Jobs that require travel: 25 amazing careers that let you see the world

Ever felt a pang of envy for those who seem to live out of their suitcases, collecting passport stamps like badges of honor? Ever wished your job would let you explore different corners of the world? Luckily, there are many jobs that require travel. You could soon be globetrotting as part of your work!

In this article, we’ll explore 12 amazing careers that call for travel and 13 professions that allow you to work remotely as you globe-trot. Plus a special tip on how to volunteer in exchange for accommodation as you travel around the world.

The allure of jobs that require travel

Jobs that require travel are more than just a way to earn a living. They give you a chance to have thrilling experiences, encounter new cultures, and cultivate oneself. Take a look at some of the advantages of this lifestyle.

Exposure to different cultures

By engaging in a job that requires travel, one can gain an immersive experience of diverse cultures. Beyond simply visiting new places, these jobs often demand interaction with locals, which adds another layer of cultural experience. It's like having the world as your classroom.

Opportunities for networking

Journeying far and wide gives you access to networks beyond your home base. Meeting professionals from other countries can open doors for future opportunities - think global collaborations or even job offers. Effective networking, after all, plays a significant role in career advancement.

Skill development

Navigating through foreign lands can hone important skills such as problem-solving abilities and adaptability. You may face challenges along the way – language barriers or unfamiliar customs – but overcoming them helps develop resilience.

Personal growth

Besides professional development, travel-related work fosters personal growth too. "Travel broadens the mind" - this adage rings true when you step out of your comfort zone and venture into unknown territories.

Adventure and exploration

Travel jobs often equate to an adventurous lifestyle. You might have the chance to explore uncharted terrains, meet diverse people, and taste exotic cuisines. These experiences make your life a continuous adventure.

Enhanced creativity

Last but not least, travel stimulates creativity. Studies suggest that exposure to different cultures can spark creative thinking. This newfound inspiration can translate into more innovative ideas at work and more passion for life.

In essence, jobs that require travel are a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, cultural immersion, and exciting adventures. But how can you put all that into practice in your own professional life? Let's take a look at some interesting jobs that require travel.

You might also like to read:

• Is it possible to work remotely from another country?
• 10 easy and creative ways to make money while traveling
• Get paid to travel: 9 ways to make money on the road

12 examples of traveling careers

1. Flight attendant

Have you ever imagined visiting different cities across the globe as part of your daily routine? As a flight attendant, you can experience traveling to several destinations in the same week. This exciting job requires travel and makes your daily life far from boring.

A flight attendant's role is more than just serving snacks at 30,000 feet. They are tasked with guaranteeing traveler security, giving client assistance, and making each voyage feel like an energizing experience. From demonstrating safety procedures to assisting passengers with their needs – it’s all in a day’s work.

2. International aid worker

A career as an international aid worker is both fulfilling and adventurous. You'll provide crucial support in areas hit by natural disasters or conflict. Organizations like Doctors Without Borders are often on the lookout for committed individuals ready to make a difference.

Keep reading: 7 careers in healthcare that allow you to travel as a volunteer

3. Travel writer

Fancy yourself with words? A travel writer crafts engaging articles about various destinations worldwide. They explore local culture, cuisine, attractions while capturing unique stories. 

Effective communication skills paired with an insatiable curiosity towards diverse topics can lead to opportunities across different industries including tourism, marketing agencies and more.

Got excited? Read our articles on how to become a freelance writer and how to become a travel writer.

4. Photographer

In an era where visual storytelling reigns supreme, the role of a travel photographer has become a coveted profession that seamlessly blends passion, adventure, and creativity. 

Beyond the excitement of the journey, the role of a traveling photographer helps document important facts, immortalize fleeting moments and preserve the beauty of diverse landscapes, ensuring that the stories of different cultures and places endure.

5. Cruise line worker

A cruise line worker's life can be one grand adventure at sea. From chefs to entertainers, these roles offer an exciting opportunity to work while exploring beautiful oceanic vistas and spending time with coworkers and guests from different cultures.

You'd be surprised at how much more there is to this job than just sailing through azure waters. While it's indeed exciting, it can also be demanding with long work hours and high expectations for customer service.

But don't let that deter you; the benefits are plentiful too. You’ll likely be able to save all the money you make during your time at sea, since you won't be spending money on accommodation and food, besides getting the chance to explore amazing destinations during your breaks.

6. International tour guide

If you're seeking a job that requires travel, becoming an international tour guide might be your ticket. Imagine leading excited tourists through travel destinations worldwide. It's like being the master of ceremonies for adventure.

Being a guide is not just about reciting facts and figures; it’s also about sharing stories and experiences that make each place unique. You become the bridge between cultures, helping travelers see the world from different perspectives.

Apart from showcasing attractions, part of guiding adventures involves handling logistics behind-the-scenes such as coordinating transportation and managing group dynamics while ensuring everyone has fun.

This isn’t your typical 9-to-5 desk job - far from it. Your office changes with every new destination. One day you could be exploring ancient ruins; the next, navigating bustling cities.

7. Sales representative

A sales representative might need to travel frequently, meeting clients and attending trade shows. It's an excellent opportunity for those who excel in communication and negotiation skills while enjoying the perks of traveling.

8. Foreign Service worker

Embarking on a career in foreign service is like stepping into an international whirlwind. You'll find yourself navigating complex relations between nations, often requiring travel to embassies worldwide. 

Becoming a diplomat or other foreign service worker isn't just about globetrotting; it's also about making real changes and building bridges across cultures.

Your day-to-day tasks could include everything from handling visa applications to negotiating treaties - all while adapting to different customs and languages.

9. Truck driver

Imagine yourself in the driver's seat of a big-rig, windows rolled down and tunes playing. You get to see different parts of the country while delivering shipments - sounds like a dream job for travel lovers.

A truck driver's life is filled with exploration and adventure. Sure, it's not your typical tourist destination experience, but truck driving lets you soak in natural landscapes that many never get to witness.

10. Scuba diving instructor

Becoming a PADI certified scuba diving instructor is an exhilarating journey into an underwater world. You'll meet unique marine life up close and discover stunning underwater landscapes all while sharing your passion with others.

A career in this field isn't merely confined within the bounds of teaching; it opens doors for exploration too. A regular day at work means delving into beautiful coral reefs or exploring forgotten shipwrecks - adventures that most can only dream of.

As this role can require travel, you'll also get to learn from diverse communities across different countries.

11. Retail buyer

This profession involves navigating through diverse markets, exploring international trends, and building relationships with suppliers, all while curating a compelling assortment of products for consumers.

Whether scouring bustling marketplaces in Asia or attending trade shows in Europe, the journey often entails immersing oneself in the vibrant energy of different cultures and gaining firsthand insights into the nuances that shape consumer behaviors and preferences worldwide.

12. Consultant

Whether you’re hired by a specific company or not, working as a consultant is another great job that might require travel. From finance whizzes to HR experts, consultants offer valuable insights and strategies tailored for each client's needs. Depending on what you already work on now, you might be able to turn it into a traveling career by acting as a consultant.

The world of remote work

Landing a job that requires travel isn't the only way to make money while you see the world. If you've got a knack for self-management, discipline, and a love for freedom from office constraints, then freelance or remote work might be your ticket to a thrilling career.

One such avenue is becoming a digital nomad. These tech-savvy individuals redefine the traditional workplace by making any location with internet access their office. But it’s not just beachfront cafes or hip co-working spaces they frequent – think airport lounges, public libraries or even road trips. A strong sense of adventure and adaptability helps them overcome challenges like time zone differences and occasional Wi-Fi woes.

If you need or want more stability, you can also be a remote worker with a home base – “location independent”, as people often call it. That way you get to have a place to come back to, but also have the freedom to travel anytime you want.

There are plenty of jobs that you can perform as a remote worker. Here are some examples:

13 jobs that you can do while traveling

• Software Developer: Developing software and applications for various clients or companies.

• Web Designer or Web Developer: Creating and designing websites, user interfaces, and web applications.

• Graphic Designer: Designing visual concepts using computer software, working on projects such as advertisements, brochures, and logos.
• Content Writer or Copywriter: Writing articles, blog posts, website content, and marketing materials for businesses and clients.
• Social Media Manager: Managing social media accounts, creating content, and engaging with audiences.
• Virtual Assistant: Providing administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, including tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and customer service.
• Online Teacher: Teaching or tutoring students in various subjects or languages.

• Digital Marketing Specialist: Implementing marketing strategies, managing campaigns, and analyzing data for businesses and clients.

• SEO Specialist: Optimizing websites to increase their visibility on search engines.
• E-commerce Store Manager: Managing online stores, overseeing product listings, and handling customer service.
• Video Editor: Editing and producing videos for clients and companies.
• Translator or Interpreter: Providing translation services for documents, meetings, or conferences remotely for clients in different languages.
• Customer Support Representative: Providing customer service and support to clients or customers remotely via email, chat, or phone.

Keep reading: Complete guide to digital nomad jobs

Work exchange: travel the world as a volunteer

Want to start taking on the world but still haven’t found a job that requires travel and meets your skills? Or do you feel like trying it out as a digital nomad, but want to make this a cheap journey? 

If you're looking to explore different cultures, build meaningful connections, and make a positive difference on your travels, a work exchange is the perfect opportunity. But what is it exactly? Work exchange or volunteering abroad allows you to offer your skills and time to hosts around the world in return for accommodation and other benefits.

Worldpackers, one such platform that facilitates these exchanges, connects eager travelers with host businesses, NGOs and non-profit projects worldwide. From helping out on an organic farm in Italy to teaching English classes at a school in Thailand, there's no limit to where this adventure can take you.

The process is straightforward. You browse through various listings on the website until something catches your eye; each listing details tasks expected from volunteers and perks offered by hosts.

Keep reading: How to balance working and traveling the world with Worldpackers

Tasks that open doors to new cultures

You may ponder what sort of assignments are accessible. While they vary widely depending on the host’s needs and location, common roles include receptionist duties at hostels, gardening work at eco-villages, or even social media management for local businesses. 

These tasks let you interact closely with other travelers and with locals—giving invaluable insights into their way of life—which beats any typical tourist experience hands down.

The perks are more than just free lodging

But let's not forget about the perks, which go beyond free accommodation. Hosts often include other benefits like meals, free laundry and access to an equipped kitchen. This means less money spent on necessities so more budget left for exploring attractions nearby.

In some cases, hosts may also provide language lessons, cooking classes, or local tours, enriching your travel experience further.

A work exchange is also a chance to forge ties with locals and fellow travelers worldwide. These bonds might persist even when you're back home, establishing an invaluable global network in our highly connected world.

There are thousands of work exchange or volunteering positions available all around the world. 

Just to have an idea, look at some of the top hosts in different continents:

• Meal with toucans: cook watching all kinds of birds in Goiás, Brazil
• Help create a great hostel while exploring Edinburgh, Scotland for free

• Create content to promote a beautiful project in Tamaulipas, Mexico
• Put your creative helping hands to use in amazing Jaisalmer, India
• Learn about gardening with typical local tools in Tagounite, Morocco

• Contribute with an animal care and vet volunteer program in Kampala, Uganda
• Help with housekeeping in a tropical paradise in Roatán, Honduras
• Live a remote off grid life and volunteer at a farm in Havelock, New Zealand

Ready to start traveling for a living?

If you've ever dreamed of jobs that require travel, the world's your oyster. As you've learned, there are plenty of opportunities out there. You can immerse yourself in different cultures and gain new skills while exploring exotic locales.

Work exchange programs like Worldpackers even let you volunteer across the globe - a fantastic way to see the world without breaking the bank. And remember: your career doesn't have to be stationary. It's all about uncovering what suits you best. Have fun!

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