Learn how to get paid to travel the world. Explore travel-related careers and travel jobs that require travel and pay well.
Ever dreamt of swapping your office chair for a hammock in Bali or a café in Paris? You’re not alone.
In 2024, the travel and tourism industry contributed a staggering $10.9 trillion to the global GDP and supported 357 million jobs worldwide, accounting for approximately 1 in 10 jobs globally.
In the U.S., the travel industry directly employed 8 million Americans and supported nearly 15 million jobs. So, if you’re wondering, “How can I get paid to travel the world?” or “Can I get paid to travel the world?“, the answer is a resounding yes!
Let’s dive into some of the best jobs that require travel and pay well to satisfy your wanderlust and pay the bills.
Table of Contents
Jobs That Require Travel and Pay Well
Wondering how to get paid to travel? If you’re looking for a way to travel and see the world, these tourism jobs that allow you to travel might be just what you’re looking for.
🧑💻Travel Agent: Planning Others’ Adventures
Travel agents help clients plan trips, from flights to accommodations. A travel agent’s role is a cornerstone of travel and tourism career opportunities, offering insights into global destinations.
With the rise of online booking, niche markets like luxury travel advisor jobs or adventure travel jobs are thriving. For those seeking remote tourism jobs, many agencies now operate virtually, providing flexibility.
It’s also a viable option for those exploring jobs that include travel, as agents often partake in familiarization (FAM) trips to learn first-hand about new destinations and promote them to their customers.
How to get started: Gain experience in customer service, consider certification programs, and specialize in a travel niche.
Courses:
- How to Become a Freelance Travel Agent
- How to Become a Successful Travel Agent
- How to Become a Travel Agent in India
- Host Agency 101: Travel Agent Bootcamp
✈️ Flight Attendant: Sky’s the Limit
Flight attendants are the original travel influencers. They get to hop from city to city, sometimes country to country, all while ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
The perks? Discounted flights, layovers in exciting destinations, and stories that make for great dinner conversations. This role is a quintessential example of jobs that require travel and pay well.
So, if you have youth on your side and are wondering, “How can I get paid to travel?” becoming a flight attendant is a direct answer. It’s also one of the most sought-after travel jobs, especially for those looking to embark on international travel careers.
How to get started: Most airlines require a high school diploma and provide training programs. Customer service experience is a plus.
Courses:
- How to Become a Flight Attendant / Cabin Crew
- Air Hostess Success Secrets: Become a Flight Attendant
- Become a Flight Attendant & Work in Airport Operations
- Role of a Private Jet / Corporate Flight Attendant
- Introduction to Customer Service
- Improve Your English Communication Skills
👩⚕️ Travel Nurse: Healing on the Go
Travel nursing is not just a job; it’s an adventure. Travel nurses take short-term assignments across the country, filling in where there’s a need.
It’s one of the highest-paying travel jobs, with the added bonus of exploring new places. For those seeking CNA travel jobs or LPN travel jobs, this path offers both professional growth and the chance to see the world.
It’s also ideal for those searching for travel jobs with per diem and housing, making it a comprehensive package for adventurous healthcare professionals.
How to get started: You’ll need a nursing degree and licensure. Specializing in high-demand areas like the ICU or ER can open more opportunities.
Certifications:
- Introduction to Nursing
- Diploma in Nursing and Patient Care
- Diploma in Caregiving, Home Health Aide & Nurse Aide
📸 Travel Photographer: Capture the World
If you have a knack for photography and a passion for travel, this is your calling. Travel photographers work for magazines, tourism boards, or as freelancers, capturing the essence of destinations.
It’s a dream role for those wanting to get paid to travel and take photos. This career path is also a prime example of travel and tourism jobs that merge creativity with exploration.
For couples, it’s an opportunity to get paid to travel as a couple, documenting shared experiences through the lens. You can even specialize in travel photography, nature photography, or wildlife photography to brand yourself and get more assignments.
How to get started: Build a strong portfolio, start a travel blog and Instagram, and network with travel publications.
Certifications:
- Jimmy Chin MasterClass on Adventure Photography
- Photography Masterclass: Your Complete Guide to Photography
🖋️ Travel Writer: Penning Adventures
Travel writers get paid to explore and share their experiences. Whether it’s writing for magazines, blogs, or guidebooks, this job combines storytelling with exploration.
It’s an ideal role for those wondering how to get paid to travel and review hotels. This profession also falls under the umbrella of hospitality and tourism jobs, offering insights into destinations worldwide.
For those starting out, it’s one of the entry-level travel jobs that can evolve into a rewarding career.
How to get started: Start your own travel blog, pitch stories to travel publications, and consider taking courses to hone your skills.
Certifications:
- AI-Powered Travel Writing: Master Manual Writing & Vlogging
- Transform Your Travel Writing Adventure into Words that Sell
- Travel Writing: Explore the World & Publish Your Stories
- Travel Journaling: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Diaries
🎥 Travel Vlogger: Lights, Camera, Vacation!
Travel vloggers document their journeys on platforms like YouTube, earning through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. It’s a competitive field, but it offers creative freedom and the chance to build a personal brand.
This path is perfect for those wondering how to get paid to travel the world, combining storytelling with exploration. It’s also an avenue for those interested in eco tourism jobs, highlighting sustainable travel practices.
For couples, it’s an opportunity to get paid to travel as a couple, sharing experiences with a global audience.
How to get started: Invest in good video equipment, learn editing skills, and consistently produce engaging travel-related content.
Certifications:
🗺️ Tour Guide: Sharing Local Secrets
Tour guides lead groups through cities, historical sites, or nature trails, sharing knowledge and ensuring a memorable experience.
It’s a great way to meet people and explore your own backyard or exotic locales. This role is a classic example of jobs that require travel with no experience, making it accessible to many.
For those passionate about sustainable tourism jobs, guiding eco-tours offers a chance to educate travelers on environmental conservation. It’s also a prominent role in the hospitality and tourism jobs list.
How to get started: Knowledge of the area, good communication skills, and sometimes a certification are needed. Fluency in multiple languages can be a bonus.
Certifications:
- Complete Tour Guide Training Program
- How to Become a Tour Guide
- Advanced Tour Guiding Skills
- Guiding Skills for Adventure & Nature Tours
- Dr. Jane Goodall MasterClass on Conservation
🧑🏫 Teach English Abroad: Educate and Explore
Teaching English abroad in countries like South Korea, Japan, or Spain allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture while earning a living. Many programs offer benefits like housing and travel allowances.
It’s a prime example of entry-level jobs that require travel, especially for recent graduates. This role also aligns with tourism and hospitality management jobs, as educators often collaborate with local institutions.
For those seeking international travel jobs, this path offers both cultural immersion and professional development.
How to get started: A bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification are typically required.
Certifications:
🛳️ Cruise Ship Worker: Sail the Seven Seas
From entertainment to hospitality, cruise ships offer a variety of jobs that require travel and pay well. They come with the perk of traveling to multiple destinations. Plus, room and board are usually covered.
This role is ideal for those searching for travel jobs with no experience, as many positions offer on-the-job training. It’s also a significant part of the hospitality & tourism jobs sector.
For individuals looking for travel jobs near them, cruise lines often have ports in various cities, providing local employment opportunities.
How to get started: Check cruise line career pages for openings. Experience in hospitality or customer service is often required.
Courses:
- How To Work & Live Onboard a Cruise Ship
- Cruise Staff Course: Become a Cruise Entertainer
- Learn How To Become a Cruise Ship DJ
💻 Digital Nomad: Work from Anywhere
Digital nomads use technology to work remotely, allowing them to travel freely. Common jobs include freelance writing, graphic design, IT consulting, or even travel marketing jobs.
This lifestyle epitomizes remote travel jobs, offering flexibility and autonomy. For those pondering how to get paid to travel on Instagram, becoming a digital nomad and leveraging social media can be lucrative.
It’s also a pathway for those seeking jobs that allow you to travel, blending work and exploration seamlessly.
How to get started: Identify a skill that can be done remotely, build a client base, and ensure you have reliable internet access wherever you go.
Courses:
- How To Become a Digital Nomad & Work From Anywhere
- Digital Nomad Masterclass: For Creative Freelancers
- How to Attract High-Value Clients as a Digital Nomad
- 15 Most In-Demand Freelance Skills to Learn
- Best Skills to Earn Money from Internet Business Ventures
- 33 Top Future Skills to Learn for a World of AI & Automation
👨🍳 Yacht Chef: Cook Gourmet Meals & Cruise the World
Want to get paid to travel and show off your knife skills? As a yacht chef (aka private yacht chef or cook/stew), you’ll be living the dream — prepping five-star meals while sailing through the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or South Pacific.
This is one of those travel jobs that require travel and pay well, plus, you get free accommodations, food, and front-row ocean views. Even if you’re just starting out, it’s one of the best entry-level travel jobs.
Whether you’re the Head Chef or just beginning, this is one of those epic get-paid-to-travel jobs you’ll brag about forever.
How to get started: To get started as a yacht chef, complete your STCW certification, gain some culinary experience, and register with yacht crew agencies like Bluewater or YPI Crew.
Courses:
Take a Career Test to Find Your Ideal Travel Job
If you’re not sure which travel jobs fit your personality, taking a career test can be a game-changer.
It helps identify your strengths, preferences, and ideal work environments — whether you’re better suited for high-energy hospitality and tourism jobs, behind-the-scenes remote travel jobs, or adventurous jobs that require travel and pay well.
A quick career quiz might just reveal that you’re destined to get paid to travel the world as a luxury tour guide, cruise ship entertainer, or eco-tourism advocate. It’s like swiping right on your dream job — minus the awkward small talk.
The world is full of opportunities to get paid to travel. Whether you’re looking for entry-level travel jobs or remote travel jobs, many jobs require travel and pay well for every intrepid soul.
So pack your bags, update your resume, and start your journey on a travel career that lets you explore the globe. Safe travels and happy job hunting! 🌍✈️
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