Travel Jobs that Require Little to No Prior Experience

Whether you want to blog about your travel experiences while on the road or find a specific online niche, blogging is a great way to fund your travels, if you play your cards right. It might not be very lucrative at the beginning, while you’re still building your audience, but as time goes on, you can find more and more opportunities for making an income with your blog.

This, of course, requires some writing talent and insight into the kind of blogger you want to be and how you plan to make money doing it. If you’re sure about blogging about your travels, find out how to do it here.

2. Freelance writer

If you have a knack for it, you don’t necessarily need a full portfolio of perfectly polished articles to start freelance writing. You will need samples of your work, but you may be surprised at how little you need to get started.

If you’re serious about freelance writing, I recommend hopping on the Upwork train as soon as possible. When I was first starting out, I found the platform to be helpful for finding new clients. You may feel like you’re shouting into a void when you first start submitting proposals, but eventually you’ll get your groove and hopefully start landing some gigs.

3. Virtual assistant

As the labor market becomes more and more digitized, virtual assistants are valued more. Because of this shift, virtual assistants can make a great living while working from anywhere in the world. All you need to get started is a computer, an internet connection, and decent computer and communication skills, depending on the demands of the job.

If you have any extra skills, like coding, accounting, or social media expertise, you are even more qualified to be a virtual assistant. You can find positions on Upwork , Dynamite Jobs , and a variety of other platforms. Find out more about becoming a virtual assistant here .

4. Freelance travel photographer

If you have photography skills, a professional camera, and a willingness to learn more along the way, perhaps freelance travel photography is be for you. Whether you decide to work for travel photography companies or try your hand at selling stock photos online , you may be surprised at how lucrative it can actually be.

Curious about taking your own travel photos? Consider taking our Photomuse course to hone your skills.

5. Freelance graphic designer

You don’t have to study the profession at a university to get a remote job as a graphic designer. There are tons of courses on Skillshare , Udemy , Domestika , and other platforms on how to create digital art that sells. Once you learn how, you can easily open a profile on Fiverr or Upwork and start looking for clients. It takes time to build your business, but this is one that can become a full-time income after you’ve gained momentum and established yourself in the online space.

6. Travel YouTuber

These days it’s easier than ever to start a YouTube channel and get to pumping out content, another great option for creative travelers who love to document their trips. In order to make money on YouTube, though, you’ll have to build an audience and have plenty of patience. Sometimes creators are at it for years before they begin earning any substantial income from the platform. Once you create a name for yourself on YouTube, however, brand deals and other well-paying opportunities may come your way.

7. Volunteer

While volunteer programs don’t pay, they can still be a great way to travel on a budget . Some programs offer room and board in exchange for volunteer work, which means you can drastically cut your travel expenses. Plus, you can learn new skills, meet other travelers, and have fun doing it!

A fantastic option for volunteering abroad is signing up for Worldpackers , a platform that connects hosts with volunteers, offering a free place to stay and an immersive travel experience. I was a Worldpacker in the Mayan jungle for a week and had an incredible experience that was way better than I could have imagined.

If you’re considering a more professional, long-term volunteer experience, consider joining the Peace Corps . There’s a 27-month commitment and it’s certainly a huge life decision, but can present a whole host of opportunities for travel jobs abroad in the long run, like joining the foreign service or working for an international NGO once you finish your service. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mozambique for two years, and the experience was both beautiful and challenging. It’s not for everybody, but if you’re down to completely immerse yourself in a new culture and get paid (modestly) to do it, the Peace Corps could be a great option.

8. Hostel worker (receptionist, bartender, etc.)

You would be surprised at how easy it is to convince a hostel owner to give you a job. It seems like hostels are always looking for help, both paid and unpaid. Some offer room and board in exchange for reception help, bartending, and other tasks. Worldpackers is a good platform to find these jobs, but you can also wait until you arrive at your destination and ask around. If you do this during peak tourist season, it may be harder to find these positions, because of the number of other travelers also keen for this opportunity.

You can also write to hostels on Instagram or via email before you arrive to see if they are looking for help. Try getting creative, as some places might even let you exchange something like a mural (see the photo above) for a free few nights.

9. Party promoter

If you’re an uber-social traveler and down to help a hostel, bar, or club promote their events, you might be able to make decent money as a party promoter. Sometimes places will require that you have a substantial social media following to consider you influential enough to help them attract more patrons, but it’s not always required.

Some marketing experience may be necessary to get a job as a party promoter , and some skills in the language at your chosen destination will most likely be required. A good place to start looking for such jobs is Stoked Travel , which hires country-specific party promoters and other professionals. Choose your destination wisely, and give it a shot!

10. Festival worker (event staff, food & beverage)

So you’ve already been to dozens of festivals and are in love with the atmosphere. Why not work at one and enjoy the huge perk of being paid to be there, plus getting in for free? Since festivals pop up all around the world, working at them can be a cool way to travel. From audiovisual technicians to graphic designers and everything in between, festival jobs are plentiful and varied. For some, you might need prior experience and/or an appropriate degree, but you may also be able to find less-skilled jobs in food and beverage service as well.

11. Cruise ship worker (tour manager, bartender, etc.)

Fancy the idea of getting paid to hop from one place to another on a cruise ship? Depending on your expertise, you can land a job on one in a variety of different roles. From housekeepers to photographers to IT help, cruise companies hire thousands of workers each year to staff their ships. There’s even a specific job board for these roles, which typically provide room and board on top of hourly pay.

12. Online English teacher

If you’ve got teaching experience and a willingness to work extremely early mornings, consider teaching English online with VIPKid, a very popular platform for online English teachers. The clientele are spread across Asia, hence the unconventional schedule (if you’re in the Americas). I worked for VIPKid for a short time pre-pandemic and found the hours challenging, but the students were great. A huge bonus for me was that there’s little to no lesson planning involved, as the company provides all lesson plans for you.

There are other companies out there, like LatinHire , looking for online English teachers, all with varying requirements. Some ask for a TEFL certification, while others don’t. Some require a minimum of 1-2 years of teaching experience instead, but there are others that are more flexible and just happy to have native English speakers.

13. In-person English teacher

Requirements to teach English in person at a school or organization will likely be much more demanding, although this depends on where you want to go. Most schools require a TEFL certificate, which is quite easy to get if you’re serious about becoming a certified teacher. Organizations, especially religious ones, tend to be more flexible about requirements, but either pay very little or not at all.

As a Peace Corps volunteer, I taught English (among other projects) and found it to be fun and challenging at the same time. Not everyone is cut out for teaching, but if you love interacting with students and don’t mind long hours and potentially rowdy classrooms, being an English teacher can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, with a TEFL certification, you can have your pick of countries, as the demand for English teachers is quite high worldwide, especially in Latin America and Asia.

14. Yoga teacher

To be a yoga teacher while you travel, you’ll first need to complete a teacher training and maybe have at least a little experience under your belt. If you’re charismatic and good at marketing yourself, you can really teach anywhere you’d like, as long as there are people who want to take yoga classes.

Some traveling yoga teachers look for studios in their chosen destination and ask for a time slot, while others simply find a private space and teach classes. You could even arrange to teach on the beach, if that’s your style.

15. Housesitter

You don’t need any experience to become a traveling housesitter. Websites like Trusted Housesitters allow members to connect with people who need a trustworthy person to stay in their house while they’re away. Sounds pretty simple, right? Some clients also have pets who need looking after, which they will indicate on the platform. These jobs don’t typically pay, but they are a great way to get free accommodation for very little actual work on your end. Clients may ask you to water their plants, collect their mail, or do some light housekeeping while they’re gone, but your main job is simply being there.

The coolest part about this is that people are looking for housesitters all around the world, meaning you can do it almost anywhere, saving a ton of money on accommodation as you move from place to place.

16. Affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing is essentially when companies use third parties to promote their products and pay a commission to marketers for products purchased using their specific link. This form of passive income requires no experience at all, but you’ll need a bit of insight and possibly a sizable audience to be able to make money from it.

There are a lot of online courses out there that you can take if you’re a complete newbie to affiliate marketing. This one from Udemy covers how to become an affiliate marketer without having your own website.

17. Yacht sailing

Can you believe that you can actually get paid to sail on a yacht or boat? Fortunately for travelers looking for an adventurous way to earn a buck, you don’t need much experience to get hired as a shiphand. It’s physical labor, but can certainly pay off, as you’ll be drastically cutting your living expenses and possibly earning a decent salary as you sail.

If you’re willing to invest in a course to learn all about how to get hired to work on a yacht, consider this one from Super Yacht School , which breaks down how to do it and what the benefits are.

Travel Jobs that Require More Experience

If you’re a chef and want to take your skills on the road, there are ample opportunities to earn money while you travel. From becoming a personal chef for local families to making connections with restaurants, professional chefs are able to bring their lucrative skills with them wherever they go.

19. Artisan

If you make jewelry, art, or anything that you can sell on the road, you can live almost anywhere you please as long as people are willing to purchase your goods. This one is in the “more experience” category because you’ll definitely need some experience with the goods you’re making, but if you’re a quick learner and have a creative outlook, anybody can make and sell handmade goods.

Being an artisan on the road isn’t always lucrative, so consider selling your goods on Etsy in addition to in person. This may limit you to places where you have access to trustworthy shipping options, but these days it’s easier and easier to ship things around the world.

20. Online translator

This one, of course, requires that you know at least two languages. On freelancing websites like Upwork and Fiverr, it’s possible to find online translating jobs that allow you to work from anywhere. Most of them require some experience, and often you’ll have to take tests in both your native language and the target language.

Translation companies like Gengo are entirely online, which means you don’t have to sacrifice your travel dreams to be a professional translator.

21. Au pair

While being an au pair doesn’t require a lot of experience, getting a job as one is certainly much easier if you have at least five years of nannying experience. Nowadays the market for au pairs, especially in popular places in Europe like France and England, is much more competitive than it was a decade ago.

Families that are hiring typically look for women aged 18-30 with at least a year of experience taking care of children. Most will provide room and board in addition to modest pay. You can find au pair jobs on AuPair.com or the job board on GoOverseas .

22. Travel nurse

If you are thinking about becoming a nurse or are already working as one, there are travel opportunities for you, too. Traveling nurses work in different locations around the country and even abroad for 13- to 26-week stints. You can usually choose where you want to go, and most of the time the travel and living expenses are taken care of by the employer.

One of the coolest things about being a traveling nurse as opposed to a stationary nurse is that you’re typically paid more. Yep, paid more AND get to travel — sounds like living the dream to me!

23. Travel agent

This might be an obvious one, but travel agents are on top of their game as far as finding ways to make travel a priority. You’d typically need to have a few years of experience working for a travel company before setting out on your own and making your journeys into a full-time job. But because travel agents are experts on everything from finding flights to using credit card points for travel, you will earn experience by helping others travel.

24. Tour guide

There are many different types of tour guides out there, from walking tour guides to adventure guides, segway guides, etc. Each of these roles requires a different skill set, with varying degrees of experience necessary. To get a job as an international tour guide, for example, you will likely need a certification. There are many courses available to help you achieve this; Trip School has online courses to help you get started.

Whether you’re into trading cryptocurrency or day trading, you can make some serious money as a trader while working from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. This can be a difficult role to dive into without any prior experience or knowledge of the stock market, but there are courses out there, like this day trading course from Bear Bull Traders .

26. Scuba diving instructor

To become a scuba diving instructor, there is certainly a rigorous process involved, plus you need to have a lot of experience as a diver. If you already have the experience, however, getting certified as an instructor might be an incredible way to take your skills and travel the world.

There are a few different options for how to get certified as a scuba instructor, so make sure to check them out on PADI’s website to get started.

27. Flight attendant

Also requiring a significant amount of training, flight attendants are masters of traveling from place to place, as it’s their principal job duty. Different countries have different requirements and training methods for flight attendants, but the general consensus is that you must have at least a bachelor’s degree and pass a series of exams to become certified.

When flight attendants first start out, their schedules and destinations are usually at the mercy of their airline, but as they gain experience, they will have more freedom to choose where they go and when. In any case, they usually are able to spend a day or two seeing the sites in a given destination, but it all depends on the airline.

28. Performer

If you have a gift for music, theater, or another type of performance, why not take your talents on the road? Depending on what you specialize in, you might be able to make a living as you travel from place to place, seeking out where you might perform. Living in Mexico, I see people from all over the world pass through, stopping to do shows at local venues before moving on to the next place. This might not make you a whole lot of money, but it may fund your travels at least.

29. Online therapist

If you are a certified therapist and dreaming of traveling the world, there is certainly a way to do it. Recently, thanks to the popularity of platforms like Better Help, online therapy has become more and more common for those seeking help from a registered psychotherapist.

Whether you keep the same clients and continue supporting them virtually or start working for an online platform, you can easily take your profession remote. As long as you have a strong internet connection for video calls, you can support your clients from virtually anywhere.

30. Remote technician (IT, UX design, etc.)

Have some IT or UX design skills already? Tech is booming right now, and more and more jobs are becoming available by the minute. This means working remotely is more possible than ever, and you can do it from any place you wish (with a good internet connection). Now that Google has opened courses for those interested in learning these skills, virtually anybody can quickly gain the expertise and experience needed to make a generous living in tech, working entirely remotely.

Check out Google’s certification programs to see if you can transform your skills into a lucrative remote career.

Pin me for later:

Ready to take your career on the road? I hope this list provides a bit of hope for anybody stuck in a rut and wanting to travel. Whether you’re fresh out of university or looking for a career change that allows you to travel the world, there’s something for almost anybody on this list.

Which travel job sounds the most enticing to you?

About Emily Becker

Emily Becker is a digital nomad based in Costa Rica. She's been traveling on and off since 2014 and has visited 15 countries—planning to tick many more off her bucket list. In addition to writing for BMTM, she works as a copywriter and project manager.

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23 of the Best Jobs for People Who Love to Travel

There is one thing about traveling that is unavoidable…. it costs money. So unless you have just won the lottery you will probably need to find work. The purpose of this article is to give you a good idea of our top 23 jobs that we think are the most suitable for travelers.

The rationale behind our choices is based on a few key elements:

Does the job require you to travel?

This seems like a good place to start but is not the clincher in what makes for a good travel job. Clearly the biggest benefit to jobs that meet these criteria is that the expense of traveling is generally covered by your employer.

Are the qualifications easily transferable?

There are some notable exceptions to this rule mainly being the Doctor or Nurse which may require extensive additional accreditation in some countries.

Are the skills in demand worldwide?

Sure I hear you saying that ANY job could be found anywhere in the world but we feel the 20 we have selected have a general need around the world.

As always we encourage your feedback and would love to hear which picks you either agree or disagree with. So without further adieu here are our selections (in no particular order).

What’s in this Guide

1. Airline Crew (Pilot/Flight Attendant) 2. Cruise Ship Workers 3. Tour Guide 4. Travel Agent 5. Travel Writer/Blogger/Influencer 6. English Teacher 7. Nanny/Au Pair 8. Charity/Conservation Worker 9. Diplomat 10. Geologist 11. Sailor/Navy 12. Missionary

13. Fitness/Yoga Instructor 14. Doctor/Nurse 15. Massage Therapist 16. Photographer 17. Rope Access 18. Busker/Street Performer 19. Artist 20. Chef/Bartender 21. Rideshare Driver 22. Foreign Translator 23. Diving Instructor

1. Airline Crew (Pilot/Flight Attendant)

A job as a flight attendant offers an opportunity to see many parts of the world with generous time to explore on your days off. On the downside it’s not all fun and games – you will need to clean filthy toilets and deal with rowdy or sick passengers. Although the job may seem like it is purely customer service related, the safety and security training that flight attendants go through is just as important.

If you are looking for a job related to travel,  being a flight attendant  can be a great option. It is a job that is not just interesting but also rewarding, as it allows you to see the world while doing something you enjoy.

As a flight attendant, your duties will vary depending on the type of plane company you work for. For example, if you work for an international airline, you might need to speak a few foreign languages and have a college degree in hospitality or tourism. However, if you work for a regional airline, you might not need as many qualifications.

Being a flight attendant can be a fun job, and it allows you to meet a lot of interesting people. Also, it is an excellent opportunity to see different places without having to worry about accommodation and other expenses.

A position that carries some of the highest esteem in the travel world is that of a commercial airline pilot. The training is tough as is the competition for jobs but the reward is worth it. The pay is excellent as are the benefits.

2. Cruise Ship Worker

If you want to see the world then you should really consider getting a job on a cruise ship. The cruising industry has seen monumental growth recently and with cruise companies building bigger and bigger cruise liners there are many opportunities for work if you know where to look.

If you are interested in getting work on a cruise ship we highly recommend checking out  Wandering Earl’s Guide to Getting a Job On Board a Cruise Ship . This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about how to land yourself a cruising job.

Roles ranging from DJs, dance instructors, child caregivers, hosts and hostesses,  lifeguards, swim instructors, tour leaders, doctors and nurses, spa technicians, hair stylists, cleaning staff, engineers, chefs, and food servers all are in demand on a cruise ship.

The pay can vary but you need to bear in mind that you won’t be spending much while you are on board as most expenses are covered.

3. Tour Guide

Tour guiding jobs are generally a lot easier to come by if you already know a location well and have good social skills. It helps if you can speak more than one language and have worked in a customer service-related environment.

Becoming a tour guide allows you to meet interesting people from different places and show them around your city. If you live in a more exotic place like Tanzania, giving  tips for climbing Kilimanjaro  while explaining the history of the city’s market can be an enriching experience, both personally and professionally. It is also a great way to make extra money, as many guides in big cities can earn  around $20/hour  or more.

You can become a professional tour guide if you take a certification course. It can be an excellent way to make money while traveling, even if you have no previous experience.

Although tour guides often specialize in one or a few places, you can work as a general tour guide, offering your services to anyone interested in hiring you. This way, you get to be flexible with your schedule and choose the type of tours you want to give based on your interests.

Some countries have strict regulations on hiring local tour guides but you may still be able to act as a tour escort through these countries.

4. Travel Agent

One of the most recognized travel jobs out there but is a travel agent all that you read about? I can tell you from first-hand experience that the travel industry has seen a massive shift in the last 10 years. When I started out as a travel agent it was common to get familiarization trips and the travel perks were pretty darn awesome.

Unfortunately, the travel supplier’s budgets have all but dried up these days. On the positive side, however, you get to talk about incredible destinations all day long and share your passion for travel with others. Not to mention sharing all your stories with people who are willing to listen.

5. Travel Writer/Blogger/Influencer

If you are the creative type and know how to string a sentence together (with decent spelling and grammar) you may well be suited to this role. The pros are pretty obvious – you get to work from anywhere and on your own clock. You will need to be aware of the cons though – you will need to build a decent reputation before you will see any financial reward and even then the pay will generally be sporadic.

Although the influencer world is now full of people who get a ton of cash for promoting a product or a service, it doesn’t mean that there is no way for you to enter the market. If you are a keen traveler and have some followers on social media platforms, you should get a promotion deal with a travel agency or tour provider. Of course, the more followers you have and the more popular you are, the better your chances to land a deal.

Alternatively, you can start a travel blog or vlog and get sponsors for your content later. As you report on your journeys, you will gain more readers and followers interested in your travel stories. This way, you can promote a product or a place so that you can earn some money while traveling.

It is possible to achieve enough income to sustain your travels, but I wouldn’t go into it expecting to make a million $s. If you are looking for a great course to help you get started, check out –  Superstar Blogging  by Nomadic Matt.

6. English Teacher

English is the world’s most common language for communication thus producing a need for teachers in countries where English is not the native language. English teaching jobs are very easy to find in many parts of the world. It helps to have a college/ university degree, but these qualifications aren’t mandatory.

The most recognized accreditation is the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) program. The compensation varies greatly between countries (depending on the cost of living and other factors), but in larger cities, you could earn as much as or more than a teacher in the U.S.

The best way to do this is to find a job in an English school or language center. However, you can also teach English to private students after you have gathered some experience and built up your reputation.

If you would like to learn more about how to get started teaching English overseas check out our guide  Teaching English Abroad .

7. Nanny/Au Pair

Nanny or Au Pair positions often don’t require an extensive background in childcare but it is always a plus if you have these qualifications. This can be a great way to see the world as you will be living with a local family and taking care of their children (and often house duties also). In addition to your salary and board, travel expenses are usually covered as well.

8. Charity/Conservation Worker

While the pay may be horrible, the pure joy of work will make up for it. If you are looking for a job that will fill your heart then this could be for you. Knowing that you are making a difference and having a positive effect on people’s lives…. I don’t know of anything more rewarding than that.

Read more on our  volunteering guide .

9. Diplomat

A diplomat is someone who is appointed by a nation-state to represent and protect that nation’s interests abroad. Diplomats are heavily involved in negotiations, therefore you must be able to recognize where you can compromise, but also stand firm on matters where there is no space for negotiation. Above all, diplomats must promote positive and peaceful relations between their home government and the government of the country in which they are posted.

10. Geologist

The resource sector has seen steady growth now for many years and the need for exploration is still very high. You will need to get a degree for this job but once you are qualified the opportunities to travel are enormous.

The more common areas of exploration exist in South America, Australia, Indonesia, and Africa but the options are limitless.

11. Sailor/Navy

If you have sea legs then becoming a sailor might be up your alley. Traveling from port to port across the open seas is an excellent way to experience what the world has to offer (if you don’t get seasick first).

With a little training, it isn’t that difficult to snag a job as a crew member on a yacht or you could apply to serve your country and enlist in the Navy. Not only will you get on-the-job training but quite often your tertiary education is also taken care of while you are at sea.

12. Missionary

Missionaries are people from one culture who travel to another culture to share their religious beliefs. Most missionaries work through a formal mission organization. Domestic and global mission assignments range from a few days to several years. Some missionaries are volunteers, while others do mission work as a paid profession. Many missionaries solicit donations to cover their expenses.

Missionaries engage in a task that brings them into contact with the local people. Examples include teaching, building a school, providing medical care, or leading a local religious organization.

13. Fitness/Yoga Instructor

Yoga instructors are in demand. The rapid increase of interest in Yoga and Pilates, however, has led to under-trained instructors.

Fitness centers and private studios are looking for instructors to handle the increasing number of students who are looking for a gentle way to improve their health with a balanced, low-impact, full-body workout.

14. Doctor/Nurse

If you are interested in working in the medical field and want to travel, being a nurse is an attractive option. As a nurse, your duties will vary depending on your place of work and your specialty. For instance, you can work in an inpatient clinic, which means you will mainly care for patients staying in the hospital. Alternatively, you could choose to work in an outpatient clinic, where patients come to have their conditions diagnosed or monitored.

Registered nurses and doctors are often needed to take short-term positions lasting from three months to one year in medical facilities all over the world. There is a huge shortfall in trained medical staff, particularly in regional areas and developing countries. The only downside is that you may be required to sit an additional exam whenever you relocate.

There are many reasons why being a travel nurse can be an excellent choice for you. It allows you to earn a decent salary, travel around, and visit many different places. Besides, it provides you with a lot of flexibility. If you are interested in exploring a career in nursing, becoming a travel nurse can be an excellent way to get some valuable experience applicable in any country.

15. Massage Therapist

Being a qualified massage therapist opens doors in many countries. It’s a skill that is in demand worldwide as people’s lives grow busier and more stressful. You will need to get certified and more than likely be required to join an association in the country you are practicing.

This is a good job to have due to the flexible hours, decent pay, and low barrier to entry. You can either work as an independent contractor or in the hospitality industry (hotel, spa, health retreat, etc.)

16. Photographer

“Have camera will travel” – like the travel writer it is pretty easy to get started as a photographer. The only issue again is gaining enough recognition to get paid for your photos. If you have a good eye and get some formal training you might be able to sell you pictures through a variety of stock image websites (eg.  istockphoto ,  getty images  and  shutterstock ), through your own website/ blog or by selling your images to media.

17. Rope Access

Jobs working in Industrial Rope Access onshore and offshore worldwide can achieve a lucrative career. There are many different types of specialties available such as: Painting and blasting, Non-Destructive Testing, Mechanical repairs, Pipework, Railways, Welding, and Rigging.

If you have no fear of heights and have a good level of fitness you can get started by taking an accreditation course with  IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) .

18. Busker/Street Performer

Street Performers such as musicians, impersonators, dancers, and other entertainers work in one of the least secure occupational fields. To make ends meet, many take to the sidewalks to perform for pedestrians and tourists in exchange for tips.

For talented performers, this can be quite lucrative if they position themselves in a high-traffic area. A great example of this is the “Bush Man” at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. He has taken the simple idea of hiding behind some bushes and scaring tourists as they walk by and turned it into a profitable business making upwards of $400 USD a day during peak times.

Most cities will require you to have a license to perform which is relatively simple to obtain.

Another creative job that has emerged to be a great way of paying the bills while traveling. If you have a talent for drawing, painting, or sculpture there is always someone willing to pay money for it. There as some notable examples of travelers making a great living sketching three-dimensional chalk images on the pavement, and using spray cans to create moonscapes while people watch (with loud music blasting in the background).

20. Chef/Bartender

Last but not least is another of the hospitality jobs out there. As a chef, it is quite easy to walk into a cafe and offer your services when you arrive in a new city. Even if you can’t speak the language that well you can usually get by.

As for a bartender – what guy hasn’t seen the movie “Cocktail” and wanted to be in Tom Cruise’s shoes (before he became a douche). You will need to get an RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) license in some countries and it is suggested that you do a mixing course beforehand.

21. Rideshare Driver

Ridesharing has become incredibly popular recently because of the convenience it offers. Instead of renting a car or finding a taxi, you can just use your mobile phone to get a ride.

While many drivers work for these companies full time, some work part-time — only when needed. It can be ideal for people who want to travel and earn money at the same time. You might have to work a few weekends or some evenings, but you can also have plenty of free time to do whatever you want. And if you wonder  how much do Lyft and Uber drivers make per ride , do not worry — the sum will be enough to sustain a comfortable life.

Of course, you can start your driving career back in your hometown, but it doesn’t mean you can’t go further and drive in another country. As long as you have a driver’s license applicable in that country and know the local rules, you can drive there and earn money while you travel. It is also a great way to meet people from different backgrounds and see how other cities are different from your own.

22. Foreign Translator

Translators work for local and foreign companies in every country. You can work for a translation agency or even freelance. Moreover, you can specialize in translating a particular type of content, like a website, a blog post, or even an entire book. You can also provide simultaneous translation during events, conferences, or simply when talking to someone from another country.

Translation companies usually operate under a remote-based model. So, if you're looking to have projects consistently but want to work remotely, they are the best option you can have. There are always available projects from a translation company , as they often hire freelance translators to translate documents for private and public institutions and have the skill to effectively capture the text's message.

Although it might not be the highest-paid job on this list, it can provide you with a lot of flexibility. You can work from home, in a coffee shop, or you can travel to different countries. Once you are abroad, you can translate for people on a business trip or tourists.

If you are bilingual or multilingual, becoming a translator is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and become more confident in speaking another language. The only downside is that you need to be fluent in at least one foreign language to do this job.

23. Diving Instructor

If you are good at scuba diving and want to travel while also earning a decent salary, becoming a diving instructor can be a great option. It is not a job available only in popular destinations like Thailand, Australia, and the Caribbean. You can also find work as a diving instructor pretty much anywhere in the world. It is a fantastic way to earn a good salary and travel around, exploring different areas and cities.

Diving instructors often teach scuba diving basics to tourists visiting the area for vacation. However, that doesn’t mean that it is a tedious job where you stand on the beach and make sure people don’t hit the reef or get into trouble underwater. You can also work as an instructor for professional divers and help them improve their skills. If you have always wanted to travel but are worried about not having a steady income, becoming a diving instructor can be a good solution.

So now it’s up to you. No more excuses for not getting out there are exploring the world. Don’t just wait for something to happen, make it happen.

Have we missed any jobs? Tell us in the comments if there are other jobs that we might have missed.

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Best Travel Jobs – Ideas for Your Future Career

Written By: The Planet D

Digital Nomads

Updated On: February 9, 2024

Dave and I spent years searching for fulfilling careers that filled our souls with joy. But it wasn’t easy. We split our time between working in the film industry and taking time off to travel the world. We brainstormed a ton of ideas for travel jobs that suited our lifestyle from becoming scuba diving instructors to leading bicycle tours.

We knew that travel was what we wanted to be in for the rest of our lives, but how do we choose the best travel job that actually pays a salary?

Table of Contents

Travel Jobs to Help you See the World

With working environments changing and remote living becoming more appealing, people are looking to live and work abroad. If you are thinking about making a change, we’ve compiled a list of the best travel jobs to spark new ideas for your career.

I know that whenever Dave and I left to go traveling, we always came home to positive changes. When you open your heart to something new, the universe rewards you with ideas and opportunities to fill that space. So, let’s take a look at the best travel jobs to make some money and change your life. Read: How we make money in travel at Get Paid to Travel

Things to Consider When Working Overseas

When looking to make money while traveling keep in mind that you may need a working visa. There are different types of working visas. You may want to consider a working holiday visa. It allows travelers to employment and a residence permit in the country issuing the visa to supplement their travels. The catch for this one is it is usually set aside for young travelers ages 18 to 30 or 35.

Best Jobs that Allow You to Travel

Things have come a long way since we started searching for how to make money traveling in 2003. Jobs now allow people to work remotely, everyone is connected and society has accepted the “location independent” way of thinking. No, people can live anywhere in the world. Some of the best jobs involve travel and pay well!

The opportunities are endless. We not saying to quit your job today and start one of these careers in travel, but it doesn’t hurt to starting the search for jobs for travel and planning today for a more exciting life tomorrow! Read: How to Live a Life of Travel: Tips to Getting Started

The best jobs for travel fall into different categories, there are jobs that pay you to travel, jobs where you work from wherever you want remotely ( digital nomad jobs), jobs in the travel industry, and jobs that support your travels as you travel the world. There are many ways to make money.

Looking to become location independent? Check out these other ways to get paid to travel

• 21 Ways to Get Paid to Travel
• How to Start a Travel Blog in 11 Easy Steps
• How to Be a Professional Travel Blogger – 12 Steps to Financial Freedom
• How to Travel Around the World – The Ultimate Travel Resource
• Best Travel Tips From 20 Years Traveling the World

Network Network Network

One of the best ways to find a job in travel is to network with like-minded people. Places like Travel Massive , TBEX , (Travel Blog Exchange) Travel Writer’s Exchange , The Blogger Collective and Nomadic Network are great places to discuss ideas, find work and meet well traveled individuals that are already working in travel.

There are several travel boards to find freelance travel gigs out there as well. They include UpWork, Problogger, FlexJobs, and Fiverr to name a few.

Digital Nomad Jobs

Digital Nomads jobs are fast becoming the best careers in travel since you can work from home or work anywhere you want in the world. Sometimes it requires little experience. If you have a good internet connection and often times a dream and are willing to put in the hard work, you can succeed as a digital nomad. Plus, many companies are allowing people to work remotely which is opening the door to working abroad.

Travel Blogging

We are partial to travel blogging since it is the career we chose to travel the world and it is still an amazing way to make money while traveling. We thought this travel job was dying a couple of years ago. Between the pandemic and the onslaught of influencers, was there a future in travel blogging? Now that things are back to normal, we make most of our money blogging. (Yes more than through social media campaigns

• 14 Ways to Promote Your Travel Blog – Tips to Finding Traffic

Salary: For new bloggers, realistically be prepared to make about $3 – 5k after a year or so of very hard work. Start your travel blog right now while you are working a full-time job. (That’s what we did) It takes time to grow your expertise, but once you do, the sky is the limit. Solid travel bloggers make $1000 – $3000 per month and Top-tier travel bloggers make $20k – $60k per month. (and beyond!)

Teach English Online

Did you know that you don’t have to teach English as a second language from a classroom? Online teaching platforms have made remote work more accessible than ever. And today online English teachers are in high demand as many people are studying from home.

If you’re a native English speaker consider becoming an online English teacher. Finding a teaching job online is easy and doable no matter what your expertise is in. If you don’t have a degree, don’t worry.  It’s still possible to land the perfect online teaching job. We have an entire article about how to teach English online here: How to Teach English Online Without a Degree

Salary : As an online english teacher, you can expect to earn anywhere from $12 USD to $24 USD per hour ($480 – $1440 USD per month) with regular bonuses and exciting pay incentives. If you are living and working from somewhere like Southeast Asia, that money can go a long way.

Another great way to live independently is to make money with your YouTube channel. This doesn’t happen overnight, but if you have editing skills and can create videos it can be a great career.

Having a youtube channel is more than just making money from ads, you can get brand deals, have people pay you to create videos, or get hired to promote destinations. Read: 15 Best Travel Vloggers on YouTube to Follow

We don’t have a huge Youtube following with 50k subscribers, but we make $1500 Canadian per month on Youtube. Imagine what the huge and dedicated Youtubers make!

Video Editor

If you don’t want the hassle of having to build a youtube following, you can offer services to edit videos for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. We have paid people to edit videos and regularly get offers from others to edit our videos for a fee. This can be very lucrative as companies, bloggers, and even YouTubers hire editors to help them with their videos. You don’t need a formal education to become a video editor, but you should be fluent in Final Cut ProX or Adobe Premiere Pro.

We are bloggers first, but Dave and I are often hired as influencers on social media. If you have a large following on Instagram or Tik Tock, you can make a lucrative career in travel. Many people hire Instagram influencers to help promote a destination, brand, or company. If you have the skills and following you can make money as an influencer. No experience is required for this travel job, but it does take a lot of hard work and a bit of luck.

Graphic Design and Website Management

Our friends Dana and Rose work from anywhere they want with their lucrative graphic design business. They recently moved from the United States to Canada keeping all their US clients while working from their new home.

If you have graphic design skills, you can earn a great living while living abroad. We’ve spent thousands of dollars on a web developer to help us design previous websites. (Dave designed our latest at no cost) and you can earn too!

Freelance Writer

Believe it or not, freelance writers are still in demand. Even Dave and I pay writers to write for us! You don’t have to simply write for magazines or newspapers either. Get your resume on places like UpWork to let people know you are available for copywriting, newsletter writing, and formatting.

Hone those skills with WordPress and other writing tools and then start networking. It’s not only Conde Nast and National Geographic that are looking for writers, there are tons of people looking for skilled writers to ease their workload.

A great place to put your name in for freelance writing is UpWork, ProBlogger, and Freelancer . Plus you can check the writing guidelines of your favourite outlets to see what they require. Make sure to create a solid pitch, and to know their editorial schedule and ale sire the content is unique but fits within their writing guidelines.

Virtual Assistant

A Virtual Assistant is an excellent job for traveling. You don’t need to be in the same place as your boss or clients. IF you have access to zoom, a good internet connection, and email, you can work from anywhere. Virtual assistants take care of all sorts of tasks from formatting articles, answering emails, and helping with social media

Make sure you have a strong base with computers, blogging, and social media, and then get your name out there as a virtual assistant to start your exciting travel job! Good places to look for virtual assistant jobs: UpWork , LinkedIn and Indeed . people are always scouring the job boards there. Virtual assistants in Canada usually start at $25 per hour.

Website Technical Support

If you have an IT and tech background, you can travel the world and work from anywhere. Most website businesses have technical support that they pay a monthly retainer as well. We do as well! They look after updates, and the back-end issues of our website and they can work from anywhere.

As long as you have an internet connection and of course a lot of knowledge about coding, being in the IT and technical fields can be one of the best travel jobs out there. You definitely need experience and to know your way around the back end of a website . This is people’s livelyhoods you have in your hands and you don’t want to mess something up.

Web Developer

A web developer is one of the best jobs for digital nomads. Everyone needs help with their website. If you are good with coding, and fluent in html and java script this can be a very lucrative career. Web developers design websites, help with coding problems, help to fix websites and maintain effiencency of websites.

We have a back-end person on retainer to help us anytime we need help with our website. When all is going well, it is a passive income for him but we know that when we need his help, he’s there for us.

Travel Photographer

We know so many amazing travel photographers and they have many different streams of income. From selling images to magazines and newspapers, to selling stock photography. These are two great ways to supplement your photography income but the most lucrative way travel photographers make money is by running photography tours and hosting photography workshops.

Plus, if you have a strong Instagram or TikTok account, you can get hired as an influential photographer to help promote brands and destinations. No experience is needed, but you should build your portfolio, get out shooting regularly and be able to take photographs with a proper DSLR camera. Phone images are great, but they aren’t considered professional.

Expat Jobs are different than Digital Nomad careers, these are jobs that require travel. They will take you to another country where you will spend some time in one destination. There are some ideas for the best jobs that require travel.

Teach English Abroad

teaching English abroad in 2021. TEFL ( Teach English as a Foreign Language)  is a great way to kick start your travels. TEFL ( Teach English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most popular travel jobs out there. To teach English abroad, you need to do take a TEFL course and become TEFL-certified.

Once you’ve done a TEFL course there are lots of online travel job boards where you can find a TEFL job to suit you. Read our entire post here: Fancy Teaching English Abroad – Consider TEFL

Salary for teaching English abroad: $1500 – $5000 per month. Salaries for teaching English abroad have a high range. If you have a degree, you will make more than someone without a degree. Depending on the country you are teaching in you will also make more money. Places like the UAE and Japan pay more than places in Europe or Southeast Asia.

Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Front Desk or Manager

This job is best if you have a degree or education in hospitality or tourism. International hotels are always looking for international staff. We love walking into a hotel in Japan or China and being greeted by an array of international employees.

Some of the most common travel jobs where foreign managers are hired in hospitality are hotel managers, chefs, and sales managers. For a well paying job in hospitality, you should have a degree.

Becoming a chef is a lot of work, but once you have put in the hours it opens up a world of possibilities. We recently ate at the French Ambassador’s house in Toronto and the chef used is from France. He has set up shop in Toronto for the past eight years but listed off all the places that he has lived and worked.

He definitely lives life to the fullest using his chef background to work abroad. Becoming a chef isn’t easy, but once you go through all the training and apprenticeships you will have an amazing career in travel and hospitality. Read: Why I Travel for Food And So Should You

Travel Nursing

If you are a nurse, you are in high demand. My brother and sister in law lived in America for nearly a decade as my sis-in-law Heather worked as a nurse. If yo have the skills you’ll be able to get a job working in the medical field. Places in the middle east even pay higher wages than north America. It’s a great way to immerse in the local community. You can check out all you need to know at Travel Nursing Abroad.

Health and well-being have never been so important and becoming a yoga teacher is an amazing travel job. We’ve even considered becoming a certified yoga instructor for you future career. There are yoga retreats around the world that need qualified instructors, but most resorts that we go to always offer yoga classes as well. We’ve had yoga classes in our condo in downtown Toronto too.

Think outside the box if you are an instructor. You can approach condos, hostels and gyms when traveling to see if they want to offer yoga classes. Cruise ships, holiday resorts and retreats all need yoga instructors as well. You will need complete a yoga training course to become a registered yoga instructor. Read more: The Best International Yoga Retreats

Massage Therapist

We have a massage nearly everywhere we go and massage therapists are in demand. Be it at a resort, on a cruise ship, or at a retreat, you can guarantee that getting a premium massage will be in demand.

Make sure you are a certified instructor and then start browsing the Internet for jobs. Imagine working at the Four Seasons in places like Maui or in Kenya. Wouldn’t that be a dream job? There are different qualifications for different countries, you can see how to become a massage therapist here.

If you love kids, being in Au Pair is a great way to travel to a different part of the world for work. An Au Pair’s job is to live with and take care of a family’s children while helping with the cooking and cleaning.

It’s a great way to immerse in the culture of a destination, but make sure you have experience working in Childcare. Au Pair World is a good place to find Au Pair placements.

Non-governmental organizations are one of the top expat jobs we come across when traveling. NGOs play an important role in overseas work helping to improve communities while working in advocacy, environmental and human rights work. NGO workers gain valuable life and work experience.

You can start off volunteering for an NGO to create contacts and experience. Even though NGOs are considered non profit organizations, they run with huge budgets and salaries can range greatly. NGOs work just like other businesses with a variety of employment opportunities from accountants to public relations and business development.

If you have the skills and preferably a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree, you can find a position in an NGO organization. A good way to gain experience is as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Transitions Abroad is a good resource for how to get work as an NGO Worker.

Travel Industry Jobs

Scuba Instructor or Dive Master

Becoming a Scuba Diving Instructor was our first idea for our future travel jobs. We went all the way to Honduras to take our divemasters and were committed to seeing the world. Circumstances changed though and we never did become dive instructors, but we always thought being a Dive Master or diving instructor would be a great way to travel the world. Diving instructors and Divemasters are in high demand in resort destinations. You need to become a certified scuba diving instructor to teach diving, but you can lead dives if you are a Dive Master.

Work on a Cruise Ship

Cruise ship workers have awesome lives. I have done this and it is an amazing job! I was a singer on a cruise ship and it was while doing this job that my wanderlust was sparked. You don’t have to be the entertainment on a cruise ship either. There are countless jobs on cruises that people can do. Casino dealers make good money, activity specialist, chef, tour leaders, cleaning, pool staff…the possibilities are endless.

Take things to another level and work on a private yacht. Our friend Bobby did this and he has some amazing stories to tell. If you have experience sailing, you can get a lucrative position on a yacht. If you don’t, you can dip your feet into it by becoming a deckhand, cook, or cleaning staff. Check out CrewSeekers to find a yachting position.

Helicopter and Airline Pilots

When thinking of becoming a pilot, you don’t have to only consider working for the big airlines flying jets. Although that is awesome! If you get your pilot’s license the possibilities are endless.

We’ve taken scenic flights around the world with helicopter pilots and in scenic planes from ex-pat airline pilots. We have a friend who is a water bomber for forest fires and spends his time in hot zones fighting fires. He has been talking about working for smaller airlines in the Maldives taking tourists to private islands. Obvious qualifications here. You need a pilot’s license.

Hot Air Balloon Pilot

One of the more interesting jobs that involve travel is become a hot air balloon pilot. Dave and I have taken hot air balloon rides on 6 continents and it seems that most pilots are expats or travelers from other countries when we fly. Our pilot in Kenya was from South Korea and other pilots have been everywhere from England to Scandinavia. Think outside the box and you could spend your time flying anywhere in world.

This is a cool outside-the-box thinking to make money while traveling. Sure everyone thinks of pilots of airplanes, but what about hot air balloons? They are in demand all over the world. Read: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon: How to Choose the Right Company

Flight Attendant

Becoming a flight attendant is an obvious choice for jobs that allow you to travel. How can we not include flight attendents in a post about how to make money while traveling the world. This is pretty self-explanatory. We have friends who are flight attendants and they are the most well-traveled people we know! Plus, with the Flight Attendent Series starring Katie Cuoko, me thinks it is becoming a popular way to allow you to travel.

One of the best ways to money while traveling is to get to work as a tour guide. Places like Intrepid Travel, GoAhead Tours , and many more hire people to sell tours and that can turn into leading tours around the world.

If you want to get some experience, become a local tour guide in your home town. Places like GetYourGuide, Viator, and Tours by Locals need local guides to take people around on day tours. With that experience, you can branch out to find travel jobs around the world

Travel Agent

It may feel like the job of a travel agent is dead with everyone booking online these days but with the changes that have happened over the past couple of years, people are looking for certainty. Becoming a travel agent is still a relevant choice in the travel industry, you just have to be more creative and hustle harder. We have friends who do well as travel agents but they are not working as one in a traditional way.

Booking group tours, wellness, culinary tours, and unique vacations are ways to stand out from other travel agents. Luxury travelers still use travel agents as they don’t want to go through the hassle and travel agents have insight and information that independent travelers might not have.

Travel agents have opportunities to travel as well. They are often invited on FAM trips (familiarization tours). FAM Trips allow you to travel to destinations and properties. There are stipulations to be able to sell vacations and tours, so make sure you have the correct credentials and insurance. Aya Life

Running Your Own Tours

One way that many people are turning their travel blogs into other viable travel options is to run their own tours. In a sense it is a travel agent but you are using your brand as the face of the tour.

We have met people in Turkey who were backpacking through the country and now lead tours through Istanbul as a local. If you have set up shop in a country or destination, you could start running culinary tours, and local guiding tours on your own. There of course are visas and stipulations to think about but it can be done.

Backpacker Jobs

If you have skills, you can be a bartender anywhere in the world. Many a backpacker has toured the world while being a traveling bartender. It’s a great way to meet people and supplement your travels. If you are staying in one place for a while, hit the pavement to see if they need an extra hand.

Front of House

We’ve checked into many a hostel or guesthouse in Southeast Asia with a smiling Australian or American standing at the front desk to greet us. If you are sticking around a place for a while, check with the local guesthouse or backpacker hostel to see if they need some help. They have high turnover so can probably offer you short-term work from cleaning to checking people in.

Ski Instructor

For adventure lovers, one of the best traveling jobs is to become a ski instructor. A great way to see the world is to become a ski or snowboarding instructor. Spend a winter in the Rocky Mountains and then head to Australia or New Zealand to spend summer (their winter) down under. You can travel through the Alps or hit up the resorts in Asia. This is an excellent way to make money and see the world. These seasonal jobs may not pay a fortune, but they will take you around the world.

Or if you don’t like the cold, follow the warmth and be a surf instructor. Having skills like surfing or skiing let you choose jobs that allow you to travel anywhere.

Laborer and Seasonal Work

If you need to pick up some cash, consider looking into labor or seasonal work. These traveling jobs can be anything from swinging a hammer to cleaning and working on a farm. Farmers are always looking for laborers and when traveling you may want to look into doing farm work. This is particularly popular in places like New Zealand and Australia.

WWOOFing – Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms links travelers with organic farmers seeking a helping hand. You don’t get paid to travel, but Woofers help on the farm in exchange for free room and board. And you can work on farms,

Whitewater Rafting or Kayaking Guide

When we took our whitewater kayaking course in Canada, our guide was from Argentina. When we went whitewater rafting in Australia, our guide was Canadian! Whitewater rafting guides can work anywhere in the world using their skills and expertise to guide adrenaline junkies down class 5 rapids.

There are countless job opportunities for river guides. It is worth getting outdoors and learn a unique skill like this. Start off in your own country and then branch out from there, and you’ll have a career that will take you around the world. These jobs that allow you to travel are in high demand because they require skills. So get out there and start honing your adventure skills today!

Extreme Sports Guides

Speaking of adventure, are you into skydiving or paragliding? These are in-demand job opportunities that seek people to take travelers safely to the ground. We’ve flown tandem with expats all over the world. When in New Zealand, my paragliding pilot was from Switzerland. If you have the guts and the hours, you can have an amazing travel career.

Do you have skills that others can benefit from? Set your own fees and courses and start sharing that expertise for a price. Dave and I have always said that if we ever slow down on traveling, we’d get into consulting. We have a lot of expertise to share and could charge a pretty penny. But that will have to wait until our wanderlust fades away. (but really, will it ever?)

Drop shipping

Do you have a marketing background? You may want to look into something called Dropshipping. Dropshipping is where you sell goods to consumers online. You don’t need a storefront or to hold your own inventory. You sell the manufacturer’s products under your own brand. You can start a Shopify, Amazon, Etsy or eBay store. Dropshipping is a lot like affiliate marketing, but you brand your goods. We can’t say that we are experts in this, but it seems that people are making very lucrative careers out of DropShipping. Shopify has some great information about starting a dropshipping business.

I can claim that this is totally doable as a I was a singer on a cruise ship. I have also sang on contracts in Japan, Florida and across Canada. The bands that I have sang with in the past were from all around the world. You don’t have to be a rock star to go on tour, hotels, resorts and bars are always looking for entertainment. While some people mention busking as a choice for travel jobs there are far better ways to put your skills to work. Sing and play guitar at coffee houses and apply at bars. We have seen musical acts from all around the world at bars when traveling.

Airbnb Host

A lot of people use Airbnb to look for vacation rentals, but our friends Kristen and Siya made an amazing income that helped fund their trip to Costa Rica as they set up their new house. They made 10k per month month renting out their house. Now that is an amazing way to make money for travel. Plus, they are successful YouTubers, so they have two of the best jobs in the travel industry on earth!

Other Travel Jobs – Thinking Outside the Box

Daytrading – Can’t say that we know much about this, but our old pal Marcello has been day trading since we first started blogging. He told us all about it in 2012 when we met up with him in Montreal and he hasn’t stopped since! Day trading is risky, so we don’t recommend it, but there are people doing it.

Online Translation – If you are fluent in a second language, this is a high-demand travel job. Companies are always needing manuals, websites and courses translated into other languages. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people to see if they need a translation.

Discover More About Nomadic Living

• Discover Your Passion – How to Find Your Path to Success
• How to Make Money Blogging

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Most comprehensive Guide to Living As a Digital Nomad in the USA

How to Become a Digital Nomad – Tips for Getting Started

Fancy Teaching English Abroad – Consider TEFL

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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What are you looking for?

20 best travel jobs in 2024 [that anyone can do].

Depending on where you live in the world, you might only get between 15-30 annual leave days per year. 

Some countries don’t even offer paid vacation time which sucks!

If, like us, you’ve got a huge bucket list of amazing places to visit around the world , then it’s impossible to prioritise where you’d like to visit during your limited time off each year.

But what if you could work remotely and explore the world as you go?

Luckily, that’s not only possible but is actually extremely common as there are plenty of awesome jobs that you can travel with! 

This article is going to dive into the best travel jobs out there and take a look at the income range and requirements for each one. 

Travel and work don't have to be mutually exclusive , so let’s see which option suits you the best!

First up ...

Travellerspoint

How can I work and travel the world at the same time?

Many people think it’s impossible to work and travel around the world at the same time - but we’re living proof that’s just not true! 

Understandably, having the freedom and flexibility to travel whilst making an income is high on many people’s agenda.

Especially after the past few years (which I’m not going to mention how awful they’ve been), people are really starting to reconsider their careers and alternative job possibilities.

This is because many jobs have now switched to remote whereas beforehand, these positions were only ever deemed possible as an on-location position - so for example, office work etc. 

Now, however, there are plenty of remote jobs out there which allow you to travel whilst making an income. 

They all require the same things - determination, work ethic, and commitment. 

You also need to be prepared to upskill yourself and of course, have a dream so you’re passionate about this way of life!

Our story (briefly)

Cazzy and I graduated university back in 2016 and immediately set off on a whirlwind 4 month trip of South America .

It was amazing, but once we returned home, we had spent almost all our savings but now had this burning desire to continue traveling.

Over the next 6 years, we have done a number of online jobs, mostly based around freelance copywriting in order to fund out travels around cheaper destinations in Asia.

All the while growing Dream Big, Travel Far into the site it is today.

It's now one of the world's largest travel blogs, offering us the freedom and flexibility to travel constantly all whilst working as remote digital nomads .

But our story is not unique in any way, and along our travels we have met countless people (both online and in person) living nomadic lifestyles that involve large amounts of travel each year.

And the following showcases just how diverse these jobs can be.

I would certainly not say everyone should start a travel blog, and neither is it the only way to make money traveling.

Types of Travel Jobs

So, there are three main types of travel jobs that can help support your travels.

I’m going to dive into each one here and break down the differences so you’ve got a rough idea of which type suits you the most! 

1. Digital Nomad travel jobs

A digital nomad is essentially anyone who works from a computer and requires access to the internet. 

This could be anything from teaching English online to being a virtual assistant , so there’s no limit to what you can do. 

In my opinion, digital nomad travel jobs offer the ultimate flexibility as you can work from anywhere in the world. You can literally choose your own travel itinerary like we’ve done with our epic road trips .

Not only that, but you can work on your own schedule and as little or often as you’d like. Many of the popular digital nomad destinations like Bali and Thailand also offer co-working spaces, working cafes, and shared hostel areas with fantastic Wi-Fi.

For these types of jobs, it’s essential you have a great-quality laptop but don’t worry as there are lots of excellent options out there. 

We’ve actually already detailed the best travel laptops on our blog if you want to take a look!

2. Jobs that literally pay you to travel

If you’d prefer to not work on a computer then this option may be more suited to you! 

Believe it or not, there are actually jobs that PAY you to travel which sounds like a dream right?

This includes working as a flight attendant or on a cruise as a bartender, entertainer, or cabin steward.

You’ll essentially work throughout your dedicated working hours, and then once you’re finished you’re able to explore the area you’re travelling in. 

Many people prefer this type of work as it offers a salary, FREE hotel and cabin stays, and is more ‘secure’ than freelancing or being self-employed.

However, just keep in mind it’s still the same principle as a 9-5 but you can explore during your downtime. 

These job positions don’t offer nearly as much flexibility as digital nomad travel jobs, and still require a lot of time commitments. You also won’t have much time off either! 

Though, if you're simply looking for jobs that let you travel these types of careers are still a fantastic option.

3. Local travel jobs for travellers/backpackers

Many travellers like to get jobs as they travel to offset their costs. 

This often includes positions like bartending, working at a hostel, or being an Au Pair in a specific location. 

Seasonal jobs are also a great option if you’re travelling on a budget and include fruit picking, ski resorts, and working on the fishing rigs. 

These positions often don’t require any previous experience and are temporary which makes them perfect for travellers that are always on the road. 

Just keep in mind that this is typically only effective when travelling through cheap continents like Asia, Central America, and South America . 

The pay for these positions often isn’t great although many do pay cash in hand (shush).

This isn’t a problem if you’re paying $5 a night for a hostel in Thailand but becomes an issue if you’re trying to pay for accommodation in more expensive countries like Australia. 

The Best Digital Nomad Travel Jobs

1. freelance travel writer/copywriting.

Job Income: $0.01 - $1.00 per word

Requirements: Laptop, can write in the English language (depending on the employer), great writing skills, knowledge of SEO (in some cases), WiFi

This is without a doubt one of the easiest ways to become a digital nomad ! It allows plenty of flexibility as you can take on as much work as you want (or as little), leaving plenty of time to explore the destinations you travel to.

This is actually how we actually funded our travels before the blog took off!

Similarly, you can also choose to be a travel writer for other publications which is HIGH in demand right now. 

Not only can you travel yourself, but you’ll also get to write about other destinations and add these places to your ever-growing bucket list. 

As you can see above, there’s a wide range of pay as what you earn depends heavily on several factors; such as experience in that industry. 

The best way to get started is often writing articles on your own blog for the experience (if you have one), or creating a portfolio that you can show to clients.  

Now, you can find your clients on Facebook groups like DNW - Making Money from Blogging and Make Traffic Happen - SEO & Social Media Support , as you’ll find plenty of listings from bloggers who are looking for a ghostwriter! 

Another way to find work is to check some of the relevant job boards including Freelancewriting.com , Problogger.com , and Freelancewritinggigs.com .

Pros of Freelance Copywriting:

• Can work to your own schedule so is VERY flexible
• The ability to take on as little or as much work as you like

Cons of Freelance Copywriting: 

• You don’t have a guaranteed income each month
• Many of the job roles in this guide pay much more! 

Helpful Resources: 

• How to become a copywriter : an in-depth guide!
• How to become a travel writer : This article offers various examples of travel writing. 
• An example: Elen Turner is a content creator and copywriter that has now written for Lonely Planet, Huffpost, and Tripadvisor! 

2. Travel blogging

Job income: $1,000 - $20,000 per month

Requirements: Laptop, writing experience, knowledge about SEO and websites, a camera/phone for taking images, WiFi

Being a travel blogger is a dream for many, and it’s not hard to see why!

Although we may be biased - we absolutely love being travel bloggers as it’s allowed us to see so much of the world whilst working a job we adore ! 

However, it doesn’t appeal to everyone and understandably so as it requires years of hard work. You’ll also need to be prepared to put in the time to learn, as there’s a lot to know about. 

Being a travel blogger allows you to earn passive income through advertising and affiliate marketing if you’ve got plenty of monthly viewers.

This is why there’s such a HUGE range of income, as it all depends on how many readers your travel blog has. 

Some travel bloggers will also get invited to destinations by tourism boards and can make money from sponsored posts and photography too.  

There are plenty of awesome companies out there where you can start your own blog including Wordpress , Squarespace , and Webflow . You can work with the templates already there or create your own depending on who you use!

Of course, if travel blogging itself doesn’t appeal to you then the same goes for being a mommy blogger, or a food blogger.

This can be one of the highest-paying travel jobs out there if you've got the right audience but it's not easy! 

Pros of travel blogging:

• You’ll often be paid by tourism boards to visit a destination
• Can earn money through passive income

Cons of travel blogging: 

• Can take years before you make any kind of liveable wage
• Takes a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears
• How to start a travel blog : an in-depth guide of where to start! 
• Tips for becoming a successful travel blogger : written by the iconic Nomadic Matt
• Is it okay to just say ... well ... us?

3. Teaching English online (TEFL)

Job Income: $1,000-$3,000 per month (depending on the country)

Requirements: Laptop, TEFL certification course, WiFi, speaking fluent English, some companies require a degree

One of the most popular ways to make money whilst travelling is by teaching English online.

You can do this from anywhere in the world as long as you’ve got a very strong WiFi connection, and many of the lessons are only 30 minutes to an hour long. 

All you need is a laptop, which is where you’ll teach English to children over zoom or skype calls.

If you’re looking to teach online there are endless TEFL companies available to help you start your journey including Cambly , Tutor.com , and English Hunt .

Just keep in mind that each company may have a specific set of requirements like being a U.S citizen or a minimum amount of work hours.

Pros of teaching English online:

• The pay is relatively good, especially as the start-up costs aren’t high!
• You can work anywhere in the world

Cons of teaching English online: 

• Time zones can be challenging
• You’ll need extremely good WiFi for video calls
• The best TEFL companies : an in-depth breakdown of the top options out there
• TEFL certification courses
• An example: A first-hand experience of teaching English online.

4. Online Translator

Job Income: $20 - $80 per hour

Requirements: laptop, WiFi, fluent in other languages, a degree (in some cases)

If you’re looking for jobs where you can travel, have you ever considered being an online translator?

For this type of work, you’ll need to be fluent in at least one other language, with the most profitable language translations being Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese to English.

If you are, there are endless opportunities for an online translator ranging from books to websites, so there’s a HUGE variety. 

The most popular ways to get started include starting your own website, working with traditional agencies, or signing up with online agencies such as Gengo !

Pros of being an online translator:

• Demand for online translators is constantly increasing so there’ll always be work
• You have control over how many projects you want to take on

Cons of being an online translator: 

• You’ll sometimes be working under strict deadlines
• Some translation companies may require a degree
• How to work as an online translator : an in-depth guide
• Top websites for freelance translator jobs : Where to look for online translator positions
• An example: Maria runs her own blog called ‘ Latina Abroad ’ and works as a Spanish translator too!

5. Virtual Assistant 

Job Income: $15 - $40 per hour 

Requirements: Laptop, WiFi, software programs (depending on what you do)

Another great option if you’re looking to make money whilst travelling is to become a virtual assistant or VA for short. 

There’s no specific skill set for this job position, as it could include a variety of different roles. 

Essentially, you’ll be providing a service to a company from a remote position whether that is social media management, email management, or content creation.

Even if you have no experience, many of the tasks VAs do are often things you’ll do for yourself anyway like checking emails and finding the best hashtags for an Instagram post. 

The best way to get started is by checking Facebook groups like DNW - Making Money from Blogging and Make Traffic Happen - SEO & Social Media Support .

You can also take a look at freelance websites such as Upwork and Flexjobs !

Pros of being a virtual assistant:

• There are a HUGE variety of roles you can do as a virtual assistant
• Lots of flexibility when it comes to working schedules

Cons of being a virtual assistant: 

• You’ll often need to learn new skills over time to keep up with the demand
• For many of the tasks, you’ll need to be incredibly organised!
• How to become a virtual assistant : a step-by-step guide
• The ultimate list of virtual assistant services : to help you find the perfect tasks for YOU!
• An example: Billie runs ‘ Desire to Done ’ and works as a virtual assistant whilst teaching others to do the same!

6. Online fitness Instructor 

Job Income: $1,000 - $4,000 per month

Requirements: Laptop, Zoom or Skype, WiFi, necessary certifications e.g if you’re deciding to include meal plans in your services

There are plenty of jobs which allow you to travel but not many people consider a fitness instructor to be one of these careers! 

However, it’s one of the BEST options out there for a digital nomad if you have the right experience and certifications.

There’s also lots of flexibility in how you want to run your business, whether that be monthly packages, zoom PT sessions, or creating a workout/meal plan.

Previous experience in a gym setting is beneficial, and you may need specific nutrition and fitness certifications if you’re planning to include meal plans etc in your packages.

The best way to get started is by setting up your own website, as this gives you complete flexibility over what you want to offer!

Pros of being an online fitness instructor:

• Promoting a healthy lifestyle to people all across the world
• Can be highly lucrative once you’ve got a good client base

Cons of being an online fitness instructor: 

• It’s hard to notice improper form and teach techniques over zoom 
• Clients may lose motivation as there’s no accountability of having an in-person trainer
• How to get started as an online fitness instructor : an in-depth guide to finding your niche
• How to be successful as an online fitness coach : some top tips you should read!
• An example: Kayla Itsines is a very successful online fitness instructor, and works on keeping her sessions simple

7. Online Travel Agent

Job Income: $3,000 - $6,000 per month

Requirements: Laptop, WiFi, certification (in some cases)

If you’re looking for careers that allow you to travel, the likelihood is that you want to see the world. 

What better job to have, than being an online travel agent where you can help people do the same! 

Many people don’t like to organise their own trips, and this is where you come in. You’ll take a brief outline of what the client wants and then book all logistics including transport, accommodation, activities etc.

You can either work for a large travel agency where you’ll get all the perks, or you can work independently once you have the experience . 

If you’re looking to start up with a company then one of the best options is Dream Vacations as they will offer you all the training and tools you’ll need. 

Pros of being an online travel agent:

• Very lucrative, especially as you get more of a reputation
• You can specialise in specific destinations or target your services towards a specific niche e.g luxury travel

Cons of being an online travel agent: 

• Very demanding - especially during the peak travel times
• Time zones can become an issue depending on where your customer market is
• How to become an online travel agent : an in-depth guide
• Companies that hire remote travel agents : a great read if you’re looking to work for an agency rather than yourself
• An example: a first-hand experience of being an online travel agent

8. Freelance travel photographer

Job Income: $1,000 - $10,000 per month

Requirements: Laptop, editing software, camera, equipment such as a tripod and gimbal

Being a freelance photographer is undoubtedly one of the BEST travel jobs out there, and is a dream for many! 

You’ll often be paid to travel to destinations by tourism boards or tour operators , and then you’ll give them high-quality content in return. 

The great thing about being a freelance photographer is that you can niche down too whether that be luxury travel, adventure travel, or a specific part of the world. 

The best way to get started is to pick up your camera and practice every day! You’ll also want to build a website where you can sell prints and create a portfolio that you can show to clients.

You’ve got the option of stock photography, sponsored social media posts, and drone photography too.

For those who want to up their game, here are some fantastic online photography courses that you can take...

Pros of being a freelance travel photographer

• You’ll literally get PAID to travel 
• If travel photography isn’t for you, then you can focus your niche on pets, wildlife, or portraits instead - there are endless opportunities 

Cons of being a freelance travel photographer  

• Expensive start-up costs as you’ll need to purchase a good quality camera and other equipment
• Freelance photography jobs are sporadic sometimes, although they are well paid! 
• How to become a freelance travel photographer : an in-depth guide
• Essential photography tips : have a read through this if you’re a beginner as it’s SUPER helpful
• An example: Jord Hammond is a very talented travel photographer, and even offers his own photography courses!

9. Videographer/film-maker

Job Income: $1,000 - $25,000+ per month

This is another fantastic option if you own a great quality camera and some fancy equipment! 

Whether you’re looking to produce travel videos, create content around food or products, or become a remote filmmaker - there are endless opportunities. 

Of course, if you’re looking to produce short films then that’s likely to be much more lucrative. 

The best way to start is to invest in a camera and editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro. Then, get out there and shoot some footage that you can bring together in a project. 

There are plenty of platforms where you can show off your skill set including Tik Tok, Instagram reels, and Youtube (but we’ll dive into that in a minute).

You’ll also want to create a website and a portfolio that’s easy for clients to find!

Pros of videography/film-making

• Very lucrative, especially as you create your client base
• You’ll always be learning new techniques and skills, so it will never get boring!

Cons of videography/film-making

• It’s not an easy career and takes years of practice to develop your skill set
• The equipment is VERY expensive, so be prepared for high start-up costs
• How to become a travel videographer : some top tips are included too! 
• Videography equipment for beginners : A great round-up of equipment you may need to start your career
• An example: Sam Kolder is one of the most talented videographers around and showcases his work on Youtube, Instagram, and his website.

10. YouTube/Travel Vlogging

Job Income: $1,000 - $20,000 per month

Although we’re travel bloggers, we’ve recently fallen in love with YouTube and travel vlogging!

It’s a great way to showcase your travels, create memories and videos you can reminisce on, and build up a fantastic audience that loves the same things as you do!

There are plenty of travel vloggers out there, and many of them get paid to visit destinations and shoot content for their audience. 

However, just keep in mind that it’s not a cheap career as you’ll need to invest in a good quality camera and microphone , as well as other videography equipment too.  

If you don’t want travel vlogging to be your full-time job, you can also think of it as a side hustle or a way to promote another business.

This goes for other niches too like food, fashion, gaming, and tech!

Pros of YouTube/travel vlogging: 

• You can express your own ideas
• You’ll often build up a community of like-minded people

Cons of YouTube/travel vlogging: 

• Very HIGH start-up costs due to equipment
• Long work hours due to shooting content and editing
• How to become a Youtuber : an in-depth guide
• How to promote your YouTube channel : some helpful tips to get your name out there
• An example: Lostleblanc runs one of the most successful YouTube channels in the travel niche

11. Website & Graphic Design

Requirements: Laptop, editing software, specialised software, advanced skill set

Another lucrative way to make money whilst travelling is by getting into website and graphic design! 

It’s one of the most popular options for digital nomads, and there are plenty of great boot camps that can teach you all the skills you need including the Institute of Code . 

You’ll just need to invest in some specialised software first including Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator among others!

Although website development and graphic design are different, they often go hand in hand which is why I’ve grouped them together. 

To find these projects, you’ll want to search on websites like Upwork , Fiverr , and Hired .

Pros of website & graphic design:

• Very lucrative, especially if you’ve got a good client base and testimonials 
• High in demand

Cons of website & graphic design: 

• High start-up costs as specialised software is required
• Takes a long time to build up your skill set 
• How to become a web developer : an in-depth guide
• Best online job boards for graphic designers : a great round-up of websites where you can find work
• An example: Pili & Dano run a blog called ‘ coconuts and coordinates ’, and they also work with companies in regards to content creation and web development.

The Best Jobs That Pay You To Travel

12. work on a cruise ship or yacht.

Job Income: $1,000 - $3,500 per month

Requirements: Prior experience for some positions, but it's generally not needed for many roles

If you’re looking for jobs that require international travel with no experience, then I’d recommend working on a cruise ship or a yacht.

The positions include entertainers, chefs, childcare, and bar staff - so there’s something for everyone! 

If you’re a cruise ship worker or you get a job on a yacht, all your accommodation, food, transport, and insurance are generally covered. This means you’re literally getting PAID to travel! 

However, just keep in mind that it’s still the same principle as your 9-5 so doesn’t offer as much flexibility. 

The best way to find yacht or cruise ship jobs is by looking on websites such as All Cruise Jobs , The Crew Network , and Ya Crew .

Pros of working on a cruise ship or yacht:

• All expenses are paid
• You’ll get to visit a variety of different destinations 
• You’ll still be working for an employer so offers less flexibility
• It requires long working hours, and you’ll often be on call!
• How to get a job on a cruise ship : an in-depth guide
• What’s it like to work on a cruise ship : give this a read to weigh up the pros and cons
• An example: Wandering Earl used to work on cruise ships to fund his travels!

13. Flight Attendant

Job Income: $1,000 - $3,000 per month

Requirements: No specific requirements apart from training and enhanced background checks

When people think about paying travel jobs, the first one that often springs to mind is a flight attendant. 

This career offers you the chance to explore the world, with a ton of great perks too including FREE or discounted flights, hotel discounts, and expense reimbursements. 

When it comes to finding flight attendant jobs, there are a couple of options! You can either look on general job sites like Indeed or there are specific websites for this position.

This includes the likes of All Flying Jobs and Airline Career . Depending on your location, you can also search the specific airline companies to see whether they’re taking on recruits.

Pros of being a flight attendant:

• HUGE variety of benefits including free & discounted flights
• Plenty of travel opportunities 

Cons of being a flight attendant: 

• Long hours, especially if you’re working on long-haul flights
• Not suitable for people with a fear of heights or flying!
• How to become a flight attendant : an in-depth guide
• What to know before becoming a flight attendant : an interesting read for those considering this career
• An example: Jess who runs the ‘ The Layover Life ’ worked as a flight attendant for five years as she got to explore the world

14. Tour Leader

Requirements: No previous experience needed or requirements, just training 

If you’re a confident individual and you love connecting with like-minded people then why not become a tour leader?

There are plenty of fantastic companies out there like Intro Travel , Intrepid Travel , and One Life Adventures that all employ tour leaders to show a group of travellers around a country. 

You don’t need to be local either, as many tour operators will also have a local guide with you throughout the trip. 

This is a great way to see a country, and all expenses will be covered during the tour.

Pros of being a tour leader:

• You’ll get to meet lots of like-minded people who love travel
• This job literally PAYS you to explore a country - what more could you want?

Cons of being a tour leader: 

• You won’t have free time during the tours, so any ‘extra’ exploring will have to be done afterwards
• It’s a demanding role as you’ll have to deal with the needs of at least 10-15 people 
• How to become a tour leader : an in-depth guide
• The pros and cons of being a tour leader/guide : a great article to read before you make your decision
• An example: A first-hand experience of being a tour leader

15. Teach English Abroad

Job Income: $1,500 - $3,000 per month (depending on the country)

Requirements: TEFL certificate, a degree (in some cases), fluent in English

If you don’t like the idea of working online, then you can teach English abroad instead! 

The same as working online, you’ll require a TEFL certificate before you apply for any positions, and some schools may want you to be degree-level educated.

However, once you’re good to go there are a ton of fantastic opportunities waiting for you. 

My TEFL is a great place to start as they’ve got a list of job positions in a variety of different countries.

Once you’ve found your ideal destination, the process is pretty simple and many schools will offer you an interview straight away.

If you've dreamed of being an English teacher but you still want to travel the world on a regular basis then this is the perfect option!

Pros of teaching English abroad:

• You’ll be getting out of your comfort zone which is what travel is all about! 
• Teaching English abroad will immerse you in the local culture

Cons of teaching English abroad: 

• Depending on where you decide to teach English, the money might not be great
• It also doesn’t offer as much flexibility as some of the other positions in this guide
• Teaching English abroad : an in-depth guide
• The Best countries to teach English abroad : a breakdown of the top countries, and what they require!
• An example: First-hand experiences of teaching English abroad

The Best Local Travel Jobs

16. working at a hostel.

Job Income: $7 - $10 an hour 

Requirements: No necessary requirements

If you’re just looking for a simple on-the-go travel job, then working at a hostel is a great option!

It usually includes roles like working on reception, minding the bar, and housekeeping so there’s plenty to be getting on with.

Although it’s not the most glamorous of jobs, your accommodation is sometimes included or at least heavily discounted. 

There are also plenty of job positions to be found throughout the world, so make sure you check out websites like Hostel Jobs and World Packers .

This travel job is extremely popular with budget backpackers and nomads, and is a fantastic way to offset costs while you travel.

Pros of working at a hostel:

• One of the less stressful travel jobs out there
• You’ll find positions across every part of the world - so there’s no shortage where you can travel to

Cons of working at a hostel:  

• Not very well paid, but accommodation is sometimes included too
• You’ll often be working long hours
• How to find hostel jobs : an in-depth guide
• More Information on hostel jobs
• An example: Matt who runs the successful travel blog ‘ Expert Vagabond ’ has done hostel work in Hawaii before! 

17. Bartending 

Job Income: $1,000 - $2,500 per month

Similar to getting a hostel job, bartending is another great way to make money on the road. 

It’s one of the best jobs that you can travel with, as there are endless bars and pubs throughout the world. You can literally hop from place to place, and see the world as you go. 

Luckily, there are lots of fantastic websites out there that can help you find a paid bartending position. This includes Ace Working Holidays , Gap 360 , and Summer Tribe .

There’s generally no previous experience required, and you’ll get to meet lots of new people along the way.

Pros of bartending:

• You’ll make good tips in some countries 
• It’s a very social job so you’ll get to meet lots of people 

Cons of bartending:

• You’ll often be working long hours and late at night
• Many countries have strict alcohol regulations so you’ll need to be aware of them in each country you work in 
• How to become a travelling bartender : an in-depth guide
• What to know before becoming a bartender : a few pointers to consider before deciding whether this job is for you!
• An example: a first-hand experience of a travelling bartender

18. Scuba diving instructor

Requirements: A variety of certifications including a PADI Divemaster course.

If you’re a fan of the ocean and nature, then becoming a scuba diving instructor is the perfect job for you! 

There’s demand for it on every continent, and you could easily jump from country to country and follow the seasons.

This is undoubtedly, one of the BEST travel jobs out there, although it does require some upfront costs and dedication as you’ll need to log a certain amount of hours in the water first!

You’ll find plenty of websites offering job roles across the country too so make sure you check out Beach Jobs , Dive Zone , and Scuba Jobs Worldwide .

Pros of being a scuba diving instructor:

• You can work in some of the most beautiful places in the world like Hawaii or Fiji
• It’s a great job for someone who loves nature and wants to share their passion

Cons of being a scuba diving instructor: 

• You’ll have to follow the seasons, as winter conditions in some countries aren’t suitable for diving
• High up-front investment as you’ll need a variety of certifications
• How to become a scuba diving instructor : an in-depth guide
• Professional courses at PADI : This will give you an idea of the courses available and what prices you’re looking to pay! 
• An example: Antonio and Amanda from ‘ The Adventure Junkies ’ work as freelance scuba diving instructors

19. Au Pair

Job Income: $500 - $4,000 per month

Requirements: Experience with children, aged 18-26, and have a 12-month commitment. Here are the full requirements as there are too many to list!

Although this job may not be for everyone, there are plenty of great Au Pair opportunities to be found across the world.

An Au Pair is essentially a live-in nanny or babysitter, who will help look after the little ones, do some household chores, and help teach them English if that’s a requirement.

The best option if you’re searching for jobs is AuPair.com , as they feature positions all across the world. 

Just make sure you check the requirements as each listing will have a different salary, time period, and number of children to look after. 

Pros of being an Au Pair:

• It’s one of the cheapest options if you’re looking to spend a year abroad
• You’ll get to immerse yourself in the local culture

Cons of being an Au Pair: 

• As you’ll be living with your employer it’s hard to split work life and downtime
• You’ll need to adapt to a new lifestyle, depending on how that family lives
• How to become an Au Pair : an in-depth guide
• Au Pair country check: Where can you be an Au Pair?
• An example: Ashley from ‘ Ashley Abroad ’ used to be an Au Pair in France!

20. Get a seasonal job (e.g Ski resorts, fruit picking, fishing rigs etc)

Job Income: $1,000 - $,5000 per month

Requirements: Varies depending on which position you pick, although many don’t require any experience

If you’d prefer to be flexible, and work in a variety of environments then seasonal work is the way forward! 

This type of work includes ski resorts, fruit picking, and fishing rigs just to name a few, and the opportunities will depend on which country you’re travelling through and the season.

Not only does the type of work vary, but so does the pay so just keep this in mind. However, doing seasonal jobs is one of the BEST ways to see the world.

There are lots of great websites where you can find seasonal job listings too, including Seasonal Jobs Abroad , Anywork Anywhere , and the Overseas Job Centre .

Pros of seasonal jobs:

• You’ll get to develop a wide variety of skills
• Many of the jobs require working outside which can be nice if the weather’s good

Cons of seasonal jobs: 

• The type of work available will vary depending on where you travel
• Some seasonal jobs don’t pay very well 
• The best countries for seasonal work : an in-depth guide
• Seasonal jobs website directory : here, you’ll find plenty of great websites for seasonal jobs
• An example: Lauren and Craig from ‘ Non Stop Travelling ’ work seasonal jobs abroad and then spend a couple of months traveling in between!

Key things to think about Before Getting a Travel Job

Before you decide on whether to work abroad or not there are a couple of things you should consider. 

Now, this may be the more ‘boring’ side of working remotely but they are vital factors to think about! 

Working Holiday Visas

The type of visa you require whilst travelling will depend on what type of job you’re looking to do. 

However, the standard option is the working holiday visa. This allows you to live and work in countries such as Australia, Canada, and Japan for up to 12 months. 

Although this is only a recent thing, many countries are now offering digital nomad visas too which is INSANE!

This means you’ll be covered if you want to work remotely from your laptop, and is perfect for people always on the move!  

Here are a few more countries offering longer term visas (accurate at the time of writing, be sure to check):

• Croatia - 12 months
• Costa Rica - 12 months
• Dubai - 12 months
• Greece - 12 months
• Indonesia - 5 years
• Mexico - 12 months
• Norway - 2 years
• South Africa - 12 months
• Taiwan - 12 months

These exact requirements and allowances may differ heavily depending on which country you're a native resident of so just keep that in mind.

For more information, just check the government website of each country you’re thinking of travelling to. This will tell you whether they offer a digital nomad visa or not. 

There’s also some helpful information about digital nomad visas on Visa Guide and Investopedia ! 

Travel Insurance

Although many people don’t like to spend their money on travel insurance it’s an absolute must!

It covers you for medical care, flight or hotel cancellations, and any baggage losses - although if you have lots of equipment you’ll probably want a separate gadget cover.

Working remotely can be a bit of a grey area when it comes to insurance, so you need to make sure you’re reading the terms and conditions thoroughly . 

We’ve actually compared travel insurance providers already if you aren’t sure where to start. 

However, Safetywing and World Nomads are generally the two most popular options! 

Safetywing also has an insurance policy tailored specifically towards digital nomads which covers you in every country in the world.

Work/life balance

There are plenty of jobs that allow you to travel but it’s important to think about your work/life balance. 

If you’re keen to get away from your 9-5 job because you don’t have enough time to travel, then working as a flight attendant or on a cruise ship may not be the best thing for you. 

You’ll still be subject to long working hours and you’ll only have a limited amount of time to explore, for example, your days off or evenings. 

However, getting a digital nomad job allows you complete flexibility over your working schedule and allows you to earn passive income in some cases. 

This means you can literally earn cash whilst out snorkelling, meeting up with friends, or dining at some of the local restaurants.

Where to work 

Choosing where to work is another HUGE factor you need to take into consideration. 

Nearly everyone has a country they’d love to live in one day, but you also need to think about the cost of living and your monthly income. 

For example, Switzerland is a country high on many people’s bucket lists but it’s not a cheap destination to stay in. If you live in the United Kingdom, these are the types of price differences you’re looking at!

Whereas, if you decide to stay in Bali instead (so Indonesia ) you’ll get a huge bang for your buck.

To calculate these for yourself you can just take a look at Expatistan or My Life Elsewhere .

Travel Jobs FAQ

What is the highest-paid travel job.

Now, this is a tough one to answer as all remote positions have an income range dependent on experience and skills. 

However, some of the most lucrative travel jobs out there include being a freelance travel photographer, an online travel agent, and of course, travel bogging. 

How can I travel for free?

There are plenty of ways to travel the world for ‘FREE’ but you will incur costs along the way including flights, food, and public transport. 

However, you’ve always got ways to offset these costs like working remotely and using house-sitting websites . Although if you can be paid to travel or make money whilst travelling- you’ve got a steady income to get you by! 

What kind of job travels a lot?

There are endless jobs that allow you to travel, but some give you more opportunities than others. 

If you’re looking to travel a lot then your best options include becoming a flight attendant, working on a cruise ship, or being a tour leader. Travel blogging also offers a ton of opportunities to move around a lot. 

What degree should I get if I want to travel?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually NEED a degree to travel! Local travel jobs especially don’t require a high education level - just your skills.

However, if you’re looking to become a digital nomad then degrees involving marketing, website & graphic design, and business studies are always a great option. 

Which Travel Job is best for you?

As you can see there are so many different ways to work and travel at the same time!

The question is what type of travel job do you think is most suited to you?

This all depends on what skills you have, whether you’d like to work in a specific location, or you’re looking for a position that actually pays you to travel. 

Although we may be biased - we absolutely love being travel bloggers as it’s allowed us to see so much of the world whilst working a job we adore! 

There are so many options out there though so you’re guaranteed to find something suited to you! 

What are you waiting for?

If you're interested in some of these travel jobs then here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• The Best Travel Apps: The Definitive Guide
• 2020 In Review - What a Year to be a Travel Blogger !
• Travel Photography Tips: How to Take Better Travel Photos

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

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!

Alya and Campbell

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.