10 travel jobs to make money while exploring the world

If you’re looking to combine travel with work, if you’re looking for more flexibility, there are plenty of jobs out there that allow you to earn money while traveling the world. I’ve listed 10 of them, check them out!

1. Freelance Writing and Blogging

If you enjoy writing and have been looking to get into editing and blogging, whether it’s travel blogging or just general writing, there are plenty of ways you can make money by creating content for websites, magazines or your own website or blog. You can write from pretty much anywhere. I’ve worked from pick-up trucks, river beds, and huts in the mountains. Nothing can stop a dedicated freelancer and their laptop. You can either try to make money through affiliate marketing and ad revenue, or look for clients and bill them for your work.

2. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

This one might be a bit tricky. I know it’s a popular choice for long-term travelers, but it has its own limitations. Teaching English abroad is a popular choice for people looking to travel the world. With a TEFL certification, you can find teaching jobs in schools, and language centers or even offer private tutoring sessions. It’s also worth noting that teaching English in Asian countries, for instance, might involve visa restrictions. Many countries are trying to limit the number of unskilled, unqualified travelers who visit their countries with the “excuse” of being teachers.

3. Tech jobs

There’s a whole area of work that’s perfect for people who want to work remotely, such as web development, graphic design, and software engineering. There are lots of companies abroad offering fully remote positions, but unfortunately, the number of job listings has decreased over time. This is despite the big post-Covid boom in remote positions. These roles usually come with a good salary and the option to work from anywhere, too.

4. Digital Marketing

If tech isn’t your thing, that’s okay. It’s totally fine not to want to be a travel blogger. But if you want to stay in the field of media, you might want to look into digital marketing, SEO and social media management. This way, you can travel and blog without having to be the face of it. Many businesses are looking for remote workers who can help them build their online presence. LinkedIn and Upwork are great places to start.

5. Tour Guide

You don’t have to be glued to your laptop 24/7 just because you’re working while traveling! There are lots of physical jobs you can do without having to stick to one city. If you’re a people person who gets on well with large groups, you might want to think about becoming a guide. There’s nothing better than making money while exploring the historical centers of your favorite cities. You can work for a tour company or even set up your own business. Working for hotels or hostels is often a good option!

6. Travel Photography

If you’re a photography whizz, travel photography can be a great way to express your creativity and earn some money at the same time. You can sell your photos to stock image websites, magazines, or directly to clients. Building up a portfolio and a strong social media presence can also help you get paid assignments.

7. House Sitting and Pet Sitting

Perfect for animal lovers! House and pet sitting is another way young people and young couples can travel to different parts of the world without spending a lot of money. House sitters usually get free accommodation, or just pay the bills and minimum expenses. The same goes for pet sitting. Many people advertise on specialized websites or Facebook looking for someone to take over their house during the holidays in exchange for walking the dog or changing the cat’s litter. You have to take care of the animals, but they won’t take up all your time, so you can explore the city.

8. Flight attendants

A classic, every kid’s dream. If you decide to become a flight attendant, you’ll get to fly multiple times a week and see the world while you do that. The job itself can be challenging and it might be difficult to be hired, but once you’re in, you’ll enjoy free or discounted flights offered by the airline.

9. Embark on a cruise ship

I remember that was a pretty popular choice at the time, when I was in high school. A lot of people I knew went to work on ships after graduation. Working on cruise ships is a great way to travel the world while earning money and meeting people. Whatever your area of expertise is, you’ll find a place for it on a ship. You can choose to work in hospitality, entertainment, fitness, or even childcare. One of the benefits of cruise ship jobs is that they often include accommodation and meals. It’s not the right choice for everyone. Being away from home for months on end can feel lonely and make you feel trapped. It’s not the easiest career path, and it’s not for everyone.

10. Working as an Au Pair

What exactly is an au pair? An au pair is usually a young man or woman who lives with a host family to provide childcare and help with light household tasks. They’re basically like live-in nannies, but they earn less. To become an au pair, you’ll usually need to be between 18 and 30 years old, have some childcare experience, a clean criminal record, and usually some sort of formal education. If you decide to apply online, it’s important to make sure your profile looks trustworthy to parents. After all, they’re trusting you with their family home and their children.