35 Best Travel Jobs to Make Money

Don’t let your 9-5 job keep you from seeing the world! Check out these best travel jobs that will let you make money while you’re on the go.

There’s no better time to be young and adventurous than now. And if you’re feeling restless, there are plenty of jobs out there for you to make money while traveling the world.

Many of them don’t require much more than a willingness to put yourself in uncomfortable situations (like being on an airplane). But if you can stomach that, there are plenty of opportunities for people who want to make money while traveling or working abroad.

Best Travel Jobs to Make Money

Here are the best traveling jobs that will help you fund your next adventure:

1. Travel Blogger – One of the Best Travel Jobs around!

My personal favorite traveling job is, well duh, travel blogging.

This is one of the best online jobs, in general, and offers a great way for you to own your own business, network, and of course, travel wherever you want, whenever you want.

The barriers to entry are low – all you need is a laptop and an internet connection – which makes it one of the best travel jobs for digital nomads.

To get started, check out this post on how to start a travel blog. The best part about travel blogging is that you don’t have to be the next big TripAdvisor to be successful. You need to have a voice and be determined to be successful.

Travel blogging is not easy as it can be incredibly competitive but there is simply no better way to make money traveling the world, in my opinion.

See Related: Best Tavel Instagram Accounts to Follow

2. Flight Attendant

If you’re looking for a job that offers a unique travel experience and decent pay, becoming a flight attendant might be just the thing.

Flight attendants are paid fairly well but work long hours, so this isn’t a job for everyone. You’ve got to be in good physical condition too—it can be hard standing up all day, especially if you’re new to it!

Flight attendants must have excellent customer service skills as well as an outgoing personality because they need to deal with people all day long.

They also have to be able to handle stress while working under pressure on planes that may not always be running smoothly (or even at all). It’s also worth noting this job is harder than ever post Covid.

If these things sound familiar—if you like interacting with people and enjoy helping out—then becoming a flight attendant could be the perfect career move for you!

See Related: Travel Hacking 101

3. Travel Agent

Travel agents are experts in the art of travel. If you’re looking to get away, a travel agent can help you find the best deals and plan your trip.

Travel agents are knowledgeable about travel destinations and can make recommendations based on your budget, interests, and time constraints. They’ll even book your flight and hotel for you from Booking.com to VRBO!

Travel agents also know how to save money on other aspects of your trip like tours or excursions by negotiating with vendors for discounts or by finding deals online that aren’t available through hotels or airlines.

See Related: Best Gifts for Travel Agents

4. Cruise Ship Worker

Cruise ship workers are more than just servers and entertainers. They can be anyone from a concierge to hostesses, cooks, and chefs to housekeepers. You could also become a ship’s engineer or if you’ve got the qualification and experience, the captain!

Cruise ship jobs require a wide range of skills that can be learned on the job or through training programs, but if you want to work as an officer or deckhand position, you’ll need years of experience at sea and specific certifications.

The pay for cruise ship workers varies widely depending on their position and how long they’ve been working in the industry. Entry-level positions may only pay $15–20/hr while some high-ranking positions earn over $100k per year!

Most wages fall somewhere between those two extremes though—$25–30/hr is typical for entry-level positions like waiters or bartenders while managers can make well over 6 figures annually (but this is rare).

It’s a great way to save money as all your food and board expenses are paid for while you’re aboard ship and there’s not much to purchase while you’re at sea!

5. Tour Guide

Tour guide jobs are available all over the world, which makes them a great travel job to have if you’re looking to make money while traveling.

There are tour guides for every type of tour imaginable, including historical, nature, and adventure tours; food tours; and even specialized tours such as ghost-hunting or shopping.

Tour guides can also be hired by companies to conduct private tours for groups that are available on sites like GetYourGuide and Viator.

Additionally, many tour guides have the option of making tips from their clients on top of their salary or commission (if they don’t receive any).

See Related: Best Gifts for Tour Guides

6. Scuba Diving Instructor

The scuba diving instructor is a popular and well-paid travel job that can be amazing in some of the warmer parts of the world. You’ll need certification and training, but once you’re qualified, there’s plenty of opportunity for adventure—and for making good money.

You can work for a dive school or dive shop directly as an instructor or manager. Or you could work for a resort or cruise ship or even a scuba diving cruise company like Atlantis Adventures. Make sure you are safe and insured. Get scuba diving insurance at World Nomads, or travel insurance at InsureMyTrip.

See Related: Best Scuba Travel Insurance Options

7. Hotel Manager or Hotel Worker

Hotel manager jobs are widely available and provide you the opportunity to travel around the world.

If you love being up close and personal with guests, managing a team, and challenging yourself with new situations every day, this is a great option for you. There are opportunities for hotel managers at all levels of experience.

You can find these jobs through various websites or directly through hotels in your desired destination.

To become an effective hotel manager, it’s important to know what kind of hotel management degree program you need before heading off on your travels. There are many different types of degrees and certifications out there—so make sure to do your research before enrolling in any courses that could cost thousands of dollars!

It’s hard to get in at the top, so consider starting at the bottom if you don’t have the experience or qualifications. That said, almost all hotel workers of any stripe will get deals and free stays at their hotel and any others in the chain!

See Related: Proven Ways to Get Free Hotel Rooms

8. Wildlife Photographer

If you love animals and photography, wildlife photography can be a great career for you. You’ll be able to capture the most beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

You can also make money as a travel photographer! As more people are traveling around the world and sharing their stories, companies are hiring photographers to help them capture those amazing moments.

You don’t have to go into business by yourself; you could even work with a company like Airbnb or TripAdvisor, who will pay you when someone uses your photos on their website or app!

If becoming a full-time wildlife photographer isn’t for you, there’s still room in this industry for freelance work.

See Related: Best Travel Lenses for People That Love to Take Pictures

9. Work as a Translator or Interpreter

To be a translator or interpreter, you need to have good communication skills. You must also be able to speak the language of the country you’ll be working in. If you’re fluent in English and another language, this can work out well for you.

Most importantly though: translators/interpreters often help people who don’t speak English communicate better with locals here at home too – so it’s rewarding on both sides!

There are many opportunities for translators and interpreters all around the world, especially in large cities such as Paris or Beijing where they may be needed at conferences and international events.

Many jobs are available online through websites like Upwork so if you don’t live close by but still want to do this kind of work, it’s possible!

The pay is good (around $30/hour on average) and there are lots of benefits. You’ll get experience working with other cultures which can lead to interesting stories down the line when telling people about your travels abroad too!

See Related: Useful Tips for Learning a New Language

10. Airline Pilot

To become a pilot, you will need to obtain your commercial pilot’s license and then work your way up through the ranks at a regional airline. Regional airlines are smaller than major carriers and typically fly shorter routes within the country or region.

After gaining experience as a first officer (co-pilot) for several years, you could become a captain (the one who actually flies the plane!).

As an airline pilot, you would be responsible for everything from taking off to landing the plane safely.

In addition to knowing how to fly a plane safely, airline pilots also need excellent communication skills because they must communicate with their crews and air traffic control towers throughout their flight in order for other planes in the area not to collide with each other during takeoff and landing.

They must also be able to deal with emergencies such as weather conditions or mechanical issues during flight time so that everyone gets home safe every time without fail.

PRO TIP: if you have any experience as a military aviator, you’ll find it much easier to; a) get your commercial license, b) find work as a commercial airline pilot.

See Related: Best Gifts for Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts

11. International Aid or Development Worker

An international aid worker and development workers are those who work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or the United Nations. This is one of the best jobs in travel that also makes a significant difference in the world.

Depending on your role, you could be helping with construction projects, administering vaccinations, or providing food aid. You will often be paid to live and work in some of the world’s poorest countries.

If you’re working in an office abroad, your duties might include managing projects and coordinating volunteers on the ground.

There are many different types of opportunities available:

• Roles that focus on public health issues like HIV/AIDS prevention
• Roles focused on disaster relief after natural disasters like floods
• Humanitarian aid during conflict zones
• Environmental protection programs focused on climate change mitigation strategies
• Providing access to clean water resources through rainwater harvesting techniques

There are also corporate social responsibility initiatives such as business skills training workshops for youth groups from low-income communities so that they can enter into employment more easily after graduation from high school or university level courses.

You’ll likely be staffed in a foreign country for this job.

If you want a career that will open your eyes to the world, consider foreign service travel jobs.

12. Freelance Travel Photographer

If you’re looking for a way to use your photography skills to capture memories for travelers around the world, freelance travel photography is a great option.

To become a freelance travel photographer, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, you’ll need a good digital camera. Second, you’ll need photo editing software to help you create arresting images that capture the spirit of your subjects.

Finally, you’ll need a portfolio of your work to show potential clients. Once you have these things, you can start freelancing for travel companies or working on your own. You can also enter contests to win photography assignments.

The pay for freelance photographers varies depending on the type of work, but you can expect to earn $1-$5 per photo. Assignments tend to pay more.

See Related: Best Travel Photography Books to Inspire You

13. ESL Teacher

Being an English as a Second Language teacher is a great travel job if you know a foreign language. It’s one of the most popular travel jobs around, and it can be done in many different countries, in many different types of schools and institutions.

There are also many opportunities to work outside of ESL teaching as an ESL teaching assistant or tutor.

Finding ESL jobs abroad can be difficult at first because there are so many options—but once you have some experience under your belt, it will become much easier to find jobs that suit your needs as well as offer good pay rates and/or benefits packages.

14. Foreign Service Officer

A Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is a government worker who works overseas. FSOs work in the State Department, US Embassy, US Consulate, and other US diplomatic missions. This field even includes secret-squirrel jobs at the CIA!

You might also hear them referred to as Foreign Service Officers or in international relations parlance as “Foreign Service Officers” or “Foreign Service Specialists”.

The average salary for foreign service travel jobs is $49,00 0 with top earners making six figures annually with experience and education being key factors that influence salary levels.

The most important thing about this job is that it will give you valuable experience abroad and make you more eligible for later jobs such as diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, and international business development positions which often pay higher salaries than traditional office jobs back home.

See Related: Best Travel Agency Blogs: Ideas to Build Your Business

15. Work on a Yacht or Sailboat

If you love the water and have a passion for adventure, becoming a sailboat crew member on a yacht might be just for you.

Getting paid to travel the world on someone else’s boat is an incredible way to make money while having fun, but it requires dedication and hard work. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to swim well since there may be times when your life depends on it!

You’ll also need good communication skills because most of these jobs are small crews made up of people who live together in close quarters. Make sure that you can get along with others before applying for any position like this!

If this seems like something that would suit your personality type—and if you’re willing to put in the training required—then we encourage you to explore these opportunities further!

See Related: Best Travel Blog Ideas to Document Your Journey

16. Au pair

Au pairing is a great way to travel and make money as you’ll get free housing. Your main responsibility will be taking care of the children in your host family’s home, but you’ll also have plenty of free time to explore on your own.

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid passport from the country you live in or where you are applying for an au pair visa.

You’ll need to pass a criminal record check as well, but because this is part-time work (usually 20 hours per week), it shouldn’t be too difficult to manage if you’re still on the job hunt or have just started working full-time.

There are many types of families who hire au pairs. Some are looking for someone who can help them with childcare while they’re out running errands during the day. Others need assistance with childcare while they take night classes or go back to school themselves.

Still, others want someone who can play with their kids after school until dinner is ready when both parents work full-time jobs outside the home during normal business hours.

You can find jobs through volunteering organizations like Help Exchange USA or by searching online for families who’ve posted ads looking for an au pair candidate like Elderhostel does in its “Passport To Adventure” section.

And there should always be more than enough opportunities out there since this type of job isn’t usually advertised publicly due to confidentiality concerns from both parties involved!

See Related: Proven Travel Agency Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business

17. Freelance Travel Writer – Another one of the Best Digital Nomad Jobs!

If you’re looking to make money while traveling the world, a freelance travel writer is a great way to go. Freelance writing can be challenging and time-consuming but it will pay off if you have a passion for sharing your experiences with others.

If you’re planning on becoming a freelance travel writer, I recommend starting with an online course like Coursera’s Travel Writing: Make Money From Your Passions. You’ll learn how to write about your travels in a captivating way that attracts readers and editors alike.

Once you’ve mastered the art of writing about your adventures, start submitting pieces to various publications in order for them to get published in their magazines or on their websites (e.g., BuzzFeed).

You can also start your own blog where people can read about all of the sights that didn’t make it into other articles!

See Related: How to Travel the World as a Virtual Assistant

18. Doctor Programs (WWOOFing, Peace Corps, Doctors Without Borders)

The Peace Corps and Doctors Without Borders are both known for their altruistic missions, but they can also be a great opportunity to earn money as you travel.

The pay rate depends on where you’re serving but is typically around $1,000 per month (which is more than enough to live off of in most places where you’ll be needed).

Nurses are able to make around this salary while working abroad with the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOFing) program.

See Related: Proven Ways to Save Money for Travel

19. Travel Vlogger

If you’re looking to make money while traveling and sharing your experiences with others, a travel vlogger is a perfect job for you.

Your options are endless here; just create a YouTube channel, blog, social media presence, podcast—the list goes on! You can even create multiple podcasts for each of these platforms to build up your audience.

The best part about being a travel vlogger? It’s fun! And any traveler with the ability to record and upload footage can do it!

So don’t be afraid to get creative with how you share your stories about all the places you’ve been and all the things that have happened on those trips.

No matter what mediums or formats you choose, showing off your unique perspective will be appreciated by viewers who wish they could see what it’s like from another point of view.

If you plan to be a travel blogger you to know travel hacks to say money and know sites like Booking.com for hotels, RentalCars.com or Kayak for renting cars, and Skyscanner for cheap flights.

See Related: How to Travel Full Time (And Make Money)

20. Bartender

Bartender work is a great option for those who want to work in the service industry, but aren’t particularly interested in being a server. Bartending is an excellent way to make money while traveling—if you’re friendly, sociable, and strong at multitasking.

Many bartenders have flexible hours and can work part-time or full-time. If you’ve never been much of a drinker yourself, this job may not be right for you: You’ll have to learn how to mix drinks for customers and manage the bar as well as serve them (and keep them from overdoing it).

See Related: Types of Concierge Services for Travel

21. Surf or Dive Instructor

Share your love of the water with others by becoming a surf or dive instructor. You can find work at resorts and diving schools around the world.

This is an ideal job for those who love the outdoors and enjoy working with people. As a surf or dive instructor, you’ll be responsible for teaching people how to safely enjoy the water. You’ll need to be certified in order to work as an instructor, but the process is relatively straightforward.

Once you’re certified, you can start applying for jobs at resorts and diving schools. And if you’re looking to travel even further, you can also apply for positions as a surf or dive instructor in other countries.

22. Street Performer – A creative travel job that’s location independent

Being a street performer is a great way to make some extra cash while traveling, and it can be a lot of fun too. Almost anyone can do it – all you need is a talent or skill that you can show off to passersby.

Whether you’re a musician, dancer, magician, or have some other type of performance art (i.e. a living statue – if you can call that art), street performing is a great way to monetize your talents.

Just remember to do some research before you start – in many cities, street performing is only allowed in certain areas, and you may need to get a permit first.

But once you’ve got all that sorted out, street performing can be a blast! Who knows, you might even make enough money to extend your travels – you might even go viral!

If you’re looking for a creative and rewarding traveling job, street performing is definitely worth considering.

23. Telemedicine Jobs

You’re a traveler at heart, and the thought of being tied down to one location for years at a time sounds like your worst nightmare. You want to see the world, but you also want to make a difference.

Luckily, there’s a growing trend (largely thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic) in the medical field that allows you to do both: telemedicine jobs.

Telemedicine is the practice of medicine executed using electronic communications, and it’s revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered. As a telemedicine doctor or nurse, you can work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

You’ll have the freedom to travel and explore new places, while also providing quality care to patients who may not otherwise have access to medical help. And with the e-medicine market expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

So if you’re looking for an online job that will allow you to see the world and make a difference, telemedicine is the way to go!

See Related: How to Build a Travel Website (And Make Money)

24. Traveling Yoga Instructor

Are you looking for an interesting and active job that will take you to exotic locations around the world? If so, you might want to consider becoming a traveling yoga instructor.

As a yoga instructor, you can work in hotels and resorts, leading classes for guests and helping them to relax and de-stress.

You can also get certified as a fitness instructor, which will allow you to teach other types of exercise classes as well. In addition, you can organize yoga retreats in other countries, providing people with the opportunity to experience meditation and mindfulness in beautiful settings.

If you love traveling and staying active, then a career as a traveling yoga instructor may be the perfect fit for you.

See Related: Best Travel Yoga Mats for Dedicated Travel Yogis

25. Ski or Snowboard Instructor – Best travel jobs for an active life outdoors

If you’re a proficient skier or snowboarder (or both) you can teach others how to enjoy the winter wonderland!

Travel nomads can find work at ski resorts around the world. This job is perfect for those who love the outdoors and enjoy being active in winter.

You’ll need to be certified in order to work as a ski or snowboard instructor, but the process is relatively straightforward. Once you’re certified, you can start applying for jobs at resorts.

And if you’re looking to travel even further, you can also apply for positions as a ski or snowboard instructor in other countries.

If you’re looking for a job that will allow you to hit the slopes and see the world, then becoming a ski or snowboard instructor is the perfect choice for you.

See Related: Best Ski Resorts in the US to Visit

26. Travel Nurse or Therapist

If you’re a registered nurse or therapist looking for an opportunity to travel and help people, you might want to consider becoming a travel nurse or travel therapist.

Travel nurses work in hospitals, clinics, disaster areas, and warzones all over the world, but they also work with travelers who need day-to-day medical assistance.

Like travel nurses, travel therapists provide therapy services all over the world to patients in a variety of settings, such as schools, community centers, and private practices.

Like telemedicine, the rise of teletherapy is at hand, so you might be able to do a lot of your work remotely if you have a laptop and a stable internet connection.

Both travel nurses and travel therapists often have the opportunity to work with a variety of different people, which can be a great way to learn new skills and expand your knowledge base.

If you’re interested in helping others while you travel, consider becoming a travel nurse or travel therapist. You’ll need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to likely qualify for nursing job opportunities. As a therapist, you will typically need to be in the same legal jurisdiction as your client to practice therapy, even teletherapy.

See Related: Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

27. Fruit Picking or Farm Work

If you’re looking for a unique way to travel the world and earn money at the same time, farm work may be the perfect option for you. This is a great way to spend part of a gap year, learning the value of a hard day’s work, and earning some scratch in a beautiful natural setting.

Farm jobs are typically seasonal, so you can easily find work that fits your travel schedule. And, since farm work is generally physical labor, it’s a great way to stay active while you’re on the road.

Plus, you’ll get to experience life in a rural community and learn about new cultures. Whether you’re interested in picking grapes in France or harvesting apples in New Zealand, farm work is a great way to see the world and earn money at the same time.

See Related: Proven Travel Agency Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business

28. Event Planner

An event planner is a great job for those who love to travel. Event planners are in charge of organizing events like weddings, parties, and business conferences. Event planners work with people from all over the world and help them to plan their dream events.

Event planners also have the opportunity to travel to new places and meet new people. This job requires you to be supremely organized, creative, and have good people skills.

Event planners also need to be able to work under pressure and have good problem-solving skills. As an event planner, you will typically work for an event planning or management company but it’s possible to also do your own freelance work, but it is essential to build a portfolio and reputation.

29. Traveling Salesperson

The old method of making money traveling is simply being a traveling salesperson. Sell products or services door-to-door or at trade shows and events. This job is perfect for those who are comfortable working on their own and living on the move.

You won’t have to work in the travel industry either. In fact, you can work in any industry you want, as every industry sells something.

This is likely going to be a full-time job but it offers the ability for you to see the world and if you like any of our online jobs or travel industry careers on this list, you can pair it together with this role.

30. Freelance Graphic Designer

Graphic designers can find work in any city but many choose to freelance so they can have the freedom to travel. Graphic designers often work on a project basis which means they can usually take on as much or as little work as they want.

This is a great job for those who are creative and have an eye for detail. As a graphic designer, you will work with clients to create visuals for their websites, logos, and marketing materials.

See Related: Best Travel Posters: Vintage, Retro & Modern Options

31. Gap Year Program Coordinator 

A gap year is traditionally a year between high school and college when students take time off to travel, work, or volunteer.

Gap year program coordinators help students plan their gap years and provide support during their travels. Gap year program coordinators typically work for gap year organizations but some also work independently.

This is a great job for those who are passionate about travel and helping others. As a gap year program coordinator, you will help students plan their gap years, choose the right programs, and provide support during their travels.

You will also have the opportunity to travel to different countries to meet with gap year students and program directors.

See Related: How to Book the Cheapest One-Way International Flights

32. Busking

Busking is one of the most ancient careers in human history. It’s a great way to make some extra money while displaying your amazing talents to the world. All you need is a willingness to perform and a great attitude. Busking is also a great way to meet new people and see new places.

Just check to see if you need permits, find the right spot, and start entertaining the masses!

33. Cryptocurrency and Day Trading

Cryptocurrency has come a long way since its beginnings. HODLing, staking, mining, generating interest (ouch…this is actually a thing), and day trading. All require a different level of expertise, time investment, and risk.

There are many methods for making money in the crypto world and some are more passive than others. Day trading is definitely not a passive income stream but it can be a lucrative one.

Day trading is the act of buying and selling a security within the same day. Traders look for opportunities to buy assets when they are undervalued and sell them when they are overvalued.

To be a successful day trader, you need to have a good understanding of the market and the assets you’re trading. You also need to be disciplined and patient. Day trading can be very risky so it’s important to only trade with money you can afford to lose.

See Related: Free Printable Travel Planner

34. Making and Selling Jewelry

This is a great job for those who are creative and have an eye for detail. As a jewelry maker, you will create unique pieces of jewelry that people will wear. You can sell your jewelry online or at craft fairs and markets.

To be successful in this career, you need to be creative and have good marketing skills. You also need to be able to find reliable suppliers of materials.

35. Boat Delivery

Boat delivery offers a great way to travel and see the world while getting paid. The pay can be very high or low, depending on the boat and the trip, but you will gain experience and have the opportunity to sail the seven oceans for free.

Getting a job in boat delivery can also lead to lucrative job opportunities in the future, so the goal should be to just get a job where one travels with a friend.

There are plenty of online job marketplaces to look for boat delivery jobs. You can also find good earning opportunities by searching for boat delivery jobs on FlexJobs.

Final Thoughts

The best way to figure out what type of travel job you want to do is by starting with something small, like taking a weekend trip somewhere close by.

Then, once you’ve gotten the hang of it and had a good time, move on to something bigger. Whether it be through WWOOFing programs or other organizations like Doctors Without Borders, there are so many opportunities out there for people who have the desire and passion for exploring our world.

There you have it – the best travel jobs to make money. So what are you waiting for? Land your dream job and start traveling the world today.

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