The 40 Best Jobs to Make Money While Traveling
Traveling the world while working is a dream for many. There are loads of ways to do it, and all the jobs listed below fall, one way or another, into one of the following categories.
- Jobs where you have to travel: These are all the jobs that require you to travel, like an airline pilot for example, but which unfortunately might not give you the freedom you’re looking for.
- Digital nomad jobs: These are the jobs that let you work wherever you want, but above all whenever you want. They often take time to set up the system, but once it’s up and running they guarantee maximum freedom.
- Odd jobs: Many of the jobs travelers do are casual, low-skilled manual work, but they’re definitely a source of income to fund their travels. Food service and farming are the main sectors, but the jobs can be extremely varied and often unthinkable!
The best jobs for traveling
Some jobs are real careers, while others are simply “ways” to travel on a budget, so choose carefully!
1. Make money with a blog
Having a successful blog is probably one of the best ways to earn money while traveling. It lets you work wherever you want and keep traveling, as long as you have an internet connection every now and then to keep the blog updated.
However, having a blog that makes enough money to fund your travels isn’t easy, and above all, growing your blog to that point isn’t a quick process.
It’s worth remembering that you don’t necessarily have to be a travel blogger; you can start a blog on any topic and still have the chance to travel the world while working.
How to make money with a blog.
2. Social media manager
There are loads of companies that prefer to hand off the management of their social networks to people outside the company. Become an expert and with a couple of clients you could earn really good money.
3. SEO expert
SEO is probably the most important thing for succeeding online, and you can make a lot of money if you have in-depth knowledge of SEO. Become an expert in the subject and sell your services to people or companies that need them, while you’re anywhere in the world.
A bit of inspiration for traveling solo (in Italian, but you can turn on the subtitles).
4. Web developer
Just like SEO and social media managers, a lot of companies rely on outside consultants or firms when it’s time to work on their website or build one from scratch. Becoming a web developer obviously takes time, but once you reach a certain level of knowledge it’s undoubtedly possible to work while traveling.
How to become a web developer.
5. Programmer
A bit like a web developer, here too it’s a matter of learning a programming language and then selling your services as a freelancer. Software, app and game developers etc. etc. belong in this category.
6. Dropshipping
Dropshipping consists of shipping products to customers, usually in Europe or the US, by having them sent from somewhere extremely cheap, like China for example.
The easiest way to do it is probably by relying on Amazon’s logistics.
Beginner’s guide to dropshipping.
7. Trading
Trading, that is, buying and selling financial instruments online, can be extremely exciting but at the same time really nerve-racking.
You can make a lot of money in a short time, just as you can lose a ton. If you have money you can afford to lose, then it’s definitely worth a try.
8. Scuba diving instructor
Becoming a qualified scuba diving instructor is definitely no small investment, we’re talking about 3,000/4,000 euros, but it can undoubtedly be one of the best jobs in the world that lets you travel. You can expect to earn up to 1,500€ a month with accommodation often included. Keep in mind that since it’s a seasonal job, in many countries you might have to change destination following the season.
How to become a professional diver.
9. Teach abroad
Teaching English is by far one of the favorite jobs of travelers from all over the world. In many countries it pays well and demand is very high. Although it can be harder for non-native speakers to get a job like this, to apply for many positions all you need is a TEFL. If English isn’t your strong suit, there’s also the possibility of teaching Italian abroad.
10. Surf instructor
Very similar to being a scuba diving instructor, because you’ll get the chance to live and work in some dream destination.
You probably won’t earn a ton, but if you’re interested in traveling, surfing and meeting new people, this is probably the job for you. Read Gian’s story, a guy from Turin who dropped everything to become a surf instructor.
11. Live off rental income
If you’re already of a certain age and so have some savings put aside, or at least the means to buy a property, then consider living in some country on the money you earn from rent back home.
Especially in tourist destinations, you can make quite a bit, mainly thanks to Airbnb.
If you don’t have the means to buy a property, there’s always the option of subletting one.
12. Yoga instructor
Doing yoga is definitely one of the things of the moment, and as a result the demand for yoga instructors is growing right along with it. Definitely not among the best-paid jobs, but it’s still a great career for working while traveling.
Getting certified can undoubtedly help you stand out from the crowd.
How to become a yoga instructor.
13. Work on a ship
Finding work on a ship is much easier than you think. Often no great experience is required, and all you’ll have to do is help out on board in exchange for room and board. The web is full of forums and sites for getting a position like that, and the best of them all is without a doubt findacrew.net.
14. Work on a cruise ship
Working on a cruise ship often means work shifts of up to 13 hours with pay that isn’t exactly sky-high, between 1,000 and 1,500 euros a month, but it’s also true that since you don’t have to pay for food and rent, all that money will end up in your bank account.
Although the long working hours probably won’t let you explore the destinations as much as you’d like, once the trip is over you’ll be able to enjoy your savings by traveling, before boarding the next ship!
Job opportunities on a cruise ship.
15. Ship delivery
Obviously this job isn’t suitable for beginners, but if you’re an experienced sailor then this job undoubtedly has potential. Usually the pay isn’t high (if there is any at all), but getting the chance to sail around the world is priceless!
Visit crewseekers.net to look for opportunities.
16. WWOOFing
WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) has been letting its users live and work for free on farms and agricultural businesses all over the world for many, many years now, in exchange for 20-30 working hours a week. It’s not exactly a job, since there’s no financial return, but it’s definitely a way to get to know faraway countries and cultures without having to shell out a penny.
On this page you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
17. Worldpackers, HelpX and WorkAway
These platforms let you find work around the world, often in exchange for room and board. Unlike WWOOFing, which only offers positions on farms and agricultural businesses, Worldpackers ($10 off using the code “nicola10”), HelpX and WorkAway offer all kinds of work, from hostel jobs to construction.
18. Work as an au pair
Being an au pair is undoubtedly one of the longest-standing jobs for traveling, and it’s still a great option for saving money and traveling. It’s basically babysitting and helping out with housework.
On top of room and board, you’re often given a small sum of money to spend on your days off, but even more important is the chance to travel and get to know a foreign country, maybe even learning the language too. As a first experience abroad, it’s definitely something I can recommend.
19. House sitting
House sitting consists of taking care of a house, and often pets, for a longer or shorter period, staying there for free. It’s becoming extremely popular in recent years, and even though the work often isn’t paid, it’s definitely a great way to recharge your batteries and get some privacy after an intense period of travel.
20. Work as a translator
Can you speak other languages fluently? Well then, you should consider finding work as a translator, online or offline, to fund your travels.
21. Work in a hostel
Working in a hostel is, for obvious reasons, one of the most popular jobs among people who love to travel.
Finding work in a hostel is extremely easy, and often all you’ll need to do is ask at the hostel where you’re staying. On top of giving you a bed to sleep in, they might give you a bit of money.
22. Work in a bar
Like hostels, bars have been offering work to people who love to travel for years. The positions are often seasonal, especially in tourist destinations, and businesses look for new staff every year for the high season.
The best way to find this kind of job is simply to walk around and ask at every bar, maybe leaving a short resume. These positions are often advertised with signs at the entrance of the place.
23. Seasonal jobs
This is a really big category that includes a huge number of jobs (some already on this list): restaurants, construction sites, hotels, cruise ships, fishing boats etc. etc.
It’s worth noting that by chasing the season you can literally work while traveling all year round, moving from one seasonal job to the next.
24. Construction
Even though in the popular imagination it’s not a job that lets you travel, that’s not entirely true. In countries like Australia it’s relatively easy to find well-paid construction jobs, especially if you have experience. I’ve also heard of skilled workers who work abroad for long periods (up to 6 months) on really big construction sites, and with the money earned in that time they could easily travel for the other six.
25. Freelance photographer
If you like taking photos, why not take advantage of it and make money doing it?
Breaking into the world of freelance photography is definitely not easy, but it’s undoubtedly possible with the right perseverance.
Once you’ve made a name for yourself, it should be possible to land some assignments that let you travel as a travel photographer.
26. Personal trainer
Traveling as a personal trainer is probably not that easy, but it can undoubtedly work. For example, you could offer group workout sessions on the beach or in the park, charging a small fee to take part and finding your clients by leaving a few flyers in bars and hostels. Just like with yoga, there’s always someone who wants to stay in shape even while traveling!
How to become a personal trainer.
27. Tour leader
Tour leaders are responsible for accompanying a group for a longer or shorter period of time, making sure people are having the best experience possible. They take care of the group by acting as translator and guide and trying to solve any problem that comes up during the trip.
It’s a job that comes with a lot of responsibility, but it undoubtedly offers the chance to work while traveling and visit a huge number of different places if you’re able to switch companies or tours.
28. Tour guide
Unlike a tour leader, a tour guide normally handles shorter tours, like a free walking tour for example. Typically these guides are experts in specific areas, like a city or a historical period.
29. Massage therapist
Working as a massage therapist while traveling is possible. Like the personal trainer, the ideal thing is to make flyers to hang up in a hostel or some bar, or maybe work directly with a hostel so you have a place to work.
30. Make and sell costume jewelry
I’ve met dozens of people who fund their travels by selling bracelets and necklaces around the world. The materials are light to carry, and even though selling costume jewelry on the street won’t make you a millionaire, it can definitely fund your travels.
31. Street performer
Artists of every kind fill the streets of big cities and tourist destinations, and even though income isn’t guaranteed, some of them earn really good money! Next time you walk past a particularly talented street performer, take a look at the tip box.
32. Import things from emerging countries
Anyone who has visited emerging countries (and not only those) knows full well that the prices of many things can differ enormously from prices back home. Filling your backpack with handmade products bought for a few euros and reselling them when you get back is something many travelers have been doing for years. I personally met an Italian guy who visits Mexico almost every year, and among the many things he brought home over the years was a jade statue bought for 200€ and resold for 2,000€.
N.B. Depending on the type of product and its value, this practice could be illegal.
33. Travel nurse
A travel nurse is, as the name suggests, a nurse who works at a particular hospital during periods of staff shortage, e.g. seasonal needs or to cover the position of an employee who may be on temporary leave.
34. Flight attendant
Free flights, long layovers that give you the chance to explore the destination you happen to be in, and huge discounts on the flights you buy for your vacations. Obviously it’s not the perfect job, since, especially on intercontinental flights, it can be really exhausting, but it’s nonetheless a great job for working while traveling.
How to become a flight attendant.
35. Working Holiday visa
Although many people only know the Working Holiday Visa for Australia, many other countries offer the same type of visa, such as New Zealand, Canada and Chile.
These visas let you work legally in almost every sector, although given the nature of the visa you’ll find almost exclusively jobs in food service and farming. They’re a great opportunity to travel, learn a foreign language and, above all, in the case of Australia, save a ton of money to fund your travels.
Working holiday visa for Australia.
36. Ski instructor
Ski instructor is undoubtedly one of those professions that lets you work while traveling. Winter resorts all over the world hire seasonal workers, and if you’re certified there’s certainly no shortage of work. It might not pay great, but room and board are often included and, with a few tips, you might manage to save a nice little nest egg to spend at the end of the season before starting the next one.
37. Poker player
If you’re a good online poker player, then you can certainly work while traveling anywhere in the world as long as you have a reliable internet connection. If not, you can always visit the local casino!
38. The tattoo artist
Tattoos are particularly popular among travelers, so finding a few clients moving from hostel to hostel shouldn’t be that hard. In Nicaragua I met an Argentinian couple who had been on the road for years already thanks to the earnings from their traveling studio.
39. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a way of making money by promoting someone else’s or another company’s product. You can find products you like and promote them to your audience through a website, a Facebook page, Instagram etc. etc., earning a commission for every sale.
40. Create a product and sell it
Many digital nomads make money online by creating and selling digital products, whether ebooks, courses or services. Creating, but above all selling digital products, consistently can lead to a form of passive income that lets you work while traveling.
As you can see, the possibilities for working while traveling are countless and are certainly not limited to this list alone. Be creative and give free rein to your urge to travel! Start planning your next adventure!
Planning a trip? Check out these posts:
Which travel insurance to choose
Which travel backpack to choose
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