hr jobs that require travel

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February 16, 2019 By Michelle Maraj 36 Comments

30 Jobs That Require Traveling for Work

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. All opinions are those of the author.

Not all of these jobs center around traveling – the majority of these jobs require you to travel to visit different company branches or to your clients. Look at companies that built products or services that can be consumed internationally. You may need to travel to a manufacturing plant as an engineer, travel to a university as a recruiter, or travel to another branch to interview employees.

How do you find a job that requires traveling for work?

There are many myths surrounding jobs that require travel, and one of them is that you need to be self-employed in order to be able to travel and work. This isn’t true! While self-employed and creative jobs give you the flexibility to determine your own travel schedule, there are still many salaried jobs out there that require you to travel.

Most of these job descriptions will describe a certain percentage of travel in the job requirements, such as 30% travel or 70% travel . Consider a five day work week when trying to figure out how much the travel requirement is. A job with 80% travel means that you will typically travel Monday through Thursday. A job with 25% travel may mean you travel one week per month.

What types of jobs require traveling for work?

To find a job that travels, envision jobs where your employer may need to send you to another office or branch. You should also consider jobs that involve working with clients, who you may need to travel to see. To increase the likelihood of traveling internationally, you should look for a company that has an international presence.

Consulting jobs of all kinds will also require traveling for work. Nearly every field is going to have consultants, which will be people who provide advice on different business processes. Consider searching for your field + consultant in your job search, and see what comes up.

See 5 myths about jobs that travel.  

Human Resource & Training Jobs that Travel

University Recruiter // With a job in recruiting, you will have to visit different cities to try to find and convince the best candidates. As a University Recruiter, you will travel to different schools to coordinate recruiting events, interviews, and site visits.

Workshop Coordinator  // Companies always need continuous learning experiences. A workshop coordinator would help facilitate training opportunities in different corporate offices.

Academic Researcher  // Working in academia, you will attend conferences all across the world to further your research. You may also travel to work with researchers from other institutions.

Ski or Scuba Instructor  // Whether you want to be in the mountains or in the ocean, an instructor to teach lessons is profitable and can help you do what you love every day.

Tour Group Leader  // If you love history, sight-seeing, and know a lot about a particular city, you may consider becoming a tour group leader. Help others enjoy a new town.

Engineering Jobs That Require Travel

Automotive Test Engineer // An engineer needs to make sure that your vehicle is safe and can withstand all sorts of conditions. Automotive test engineers will travel to different climates and cities to test cars in various conditions.

Plant Controller // As a plant controller, you would be responsible for leading manufacturing sites and ensuring everything is working appropriately. This may involve traveling to different plant locations.

Communications Field Technician // There are telecommunication sites all across the world, and someone has to maintain them. a field technician may be required to travel to ensure communication towers are working effectively.

System Implementation Consultant // Companies of all sizes are purchasing technology to make their processes more efficient. System implementation consultants are hired to make sure the technology is working and set up effectively.

Product Marketing Engineer // A product marketing engineer will help make sure a company’s product is designed, tested, and deployed appropriately. This may involve working with offices and employees from multiple offices. Read our interview with Kaitlyn the Product Marketing Engineer .

Other Engineering Interviews:  Faizan the Management Trainee , Michael the Cybersecurity Consulting Manager , Dale the Cybsersecurity Consultant

Finance Jobs that Travel for Work

Public Accounting Staff  // If you are studying accounting in university, getting a job as a public accountant can take you to clients in a variety of places. Travel on a project basis to help companies with their finances.

Internal Auditor  // Similar to a public accountant, an internal auditor helps to make sure finances in a company look good before external auditors come in to check it. Many companies outsource internal auditors, so consider an internal auditing consulting position.

Anti-Money Laundering Consultant  // Banks and credit unions want to make sure people aren’t doing anything suspicious with their money. An anti-money laundering consultant will help make sure processes are in place to prevent money laundering from happening.

Retirement Planning Consultant  // People throughout your country will need help saving for retirement, and a planning consultant can help. Different companies may fly out their retirement planning consultants to work with new clients.

Management Consultant  // A business strategy or management consultant will work with executives at a company to improve processes and solve any problems that come up. Management consultants are known for having exotic traveling schedules.

Healthcare Jobs Requiring Travel

Travel Nurse  // As a traveling nurse , you may be assigned to different hospitals across the country for a few weeks at a time. This helps hospitals who are short staffed  bring on additional help.

Pharmacy Technician  // Some medical companies will hire traveling pharmacy technicians, bringing diverse skills to different locations.

Doctors Without Borders  // DWB will accept both medical practitioner and non-medical individuals for roles to support developing countries.  You can be a physician, surgeon, or you may be a water sanitation or logistics specialist.

Medical Sales Representative  // These medical individuals travel to make sure local physicians and hospitals are familiar with the latest drugs and technology, and help make sure patients have access to the best resources possible.

Au Pair/Nanny  // As an au pair, you will live with a family and help take care of their children. You can get a job as an au pair in a new country to you, and you may get the opportunity to travel with the family as well.

Service Jobs That’ll Take You Around the World

Flight Attendant  // Serve drinks and amenities on an airplane, and get flown to new locations every day for work. Working for many airlines will also give you benefits to fly on stand-by for free.

Cruise Ship Worker  // There are many job opportunities on a cruise chef – work in the kitchen, as an entertainer, or help promote tours. As you help cruise travelers experience the best, you may get to spend a few free hours in port as well.

Missionary  // Many programs exist to help promote religion in a foreign country. Look into volunteer programs that may be helping developing nations.

Peace Corps  // The Peace Corps sends volunteers across the world to help promote peace and serve people. Returning from your experience as a Peace Corps volunteer is also a great resume boost.

Teach for America // Teach for America places individuals in low-income schools to help inspire children. You may be placed in cities anywhere across the United States, and your service will be rewarding.

Creative Jobs with Travel Opportunities

Wedding Photographer  // As a wedding photographer, your clients do not need to be limited to your home base. You can be hired by people from all over the country, or all over the world, to photograph their wedding!

Travel Blogger // If you have your own travel website, you can be paid for blogging about different sites that you visit. Many travel bloggers will make money off of advertisements, but you may also be able to land sponsored posts, where companies will pay you to try their services or products.

Website Designer // Many website designers have the flexibility of working remotely, and will design websites for their clients on the go. If you have the programming and graphic design skills, being a web designer could be a profitable option.

Beauty Technician // Beauty brands, such as for make-up, hair, or nail, will hire beauty technicians to travel to trade shows to promote their products. With the right passion for beauty, being a beauty technician can be a fun and creative way to see your country.

Event Coordinator // Nearly any large company will have a marketing department with event coordinators, who may be required to put on all types of events ranging from training to recruitment. These events could take place anywhere across the country.

How do I convince my current employer to let me travel more?

If you are currently in a career that doesn’t travel, but you want to convince your employer to let you travel more, you may have a few options. Work from home and flexible mobility policies may not exist for everyone. In these cases, look for training opportunities outside of your city or state.

Also look for conferences in your field, which are likely to take place all over the country. These are great opportunities for networking and learning. Your employer will likely have a budget set aside for conferences, so see if you can dip into that budget!

What other jobs will pay you to travel for work? Let us know in the comments below! 

Ready to travel for work? Check out these posts:

How to build a business travel capsule wardrobe.

• The Ultimate Business Trip Packing List
• Is TSA Precheck worth it?

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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

Road is Calling

27 Seriously Cool Jobs That Require Travel & How You Can Find Them

A long time ago I learned one thing about myself. I learned that I can’t live in one place for too long and I need to travel often. But before I realized that, subconsciously I was always looking for various projects and jobs that require travel, pay well, and provide great opportunities to move abroad.

And this is what my life for many years was about.

I would find a job that let me move to another state, allow me to travel and learn something new in between. After a while (like in a year or so) I needed a new challenge and more travel. So I would find another job in another part of the country that also provided an opportunity to travel.

With such a lifestyle, I got to live in five different states (originally I am from Ukraine ,) then in five more countries and then I started an online business that helped me start making money online and travel whenever and wherever I want. 

Throughout all these years I also learned another thing – there are actually a lot of people in this world who are like me. They are also eager to find a job that will either require travel or leave enough time for personal travel and adventures. 

In fact, that time when moving from one place to another was a challenging thing to do has passed. Today we are living in the world when it’s easy to travel and easy to move somewhere new. Alright, it’s not that easy now with all the madness but things will improve for sure, just give it some time.   

If you have a goal to move to a new region, country, city, or state, you need to remember that it’s very possible. You just need to arrange a few things and have a plan. And the most exciting part about a  move to another country  is the ability to travel extensively and see the world at your own pace.

So, in this very long and very detailed post, I would love to share a list of amazing traveling jobs.

Some of them are either jobs that I worked or considered to work myself. Others are careers that involve traveling that are pretty common these days. A lot of these jobs pay well and don’t need any experience. Other jobs require degree and experience but pay even better. More on that below.

NOTE : Since our world recently went crazy, a job market started to experience the toughest times. Obviously, we all know that and we are all in the same boat. Yet, you have to remember that things will get better.

Now, is the best time for you to stay positive and invest time in yourself. I am also giving lots of tips on what you can do today to be able to get one of these jobs in the nearest future and in the midst of the crisis.

Disclaimer:  Some of my posts contain affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Jobs That Require Travel With No Experience

1. hotel professional.

***Yes, these days hospitality business is on hold. But guys, it is going to come back. If you are thinking to enter this field, now is the best time to learn how you can do that. 

There is a reason why I would like to start my list with hotel professional jobs. The hospitality business has a lot to offer and this is one of a few fields only that you can enter without experience and in many cases degree. Everything that you need is your charisma, ability to work with people, and desire to deliver an outstanding service.

But before I go into details, let me tell you two things:

First of all , a lot of jobs in the hospitality field do not require direct travel (some do and we’ll talk about them later). But! From my personal experience and from the experience of my colleagues, with a hotel professional job you have hundreds of opportunities to move around and explore the world at your own pace. Below I’ll explain how.

Second , the hospitality business is truly an amazing field for anyone who doesn’t have working experience or wants to travel without a degree.

Mark and I have spent years working in the hospitality industry while making a pretty good salary, enjoying benefits that come with it and moving around the United States. If we ever want to go back into this business, our experiences that come from top hotels in the U.S. will help us land a job in many hotels not only in America but outside the country.

After starting our full-time travel  we have been already offered hotel jobs in Vietnam , had set interviews in Kuala Lumpur , capital of Qatar Doha and Europe. We believe it is a wonderful opportunity to see the world while having a meaningful career.

Getting a Hospitality Job – What You Need to Know

There is a wide range of jobs within the hospitality industry . Since hotels are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, you can choose for yourself which shift to work. Choose your own schedule and enjoy diversity.

So many people from different cultures and backgrounds work in hotels. Most of the chains offer amazing opportunities. While most of the jobs require you to stay in one place you can easily move to another country or region within the same brand. And when I say this type of job let’s you travel, I mean you can transfer to a new hotel in a new location every 6-12 months.

Also, this is probably one of a few fields where you can move up a career ladder very quickly . You can start with an entry-level job and become a manager within a year. Or, you can apply for the same position but in a new city or country. The hotel management team who is interested to bring you onboard will always facilitate the visa process. It is one of the best ways to get a work permit abroad .

I am currently working on a few posts on how to get into the hospitality field and what to know before thinking to work as a hotel professional. You are welcome to sign up for my newsletter  to know when the new post is up on the blog.

Courses & Classes to Take to Enter the World of Hospitality:

Yet, at the same time, I would love to recommend you look into a few tailored online hospitality courses (mentioned below) that introduce you to the industry and teach you all the main aspects.

Taking any of the courses does not mean that you will automatically get a job. However, educating yourself is important, plus you’ll get your name out there and understand if this field is for you at all.  

Right now, while the economy around the world is going through tough times, the hospitality business is one of those industries that was hit really hard. Hotels are closed and no one is traveling. However, the time of uncertainty will pass and people will start traveling even more than they used to in the past.

So you have a great opportunity now to use all that time and learn as much as you can. If you would like to become a hotel professional in the nearest future, start investing in yourself today. Start devoting a few hours per week to something that can help you change career in the future.

And what is really great with the hospitality business, for entry-level jobs, you don’t necessarily need to have a degree. All you need is your personality, understanding how this industry works, zest to learn, and professionalism. 

That being said, I highly recommend you looking into a few courses and find free information from hotel professionals who are already in this business.  

I personally have taken dozens of courses. Some of them, at first sight, were offering high-quality online education but in reality, had a lot of information that I could find online for free.

So, among all those courses I took, I would highlight only a few:  

UDEMY COURSES:

I took a lot of Udemy online classes which for the most part were very helpful. At present time, Mark is still going through two of their courses on web development (I am mentioning them below.) 

So, if you are new to the hospitality business or even if you have been doing this for a while, you have a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow. And here what I personally can highly speak of:

• Customer Service 2.0 – for those interested to work in Front of the Office department 
• How to Become a Professional Waiter – if you are looking to work in a restaurant (at the hotel or anywhere else.)
• Improve Your English For Tourism And Hospitality – for non-native speakers who are looking to work in the hospitality business in English speaking country 
• Hotel Management Fundamentals – a great short course on a career as a hotel manager
• Social Media Marketing – a social media course that will come in handy in many fields, not just hospitality. But if you are interested to work in the marketing department. 
• How to Open Your Own Hotel, B&B, or Inn – very helpful course for anyone who is thinking to open his own Airbnb/bed & breakfast/Inn, etc.

OTHER COURSES:

• HOW TO BUILD A HOSPITALITY BUSINESS – this course prepares for a professional management career in the hotel industry. It consists of four courses and can teach you the fundamentals of hotel demand management, distribution, and revenue management. Learn here if working in revenue management may be for you. 
• OVERVIEW OF HOSPITALITY SCHOOLS IN THE US – list of the best schools for the hospitality degree.

2. Traveling Housekeeper

Some people may assume that this job is very similar to a hotel professional job that I mentioned above. Yes and no.

Traveling housekeeper is basically a person who chooses to look for housekeeping jobs anywhere in the world and go when the opportunity arises.  But to tell you the truth, there are plenty of opportunities. Finding a job won’t take much of the time. Although keep in mind, this is not fully one of the jobs that involve traveling. It is that job where you can travel as you wish. 

In nowadays world, when more and more people choose to travel and more new B&Bs and guest houses are popping out, there is a huge demand for people who do housekeeping. Besides that, let’s be honest, the majority don’t want to do this type of job. Finding it will not be difficult to do.

Anyone can become a traveling housekeeper. This is a wonderful job for those who want to travel and work but don’t hold any degree or experience. More than that, if you are thinking about how to get a job abroad without experience, you can always start with a housekeeper job. Also, if you’ve had a career in something else but want to take a break and move around, take a look at this type of job for travelers.

I have never really thought that it allows you to travel the world until I started to meet others who are doing it.

Last year, for instance, in Kotor, Montenegro , I met a guy from the UK who was spending three months there working as a housekeeper in a guest house. Two months ago, when visiting Cyprus , I met a girl from Russia who was spending three months on the island also working as a housekeeper in one of the hotels.

And then just two weeks ago in Braşov, Romania , I met an American lady who was spending two months in the city working at the hostel. She has been traveling as a housekeeper for a few years now while living in different countries around Europe.

Getting a Traveling Housekeeper job

There are many various websites where you can look for this type of jobs in other countries. Depending on a destination, you can work in hostels and guest houses, fancy hotels, and someone’s homes.

If traveling to another country where you are not authorized to work, most likely you will be doing this job in exchange for housing and food only. Although some places are willing to pay a stipend.

If you are interested to check a few jobs, for the beginning, I suggest you take a look at Workaway  or Worldpackers  websites. They are the most known. However, I am writing another blog post on how and where to find housekeeping jobs around the world. So make sure to check it later.

Also, I recommend you checking a few courses in housekeeping ( like this one ,) if you are willing to find a housekeeping job quickly in a hotel or rent your property on Airbnb. 

|| RELATED POST ||

HOW TO FIND WORK IN EXCHANGE FOR HOUSING AND FOOD

3. Member of an Archaeological or Geological Expedition

In order to work as an archeologist, you must have higher academic education and at least some experience. However, excavations and geological developments involve not only scientists and archeologists but also unskilled workers who can do some simple work.

If you get a chance to join the expedition, you will be able to travel to a historical place, touch the antiquities, and communicate with highly intelligent people. Some decide to pursue a degree in this field after participating in a few expeditions while others, mainly students, choose this opportunity mainly for traveling.

If you decide to start looking for these jobs, keep in mind a few things. First, you must have good health, stamina, and be physically prepared. The work is associated with archaeological expeditions always takes place in different climates. A person should not have any allergies, especially to materials of organic origin.

This type of work can be done both individually and in a team. Therefore, those who apply should be also emotionally stable, calm, and patient.

For more details on this career, check the environmental science website . For job opportunities in underwater and nautical archaeology, see this website .

There are hundreds of various jobs in geology here . While most of them require a degree in this field, there are still some jobs with pretty basic requirements. 

Jobs That Require Travel And No Degree

4. traveling photographer job.

Before you jump to the next job, don’t skip this one, thinking that you know everything about a job as a photographer.

Becoming a professional traveling photographer can open a door to endless opportunities if you are ready to invest time and be disciplined. It can go from something as simple as selling or licensing your own photographs and being able to travel to huge photo shoots abroad for the client’s expense. 

However, don’t assume that a desire to travel and the ability to see good potential shots are enough to start this career.

First of all, you’ll need to buy the right type of camera  and have patience – both in anticipation (and creation) for a good shot, and in terms of building a career. You definitely won’t become a star in a month, so expect to study and practice a lot.

Also, you’ll need the stamina to withstand the rhythm of work and business skills to sell your services.

So, if you decide to seriously take up photography, first of all, start studying. Yet at the beginning of your journey, you don’t need any expensive online photographer courses for beginners . Seriously, it’s just a waste of money. These days, there is a huge amount of absolutely free information and you can easily learn the basics with that. YouTube is your friend here .

Later with time, when moving to the next level, you’d probably need to buy a course (also optional.) But on initial stages, there is no need for that.

Here is a quick helpful post on how to become a professional travel photographer  if you are curious. 

5. Traveling Jobs in Agro-Tourism (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)

Voluntary Organic Farm Workers is a trend that getting more and more popular each year. Organic farms exist in at least 50 countries and you can go to any place you feel like.

The job basically includes 4-6 hours a day of work 5-6 days per week. In exchange, you receive accommodation and food. No one owes anything to anyone – it is some type of exchange without money.

To become a member of the program, the farmer provides evidence of the ecological cleanliness of his farm and pays an annual fee. Volunteers also pay a fee when register on the website.

While this is technically not a job, you still get most of the expenses covered in exchange for work. Today you can be collecting coffee in Brazil, grapes in France or olives in Italy, and tomorrow fly to Australia to pick the peaches.

One of the most known websites for finding jobs in this field is Wwoof organization.  Among others are WorkingTraveler  and Helpx . Although WorkingTraveler besides job opportunities has volunteering and free hospitality projects. 

For paid jobs in agro-tourism in the USA, UK, Australia, read this article . They nailed it and probably provided all sources for finding a farm job. Do your research on other countries since there are a lot of farms around the world. 

6. Tourist Entertainer

Here is another job for people who like to travel. A tourist entertainer is a person who conducts various celebratory and entertainment events and himself acts in them as an actor. The task is to maintain the joyful mood of the audience and participants.

There are 3 different types of entertainers :

– Those who work with children – usually with children under the age of 14. Most in demand at children’s parties. – Entertainers who work on corporate programs – they usually help a corporate leader in hosting games and competitions and participates in promotions and presentations. – Entertainers at the hotel – work in hotels located in resort areas. There, they engage in entertainment programs for people of all age groups.

If you want to travel the world, then you have to look for jobs in the last category. Jobs for entertainers at hotels are seasonal and permanent. The biggest demand is in the areas with all-inclusive hotels.

This job perfectly suits actors and is perfect for cheerful and sociable people . Your chances are even higher if you speak other languages.

You can learn more about this career and browse jobs on this website .

NOTE : Right now, finding a job as a tourist entertainer is difficult since tourism is on hold. But soon things will start picking up. 

7. Truck Driver 

A career of a truck driver is an excellent option for those who don’t have a degree and don’t see themselves working in the office but who are eager to make good money pretty fast and travel around the country (and abroad.) And this is definitely a job with a lot of travel. 

However, the profession of a truck driver is rather a lifestyle. Despite the apparent simplicity, it is definitely not the easiest and safest job. And it doesn’t fit everyone. This job is difficult and a driver should be in good shape, physically and emotionally.

Still, there are many benefits, a good salary, and ability to travel.

Yeah, I get that you don’t experience a lot from behind the wheel. But you still see different sceneries, cities and smaller towns when driving through them. Also, you may see something while having rest time.

By the law (depending on the country,) a driver can drive a truck for a certain period of time and then have 10-20 hour rest. In the USA for example, the rest time is usually 10-12 hours and driving hours cannot exceed 11 hours. So you decide how to spend your rest time.

Another thing, some truck driving jobs are among the highest paying travel jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor, the salary in America varies from $30,000 to $120,000 a year. It depends on qualifications, experience, the state, and the company you work for. Check this excellent source  for more details. 

How to Find a Job of a Truck Driver 

First of all, the qualifications.

In order to become a truck driver, you do not need to have a degree. In general, education is not important here.

The main thing is to be at least 21 years old (for the US,) pass a drug and alcohol test, undergo a physical exam, attend a truck driving school training which will prepare you for a commercial driver’s license test and knowledge, and then get your license in DMV.

I have never personally thought about becoming a truck driver. So I can’t share much about this job. But I would love to refer you to people who have been doing this for a while and can tell you a lot.  Like this amazing blog  about how to become a truck driver or this website with careers and online education.

American drivers who are looking to work in one of the European countries have such an opportunity too. There is a high demand for private truck drivers in countries across Europe. You just need to check their own set of licensing requirements. 

8. Cruise Ship Worker

This is another wonderful job that includes travel and a lot of it. You literally make a living traveling the world while having free lodging and meals. It is somewhat similar to working in a large resort hotel since the territory of modern ocean liners is quite comparable to the size of coastal hotel complexes.

Nevertheless, job seekers on cruise liners need to understand and prepare themselves for the fact that life on the ship is significantly different from life on the mainland. You need to take into account that most of the time you will be in the open sea or ocean, as well as the fact that working on cruise ships requires hard work and diligence, which requires good health, a lot of strength and patience.

However, the reward for hard work will be very generous. The average salary of a service worker on a cruise liner is $1000-1500 US dollars per month. Additionally to that, you receive free accommodation, 3 meals a day, snacks, and uniforms. Those who are more qualified, like managers, often have doubled salaries and more.

Where to Find Cruise Ship Jobs 

In today’s post-virus world, finding a cruise ship job is not that easy. Not many companies are hiring and the competition is big. Still, you should definitely try if that’s your dream. I advise you to look for cruise ship jobs in the luxury travel sector. Rich people continue to travel as they did before. There are multiple (smaller) cruise ships these days in the oceans that keep hiring staff.

One of the easiest ways to apply for this type of job would be through direct application on the cruise line’s website. But besides this option, there are dozens of online job finders and hiring platforms that work better for many people.

Here are the best online job boards to find cruise ship jobs:

FLEXJOBS : One of the best sites for finding a job in general, be it remote work from home, on-site jobs, freelance jobs, full-time or part-time jobs. Cruise jobs are there too. Put “cruise” or “cruise ship” in the search line on the homepage to get access to the most recent postings.

ALLTHINGSCRUISE : Online job board with direct links to the cruise line’s own online employment pages. Through their aggregate, you can view up-to-date openings and apply for jobs directly.

ALLCRUISEJOBS : All types of cruise jobs in one place. This online platform connects you with different recruiters who have lots of recent, up-to-date vacancies.

CRUISEJOBFINDER : Another excellent website with thousands of job openings. Besides cruise vacancies, there are also resort jobs, luxury yacht crewing, and tour operator jobs. This one and the previous one are good for people who look to work in the luxury travel sector.

Besides these online job finders, you can always browse jobs on the cruise line’s official website. The most popular cruise lines are the Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, and Disney Cruise Line. 

9. Au-Pair as One of the Best Travel Jobs For Young People

I wouldn’t be recommending this job if I didn’t do it myself and didn’t know how much it can pay you back. Also, with the au-pair job, a lot of families never ask for any degree. Experience – yes, CPR certificate – yes. Degree – no.

Every time I am thinking about my au-pair years I am getting a warm and comforting feeling inside. I wish I could actually go back in time and replay those moments again.

Some people will say that au-pair is not a job, but an exchange program. That is true, but at the same time, it is a job you do for others. And very often you can find au-pair jobs that require travel and allow you to travel during your free time. You work a full-time schedule and put a lot of effort in taking care of little ones. And yes, taking care of children is a job no matter what other people tell you.

Au-pair salary is not high, but taking into consideration that all your expenses are covered, the pocket money you get from a family is more than enough.

I was able to travel on my monthly au-pair salary, save up for my first car, and buy lots of unnecessary things. Families I lived with were traveling from time to time, so it provided me with an amazing opportunity to see a little bit of the U.S .

An au-pair job is not a short-term job for carefree people who don’t have a plan for their life. It is a very rewarding and enriching experience. It can grow into any other job related to children and their development.

Besides the hospitality career, I had another career in education, and that career began with my experience as an au-pair. This job taught me life, helped me travel, and build a platform for my future growth.

Don’t try to become an au-pair though if you don’t like kids. It should be obvious, right?

Where to Find Au-Pair Jobs

These days, there are many websites for finding an au-pair job. Some of them serve as platforms that connect host families with au-pairs directly while others are websites of agencies where you need to register and let an agent help you find a family.

During the time when I was an au-pair, I was using many different sites. Some of my favorites are:

AUPAIRWORLD – it is one of the most popular au-pair websites with thousands of families across the world.

GREATAUPAIR – a great platform for anyone who is trying to find a job quickly without too much experience. However, many families offer pay below average and there are a lot of scam postings. So you’d need to spend a good chunk of time finding a good match. I personally worked for two amazing families whom I found on this website.

SCANDINAVIAN AU-PAIR CENTER – this au-pair agency has been on the market for many years. It has offices in Europe and North America but works with families in Scandinavian countries. Some families look for families for a short period of time. It can be a great opportunity for someone who is outside of Europe.

CARE.COM – This website is not an au-pair site but there you can find a lot of live-in nanny positions as well as housekeeping, senior care, pet care, tutoring, and special needs jobs. It covers mainly the USA and Canada. 

  I WANT TO MOVE ABROAD, WHERE DO I START

Remote Jobs That Let You Travel the World

10. blogger (read why).

Honestly, I have never really thought that I would ever recommend blogging as one of those great jobs that pay you to travel. And actually, if you make it as a career, it will pay very well. You don’t have to choose a niche in travel (especially during these times) to start working online and be able to travel (or live) anywhere in the world.

Once you make money online from your own website, you decide where and when to go. You still may need to travel to conferences, meetups, and various events to grow as a professional and learn. Although with a new corona-world, there will be more online events than actual physical ones.

A professional blogger is not really a traveling job that requires travel. It is rather a fantastic job that gives you more freedom and time to travel whenever you want.

I started to blog 2 years ago and today I am making enough from my blog to be able to live in a developing country and cover the expenses of three people. Not enough yet to live a luxury lifestyle in the U.S. but enough not to go back to a cubical lifestyle.

If you click through different posts on this blog, you’ll notice that it’s mainly about travel (which is pretty non-existent now), yet, I mastered the ways how to make money with it. In fact, I am now making the same amount of money that I was making before the outbreak.  

Blogging is tough and very competitive but if you are defined to walk this path and learn how this business works, you will surely have success.

How to Become a Successful Blogger & Turn It Into a Career Where You Can Travel

Becoming a blogger these days is easy and quick. But becoming a successful blogger, who knows how to make money with the website and become location independent, takes true passion and dedication.

If you are now seriously thinking (or have been thinking for some time) to start a blog and turn it into a money-making machine, my number one advice for you is: start investing in yourself. Start investing time, effort, money into learning from people who have already established a successful blogging business. Launching a blog (or any website) and filling it with inspirational content is only one part which, to be honest, won’t get you far.

The most important thing about a successful blogging career is to have a strategy and know exactly what to do in order to make money. To be able to monetize a blog, you need first to learn how to optimize your posts and make them rank on Google, so people notice and click to your site. Next, you have to learn how to market, run social media campaigns, produce valuable content, talk to your readers, and more. 

If you have already started a blog, launching it anytime soon, or planning to launch in the nearest future, I highly recommend you watch this free training from one of my favorite travel bloggers (and one of my teachers) where he is showing exactly what to do to build a successful blog.

There is really a lot to learn and do. But if you learn from people who have already achieved what you want to achieve, you will be there soon too. 

I am also thinking to start a series of posts where I’ll share my experience with blogging, how I make money today, what were my ups and downs when I started out, and what it took me to get where I am. If you are curious to follow along, subscribe to my newsletter to start receiving emails from me, including those about blogging. Until then, check Nick’s video to receive answers to the most important questions about blogging as one of the best travel careers.

11. Social Media Consultant

Social Media Consultant job allows you to travel in that way that in many cases you work remotely. Especially in the nowadays world when more and more companies let their workers work from home.

If you know how to engage with the customers using social media on behalf of a brand and make the audience follow you, think about the opportunity to become a social media consultant.

Yet, this job is not that easy as many people picture it. However, if you master it and enjoy the routine, you can work from anywhere in the world following your own schedule.

With the constant growth of social media users and an increase in online shopping, social media consultants are going to be more and more in demand. And with this job, they can work full-time within the company or online as freelancers.

If you are seriously thinking about how to become a successful social media consultant, take a look at this article .

How to Find a Social Media Consultant Job 

First of all, of course, you need to have a well-written resume with your latest experience in this field. If there is no gained experience yet, consider becoming an intern for a few months. 

The best sources for finding a social media consultant job are:

NAUKRI – just this site alone has more than 10,000 jobs in the social media sector;

LINKEDIN Jobs ,  SHINE , and TIMESJOBS are other websites.

12. Digital Content Creator

A digital content creator is a person who helps small and medium businesses to create and elaborate digital content with a goal to increase sales and get profit. Digital content creators produce articles, photos, videos, movies, and can work in any field.

I am a digital content creator who, first of all, works for herself and, second, has a few side projects. With my side projects, I produce content for travel magazines and other bloggers. While this job does not sponsor my travels, I am capable to work online from anywhere in the world. I choose for myself when to travel and how much time to spend on the road.

With that said, I still want to emphasize that not everyone can be a digital content creator. It sounds like an easy job when in reality it involves a lot of hours of work, research, and creative thinking.

Some of the most famous websites for finding a job as a digital content creator are Fiverr.com , Indeed , LinkedIn , SimplyHired , Freelancer .

13. Virtual Assistant

I am strongly convinced that the job of a virtual assistant is a fantastic job that lets you travel, move around a lot, and helps you choose where to live.

The person who is somewhat a universal specialist who helps an entrepreneur conduct business through the Internet. He/she plays a very similar role as a personal assistant but everything is taking place online instead of the actual office. A virtual assistant answers emails, works on a schedule, does some social media work, creates presentations, organizes webinars, arranges mailing services, and does any other task that a person he works for needs.

Depending on previous experience, the assistant may specialize in one field or another. But in general, this is a person who knows how the Internet works, can find the right service, write a request, control contractors and be the “many-armed” multi-worker who knows how to make other person life easier.

It doesn’t matter in which country the entrepreneur lives and where the Virtual Assistant decides to be based. They meet and collaborate on the Internet anyways.

The best sources for finding a job as a virtual assistant are Upwork , Remote , Peopleperhour , Freelancer , WeWorkRemotely , and Flexjobs .

14. Freelance Web Developer

If you are reading this section, it means you are either a web developer or thinking to become one. Those who are just considering an opportunity to enter this field need to decide at first which area they want to learn – front end, back end, WordPress, or other stacks.

Once you decide, the next step is to devote days, weeks, and months to education and actually finding a hands-on experience.

This job is very rewarding but like many other jobs, it is demanding and challenging. The following post answers many questions and tells the truth about beginning freelance web development .

If you make a decision that you want to become a freelance web developer, it is a good idea to start with an online course(s). To help you get started, Mark, based on his experience, can recommend the following courses:

The Web Developer Bootcamp  – a course for beginners created by an excellent instructor from San Francisco Colt Steele. It’s easy to understand for anyone who hasn’t touched web development before.

Web Design For Everybody – the basics of website design and creation. This course teaches how to write correct HTML5 and CSS3, and how to create interactive web experiences with JavaScript.

Becoming a Web Developer – go from no-code to an in-demand junior web developer. Learn the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

The Complete Web Development Bootcamp – if you are thinking to take only one single course, this is the one to choose! It is based on theory and practice, has excellent content, and teaches how to build any website you want. The instructor is using a simple language and thoroughly explains each part. Even if you have zero experience in coding, at the end of this course you’ll feel like a pro! 

Coding for Dummies (Book) – an excellent all-in-one book with a total of 9 books about web development and programming for people who are totally new to this field. With this book, you can learn HTML, CSS, and a few other coding subjects. With it, you will learn everything you need to be able to start working on coding projects of your own.

15. Freelance Bookkeeper

The company that needs accounting services can conduct it in three different ways – to hire a full-time accountant, outsource it, or hire a freelance bookkeeper to help with some basic stuff.

Online accounting is a cloud-based Internet service with a paid set of tools. With their help, you can generate initial documentation, send a report to the tax and extra-budgetary funds in electronic form. It can become an assistant to a simple business.

Bookkeeping is different from accounting . It does not require any special set of skills or any analysis . It is actually a great job for people who don’t have a lot of experience but want to transfer to a new field quickly .

Some bookkeepers work with a high school diploma only. However, to make it easier for you to find a job, I recommend looking into obtaining a certification or licensing through one of the national organizations.

Every company needs some form of bookkeeping. And in today’s world, more and more companies look for online bookkeepers to keep expenses down. It is a win-win situation for everyone.

Learn more about how to become a bookkeeper at home .

16. Software Developer & Other IT Jobs

Do you know that a lot of software development jobs can be actually done remotely? And that you don’t really need to have a degree to become a developer yourself?

Software developer jobs are not really among jobs that require travelling, but they can bring you lots of opportunities to travel independently as much as you want. With this job you always have a choice to work in the office or go remote. If you go remote, decide for yourself where to be based and how often to travel.

A software developer job is by no means an easy task. It requires a lot of dedication, passion, and effort. Learning code is not for everyone. You would need to invest a lot of time in self-education and development before applying for jobs in this field and hoping to get a good paying salary.

If you enjoy a lot of challenges and solving problems then maybe software development could be the next job that will enable you to see the world.

See the following page for more tips and courses in this field .

Where to Find a Remote Job as a Software Developer or IT Specialist

There are dozens of various websites with IT jobs. Some may suit one group of people while others will work better for others.

Websites that Mark found helpful when looking for a job are WeWorkRemotely , WorkingNomads , Upwork, and FreelancerMap . 

PowerToFly is a site that helps women to find a tech job.  

HOW TO FIND JOBS IN KUALA LUMPUR FOR EXPATS

Jobs That Require Travel And Pay Well

17. vip flight attendant.

This is definitely one of those jobs that require a lot of travel and pay really good money for it.

We all know about commercial flight attendant jobs but not so much about the corporate flight attendants. 

I actually don’t believe you can qualitatively and deeply experience a new destination during your layover, or a few of them. But with flight attendant job you can be based in a new city and/or country, and fly for free all over the world during your days off or vacation.

When you are working as a commercial flight attendant, you usually fly standby. Flying that way is not always fun because it requires a lot of flexibility and adjustment, and you don’t get a free flight every single time. But considering the fact that you are flying for a small fee helps you forget about some inconveniences.

There are so many perks you receive with a commercial flight attendant job, even though it is always demanding and often stressful. However, you’ll get a totally different experience and money when working as a commercial flight attendant.

I would love to share some truly valuable information (from one of my friends) on how to become a corporate flight attendant and make more than $100,000 a year . 

|| READ IT HERE ||

HOW TO BECOME A PRIVATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT & FIND A JOB

18. Professional Nanny

Many people don’t take nanny positions seriously, believing it’s not prestigious to be a babysitter. I’ve heard some people saying that only uneducated and unambitious individuals work as nannies because there is nothing else they can do with their lives. Ouch, hearing that hurts. Because in reality, working as a Nanny is very demanding, rewarding, and joyful at the same time. This job requires a patient, knowledgeable, and loving heart.

And what, if I tell you that as a Professional Nanny you can travel the world and earn up to $200K per year? It is one of the careers that require travel for sure. 

A professional nanny is a relatively new term and gaining popularity among both families and nannies.

There are some distinct differences between this job and a Babysitter or a Nanny.

As a Professional Nanny , you have to be CPR and First Aid certified, hold a degree in any field related to childcare, have more than five years of experience working as a babysitter, au-pair, and/or nanny for a high-profile family.

This job is not a joke and requires a lot of commitment, working hours as well as choosing this profession as your long-term career.

You can’t find professional nanny jobs through a simple search on the Internet or asking neighbors.

On average it takes from three to six months to secure it through the agency. And only if you go through the screening. But if you do get a job, you can make sure your salary will be higher than the one of an average office worker. Plus, you’ll get to travel very often.

Many families usually have homes in different parts of the country, or world, and need a Professional Nanny to travel with them . Additionally to competitive salary your benefits include health insurance, sometimes accommodation, meals, and transportation.

I have been going through a few interviews with families who were ready to pay me more than $100K per year, provide generous vacation time, health coverage, and meals. And I had a chance to work for one of those families in Los Angeles . I am convinced it’s one of the best ways to see the world, make a difference in someone’s life, and enrich your own life.

Where to Find a Job as a Professional Nanny

Unlike au-pair jobs, professional nanny jobs can be found only through elite placement agencies. To be able to apply you need to have an almost perfect resume, have a few certifications, experience, and in most cases education.

If you are just starting out as a nanny, there is no point in spending your time on professional nanny applications. In most cases, the agency will turn down everyone who doesn’t have any solid experience. So for that situation, it would be much better to start looking for a regular nanny position.

Keep in mind that competition is very high and only the best of the best applicants get a job. 

In regards to agencies, there are a lot of them in America and Europe. For the most part, they have offices in different parts of the world, so you can apply with the closest to your location branch.

When searching, put in google ‘nanny for a high profile family’, ’professional nanny positions/jobs’, ’nanny for celebrities’, or ’VIP nannies’. Some of the agencies I worked with were British American Household Staffing  and The Nanny League . 

19. Traveling Nurse

If both of us were not fainting at the sight of blood, we would definitely go back to school to get our nursing degree.

If you love helping people, adding value to someone’s life, having a flexible schedule, and enjoy working in healthcare then this profession can help you make your dream come true.

Nurses make really good money and have a lot of room for growth. The demand for nurses is extremely high and going to increase in the future.

What is particularly great about this job is the length of contracts. Some of them are as long as 13 weeks. After the contract is over you are free to take a break or sign a new contract to move to another place. Also, traveling nurses are given a choice where to live, work, and how long to stay in one area. That’s a great benefit additionally to a competitive salary.

Travel nursing is not only a rewarding career that can help you travel around and move abroad. It will fill your life with constant adventure. Also, it is a very diverse and flexible opportunity.

This post on how to become a travel nurse answers all important questions points you in the right direction. 

20. Event Planners

Event-Planner is a specialist who organizes business and entertainment events for companies and individuals. This person works closely with a client to decide where an event will take place and where to hold it. He or she is responsible for thorough planning and organization.

Recently, on my trip to Vilnius , I met a girl, who was organizing our trip, who was an event manager. She shared how she was traveling around Europe and arranging events for her company at least once a month. Her company was participating in various trade shows and travel conferences, so her task was to organize everything.

If you are looking for entry-level jobs that require travel and if you have at least some relevant experience , then look for jobs in event agencies, especially those that are related to travel in one way or another. Some of the examples are companies that participate in large business forums, event agencies that organize a wedding in an exotic place or a master class in a foreign land, etc.

Despite the popularity of the profession, there is no such major as event management or event planning in any university. The event industry employs people with the most diverse backgrounds, but more often those who are psychologists, journalists, and philologists.

This profession also intersects with marketing, PR, and sales. Therefore, if you have a marketing or management degree and at least some experience, your chances of getting this job are high.

21. SAP Consultant

SAP consultant job is one of those jobs that can literally take you around the world.

The term SAP software stands for Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing. This software was developed by a German company and helps many companies around the world to manage business operations and customer relations.

SAP consultant is basically a person who knows everything about SAP software and can give advice. In many cases, he or she is an expert, project manager, and programmer at the same time.

There are two areas in this field where SAP consultants can work: Technical or Functional . Technical stands for software development and programming . Functional is all about the knowledge of tariffs, commissions, revenue shares, interfaces, and more. It is really impossible to describe this job in a few paragraphs only. You can read more about it here .

This job is amazing for those who want to live a travel lifestyle. First of all, even if you go to the actual office, you often have to be with a customer who can be located in another city or often country. Second, there are a lot of opportunities to work remotely since you can access the customer’s system from anywhere. And third, since many companies hire for a few months or a year, you are free to apply in different countries.

I have two friends who work as SAP Consultants. One friend is working remotely and occasionally travels to meet with her customers. And this friend is saying that working as an SAP consultant is one of the best IT jobs that requires travel, literally. 

Another friend’s husband is working physically in the office. I have the impression that he signs a new contract every year because they are always on the move. With this job, both of them have already lived in Brazil, Sri Lanka, in a few states in the United States and recently they moved to Germany.

This job is also challenging and requires certification. But it pays very well and helps you live a life of travel. One of my friends, who does it, has never even been to college. She has taken a few courses and dedicated a lot of time to self-education.

As with any other profession, there is no easy job and free money. You have to work and study hard. But if others can do it, you can too.

22. Luxury Travel Advisor

A luxury travel advisor is not the job of a travel agent that you may think of. Travel agents usually book tickets, hotels, or transfers. They sell cruises and all-inclusive resort getaways. Sweet. But.

Luxury travel advisors’ job is kind of similar and different at the same time. These people also make lots of reservations and travel arrangements, yet they work on a totally different level. They usually have access to world-class events, private islands, resorts, and hotels, and work with only a special caliber of a traveler. Not like us, kind of budget travelers who are trying to get the most out of a dollar.

Luxury travel advisors offer luxury, organize everything in the blink of an eye, and always deliver the highest service. To give you an example: they provide their clients with access to the Monaco Formula 1 , Millionaire’s Row at the Kentucky Derby , help them walk the red carpet of a fashion week, sing on stage with a favorite band, and even travel to space. Those kinds of experiences.

At some point in my life, I was aiming at this job at Virtuoso – a network of the best luxury travel agencies . I didn’t get it but if I did, my job would include lots of travel and my starting salary was going to be 55K per year (in Los Angeles.) At the same time, full health insurance was provided along with all the perks and discounts on travel, and lots of room for growth.

A luxury travel advisor job is very demanding. It is not all glitter but this traveling career provides an opportunity to travel the world and be able to make six figures within a few years (after lots of hard work, of course.) Here is more information on this job, if you are curious.

23. Geologists

Among all the jobs for travelers, the job of a geologist is probably the least known one. Geologists are specialists who study the structure, composition, and patterns of Earth’s development. They examine minerals, sedimentary rocks, what’s happening in the earth’s crust, analyze earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the historical sequence of geological processes, and much more.

There are a few different specializations in geology. Some geologists work for oil and gas exploration companies, others for civil engendering firms, or government agencies. Petroleum and engineering geologists most of the time travel to various distinct areas with a goal to locate gas and oil deposits.

In addition to conducting laboratory analyses, developing documentation and recommendations, such specialists from time to time go to faraway regions. They search for mineral deposits, assess the possibility of building various structures in new territories, from factories and power plants to the metro.

On the one hand, the profession of a geologist makes it possible to visit both the remote corners of the Taiga and lesser-visited hot African countries. On the other hand, you need to be prepared to live in various (often challenging) conditions, so for working in the field, in addition to the necessary knowledge, you will need good physical preparation and endurance.

24. English or Any Other Subject Teacher

Nowadays everyone is writing about English Teaching jobs as a perfect opportunity to see the world and make pretty good money. And this opportunity is awesome indeed. But what about other teaching jobs?

I have been tutoring kids in math, science, and social studies as well as the Russian language . My friend, who is from Hungary, moved to Sweden because she was offered a job as a piano instructor. My other friend is teaching Spanish in South America. The list goes on and on.

Mark and I have been also teaching English while living in Vietnam  and were offered a job in Thailand and China. Salary, accommodation, and working conditions were so appealing that we almost signed the contract.

The reason why we changed our minds was that we wanted to concentrate on remote work and invest time in our blog. But chances are still high enough that we may reconsider this option in the nearest future.

What interests us more though is online teaching . No obligations to be at a specific place or country. We can be teaching outside of the classroom while exploring the world on our own terms. So can you.

You don’t have to be an English teacher for securing a good teaching job. Nowadays, you can be teaching so many other things and subjects. Choose what you know well, what you love teaching, and pursue your dream.

If you need more advice on teaching English around the world, read tips from Kate and Kris. These guys have been teaching for many years and accumulated a lot of knowledge. Also, many other bloggers write about their English teaching experiences.

Where to Find a Job as an English Teacher? 

Before you even start looking for a job, the first thing to do is to get certified. Most schools will ask for TEFL/TESOL/CELTA teaching certification, so get ready for that in advance.

There are many different online teaching courses where you can study and get a needed certificate. I personally completed a course with i-to-i company . Later, when my legal name changed, they had no problem sending me a new certificate for a very symbolic payment.

Some of my favorite resources for finding a job as an English Teacher are Dave’s ESL Cafe , EslBase , and TEFL . For teaching English (and other languages) online, I had success with Tandem , Italki , 51Talk , and EF Education First . But there are many more agencies out there that connect teachers with schools and students. 

WORKING NOMADS: HOW DOES IT REALLY FEEL TO BE A REMOTE WORKER?

Jobs that Require International Travel

25. auditor.

At first glance, the work of an auditor has nothing to do with travel. It seems that auditors never travel abroad but only work long hours in their offices. It is partially true. As an auditor, you work crazy long hours that sometimes it feels you live where you work.

Nonetheless, many times working as an auditor grows into a career that allows you to travel. Auditors often leave for inspections to different cities and even countries. Often they spend weeks and months in one place.

I have been working for Deloitte and one Private Equity in Ukraine and remember how many times my colleagues were away. They were gone to work on projects in many countries in Europe and in Central Asia.

Working as an auditor provides many travel opportunities but also a lot of challenges. Of course, it is not always possible to see exotic places. But you can often spend several weeks in different cities and countries which means you’ll have time to get acquainted with the local culture and lifestyle.

Working as an auditor is a very, very intense job. It requires a diploma and at least a few years of experience in a smaller company.

You should check these fundamentals of audit  to get an understanding if a career in auditing is right for you.

Other Jobs Where You Can Travel a Lot & See the World

26. seasonal jobs to see the world.

Two years ago when we were in Alaska we took a tour to Denali National Park. Our bus driver was a 30-something lady from Texas, whose job as a bus driver was seasonal and lasted less than 6 months.

She shared details of working this job during the summer months and then heading to Colorado to work as a ski instructor during the winter . This young lady loved both of the states and kept coming to each of them every year. Besides the opportunity to enjoy her favorite places she was earning a salary and living the dream.

There are many stories like this one.

Our friends have traveled through Europe while working on farms, picking up berries, and being lifeguards at the pool. Some of our neighbors were diving instructors and camp leaders in Central America.

We personally have been offered seasonal jobs in hotels across the U.S. and Canada. Opportunities are endless and the sky is the limit. If you are looking for any possible way to move abroad or travel in slow mode while earning money, take a look at seasonal jobs.

Of course, you can’t make a fortune working those jobs. However, you can definitely have all your travel expenses covered and even save some money for the future. It really depends on the job and how much time you are willing to work.

To give you an example, there was a time when I secured one seasonal job in a resort in Utah. My salary was going to be around $1,600K per month before taxes with included accommodation and lunches. It was an entry-level job that required 40 hours of work per week. Not bad for someone in transition or traveler like me.

We are not implying that this is the amount of money you are going to get for your next seasonal job. You may get more, or you may get less. Some of the jobs require prerequisites and qualifications, but there are many others where you don’t need to have any specific experience. You’ll go through training and will learn what to perform.

Where to Find Seasonal Jobs?

It all depends on the field of work you are looking to do. Some of my favorite websites are:

Seasonal Jobs in America – offer jobs in farming, forest and conservation, production, restaurant business, and more.

Coolworks – a fantastic website with a wide range of jobs around the USA. On this resource, you’ll find jobs in sales and retail, in state and national parks, in maintenance, jobs with horses, RV spaces, fish, in healthcare, hospitality, farms, gardens, and much, much more.

Fruit picking jobs – vacancies for seasonal and harvest jobs in New Zealand and Australia.

Berry picking jobs – seasonal berry farm vacancies in the UK.

Amazon  – this company always has vacancies in all countries where it operates. 

Back Door Jobs  – worldwide short-term job opportunities.

27. Theater, Drama and Dance Performer

This field is a bit competitive to get into, but if you have experience and zest then don’t fret.

We meet more and more people who work as dancers and actors worldwide. They work on cruise ships, in summer camps and amusement parks. Jobs in this field exist across all borders and there are so many variations of them. You don’t need to be on the way to Los Angeles just to express yourself. Opportunities are ample worldwide and you have to spend some time searching for them.

Today you can be performing on the stage in China and in a few months fly to Turkey or Greece. Spend a few years in this field or make it a career. The choice is yours.

A lot of people travel the world and get paid while doing there hobbies. You can be the next one who’ll do the same. 

Are you thinking to see the world at a slower pace ? Consider one of these jobs. They will open up a lot of possibilities in regards to life, work and travel around the world. Do you have any other jobs where you get to travel to add to this list? Share your thoughts!

If you are looking for ways how to travel one year with only $10K in your pocket, this step by step guide will help you make it happen.

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

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35 Comments

I loved your article,very inspirational ideas!Thanks for sharing!

Very valuable article! Thanks for the time dedicated! It’s really worth it guys!

Thank you, Mike, for your comment! I am so happy to hear that! 🙂

Hi, I absolutely loved this post!! I am so eager to start a new career and one I truly love.

I really liked the Luxury Traveler Assistant.

I have 0 experience and I’m curious what would your first steps be to start climbing the ladder and make dreams my living! Thank you for this.

Best wishes,

Hi Tyler, to be able to become a luxury travel advisor, your first step is to build up your resume and show at least some experience in tourism, particularly the one when you need to book travel for clients or arrange various events.

Jobs that you’d need to have before applying for a luxury travel assistant are a travel agent, events manager, concierge in a luxury hotel, a variety of roles on a cruise ship where you are responsible for shore excursions, providing exceptional customer service to each guest, assisting guests with account inquires, resolving customer service issues, and answering telephone calls, and other jobs with similar responsibilities.

The most important is to start with something and have some experience to show. With 0 experience, your chance of getting a luxury travel assistant job is equal to 0 too unless you know how to network and have great connections.

This us a great article. Thank you for renewing my passion again for travel. Event Planning or PR would be my avenue.

Your article is very nice and informative. Thanks for sharing it!

Great article. I’ve always wanted to travel. Comfortbility restraint, fears and just life dramas held me back. I recently made the leap to Colombia from US. I have a H.S. diploma and 2 years or so of college so I have some credits. Questions is what to do now. I was injured and had surgery. I also have a dog but I don’t want to further let life pass me and just stair at walls or basically nothing. I just want to travel and experience different culture and indulge in sceneries. My background is mostly mechanical (automotive) and IT although I don’t hold certifications I mostly did repairs for all peripherals and smart devices but nothing long term. I was think of finishing school for medical probably nursing if not something with IT. As to how to make passive income from my research most of it requires investment. But again great piece and any response would well be appreciated.

Hi William, You are absolutely right, in order to make a change and especially passive income, you do need to be ready to invest money and your time. Without investment, you can’t move forward, no matter which field you choose. It’s difficult for me to recommend anything on this matter because everything depends on what you enjoy doing and either you are ready to devote time to education or not. But I can guarantee, if you don’t give up, you will succeed. For me personally, it took almost 3 years to reach my financial goal (it would be faster if not for covid), for other people it takes less time. So it is very relative. Just don’t hesitate and wait for better times, start today.

Thanks for the post!

Thanks for sharing this article with us it looks very interesting

Anya: Thank you for all the informative articles on your website. Your website is great!

Are there *local* websites or places within Ukraine to list for a teacher/nanny when we relocate to Ukraine? My needs are a bit different (I think) than an au pair. Our children will be attending online school and while I am working, I need help with an English speaking teacher/nanny to assist with their schoolwork most days of the week and most months of the year – I would need someone who can speak English and Ukrainian (or Russian). I know some Russian and a little Ukrainian but I don’t even have a cyrillic keyboard (cannot make my chromebook to do this) so I can search for such things on the internet.

Hi Jeanne! Thank you for your kind words! I noticed also another comment from you under my other post but I haven’t responded yet. I will shortly! And here is, for now, my answer to this question:

Yes, there are local agencies that help with finding a nanny and any other staff member for the family. Off the top of my head, I can recommend Sincere Heart agency and VIP Service. The 2nd company’s website is in Russian only but I know they help with finding English speaking nannies too (I was applying through their agency) and here is their contact page . You can send them a message directly or through the WhatsApp. All cell phone numbers and email are mentioned there as well. These agencies usually connect nannies with families in big major cities but they may be able to help to find someone in a smaller town too. Don’t hesitate to send them a message and get in touch!

I hope this helps! If you email me the date (approximate) when and where you need a nanny, I can ask around and see who else is offering this type of service.

This is an amazing article with so many great links, I really appreciate it! I work with kids at risk of not graduating high school here in West Virginia and my focus is on the post-residency placement. Basically career counsleing, placement and mentorship. I am researching jobs that may be a good alternative to the military. One thing a lot of people joining the military value is travel, so I’m hoping that sharing this will help broaden their ideas of work outside of West Virginia. To be honest, if I didn’t like this job so much I’D JUMP on some of these!!

I subscribed to your newsletter and can’t wait to share this with my students – Zoe

Hi Zoe, yay, I am so glad to hear this post is helpful! I am going to update a few things and add more jobs soon. And speaking of the military.. oh my gosh, at some point in my life, I was applying for Airforce and Navy jobs subconsciously believing that I could travel with one of them. To be honest, that was the only reason why I wanted to join, definitely a wrong decision!

Love this! And am 100% the same way. Thanks for sharing 😂

I really enjoyed reading your article. My husband and I both have the travel bug as well. I can relate to what you opened with – a long time ago; you learned you couldn’t be in one place for too long—looking forward to reading more of your articles. Thanks for the job inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by, Ashlee!

I am very grateful to you Anya, since this article has helped me a lot to clear my doubts regarding my JOB, since I actually did not know much about careers that offer great travel and a decent salary too. Once again thank you so much Anya, Since I don’t know your IG Id you can find me on IG as @more_than_mystery I have a few more questions for you.

Thank you for stopping by, Bunny. I am glad to hear this post was helpful! If you have any questions, you can contact me through this blog through my ‘contact’ form. As for Instagram, my handle is below on each page in the footer together with other social media accounts I have.

Just found your site. Love it, super informative and fun to read!!!!

Thank you, Bogdana!

Thank you for this post. I have also tried to live and work overseas as an American and it’s been a disaster. I don’t even know how to tell you how bad it’s been. Now that the pandemic has settled, I’m considering trying again. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction to learn more about hotel front desk jobs that require travel and the career path and anything about that. Any information helps, as I’m just looking into this.

And thanks again for your post and information. I hope you both are well.

Hi Mike, hotel jobs are great for people who look to explore new places at a slow pace. There are not really jobs where you need to travel. Instead, with hotel jobs you can transfer between properties within a relatively short period of time, in this way staying in one place 6-12 months. And that’s when you can travel on your own during days off and spare time.

The best jobs in hospitality where you can work up to 1 year and then transfer to a new property (or start looking for a new job in the same field) are in front office (reception, front desk agent, concierge, social media marketing receptionist, bellman, van driver, night auditor which by the way is always in demand), housekeeping, dining, maintenance, and spa.

Your have a very nice post and I really want to thank You for sharing it as it has been very helpful

Thank you so much for this article and the links! I’ve been looking for years. A small correction for you on Number 27, “their” not “there”. A traveling editor job? Do those exist;)

Thanks again!

Thank you for pointing that out, I am going to update it!

Thanks for sharing this well researched and informative article on jobs that require travel. Can you also do an article on good paying jobs for 18 year olds with no experience ? I am an 18 year old boy who will be graduating very soon. This will be very helpful to me any many others who want to start working once we are done with school.

Good guide Jobs ! thanks

hey i really liked your article , im 18 and just got my senior certificate and i was looking into this au pair thing and its something i know ill love doing ,do you maybe have any tips ?

Hi Malikah, I could give you lots of tips depending on a country where you want to go, your preferences and vision for this job.

But my number one tip – it is relatively easy to get au-pair job even without needed experience or education in child care, the main thing to stay professional and show all your intelligence. Also, make sure all your social media profiles have professional photos and you don’t post anything that shows you drinking/smoking/doing crazy things. Families are always doing research on every potential candidate trying to find more information about the person who applied, so you want to be sure you have an impeccable profile, not just resume and application form!

If you have any specific questions – please ask me, that will allow me understand how exactly I can help you. And good luck!

Ehoteljob has evolved into a Leading Global Hospitality Job site for hotels and recruiters, offering more than 25000+ Jobs in all Categories with over 140+ brands across 150+ countries

Great info, I’m sure someone will find it helpful!

I like that you not just mention jobs but also share about your own experience finding them and working some. So much info here, thank you for all the tips

Hey Robert, I hope it was helpful, although I am in the process of updating this post as some things changed and I have more jobs to add at this point.

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15 jobs that require travel and pay well

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How to find a job that requires travel: 7 tips 

15 of the best jobs that require international travel, start your travel journey.

Many people spend their workdays dreaming of being somewhere else — sailing the sea, taking in the sights and sounds of a big city, or cozying up in a quiet, small-town cafe. And with jobs that require travel, those visions can become reality.

If you’re thinking of searching for a new job or pursuing a career change , finding a position that requires travel is a great way to see the world. You can meet new people, develop unique skills , and have cultural experiences you otherwise wouldn’t encounter. Although uprooting your life isn’t easy, traveling for work can be exciting and rewarding. With the right planning and a lot of dedication, you can find a job that brings you across the world and toward new experiences.

Travel can be exhausting. When you don’t have a home base and in-person support system, it might be harder than you think to stay motivated and feel comfortable in new places. Before quitting your current job and hopping on a plane, decide whether it’s the right choice for you. If you’re a homebody who thrives in close-knit work environments , staying in one place might suit you better — and there’s nothing wrong with that.

If you want to learn more about jobs that include travel and which ones might fit your skills, follow these best practices:

• Check with your current employer: If you just want to try living in a different place, ask your employer about offices in different countries and states. They could be willing to help you relocate, even temporarily, which could take the stress out of finding a new position.
• Think about your existing skills: You don’t necessarily have to upskill to find work abroad. Consider what travel jobs may be available in your current career path . If you’re a nurse or work in healthcare, you might consider travel nursing. If you’re already an educator and love working with children, you could pursue certification as an English teacher in a foreign country. 
• Explore career changes: If you’re willing to switch careers into one that allows more travel, look for a new job that allows travel or operates in the travel industry. Think about how your transferable skills could apply to one of these positions.
• Find remote opportunit ies: Remote work is on the rise, with 58% of Americans reporting that they have the flexibility to work remotely at least one day a week . While remote job opportunities are in high demand because of their advantageous flexibility, you can find some that allow you to travel around and work from anywhere.
• Forge your own path: When you’re your own boss , you don’t have to stay in one place. Try freelancing as a travel blogger, virtual assistant, or designer and creating a schedule that allows you to travel. There are certainly pros and cons to gig work , but if you commit, you can find high-paying opportunities with the flexibility you need.
• Plan ahead: Whether you want to be a digital nomad or stay in one foreign country, doing your research will prevent mishaps and give you the best experience possible. Deep dive into the places you want to go, and make sure it’s legal to work there in your chosen job. If you want to seek employment abroad, you might need a visa , according to the U.S. government. And you might still owe taxes in the U.S. while living abroad , so make sure your international options are financially viable.
• Go back to school: Whether you’re sticking with your current career or switching to a new job, you might need new qualifications in a new country. You might need to learn a second language or get a job-specific certification, which takes time, so plan ahead and make sure you can learn what you need to know before you start traveling.

There are dozens of careers that involve traveling, which means they can be hard to narrow down when you’re trying to choose one. Here’s a list of some common traveling jobs to choose from in different fields, with salaries, benefits , and employment requirements:

1. Travel nurse

If you want to pursue a career in healthcare, travel nursing could be a great option. Many nurses get to choose their job locations, preferred hours, and healthcare settings, though need-based placements might limit where you can go. 

To become a travel nurse, you need a license in your home state, but you usually don’t have to apply for a separate one . If you’ve already gone to school for nursing and earned certification, you should be able to start applying for positions in new places. Travel nurses provide the same services as staff nurses but often earn more, with a median salary of $111,195 per year , according to Glassdoor.

2. Management analyst

Management analysts, often called business consultants , sometimes travel for work. They meet with management teams at struggling businesses to help them improve performance, often visiting the same companies multiple times. With a median salary of $95,290 per year , it can be a fruitful and exciting job option that keeps you jet setting to different cities to visit companies needing your services.

3. Foreign service worker

Foreign service workers serve the federal government at U.S. embassies all over the world to connect Americans with different countries and problem-solve abroad. According to the U.S. government, people in these positions must be willing to enter challenging and sometimes dangerous areas , sometimes without their families. If you’re willing to make this commitment, it could be a job for you.

Keep in mind that not all foreign service positions are dangerous — that varies by country. They can involve anything from dealing with lost passports to preparing reports on business opportunities. Glassdoor reports that people in this position earn a median salary of $92,513 , though it depends on the location.

As a blogger, you can write about things that interest you on a personal blog or for clients. This could be anything from high fashion to technology, and you can even become a travel blogger and write about the best hotels or hotspots in the locations you visit. While many bloggers make their income from digital advertising, some can secure brand sponsorships and other lucrative deals that add to their income. It just takes time to build an audience.

The average writer makes a median of about $73,150 per year , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But if you choose to become a freelance blogger, rates can change drastically, especially if you're a talented writer. All you need is a laptop, an internet connection, and a strong portfolio , and you can travel the world using your creativity to produce engaging content others want to read.

5. Train conductor

Train conductors operate and coordinate trains to ensure that they run well and according to schedule. This job requires you to be in constant motion, so it’s great for those who love to visit new places often. 

These long-term positions call for extensive training and certification, but if you’re committed to working in a different country, the travel opportunities can be worth it. If you get a job in Europe, for example, you can easily travel from one country to the next within a day or even an afternoon.

While the BLS reports that most railroad workers receive a median salary of $68,960 , you may have to work irregular hours or find a company that offers consistent scheduling. 

6. Flight attendant

As a flight attendant, you’ll make a median salary of around $63,760 . This will require you to spend a lot of time on your feet and in the air, but that’s also part of the beauty of your job. Working for an airline is one of the best travel jobs because you’re required to fly to different places, including international cities.

Becoming a flight attendant involves a stringent interview and extensive training, as you’re partly responsible for the safety and comfort of plane passengers. But if you love flexible schedules and interacting with many different people, this is the job for you.

7. Training specialist

Like business consultants, training specialists travel the country working with various businesses. This position requires you to coach employees and provide professional development opportunities , usually through programs that you design. If you already have a background in education or love helping people upskill, this job is a great option. In return, you’ll receive a median annual salary of $63,080 .

8. Truck driver

Very few jobs require more travel than a truck driver. In this position, you’ll be responsible for making sure goods get from one place to another, usually within the U.S. — but jobs could bring you to Canada or Mexico. Drivers willing to move freight can earn a median wage of $53,090 per year , depending on experience and track record.

Trucking is perfect for introverts because it requires extensive alone time on the road. It also doesn’t require a college degree, only a commercial driver’s license. A trucking employer will likely help you obtain your license.

9. Event planner

Event planners coordinate events of all kinds, from small family weddings to large galas for international diplomats. And if you work on a freelance basis, you can plan events from anywhere in the world. 

Professionals in this field are typically good at strategizing, decorating, and developing relationships with vendors. The median salary for this position is around $52,560 , but if you have a lot of experience under your belt, you can set a high freelance rate.

10. Travel technician

Travel technicians install and maintain equipment for all kinds of workplaces, like tech and manufacturing. To get a job in this field, you do have to be a subject matter expert , so it’s a good idea to research what kind of training you need and whether your employer is willing to pay for it. 

People in this position visit different sites around the city or country. If you like to work with your hands but prefer a frequent change of scenery, becoming a travel technician is a good option. The median salary for a travel technician is $52,240 per year , though it depends on the job and what equipment you work with. 

11. TEFL or ESL teacher

Teaching English abroad presents a unique opportunity to get a job without learning a new language. As a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, you can work with people of all ages in many different countries to make connections and share the English language. 

This job will require you to go through training and certification, and the TEFL organization offers many different courses to choose from . In exchange, you’ll earn a median salary of $50,140 , depending on your location. You’ll also get to live long-term in a foreign country and participate in its society.

12. International aid worker

International aid workers bring assistance to people in foreign countries who might not otherwise have access to things like healthcare or education. These jobs pay a median salary of $47,173 , which is lower than others on this list. But it’s a rewarding job that can make a real difference in the world.

Many humanitarians have backgrounds in medicine, education, or agriculture, but this isn’t always necessary. You do, however, need a willingness to make yourself uncomfortable for the sake of helping others, as well as a passion for helping people.

13. Cruise ship chef

Being a cruise ship chef involves long hours on your feet preparing meals for staff and ship guests. But it’s the perfect job for someone who loves to cook, travel, and experience different cuisines. The ship can bring you to countries all over the world, whether you want to work on a European river cruise or sail through Asia’s seas.

The average salary for a cruise ship chef on a popular line like Royal Caribbean is about $44,942 per year , but the trade-off is room and board. Be aware that you may have to attend a culinary education program to score a position like this one.

14. Au pair

Being an au pair in a foreign country is one of the best jobs that involve traveling because you can go almost anywhere. Au pairs are like live-in nannies who care for children in exchange for a salary and room and board. The median salary is $38,838 , but keep in mind that you won’t have to pay for a place to live, which can make a big difference in places with a high cost of living. It offers a unique benefit of cultural exchange, and it’s a good option if you want to spend a year or two abroad.

15. Traveling photographer

As a traveling photographer, your job would be to visit different places to capture events or landscapes. It’s a great option for those with an artistic eye who love to find the beauty in new places.

The median salary for photographers is $40,170 , though this depends on whether you get a job with an employer or decide to freelance. You can also take your own interesting photos, publish them online, and earn a living through social media.

Whether you want a part-time job as a travel consultant, to get paid to be a tour guide in a foreign country, or lie on the beach while you craft your next piece as a travel writer, finding exciting and in-demand jobs that travel a lot is possible.

One important thing to keep in mind is that if it were easy to find jobs that require travel, it would be a more common path. Many are in demand or require education, and it can take time and money to find a job you love . Stay motivated and keep your dream job or end goal in mind. You never know where your career might take you.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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HR & Recruitment Jobs In Travel

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The Human Resource Department is responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at balancing the needs of employers, management and employees to help ensure the productivity, efficiency and profitability of the company. They deal with all issues such as recruitment, development, employee motivation, compliance, communication, administration duties, implement procedures and policies, and ensure new legislation is understood. More senior roles require a CIPD qualification and good understanding of employment law. Related Travel Jobs: HR Assistant, HR Manager, Recruitment Officer, Recruitment Consultant, Recruitment Manager

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HR & Wellbeing Officer - Part Time - Three Days a week

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We are working with an award-winning and leading travel company based in London, who are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Call Centre.

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Ask HR: New Job's Travel Requirements Weren't Disclosed

​ SHRM President and Chief Executive Officer Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, is answering HR questions as part of a series for  USA Today .

Do you have an HR or work-related question you'd like him to answer?  Submit it here.  

I was offered a new job for which travel was not listed in the job description or discussed in the interview. In my profession, travel is not unheard of, so I expected occasional travel. I voiced my desire to be local to one of the interviewers and indicated that I had no interest in frequent travel. I left my job of 15 years for this position, and now I'm being pressured to travel frequently. I do have medical issues, but I would prefer not to discuss them if possible. Suggestions? —Anson

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr .: While any number of scenarios could have led to this unfortunate disconnect, the bottom line is that somewhere within the exchanges between the interviewer, manager and yourself, the expectations were lost. Miscommunication, whether accidental or intentional, erodes trust and damages the employer/employee relationship. To turn things around and improve communication, you should start a conversation with your manager and/or human resources department as soon as possible.

You are not required to inform your employer about your medical condition. However, should your condition rise to the level of a medical disability, you may need to disclose it. Your employer will then need to assess whether your condition meets the criteria for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your medical condition is determined to be a qualifying disability, your employer is obligated to provide you with a reasonable accommodation, as long as it does not cause the employer undue hardship. Reasonable accommodations may include meeting with clients and customers virtually, traveling less frequently, or adjusting modes of travel.  

If you aren't comfortable with this approach or your reluctance to travel is more of a personal preference, it is reasonable to discuss this with your manager and HR. Do not assume they understand your perspective. Let them know that you specifically requested only occasional travel and accepted the position based on the understanding that the travel would be limited. Be prepared to offer a solution. Outline the parameters for the frequency and duration of travel you are willing to accommodate. Understanding your needs can help your employer form a viable work plan.

If there are any reservations about job requirements or conditions, it is always best practice to ask and verify. Also, it can be helpful to clarify ongoing expectations for communicating changes in travel requirements going forward. I hope you reach a satisfactory outcome.

I am considering joining the National Guard and am concerned some of my work benefits will be suspended. Are employers required to retain benefits, like the accumulation of time for vesting qualifications, for employees on military leave? —Clarissa

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr .: It's great to hear that you are considering serving your country by joining the National Guard. Thankfully, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) offers significant job and benefits protection when an individual voluntarily or involuntarily leaves a job to perform military service in any military branch, the National Guard or the Reserves.

Retention of health benefits will depend on the length of your military leave. If an absence is less than 31 days, your employer is obligated to continue your health insurance and to pay its portion of the premium. For absences of 30 days or more, your health benefits will end and you will have the option to continue coverage for up to 24 months or for the period of military service, whichever is shorter. You may be required to contribute the full cost of health benefits plus a 2 percent administration fee. When you return to your employer, your regular health benefits are immediately reinstated.

Protections for retirement benefits are available as well. You are entitled to all accrued pension benefits. However, your employer is not required to continue to make contributions to your 401(k) while you are on military leave. Keep in mind, contributions to 401(k)s can be made up when you return from service, and your employer is obligated to match any catch-up contributions.

Paid time off, as well as vacation or sick leave, is also protected under USERRA. The ability to continue to accrue leave during military leave is subject to your employer's policy, so your paid-time-off accruals may be suspended during your leave. However, if the policy stipulates that accruals will continue for any employee on a leave of absence, an employee on military leave is entitled to continued accruals.

Another key benefit is reinstatement. Employers are required to reinstate employees into the same position with all seniority, status, pay and benefits as if they had been actively working during their military service. The vesting of employment rights occurs on re-enrollment. In other words, if you do not want to be re-employed upon your return from military leave, your employer is not responsible for those obligations.

I hope this will assist you in making the best decision. 

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How to ‘ACE’ hospitality recruitment

Thanks to the lifting of travel restrictions in many regions, hotels are filling up again. However, instead of heaving a sigh of relief that the worst of the pandemic is over, hotel executives find themselves with a new problem on their hands: a lack of personnel.

Up to 70 percent of all hospitality workers in the United States 1 “AHLA data shows 70 percent of hotel employees laid off or furloughed,” TSNN, May 4, 2020. and the United Kingdom 2 “Coronavirus and its impact on UK hospitality: January 2020 to June 2021,” Office for National Statistics, July 19, 2021. were furloughed or laid off during the pandemic, and many employers are struggling to get them to return to work. Like their counterparts in other industries, hospitality employees have used the time off to reassess their priorities, and many have found new jobs that offer more flexibility.

Accustomed to this new way of working, many are reluctant to go back to their old positions, especially if they held roles waiting tables, cleaning rooms, and checking in guests. Such roles make up a significant portion of the hospitality and travel workforce in many markets, such as in the United Kingdom, where they account for 45 percent 3 Hospitality and tourism workforce landscape , Economic Insight, June 2019. of all jobs in the industry. While automation may reduce the workforce requirements for many of these functions in the future, the current labor crunch is worsening as demand for hospitality services in the immediate term spikes.

Even those who kept their jobs are likely to seek better career prospects elsewhere as more employment opportunities open up: around 40 percent of respondents in a McKinsey survey said that they are thinking about leaving their positions in the next three to six months —and many are even willing to quit without having another job lined up.

What’s changed and what can employers do to recruit—and retain—talented employees?

In this article, we delve into the five key talent acquisition trends that employers should be aware of. We also offer a simple approach for how they might “ACE” talent attraction: analyze talent suitability with digital tools; clearly define and communicate job requirements and career paths; and empower the HR department with the skills and tools they need to find and keep talented candidates.

Five hiring trends all hospitality employers should know

The pandemic has altered the hiring landscape in nearly every industry, including hospitality. Employers who equip themselves with a deep understanding of these five shifts in talent acquisition will be better able to adapt their hiring processes to staff their workforce with the talent their companies need to thrive into the future, as well as to recoup the losses incurred during the pandemic.

1. Digitization is radically changing hospitality roles

Like many other industries, hospitality is being transformed by digital and automation technologies. As such, many companies are rethinking their business models and workforce composition with an eye at simultaneously lowering costs and improving customer experience. In hotels, more guests are checking themselves in at self-help kiosks, and autonomous drones are delivering amenities directly to rooms, alleviating the labor shortage for some of the more labor-intensive functions.

As automation takes over more tasks currently performed by humans, new job roles will be created, especially to design and manage emerging technologies and digital solutions. It is estimated that 65 percent of primary-school students in 2030 will perform jobs that don’t yet exist. 4 The future of jobs report, Chapter 1: The future of jobs and skills , World Economic Forum, 2022. As hotels increasingly base decision making on customers’ booking and behavioral patterns, AI skills will grow in importance, and more data analyst positions will be created.

Hotel brands and other hospitality-focused companies have been rolling out customer-facing mobile apps, as they have found online digital channels to be especially effective at direct customer engagement. As such, more user experience (UX) designers will be needed to create attractive and intuitive customer journeys on these digital platforms and to continually optimize their design and functionality based on data analyses of customer engagement. Online marketing managers will also be needed to conceptualize and launch compelling campaigns and brand stories across mobile and other emerging platforms to entice potential customers.

To support all these shifts, software engineers will be needed to design and implement new AI solutions on the back end, as well as to optimize booking platforms on the front end and embed software for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

2. Employees are expecting more flexibility

The pandemic has debunked, to a large extent, the idea that work needs to be done exclusively in an office. Videoconferencing and cloud-based digital tools have enabled remote work without much loss in productivity, if any. And while many people around the world have begun returning to their workplaces, they have grown accustomed to the increased flexibility to manage work and personal commitments—a level of autonomy they are reluctant to relinquish. This has led many companies to implement numerous hybrid work models.

Job searches for remote work have nearly quintupled from June 2019 to June 2021. And while five years ago about a fifth of job postings offered the option to work remotely, nearly 80 percent of postings do today (exhibit). As jobs have become increasingly location agnostic, former hospitality workers have shown an unwillingness to return to jobs that require them to be tethered to reception desks, for example. Furthermore, candidates applying for digital roles in the hospitality sector expect the same flexibility offered in other industries.

Based in Germany, Koncept Hotel is an example of a company that has radically embraced the idea of remote work. Some of the hotel chain’s properties are almost entirely without staff, as everyone apart from the housekeeping team works remotely. A cloud-based automation system takes care of everything, from reservations and check-ins to payments and night audits.

Many roles in hospitality could be offered with remote-working options, including social-media managers, event planning consultants, accountants, marketing and PR executives, and customer support associates. Even a concierge can go virtual with the right technology support system in place.

But what about roles that have to be performed in person, such as housekeeping or waitstaff? To address this issue, employers may need to consider redesigning what a career in hospitality looks like. For example, if employees have a diverse portfolio of roles, they may be able to enjoy more flexibility in terms of work hours and location, along with a number of other benefits.

3. Hospitality careers are becoming more multifaceted

People who currently work in the hospitality industry often wear multiple hats out of necessity. Staffing shortages are straining the smooth running of daily operations, and guest-facing employees frequently have to perform different functions to keep service standards high. For example, many hotels equip receptionists with mobile tablets so they can double as concierges. And as more burned-out employees leave the hospitality workforce, the labor crunch will likely become more severe, especially for tasks that require a physical presence.

However, some hotels are taking this seemingly intractable challenge as an opportunity to reimagine what a career trajectory in hospitality looks like. While important, a paycheck has become only one among a number of factors candidates consider when accepting an offer. Employees seek a sense of fulfilment and meaning, and one way employers can foster personal and professional growth in hotel staff is to provide opportunities for them to expand their skill set.

In-person roles can become more rewarding for current employees and more attractive to talented candidates. Digitization can provide employees in service jobs with more flexibility in responsibilities and career growth. Some functions, such as housekeeping and reception, may require a physical presence, but an employee with a portfolio of in-person and location-agnostic duties may not have to spend all their workdays on-site. As career paths become more multifaceted, employees may also be able to command higher wages and greater satisfaction.

Companies could identify and offer top performers training opportunities for higher-skilled functions in other departments. For example, a member of the front-desk team may enroll in a social-media training program to learn how to conceptualize, run, and track the effectiveness of online campaigns. After completing the course, such employees could work with the hotel’s marketing department, contributing to digital campaigns, and, as such, work from home two days a week. Since front-desk employees have firsthand interactions with many guests, they could offer invaluable qualitative insights to the campaigns they work on, while at the same time deriving professional fulfillment from being involved in an interesting project, greater flexibility to balance their personal and professional commitments, as well as a higher salary.

Naturally, empowering staff to take on multiple roles requires an investment from hotel managers and executives. And as more employees work across functions, collaboration among different departments needs to be effective, and executives would have to build the right suite of digital and on-site training programs. A robust technology and communications stack could be key to reducing complexity and to opening up the instant communication channels needed for effective problem solving. Hyatt, for instance, has created a centralized digital workspace called Konverse, which includes communication channels and a task tracking system that enables daily collaboration for employees from front desk to housekeeping to engineering.

4. ESG cannot be ignored, even in hiring

Many employees take into consideration the social and environmental responsibility of a company when choosing a place to work. As customers, investors, and employees grow in their awareness of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues, hotels are reviewing every aspect of their corporate strategy and operations, including hiring practices and roles.

Many companies are finding it helpful to have a leadership position that provides oversight and coordinates best practices on issues pertaining to their climate impact. As examples, Carnival Cruise Line has a strategic sourcing manager in charge of sustainable procurement, and TUI Cruises has an environmental manager who is in charge of ensuring that all of the company’s functions are aligned with ESG standards. On a more granular level, more hotel chefs are being tasked with sourcing more locally, organically, and sustainably, and chains such as the Shaner Hotel Group hire eco guides to educate guests about the environment and plan eco-focused activities.

As customers, investors, and employees grow in their awareness of environmental, social, and governance issues, hotels are reviewing every aspect of their corporate strategy and operations.

When hiring, employers could also be paying more attention to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A diverse and inclusive workforce contributes to greater employee satisfaction and is correlated with better economic performance . Companies could partner with external organizations and reassess their perks and benefits to foster greater inclusion. For instance, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants works with organizations such as Trans Can Work, The Mom Project, and DirectEmployers Association in their recruitment efforts, enabling the company to benefit from a diverse talent pool of candidates. Meanwhile, Hilton, which ranks second in Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for 2022, uses a quarterly diversity dashboard to track a company’s diversity performance based on clear metrics and targets, including the makeup of its corporate leadership. To ensure a pipeline of diverse leaders for senior management, Hilton partners with universities such as Harvard and Cornell on external development programs.

5. The bar for hygiene will remain elevated

Even though restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic are gradually being lifted, many hygiene protocols will likely endure beyond the pandemic. New roles and skills are needed to improve the coordination of hygiene-related initiatives across companies to protect the safety of both guests and employees.

For instance, some hotels have hired hygiene managers to revise sanitation protocols and oversee their implementation across the property. This requires coordinating with different subdepartments such as food and beverage, spa and wellness, and entertainment. The hygiene manager trains hotel staff on how to maintain hygiene standards and also works closely with the legal department and medical team to ensure that initiatives adhere to local laws and are grounded in science.

ACE talent acquisition

Hospitality employers may need to adapt their hiring practices in response to these five shifts. To start, we’ve come up with a broad approach that may help them ACE talent attraction and improve employee retention.

• Analyze talent suitability with digital tools: Whittling down a pool of applicants is often done based on gut feeling and the personal experience of the recruiter, which is not only expensive but often ineffective—up to 80 percent of employee turnover is due to poor hiring decisions. Advanced data analytics can be a powerful tool to help identify appropriate candidates while reducing the subjective aspects of the screening process. An employer can define the specific talent they are looking for (analytic tools may help identify potential gaps) and work with a data analytics team to build a predictive model to identify likely characteristics of success, using it to sift through the stack of digital résumés. By implementing this approach, a fast-growing organization that struggled to retain high-performing sales talent managed to reduce first-year attrition by 23 percent and improve quality of new hires by 40 percent.
• Clearly define and communicate job requirements and career paths: No one likes nasty surprises, so it’s best to avoid them by defining roles and their requirements early in the game. Each candidate and new employee should know how performance will be evaluated and the perks, support, and benefits they will enjoy when they join the company. While an employee’s career trajectory may change after joining a company, the candidate should be aware of the options available and the path they can expect when they receive an offer. In our experience, employers who use employee-centric design to optimize and customize a candidate’s career path within the organization, taking into account their unique attributes, skill sets, and interests, tend to be companies with the greatest impact and satisfaction rates among their staff.
• Empower your HR department: A skilled HR team  makes all the difference, but building one requires investment and training. They should be trained to wield the digital tools they have at their disposal competently to screen the most suitable candidates quickly, identify reasons why candidates fall out of the recruitment funnel, and streamline the overall hiring process so that it doesn’t drag on for more than two weeks. Beyond these technical skills, the HR team should also know how to conduct smooth interviews. According to Workplace Trends, nearly 60 percent of job seekers have experienced poor interview processes, and 72 percent of them shared those experiences with others. Even when a candidate is not the perfect fit for a specific role, they may be suitable for another role, so it’s important for those who don’t get an offer to also feel valued.

Hotels and other hospitality players have a rare opportunity to rebuild their workforces by transforming their hiring practices. Those who keep these five trends in mind and adopt the ACE approach may find the industry’s brightest talents clamoring to join and grow in their ranks, delivering superlative guest experiences for a long time to come.

Margaux Constantin is a partner in McKinsey’s Dubai office; Steffen Köpke is a capabilities and insights expert in the Düsseldorf office, where Joost Krämer is a consultant.

This article was edited by Jason Li, a senior editor in the Shanghai office.

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