1. ESL teacher
These gigs easier to find in some countries than others, and requirements vary from a bachelor’s degree in any field to a master’s in education plus TESL certification. Based on my personal experience, finding a job in Korea was the easiest and in many ways (when cost of living is taken into account) the best paying. Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam are also popular options.
South and Central American countries want ESL teachers, but getting the visa is a bit tougher than it is in Asia. There are plenty of gigs in Europe as well, but in general the requirements are more strict.
South and Central American countries want ESL teachers, but getting the visa is a bit tougher than it is in Asia. There are plenty of gigs in Europe as well, but in general the requirements are more strict.
2. Freelance writer / photographer
This may mean travel writer, but it doesn’t have to.
Let’s say you were a banker; why not start submitting articles to finance mags and journals? The point is to become location independent, and you don’t have to write about travel to do so.
Let’s say you were a banker; why not start submitting articles to finance mags and journals? The point is to become location independent, and you don’t have to write about travel to do so.
3. Travel nurse
Who qualifies to be a travel nurse? According to TravelNursing.com:
Registered nurses in most specialties
Dialysis nurses
Nurse practitioners
Advance practice nurses
LPNs/LVNs with 6 years of recent experience
Radiologic technologists Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Speech language pathologists
Nurse Managers
Other allied health care specialties
The pay and benefits are great, assignments can be long or short-term, and in many cases, housing is provided.
Dialysis nurses
Nurse practitioners
Advance practice nurses
LPNs/LVNs with 6 years of recent experience
Radiologic technologists Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Speech language pathologists
Nurse Managers
Other allied health care specialties
The pay and benefits are great, assignments can be long or short-term, and in many cases, housing is provided.
4. Travel agent
Because travel agents work as a middleman between travelers and hotels / airlines / tourism bureaus, they must typically have firsthand knowledge of what they’re trying to sell, which means visiting plenty of new places. Future travel agents have several options as far as education; most travel agencies prefer some sort of training, which may come from a vocational or technical school, a community college, or a university.
5. Tour guide
This is one of those travel jobs for someone who’s figured out that “home” isn’t necessarily where they were born. If you’re in a place far from your home country that you chose because something about the culture, people, music, food, etc. just spoke to you, what better way to earn a living than by sharing that passion with others?
One option for wannabe tour guides is to seek out a tour company in the area and apply for work. While in many cases it may be necessary that you’re fluent in the local language, speaking English can definitely be an advantage, as many of your clients will likely speak it as well. Another option is to work as a freelance guide, particularly if you have a niche or specialty area, such as local cuisine or outdoor activities.
6. Navy sailor
Doesn’t matter how the economy’s doing; the military is always hiring. While there are many reasons why this isn’t the best option for everyone, the positives of being a Navy sailor are that you’ll be taken care of as far as health benefits and insurance, and you’ll absolutely get to see the world.
7. Cruise ship gigs
Okay, so you have no clue how to sail a boat. But unless you’re prone to seasickness, cruise ships offer dozens of on-the-water travel jobs with widely varying educational and experience requirements. A few examples:
Broadcast technician
Sound technician
Production manager
Electrician
Casino dealer
Masseuse
Chef
Line cook
Bartender Waiter/Waitress
Cleaning and maintenance crew
Inventory manager
Hotel manager
Diving instructor
Childcare worker
Musician
Dancer
Entertainer/Performer
There’s a ton more. I mean, Royal Caribbean is looking for a Cupcake Supervisor. Chances are you’ll be able to find something you’re qualified to do on a ship.
Sound technician
Production manager
Electrician
Casino dealer
Masseuse
Chef
Line cook
Bartender Waiter/Waitress
Cleaning and maintenance crew
Inventory manager
Hotel manager
Diving instructor
Childcare worker
Musician
Dancer
Entertainer/Performer
There’s a ton more. I mean, Royal Caribbean is looking for a Cupcake Supervisor. Chances are you’ll be able to find something you’re qualified to do on a ship.
8. Flight attendant
Salaries for air cabin crew members vary enormously based on the airline and experience, but in most cases you can expect to start higher than minimum wage. As a newbie, you’ll have fewer options as far as your schedule, number of flight hours, and the destinations you visit.
The good news: If you’re at least 21, aren’t what might be classified as “extremely” short or tall, and have a clean criminal background, you’re probably good to go. Some airlines may prefer you have some sort of degree, but it’s rarely required.
9. Ethnomusicologist
This was offered as a bachelor’s degree option back when I was earning my bachelor’s in music, and if I could rewind time I might consider it more carefully. Ethnomusicology is the study of music and cultures, and those in the field travel extensively to record sounds and music at the source for research. Knowledge and passion for both music history and audio recording is necessary for this job.
10. Missionary
The big requirement here is that you’re a Christian who wishes to travel for the purpose of evangelizing and providing humanitarian services. Depending on the church or board you seek employment with, a bachelor’s degree may be required. There is pay involved, although you will be constantly working to raise more money for your projects. Both short and long-term mission trips are typically available.
