The dream to travel the world is on many of our bucket lists, but work obligations and financial constraints often prevent us from making this longing a reality. Perhaps we could get the best of both worlds by getting jobs that centre around travel? In that way we could feed our hunger for travel all while still being able to make a living at the same time.
Michelle Schusterman of Matador Network has some great career suggestions for your consideration:
1. 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.
If you do want to write about travel for a living, check out MatadorU, Matador’s online travel writing, photography, and filmmaking school.
2. ESL teacher
These gigs are 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 own 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.
Recruiting companies such as Footprints can be extremely helpful if you’re looking for an ESL gig; another option is to hunt them down on forums like Dave’s ESL Cafe.
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.
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.
Read Matador Network’s full article here
