Traveling the world is something many people sat at their office desks wistfully think they can only dream of. But with 16.9 million Americans currently describing themselves as digital nomads, the trend of remote and flexible working is on the rise. So what kind of jobs allow you to travel the world and live your dream nomadic lifestyle? Here’s a selection of some of the jobs out there, from the creative to the practical, to the completely outside-of-the-box options that will allow you to jet off anywhere on the globe.
Travel Blogging
Travel blogging is the ultimate nomadic dream, because the more you travel, the better content you’ll generate! Anyone can start up a travel blog, although it will take a bit of time to get enough of a following to start seeing the revenue trickle in. In the meantime, try applying to write for other travel blogs to gain more experience and supplement your income. If you’ve got previous writing experience, even in a totally different field, you’ll already be at an advantage. Once you’re ready to build your own blog, you can generate income by partnering with brands, running ads on your page, and using affiliate marketing to make some money every time someone clicks through on one of your links.
The pros of travel blogging are that you get to travel to exciting destinations, meet new people, and create your own schedule. However, the cons are that it can be challenging to make a steady income, and it takes time to build a following—so make sure you’ve got some savings or a backup plan before you hit the road!
Teach English Abroad
Teaching English abroad is a great way to explore new cultures and travel the world. There are countless opportunities to teach in countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, where the demand for English teachers is high. If your sights are set on Europe, Spain’s Auxiliaries program is hugely popular, with a good salary and working hours, allowing you to really ease into Spanish life.
The pros of teaching English abroad are that you get to immerse yourself in a new culture, earn a steady income, and develop your teaching skills. The cons are that some countries require a teaching certificate which can be costly and time-consuming to obtain and that there is not necessarily much career growth
Yacht Sailing Jobs
If you’ve got sea legs, the yacht life may be for you! Yacht sailing jobs are the perfect way to travel the globe, waking up in different destinations almost every day. Getting a job on a small boat will often mean lots of multitasking as a crew member, whereas larger more executive yachts will have assigned positions. Whether it's cruising around the Bahamas, exploring Australia’s luxurious Whitsunday Islands, or chilling in the Mediterranean, yacht sailing can take you to some of the world’s most dreamy spots. The pros of the job are that you get to work on the ocean, visit new places, and earn a competitive salary. The cons are that the work can be physically demanding, and you’ll spend a lot of time away from home.
Freelance Travel Photography
Calling all budding photographers! If you have a talent for taking photos, you can use it to make a living by becoming a freelance travel photographer. The job offers the chance to different destinations, take photos, and sell them to publications, websites, and brands. The pros of freelance travel photography are that you actually get to visit those amazing places you see on Instagram, and you can create a schedule that works for you. The cons are that it can be challenging to find clients, and the competition is very high.
Bartending Jobs Abroad
Bartending jobs abroad are a great way to make money while traveling. Many bars and restaurants worldwide hire bartenders, opening doors to work in places like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. With evening work often freeing up your days to explore, bar jobs can be a great way to supplement your income if you’re an adventure seeker. The pros of bartending jobs abroad are earning a steady income, meeting new people, and living in a new country, whilst the cons include physically demanding work and long, anti-social hours.
Remote Work & Telecommuting
Remote work and telecommuting have become increasingly popular in recent years, and many companies offer opportunities to work from anywhere in the world. These jobs are often in fields such as marketing, design, and customer service. The pros of remote work and telecommuting are that you can work from anywhere so long as you’ve got a speedy internet connection, you can work flexible hours, and when you sign off for the day you can hit the beach! The cons are that you need a reliable internet connection (so no working from a remote paradise island!), and it can be challenging to separate work and personal life.
Become A Local Tour Guide
If you’re passionate about a particular city or region, it’s worth considering becoming a local tour guide. This involves leading tours and sharing your knowledge of the history, culture, and landmarks of the area. Whilst these positions are sometimes paid hourly or even salaried, they’re often part of a free tour that works on a ‘tips’ basis. The pros of becoming a local tour guide are that you get to work in a place you love and meet new people from all over the world. The cons are that you might have to work irregular hours, the pay can fluctuate, and the job can be seasonal depending on the popularity of the destination.
Online Translation Jobs
If you speak more than one language and you love to travel, look no further! Online translation jobs are the perfect fit for the multi-linguists out there. As a translator, you can work remotely from anywhere in the world and translate documents, websites, or videos for clients in different countries. The pros of online translation jobs are that you can be based anywhere without actually needing to travel around, yet you still have the flexibility to do so. However, the job requires excellent language skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines, so it might not feel as ‘relaxing’ as you’d hope from a travel-related role.
Work at Backpacker Hostels
Working at a backpacker hostel is another popular job that requires travel. You can try your hand at jobs such as receptionist, bartender, or housekeeper, meeting fellow travelers from all over the world while you’re at it. The pros of working at a backpacker hostel are that you get to live in a new city, make new friends, and often receive free accommodation and meals in return for your work. The cons are that the work can be physically demanding, and the salary may not be great.
Traveling Yoga Instructor
If you're a certified yoga instructor, the world is your oyster for work destinations! Whether it's teaching classes or hosting retreats, there are so many beautiful places out there, from the birthplace of yoga in India’s Rishikesh, or a spiritual retreat in Bali. The pros of being a traveling yoga instructor are that you get to work in beautiful locations, inspire others, and live a healthy lifestyle. The cons are that the job requires a lot of planning and organization, and it can be difficult to find consistent work.
Long Story Short
There are many jobs out there that require travel, each offering a unique opportunity to explore new places and learn about new cultures whilst earning a living. While the idea of traveling for work can sound exciting, it’s vital you do your research and make sure you know what you’re getting into before you jet off thousands of miles from home, as travel-related jobs come with their own unique challenges! As long as you’re well prepared, there’s no reason you can’t create a nomadic lifestyle that lets you see the world. So, pack your bags and get ready for a new adventure!
Written by AC Callahan
