Buzz
If you're tired of the dull and repetitive office routine, stuck behind a desk all day, consider finding a job that lets you travel. There are many ways to secure a mobile job, such as working in the tourism industry, joining an international organization, or teaching abroad. Reflect on your skills and choose a job that aligns with your interests, allowing you to earn while exploring the world!
Steps to follow
Work in the tourism industry
Becoming a flight attendant to travel the world is part of your job. Flight attendants travel to various destinations every day, often staying overnight in new and exciting locations. They also enjoy a high income and attractive perks like discounted flights. Experience in service or customer care can help you secure a flight attendant role.
- Requirements for flight attendants can vary between airlines. In general, you must be in good health, able to stand for long periods, and reach overhead compartments.
- Many airlines post flight attendant job openings on their websites. Search online for job opportunities with airlines operating at local airports.
- Keep in mind that flight attendants typically work irregular hours, especially when starting out, and you won’t be able to choose your destinations once the plane departs.
Tip: Additional skills such as knowing a foreign language, CPR, and first aid can also help you become a flight attendant.
Working on a cruise ship allows you to travel the world while enjoying free room and board. A job on a cruise ship gives you the chance to explore the world full-time, with a salary and free accommodations on board. Search online for cruise ship job opportunities that match your experience and interests.
- Cruise ships are like small floating cities, so you can find nearly every job imaginable on board. From restaurant staff to entertainers, there is a constant demand for experienced professionals on cruise ships.
- Keep in mind that working on a cruise ship isn't all fun and games. You'll often work long hours and be on a challenging schedule. However, the reward is the opportunity to visit far-flung ports of call across the globe.
- Most cruises depart from major ports, so if you don't live in a port city, you'll need to travel there to begin your work on the ship.
Become a travel agent to score great travel and accommodation deals. If you've spent a lot of time exploring different destinations, you'd excel as a travel agent. Travel agents provide clients with expert advice on accommodations, dining, entertainment, and popular attractions.
- Although travel agents don't get paid to travel the world, they often receive perks such as hotel discounts and tour deals, which they can offer to clients. As a travel agent, you'll also learn how to find the best airfare for destinations around the world.
- With the rise of online booking websites and travel comparison platforms, the travel agent profession has seen a decline in recent years. However, many people still trust travel agents for their expertise in finding the best travel options.
Become a tour guide if you have communication skills and knowledge of local landmarks. Working for a large travel company allows you to lead groups to various tourist destinations. Alternatively, you can start your own journey and seek local guide jobs wherever you travel.
- To be a successful tour guide, you'll need local knowledge, including the area's history. If you're not familiar with a place, do your research before starting as a tour guide.
- Remember that tour guide work is typically seasonal. You may be lucky to find local tour guide jobs during peak tourist seasons.
- You must be able to manage large groups and engage them with your tours to succeed in this role.
Work for international organizations
If you live in the United States, you can join the Peace Corps to assist those less fortunate in developing countries. The Peace Corps is a government aid organization that U.S. citizens can join. Visit the Peace Corps website at https://www.peacecorps.gov/ to learn about the steps to join and the roles you might be assigned.
- Keep in mind that working for the Peace Corps is the opposite of luxury travel. You may be assigned to a remote area with limited infrastructure. Additionally, don't expect to earn a lot of money; you'll receive modest housing and income, as this job is more about giving than earning.
- Individuals who complete a Peace Corps assignment also receive priority hiring opportunities from the U.S. State Department when they return to the United States. This is a great option if you aspire to become a diplomat or work in foreign affairs abroad.
Become a foreign diplomat to represent your country abroad. Diplomats travel and live overseas, representing their countries on issues such as immigration, diplomacy, and international aid. Check online for the requirements for diplomatic positions and apply for available roles.
- Each country has different requirements for diplomatic positions. Generally, you'll need to pass a professional exam to prove that you're qualified to represent your nation before considering a career in the country's foreign ministry.
- For example, if you're a U.S. citizen, you can find job openings and requirements on the U.S. State Department website at https://careers.state.gov/learn/who-we-are/cocate-of-leadership/.
Work with a non-governmental organization (NGO) to travel the world and provide humanitarian aid. Numerous international NGOs and nonprofit organizations offer opportunities to travel and assist with critical issues like human rights and disaster relief. Different NGOs seek various professionals, so research to find an organization that suits you.
- Examples of NGOs include Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
- Having a background in healthcare or social services can be beneficial for working with NGOs. For instance, Doctors Without Borders often recruits medical professionals or medical students to provide healthcare in remote communities or disaster-stricken areas.
Warning
Working for a foreign aid organization will be physically and mentally challenging. You often have to confront harsh realities like conflict and disease, and be deployed to regions with limited basic necessities. However, if you're prepared for the job, you truly can make a difference in the lives of many people around the world.
Take on other types of work
Become an au pair if you love taking care of children. An au pair is an international nanny who lives with a family abroad and takes care of their children. Numerous online platforms help connect au pairs with families worldwide.
- The pay for au pairs varies depending on the country and the program you join. At the very least, you'll receive room and board at the family's home, along with a small stipend to cover personal expenses.
- One of the perks of being an au pair is that families often take you along on their travels to look after their children. You can also use your free weekends to explore the country you're working in or even visit nearby countries.
Teach English abroad if English is your native language. Earning a certification like TEFL or TESOL can boost your chances of landing a job. There's high demand for English teachers in many countries, so plenty of opportunities are available depending on where you wish to go.
- Asian countries like South Korea and Japan are known for offering high salaries and even providing housing for English teachers. Consider looking for job opportunities in these countries if you're seeking a rewarding experience living abroad.
- If you hold a Bachelor's degree and teaching experience, you’ll likely earn a higher salary while teaching English.
Become a translator if you are fluent in more than one language. Apply to language service providers to travel the world and assist people with communication. Computer and business skills can also help you secure translation work, in addition to knowing at least two languages.
- The countries with the most language service providers include the United Kingdom, United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic.
Become a travel writer if you have a passion for writing and exploring the world. The simplest way to become a travel writer is to freelance. Many publications will pay for articles about new, trending destinations or hidden gems rarely visited by tourists.
- To become a freelance travel writer, you can search for opportunities on websites or reach out to editors of prominent publications such as The New York Times, Conde Nast, and National Geographic.
- Travel writing is a highly sought-after job, but it can be inconsistent. You’ll often work on a project basis, and having savings to fund your trips will be necessary.
Tip: Another way to make money as a travel writer is to start your own travel blog and earn income by placing paid advertisements and affiliate links on your blog.
