“Wanderlust” is the word assigned to the strong desire to travel, and it would be a traveler’s dream to get paid to do so. Well, there are many jobs that will allow just that! Some are freelance jobs while others are more steady, but here are six jobs that will allow you to make money while you travel.
Top 3 Steady Jobs for Travel
Steady jobs are full-time or part-time jobs where you work for an employer. You have a set schedule (sometimes variable, but not too variable) and you have an hourly wage/yearly salary with room for an increase. Steady jobs usually also come with benefits, such as health insurance.
#1: Flight Attendant
A flight attendant and a travel agent are probably the first two jobs that come to mind when thinking of jobs that allow you to travel. Because many people don’t use travel agents as much as they used to, a flight attendant may be better suited for those who want to get paid to travel. To be a flight attendant, you have to be able to stand on your feet for a long time, be able to lift heavy objects, and have good customer service and hospitality skills.
Some airlines may require you to start off working on domestic flights before you can work international flights, but in the meantime, you’ll be able to travel all over the country. Once you’re working international flights, not only will you be traveling to other countries, but you’ll also be able to explore them as well. Depending on which airline you’re working for, layovers can be between 24 and 72 hours, giving you some time to see a new country.
REQUIREMENTS:
To become a flight attendant in the US, the basic requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, being able to pass a background check and drug test, and being able to speak, read, and write fluently in English. Additionally, most airlines require flight attendants to have a valid passport and the ability to swim. Some airlines may also require flight attendants to have a college degree or previous customer service experience. Finally, candidates must also meet specific physical requirements, such as having good vision and being able to reach overhead, as well as having the ability to lift and move bags that weigh up to 50 lbs.
#2: Au Pair
If you have a love of children as big as your love of traveling, consider a job as an au pair, which is kind of like a nanny, but lives with a host family. Nannies have to be paid at least minimum wage, but au pairs receive free room and board in addition to a set fee. Becoming an au pair is a great way to learn about another family’s culture, while also teaching them about your own. Au pairs are typically young and the age requirements vary among countries; the usual minimum age to become an au pair is 17, and the maximum age is typically 30, but goes up to 35 in Canada. There are other requirements to become an au pair, so make sure that you qualify.
REQUIREMENTS (may vary with agencies):
To become an au pair in the United States, the basic requirements include:
- Being between the ages of 18 and 26
- Being able to pass a background check
- Having at least a high school diploma or equivalent
- Being able to speak, read, and write fluently in English
- Having at least 200 hours of childcare experience
- Having a valid driver’s license
- Being able to swim and willing to take a CPR and First Aid class
- Having a valid passport for the duration of the program
- Being able to pass a medical examination
- Being able to commit to a 12-month program
- Being able to pass an interview process with a sponsoring agency
#3: Archaeologist
Archaeology is another career that allows you to travel. Archaeologists are interested in learning about people, and they study and analyze artifacts. While some work is done in the “field”, most work is done in a lab. This doesn’t mean, however, that the “lab” will always be in one place. Archaeologists can study artifacts all over the world, depending on what they’re studying.
REQUIREMENTS:
To become an archaeologist in the United States, the basic requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, or a related field
- Some employers may require a master’s degree in archaeology or a related field
- A strong background in the natural sciences, including geology, biology, and chemistry
- Fieldwork experience through internships or volunteer work
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work in outdoor and remote environments
- Ability to work with a variety of tools and equipment
- Knowledge of laws and regulations related to archaeology and cultural resource management
- Some job opportunities may require a professional archaeologist certification
Top 3 Freelance Jobs for Travel
Freelancers are independent workers who accept work from many different employers, and work schedules, as well as salaries, can vary from project to project. Usually, entrepreneurs start off as freelancers.
#1: Freelance Photographer
You can become a freelance photographer who takes and sells pictures of the landscapes of all the places you’ve traveled. You can also sell an ebook or online photography class teaching others how to take professional pictures.
The amount of money a freelance photographer can make can vary greatly depending on several factors such as their level of experience, the types of clients they work with, and the geographic location of their business.
A beginner freelance photographer can expect to make anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. With more experience, a freelance photographer can make anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 per year.
Some of the top freelance photographers can make significantly more than that, as they may have a high volume of clients, work with high-paying clients, or have a strong reputation in the industry. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these are the exception rather than the norm.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that the income for a freelance photographer can be unpredictable, as it depends on the number and type of jobs they are able to secure and how much they charge for their services. Some photographers may have a steady stream of work, while others may have periods of time where they have little to no work. Therefore, a freelance photographer should be prepared for fluctuations in their income.
It’s also important to remember that as a freelance photographer, you will also have to cover your own expenses such as equipment, software, insurance and taxes, which should be taken into account when calculating your earnings.
#2: Travel Blogger
You can start a blog documenting your travel experiences, from the places you visit to the food you eat. To get paid to blog, you’ll need to allow companies to run ads on your blog, become an affiliate marketer, or even sell some products of your own. Of course, you’ll see more success with this once you have a larger following, so it’s okay to start off small.
The amount of money a travel blogger can make can vary greatly depending on several factors such as their level of experience, the size of their audience, and the types of monetization methods they use.
A beginner travel blogger can expect to make very little or no money at all in the beginning, as they build their audience and establish their brand. As they grow their audience, they can start to monetize their blog through methods such as sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and advertising.
With more experience and a larger audience, a travel blogger can make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these are the exception rather than the norm, and most travel bloggers make less than that.
Some of the top travel bloggers can make significantly more than that, even millions depending on how invested you are in this venture and of course having the right approach to promote and gain audience on channels such as YouTube. You can significantly increase your income by having a large and engaged audience, work with high-paying brands, and having multiple streams of income. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these are the exception rather than the norm.
It’s also important to remember that as a travel blogger, you will also have to cover your own expenses such as travel, equipment, and software, which should be taken into account when calculating your earnings.
It’s worth noting that becoming a successful travel blogger takes a lot of time and dedication, and it’s not a quick way to make money. It takes time to build an audience and monetize your blog. It’s also important to note that the competition is very high in this field, and the audience is becoming more selective and demanding in terms of the quality of content.
Freelance/Work While You Travel
Word of caution: While you’re able to pick up work here and there while you’re traveling, always be careful when doing so. Because you’re traveling, you may use rideshare services to get around in different places. With that, always be sure you’re getting in the right vehicle and pay attention to your surroundings as there are many lawsuits being filed against these rideshare companies for assault, which is typically a result of their lax hiring procedures.
Another good way to make money while you’re traveling is to rent your place out to another traveler. This way, you can earn a little extra cash to put towards your next trip.