Depending on where you live in the world, you might only get between 15-30 annual leave days per year.
Some countries don’t even offer paid vacation time which sucks!
If, like us, you’ve got a huge bucket list of amazing places to visit around the world, then it’s impossible to prioritise where you’d like to visit during your limited time off each year.
But what if you could work remotely and explore the world as you go?
Luckily, that’s not only possible but is actually extremely common as there are plenty of awesome jobs that you can travel with!
This article is going to dive into the best travel jobs out there and take a look at the income range and requirements for each one.
Travel and work don't have to be mutually exclusive, so let’s see which option suits you the best!
First up ...
Many people think it’s impossible to work and travel around the world at the same time - but we’re living proof that’s just not true!
Understandably, having the freedom and flexibility to travel whilst making an income is high on many people’s agenda.
Especially after the past few years (which I’m not going to mention how awful they’ve been), people are really starting to reconsider their careers and alternative job possibilities.
This is because many jobs have now switched to remote whereas beforehand, these positions were only ever deemed possible as an on-location position - so for example, office work etc.
Now, however, there are plenty of remote jobs out there which allow you to travel whilst making an income.
They all require the same things - determination, work ethic, and commitment.
You also need to be prepared to upskill yourself and of course, have a dream so you’re passionate about this way of life!
Cazzy and I graduated university back in 2016 and immediately set off on a whirlwind 4 month trip of South America.
It was amazing, but once we returned home, we had spent almost all our savings but now had this burning desire to continue traveling.
Over the next 6 years, we have done a number of online jobs, mostly based around freelance copywriting in order to fund out travels around cheaper destinations in Asia.
All the while growing Dream Big, Travel Far into the site it is today.
It's now one of the world's largest travel blogs, offering us the freedom and flexibility to travel constantly all whilst working as remote digital nomads.
But our story is not unique in any way, and along our travels we have met countless people (both online and in person) living nomadic lifestyles that involve large amounts of travel each year.
And the following showcases just how diverse these jobs can be.
I would certainly not say everyone should start a travel blog, and neither is it the only way to make money traveling.
So, there are three main types of travel jobs that can help support your travels.
I’m going to dive into each one here and break down the differences so you’ve got a rough idea of which type suits you the most!
A digital nomad is essentially anyone who works from a computer and requires access to the internet.
This could be anything from teaching English online to being a virtual assistant, so there’s no limit to what you can do.
In my opinion, digital nomad travel jobs offer the ultimate flexibility as you can work from anywhere in the world. You can literally choose your own travel itinerary like we’ve done with our epic road trips.
Not only that, but you can work on your own schedule and as little or often as you’d like. Many of the popular digital nomad destinations like Bali and Thailand also offer co-working spaces, working cafes, and shared hostel areas with fantastic Wi-Fi.
For these types of jobs, it’s essential you have a great-quality laptop but don’t worry as there are lots of excellent options out there.
We’ve actually already detailed the best travel laptops on our blog if you want to take a look!
If you’d prefer to not work on a computer then this option may be more suited to you!
Believe it or not, there are actually jobs that PAY you to travel which sounds like a dream right?
This includes working as a flight attendant or on a cruise as a bartender, entertainer, or cabin steward.
You’ll essentially work throughout your dedicated working hours, and then once you’re finished you’re able to explore the area you’re travelling in.
Many people prefer this type of work as it offers a salary, FREE hotel and cabin stays, and is more ‘secure’ than freelancing or being self-employed.
However, just keep in mind it’s still the same principle as a 9-5 but you can explore during your downtime.
These job positions don’t offer nearly as much flexibility as digital nomad travel jobs, and still require a lot of time commitments. You also won’t have much time off either!
Though, if you're simply looking for jobs that let you travel these types of careers are still a fantastic option.
Many travellers like to get jobs as they travel to offset their costs.
This often includes positions like bartending, working at a hostel, or being an Au Pair in a specific location.
Seasonal jobs are also a great option if you’re travelling on a budget and include fruit picking, ski resorts, and working on the fishing rigs.
These positions often don’t require any previous experience and are temporary which makes them perfect for travellers that are always on the road.
Just keep in mind that this is typically only effective when travelling through cheap continents like Asia, Central America, and South America.
The pay for these positions often isn’t great although many do pay cash in hand (shush).
This isn’t a problem if you’re paying $5 a night for a hostel in Thailand but becomes an issue if you’re trying to pay for accommodation in more expensive countries like Australia.
Job Income: $0.01 - $1.00 per word
Requirements: Laptop, can write in the English language (depending on the employer), great writing skills, knowledge of SEO (in some cases), WiFi
This is without a doubt one of the easiest ways to become a digital nomad! It allows plenty of flexibility as you can take on as much work as you want (or as little), leaving plenty of time to explore the destinations you travel to.
This is actually how we actually funded our travels before the blog took off!
Similarly, you can also choose to be a travel writer for other publications which is HIGH in demand right now.
Not only can you travel yourself, but you’ll also get to write about other destinations and add these places to your ever-growing bucket list.
As you can see above, there’s a wide range of pay as what you earn depends heavily on several factors; such as experience in that industry.
The best way to get started is often writing articles on your own blog for the experience (if you have one), or creating a portfolio that you can show to clients.
Now, you can find your clients on Facebook groups like DNW - Making Money from Blogging and Make Traffic Happen - SEO & Social Media Support, as you’ll find plenty of listings from bloggers who are looking for a ghostwriter!
Another way to find work is to check some of the relevant job boards including Freelancewriting.com, Problogger.com, and Freelancewritinggigs.com.
Job income: $1,000 - $20,000 per month
Requirements: Laptop, writing experience, knowledge about SEO and websites, a camera/phone for taking images, WiFi
Being a travel blogger is a dream for many, and it’s not hard to see why!
Although we may be biased - we absolutely love being travel bloggers as it’s allowed us to see so much of the world whilst working a job we adore!
However, it doesn’t appeal to everyone and understandably so as it requires years of hard work. You’ll also need to be prepared to put in the time to learn, as there’s a lot to know about.
Being a travel blogger allows you to earn passive income through advertising and affiliate marketing if you’ve got plenty of monthly viewers.
This is why there’s such a HUGE range of income, as it all depends on how many readers your travel blog has.
Some travel bloggers will also get invited to destinations by tourism boards and can make money from sponsored posts and photography too.
There are plenty of awesome companies out there where you can start your own blog including Wordpress, Squarespace, and Webflow. You can work with the templates already there or create your own depending on who you use!
Of course, if travel blogging itself doesn’t appeal to you then the same goes for being a mommy blogger, or a food blogger.
This can be one of the highest-paying travel jobs out there if you've got the right audience but it's not easy!
Job Income: $1,000-$3,000 per month (depending on the country)
Requirements: Laptop, TEFL certification course, WiFi, speaking fluent English, some companies require a degree
One of the most popular ways to make money whilst travelling is by teaching English online.
You can do this from anywhere in the world as long as you’ve got a very strong WiFi connection, and many of the lessons are only 30 minutes to an hour long.
All you need is a laptop, which is where you’ll teach English to children over zoom or skype calls.
If you’re looking to teach online there are endless TEFL companies available to help you start your journey including Cambly, Tutor.com, and English Hunt.
Just keep in mind that each company may have a specific set of requirements like being a U.S citizen or a minimum amount of work hours.
Job Income: $20 - $80 per hour
Requirements: laptop, WiFi, fluent in other languages, a degree (in some cases)
If you’re looking for jobs where you can travel, have you ever considered being an online translator?
For this type of work, you’ll need to be fluent in at least one other language, with the most profitable language translations being Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese to English.
If you are, there are endless opportunities for an online translator ranging from books to websites, so there’s a HUGE variety.
The most popular ways to get started include starting your own website, working with traditional agencies, or signing up with online agencies such as Gengo!
Job Income: $15 - $40 per hour
Requirements: Laptop, WiFi, software programs (depending on what you do)
Another great option if you’re looking to make money whilst travelling is to become a virtual assistant or VA for short.
There’s no specific skill set for this job position, as it could include a variety of different roles.
Essentially, you’ll be providing a service to a company from a remote position whether that is social media management, email management, or content creation.
Even if you have no experience, many of the tasks VAs do are often things you’ll do for yourself anyway like checking emails and finding the best hashtags for an Instagram post.
The best way to get started is by checking Facebook groups like DNW - Making Money from Blogging and Make Traffic Happen - SEO & Social Media Support.
You can also take a look at freelance websites such as Upwork and Flexjobs!
Job Income: $1,000 - $4,000 per month
Requirements: Laptop, Zoom or Skype, WiFi, necessary certifications e.g if you’re deciding to include meal plans in your services
There are plenty of jobs which allow you to travel but not many people consider a fitness instructor to be one of these careers!
However, it’s one of the BEST options out there for a digital nomad if you have the right experience and certifications.
There’s also lots of flexibility in how you want to run your business, whether that be monthly packages, zoom PT sessions, or creating a workout/meal plan.
Previous experience in a gym setting is beneficial, and you may need specific nutrition and fitness certifications if you’re planning to include meal plans etc in your packages.
The best way to get started is by setting up your own website, as this gives you complete flexibility over what you want to offer!
Job Income: $3,000 - $6,000 per month
Requirements: Laptop, WiFi, certification (in some cases)
If you’re looking for careers that allow you to travel, the likelihood is that you want to see the world.
What better job to have, than being an online travel agent where you can help people do the same!
Many people don’t like to organise their own trips, and this is where you come in. You’ll take a brief outline of what the client wants and then book all logistics including transport, accommodation, activities etc.
You can either work for a large travel agency where you’ll get all the perks, or you can work independently once you have the experience.
If you’re looking to start up with a company then one of the best options is Dream Vacations as they will offer you all the training and tools you’ll need.
Job Income: $1,000 - $10,000 per month
Requirements: Laptop, editing software, camera, equipment such as a tripod and gimbal
Being a freelance photographer is undoubtedly one of the BEST travel jobs out there, and is a dream for many!
You’ll often be paid to travel to destinations by tourism boards or tour operators, and then you’ll give them high-quality content in return.
The great thing about being a freelance photographer is that you can niche down too whether that be luxury travel, adventure travel, or a specific part of the world.
The best way to get started is to pick up your camera and practice every day! You’ll also want to build a website where you can sell prints and create a portfolio that you can show to clients.
You’ve got the option of stock photography, sponsored social media posts, and drone photography too.
For those who want to up their game, here are some fantastic online photography courses that you can take...
Job Income: $1,000 - $25,000+ per month
Requirements: Laptop, editing software, camera, equipment such as a tripod and gimbal
This is another fantastic option if you own a great quality camera and some fancy equipment!
Whether you’re looking to produce travel videos, create content around food or products, or become a remote filmmaker - there are endless opportunities.
Of course, if you’re looking to produce short films then that’s likely to be much more lucrative.
The best way to start is to invest in a camera and editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro. Then, get out there and shoot some footage that you can bring together in a project.
There are plenty of platforms where you can show off your skill set including Tik Tok, Instagram reels, and Youtube (but we’ll dive into that in a minute).
You’ll also want to create a website and a portfolio that’s easy for clients to find!
Job Income: $1,000 - $20,000 per month
Requirements: Laptop, editing software, camera, equipment such as a tripod and gimbal
Although we’re travel bloggers, we’ve recently fallen in love with YouTube and travel vlogging!
It’s a great way to showcase your travels, create memories and videos you can reminisce on, and build up a fantastic audience that loves the same things as you do!
There are plenty of travel vloggers out there, and many of them get paid to visit destinations and shoot content for their audience.
However, just keep in mind that it’s not a cheap career as you’ll need to invest in a good quality camera and microphone, as well as other videography equipment too.
If you don’t want travel vlogging to be your full-time job, you can also think of it as a side hustle or a way to promote another business.
This goes for other niches too like food, fashion, gaming, and tech!
Job Income: $1,000 - $4,000 per month
Requirements: Laptop, editing software, specialised software, advanced skill set
Another lucrative way to make money whilst travelling is by getting into website and graphic design!
It’s one of the most popular options for digital nomads, and there are plenty of great boot camps that can teach you all the skills you need including the Institute of Code.
You’ll just need to invest in some specialised software first including Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Illustrator among others!
Although website development and graphic design are different, they often go hand in hand which is why I’ve grouped them together.
To find these projects, you’ll want to search on websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Hired.
Job Income: $1,000 - $3,500 per month
Requirements: Prior experience for some positions, but it's generally not needed for many roles
If you’re looking for jobs that require international travel with no experience, then I’d recommend working on a cruise ship or a yacht.
The positions include entertainers, chefs, childcare, and bar staff - so there’s something for everyone!
If you’re a cruise ship worker or you get a job on a yacht, all your accommodation, food, transport, and insurance are generally covered. This means you’re literally getting PAID to travel!
However, just keep in mind that it’s still the same principle as your 9-5 so doesn’t offer as much flexibility.
The best way to find yacht or cruise ship jobs is by looking on websites such as All Cruise Jobs, The Crew Network, and Ya Crew.
Job Income: $1,000 - $3,000 per month
Requirements: No specific requirements apart from training and enhanced background checks
When people think about paying travel jobs, the first one that often springs to mind is a flight attendant.
This career offers you the chance to explore the world, with a ton of great perks too including FREE or discounted flights, hotel discounts, and expense reimbursements.
When it comes to finding flight attendant jobs, there are a couple of options! You can either look on general job sites like Indeed or there are specific websites for this position.
This includes the likes of All Flying Jobs and Airline Career. Depending on your location, you can also search the specific airline companies to see whether they’re taking on recruits.
Job Income: $1,000 - $3,500 per month
Requirements: No previous experience needed or requirements, just training
If you’re a confident individual and you love connecting with like-minded people then why not become a tour leader?
There are plenty of fantastic companies out there like Intro Travel, Intrepid Travel, and One Life Adventures that all employ tour leaders to show a group of travellers around a country.
You don’t need to be local either, as many tour operators will also have a local guide with you throughout the trip.
This is a great way to see a country, and all expenses will be covered during the tour.
Job Income: $1,500 - $3,000 per month (depending on the country)
Requirements: TEFL certificate, a degree (in some cases), fluent in English
If you don’t like the idea of working online, then you can teach English abroad instead!
The same as working online, you’ll require a TEFL certificate before you apply for any positions, and some schools may want you to be degree-level educated.
However, once you’re good to go there are a ton of fantastic opportunities waiting for you.
My TEFL is a great place to start as they’ve got a list of job positions in a variety of different countries.
Once you’ve found your ideal destination, the process is pretty simple and many schools will offer you an interview straight away.
If you've dreamed of being an English teacher but you still want to travel the world on a regular basis then this is the perfect option!
Job Income: $7 - $10 an hour
Requirements: No necessary requirements
If you’re just looking for a simple on-the-go travel job, then working at a hostel is a great option!
It usually includes roles like working on reception, minding the bar, and housekeeping so there’s plenty to be getting on with.
Although it’s not the most glamorous of jobs, your accommodation is sometimes included or at least heavily discounted.
There are also plenty of job positions to be found throughout the world, so make sure you check out websites like Hostel Jobs and World Packers.
This travel job is extremely popular with budget backpackers and nomads, and is a fantastic way to offset costs while you travel.
Job Income: $1,000 - $2,500 per month
Requirements: No necessary requirements
Similar to getting a hostel job, bartending is another great way to make money on the road.
It’s one of the best jobs that you can travel with, as there are endless bars and pubs throughout the world. You can literally hop from place to place, and see the world as you go.
Luckily, there are lots of fantastic websites out there that can help you find a paid bartending position. This includes Ace Working Holidays, Gap 360, and Summer Tribe.
There’s generally no previous experience required, and you’ll get to meet lots of new people along the way.
Job Income: $1,000 - $4,000 per month
Requirements: A variety of certifications including a PADI Divemaster course.
If you’re a fan of the ocean and nature, then becoming a scuba diving instructor is the perfect job for you!
There’s demand for it on every continent, and you could easily jump from country to country and follow the seasons.
This is undoubtedly, one of the BEST travel jobs out there, although it does require some upfront costs and dedication as you’ll need to log a certain amount of hours in the water first!
You’ll find plenty of websites offering job roles across the country too so make sure you check out Beach Jobs, Dive Zone, and Scuba Jobs Worldwide.
Job Income: $500 - $4,000 per month
Requirements: Experience with children, aged 18-26, and have a 12-month commitment. Here are the full requirements as there are too many to list!
Although this job may not be for everyone, there are plenty of great Au Pair opportunities to be found across the world.
An Au Pair is essentially a live-in nanny or babysitter, who will help look after the little ones, do some household chores, and help teach them English if that’s a requirement.
The best option if you’re searching for jobs is AuPair.com, as they feature positions all across the world.
Just make sure you check the requirements as each listing will have a different salary, time period, and number of children to look after.
Job Income: $1,000 - $,5000 per month
Requirements: Varies depending on which position you pick, although many don’t require any experience
If you’d prefer to be flexible, and work in a variety of environments then seasonal work is the way forward!
This type of work includes ski resorts, fruit picking, and fishing rigs just to name a few, and the opportunities will depend on which country you’re travelling through and the season.
Not only does the type of work vary, but so does the pay so just keep this in mind. However, doing seasonal jobs is one of the BEST ways to see the world.
There are lots of great websites where you can find seasonal job listings too, including Seasonal Jobs Abroad, Anywork Anywhere, and the Overseas Job Centre.
Before you decide on whether to work abroad or not there are a couple of things you should consider.
Now, this may be the more ‘boring’ side of working remotely but they are vital factors to think about!
The type of visa you require whilst travelling will depend on what type of job you’re looking to do.
However, the standard option is the working holiday visa. This allows you to live and work in countries such as Australia, Canada, and Japan for up to 12 months.
Although this is only a recent thing, many countries are now offering digital nomad visas too which is INSANE!
This means you’ll be covered if you want to work remotely from your laptop, and is perfect for people always on the move!
Here are a few more countries offering longer term visas (accurate at the time of writing, be sure to check):
These exact requirements and allowances may differ heavily depending on which country you're a native resident of so just keep that in mind.
For more information, just check the government website of each country you’re thinking of travelling to. This will tell you whether they offer a digital nomad visa or not.
There’s also some helpful information about digital nomad visas on Visa Guide and Investopedia!
Although many people don’t like to spend their money on travel insurance it’s an absolute must!
It covers you for medical care, flight or hotel cancellations, and any baggage losses - although if you have lots of equipment you’ll probably want a separate gadget cover.
Working remotely can be a bit of a grey area when it comes to insurance, so you need to make sure you’re reading the terms and conditions thoroughly.
We’ve actually compared travel insurance providers already if you aren’t sure where to start.
However, Safetywing and World Nomads are generally the two most popular options!
Safetywing also has an insurance policy tailored specifically towards digital nomads which covers you in every country in the world.
There are plenty of jobs that allow you to travel but it’s important to think about your work/life balance.
If you’re keen to get away from your 9-5 job because you don’t have enough time to travel, then working as a flight attendant or on a cruise ship may not be the best thing for you.
You’ll still be subject to long working hours and you’ll only have a limited amount of time to explore, for example, your days off or evenings.
However, getting a digital nomad job allows you complete flexibility over your working schedule and allows you to earn passive income in some cases.
This means you can literally earn cash whilst out snorkelling, meeting up with friends, or dining at some of the local restaurants.
Choosing where to work is another HUGE factor you need to take into consideration.
Nearly everyone has a country they’d love to live in one day, but you also need to think about the cost of living and your monthly income.
For example, Switzerland is a country high on many people’s bucket lists but it’s not a cheap destination to stay in. If you live in the United Kingdom, these are the types of price differences you’re looking at!
Whereas, if you decide to stay in Bali instead (so Indonesia) you’ll get a huge bang for your buck.
To calculate these for yourself you can just take a look at Expatistan or My Life Elsewhere.
Now, this is a tough one to answer as all remote positions have an income range dependent on experience and skills.
However, some of the most lucrative travel jobs out there include being a freelance travel photographer, an online travel agent, and of course, travel bogging.
There are plenty of ways to travel the world for ‘FREE’ but you will incur costs along the way including flights, food, and public transport.
However, you’ve always got ways to offset these costs like working remotely and using house-sitting websites. Although if you can be paid to travel or make money whilst travelling- you’ve got a steady income to get you by!
There are endless jobs that allow you to travel, but some give you more opportunities than others.
If you’re looking to travel a lot then your best options include becoming a flight attendant, working on a cruise ship, or being a tour leader. Travel blogging also offers a ton of opportunities to move around a lot.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually NEED a degree to travel! Local travel jobs especially don’t require a high education level - just your skills.
However, if you’re looking to become a digital nomad then degrees involving marketing, website & graphic design, and business studies are always a great option.
As you can see there are so many different ways to work and travel at the same time!
The question is what type of travel job do you think is most suited to you?
This all depends on what skills you have, whether you’d like to work in a specific location, or you’re looking for a position that actually pays you to travel.
Although we may be biased - we absolutely love being travel bloggers as it’s allowed us to see so much of the world whilst working a job we adore!
There are so many options out there though so you’re guaranteed to find something suited to you!
What are you waiting for?
If you're interested in some of these travel jobs then here are some other guides that you may find helpful:
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