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How to Answer “Are You Willing to Travel?” (Interview Question)

By Biron Clark

Published: December 5, 2023

If a job involves any travel, you’re likely to hear interview questions like, “Are you willing to travel?” “How much are you willing to travel?” etc.

So in this article, I’m going to walk you through how to answer all of these interview questions. And we’ll look at how to understand the meaning of “travel percentage,” so you’ll know what the job is really going to require before you say “yes” or “no.”

And finally, I’m going to share multiple word-for-word example answers to help you get confident and comfortable with this type of question.  So make sure you read until the end. 

Let’s get started…

Answers to “How Much Are You Willing to Travel?”

If they ask an open-ended interview question like this about your willingness to travel, you should state your answer as a percentage.

For example, you could say:

“I’m willing to travel up to 30% of the time. That’s what I did in my last job, and I know I’m comfortable with that amount.”

They may ask you directly for a percentage, with a question like, “what percentage are you willing to travel?” and you’d answer that in the same way. What does travel percentage mean, though? If you’re not sure, it’s essential to understand. So let’s discuss the meaning of “travel percentage.”

Travel percentage meaning: What is travel percentage?

So what does 70 percent travel mean? It means that the employer expects you to be traveling or in cities other than your home city for 70 percent of your working days. So you would expect to spend seven days traveling or away from home for every three days in your home town/office.

This is a very high amount of travel. In my experience working as a recruiter , most travel jobs are 50% or below, because this is less stressful and more sustainable for the worker. So, this is something to keep in mind when deciding how much you’re willing to travel, and whether you’ll take or decline the job offer . 

How to Answer, “Are You Willing to Travel X Amount?” – Examples

The hiring manager may also come out and tell you how much travel is involved, and then ask an interview question to determine if this is an acceptable travel amount. In this case, if it’s acceptable to you, then you can indicate that you are on-board with what they’re proposing. For example, you could say:

“That amount of travel will work for me. In my last company, I traveled that same amount, and it worked out fine.”

(It’s always good to show you’ve done something successfully in the past. This is the best way to improve to a new employer that you’ll be successful with them, too!)

No worries if you haven’t traveled for a job before, though…

Here’s an example of how you could still answer this question:

“That amount of travel sounds acceptable to me. I have no problem doing that for this role.”

Here’s another example:

“That sounds acceptable to me. I’d love to hear more about the role, and if it’s a good fit, then I am able to travel.”

Make Sure You Know What You’re Agreeing To

Another thing to keep in mind is the actual travel schedule. Two jobs could both have the same travel percentage – let’s say 50%. But one could have you spending two weeks away and then two weeks at home, while the other could have you traveling for 2-3 days at a time, returning, and doing it all again a few days later.

Depending on your family, children, etc., you may be able to handle one of these travel requirements but not the other. So the travel duration and schedule are two factors you should clarify before answering. You can say, “I would like to understand the company travel schedule a bit better. Can you give me an example of how long each trip would be, or what a typical month looks like?” This will help you get a clear picture of what your work schedule would look like before you answer the interview question. So don’t be afraid to ask questions of your own. You can’t answer interview questions like, “Are you willing to travel for this job?” without knowing what the company expects! For example, if they ask, “Can you travel if the job requires it?” you’d want to respond by saying, “How much travel is expected in the role?” You can’t give a good answer without knowing what they’re proposing or asking, so clarify that first. Once you know what the company expects, then it’s time to directly answer their question and indicate whether you can travel the amount they require.

You Can Also Try to Negotiate Your Travel Percentage/Willingness to Travel

If you’re interested in the job but can’t travel quite as much as they’re proposing, you can say:

“I don’t think I can travel quite that amount. The job and work sound interesting, and I’d love to consider the position if the travel requirements can be reduced to 30%”.

This may work, or it may not (depending on the role and company’s flexibility), but it’s worth asking! This way, you’ll find out the best they can do! You never know if they’re asking, “How much are you willing to travel?” because it’s a hard requirement, or if they’re just wondering how much you’re willing to do So give an honest answer and don’t be afraid to make a counter-proposal.

A lot of job seekers are afraid to set limits or “push back” in a job interview, but this can actually make you more attractive to the company. It shows confidence! However, you also don’t want to rule yourself out in an interview. So if you’re not quite sure, but think it’s possible to travel the amount that the company would like, just say “yes” for now. You’re not accepting the job or signing a contract. You’re just indicating whether this might be possible for you. And your goal in any interview is to get invited to the next step in the process… or get a job offer. So if you think it’s even remotely possible to travel the amount they want, then yes “Yes” and keep interviewing!

You can always go home and talk to friends and family and make a better decision about whether this is right for you! You do NOT need to decide this in the interview!

How to Answer, “Are You Willing to Travel or Relocate?” – Examples

This is a slightly different question. But just like with the questions and sample answers above, you should give an honest, upfront answer. There’s no sense in wasting their time if you absolutely cannot relocate. But if it’s even slightly possible, say “Yes” when an employer asks if you’re willing to relocate. Don’t rule yourself out. 

Remember: Your goal in the interview is to impress them and get invited back to the next round – so keep going with the job interview, and ask questions to learn more as you go! You’re NOT wasting the recruiter’s or hiring manager’s time by exploring the opportunity, as long as there’s a tiny chance you’d be willing to travel or relocate for the job. They want the opportunity to sell you on their position! I can’t stress this enough: You’re not wasting their time. I hear a lot of job seekers bring up concerns about this, so I just wanted to set the record straight!

You should now know what travel percentage is, and how to answer any time an employer asks about what percentage you’re willing to travel.

Remember – you’re not signing a contract or agreeing to anything in writing; you’re merely indicating whether this could potentially work (for the right opportunity). So stay calm, use the sample answers above, and be direct/concise when responding in a job interview.

This isn’t one of those interview questions where the hiring manager needs to hear a long-winded answer. So once you’ve answered the question, stop and let the interviewer move on!

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Answering “What Percentage Are You Willing To Travel?”

September 14, 2023 by Hannah Morgan

Talking about what percentage of time you’re willing to travel for work is something that trips up a lot of applicants. They often say what they think an interviewer wants to hear instead of an honest and well-prepared answer.

This guide will help you understand what interviewers are looking for when they ask this question, and how you can develop a response that works for everyone.

Table of contents

What does travel percentage mean, how to answer “are you willing to travel”, example answers.

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When a position requires travel, employers typically discuss how much time you’d have to spend in cities other than your own in terms of percentages. For example, a company may advertise a position as requiring “50 percent travel.”

In that case, it means that the employer wants the person hired for that position to spend half of their working days traveling. For every ten days of work, you’d spend five traveling between cities or working in an area outside your home city.

Most travel jobs have a percentage of 50 percent or lower. But you can easily find positions that require more. For example, some engineering, training. and sales jobs have workers traveling 70 percent of the time! Some companies even offer positions that require 100 percent travel time.

It all depends on the industry and the unique position you’re applying for.

Understanding what a company means by “travel percentage” is important to grasp what an employer wants from a new hire. Travel jobs can be fun, but they’re also demanding. You’ll need to spend time away from your family and friends, and the lifestyle is much different than a standard nine-to-five.

While not always the case, many travel percentage requirements are negotiable. A question like this opens the door to that, giving hiring managers a better idea of what you can realistically do if hired.

Many job seekers fear answering a question like this because they believe that interviewers have something specific they want to hear. However, you can still be honest and set limits without hurting your chances of getting further into the hiring process.

Here are some tips on how to answer this question the right way.

1. Decide What You Want Ahead of Time

The most important thing you need to do is decide how much you’re willing to travel before you head into the interview. Nothing will ruin your chances faster than interviewing for a position that requires traveling, and saying you can’t travel at all (or aren’t sure how much you’re willing to travel). You likely won’t be in the running at all if that’s the case.

Do your research and read the job description closely. Employers are usually upfront about travel expectations. Travel percentages can be negotiable, but do note if the job posting mentions travel, some travel will be required. 

Know what you want before you head into the interview. Think about how much travel you can do and how that might affect your life moving forward. Then, have a general travel percentage in mind.

Deciding how much you’re willing to travel will give you everything you need to answer this question confidently.

Interviewers don’t want wishy-washy answers or the dreaded “I don’t know.” If you want to sound confident and serious about this position, know what you want before your meeting.

It’s also important to look into how travel is structured for each position. While companies discuss travel time in percentages, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll spend X amount of days on the road and X amount of days in an office in your home city.

Some positions require you to travel several weeks at a time before spending a few weeks off at home. Those trips could be regular or sporadic based on the company’s needs.

Understand what you’re getting into and what the job requires. Do your research to avoid any surprises!

2. Be Honest & Clear

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to say that you’ll do whatever the company wants in order to get a job.

Travel is a big commitment. Employers and hiring managers know that. They understand that considerable travel is not for everyone, so they appreciate the honesty.

Be clear about whether you’re willing to travel most of the time or can only be on the road a few days out of the month. Be honest and set your boundaries. 

The last thing any hiring manager wants to hear is a vague answer. Your response is important because it directly impacts your fit for the job. For example, some companies might have hard travel requirements that are non-negotiable. In those cases, they need a firm confirmation that you can or cannot meet their required travel percentage. Otherwise, you’d waste their time and yours moving forward. That’s why you should consider what you want from your job before the interview.

Be honest and clear. Don’t lie because you think it might increase your chances of getting a job. While lying might help you move further into the hiring process, it won’t do any good when you can’t hit the road once hired.

The best scenario is already knowing what travel percentage you can work. Discuss those limits during your interview. But you can also express interest in negotiations.

You can tell the interviewer you’re willing to travel but want to learn more about the other job expectations. While not as ideal as providing a percentage, that’s usually enough for interviewers to proceed. Interviews aren’t job offers, and you’re not signing contracts at that point.

So, there’s still room for further discussion. The most important thing is that you’re upfront and have some idea of what you can do going into the interview.

3. Show That You Understand How Travel Relates to the Job

Another important thing to do when answering this question is to demonstrate that you understand the job.

Travel jobs are appealing to many people. One concern that many hiring managers have is that applicants try to get the job because they simply think it’s a cool way to see new places. While that can be true for some jobs, you’re not getting hired to explore new cities and go on vacation!

It’s still a job, and you’ll have important responsibilities.

Show that you understand the job and are there for the right reasons. One way to do that is by talking about some of the unique responsibilities of the job or demonstrating that you know how important travel is for this position.

For example, you can connect the reason why this job requires travel to your work. If the job revolves around sales, you can mention that you understand that traveling is crucial to gaining more clients across the state. If it’s a consulting job, you can discuss how traveling to companies allows you to better assess the situation and build better connections inside companies. 

This seemingly small detail makes a difference. It shows that you’re seeking this job for the right reasons and are committed to doing a fantastic job.

4. Highlight the Positives

Finally, highlight some of the positive aspects of travel. That doesn’t mean you should lean too heavily on wanting to get out and explore. Remember: You still have a job and must demonstrate your commitment to doing it.

However, mentioning some of the things you love about jobs that require frequent travel can reassure hiring managers that you’re up for the challenge. An example of this could be networking and meeting new people in a professional setting.

Travel jobs can be overwhelming for some people. It can lead to burnout, and many employers struggle with low retention rates for these positions.

The ultimate goal for hiring managers is to find someone who thrives in a job that requires traveling. The best people are those who love getting on the road and don’t mind some of the common pitfalls of being in a new place and spending time away from friends and family.

If you show this job will be a positive experience, hiring managers may put your application at the top of the stack.

Connect your past experiences to what you hope to gain from this new job. For example, you can refer to how great previous travel jobs were for you. If you don’t have any related work experience, you can mention times when you studied abroad or spent significant time on the road.

Focus on your love of new experiences and highlight all the great things you’ll gain from this job.

There are many ways to answer “Are you willing to travel?” and how you respond depends on your needs. But these examples will give you a good idea of the type of answers that interviewers love to hear.

In the first example, we have a candidate with some experience traveling in a previous job. They leverage that work experience to reassure the interviewer that they can handle the responsibilities.

“I am willing to travel for work. I traveled about 40 percent of the time in my last job. I’m prepared to do the same here because I know I’m comfortable with that amount of time on the road. I’ve learned how to manage and succeed despite the time away from home. In my last job, I’d spend weeks traveling to cities across the eastern seaboard. I got to work with great people in cities I enjoyed plus I found time to explore many beautiful states. I’m excited at the chance to do the same here while working to fulfill your company’s objectives.”

Our next example is straightforward. The candidate demonstrates that they understand the company’s expectations and use their previous experience to reassure the interviewer that they’re up for the task.

“I’m definitely willing to travel. In my last sales job, I spent about half my time on the road while traveling to cities around the state. It was a great experience, and I had no trouble getting comfortable doing it. The roughly 30 percent travel percentage mentioned in the job posting sounds more than acceptable to me. I have questions about the frequency and the average length of business trips, but I’m certainly willing to spend time traveling.”

Our final example comes from a candidate who has no travel experience. However, they go into the interview knowing what they want and provide a confident answer, demonstrating their understanding and willingness to work hard.

“I’m more than willing to travel; I’m looking forward to it. Not only do I enjoy working with new people, I also like the excitement of traveling to new places. Your job posting mentioned that the position will require at least 50 percent travel time. I can travel as much as 75 percent if the job requires that. I know that your company has offices across the western United States. As a trainer, I understand that visiting those offices and working with people directly makes a big difference in their success. I’m eager to get my hands dirty and do what I can to help others while improving the collective expertise of this company’s employees.”

As you can see, spending some time thinking about the percentage of time you’re willing to travel is just part of the equation. You also need to be honest with the interviewer about what works for you!

If you practice your answer and follow these rules, this question won’t cause you any trouble.

Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including  Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success .

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What Do Travel Percentages Mean in a Job Description?

Written by Nathan Brunner .

Last updated on December 12, 2023.

“Travel percentages” refer to the amount of time that an employee is required to travel as part of their job responsibilities. Travel percentages include traveling to other cities, states, or countries to meet with clients and attend conferences.

For example, if a job description requires “50% travel,” the employee will be required spend roughly half of their time traveling and the other half working from their home office or the company’s headquarters.

Some jobs may require no travel at all, while others may involve extensive travel on a regular basis. Before accepting a job that involves travel, it’s important to carefully consider whether you’re willing and able to meet the job’s travel requirements.

Tip : Find Jobs on Salarship .

The Implications of Travel Percentages on Work-Life Balance

Different travel percentages can have significant implications for work-life balance.

For instance, if a job requires very little or no travel, an employee may be able to maintain a more consistent schedule and have more time for personal activities or family commitments.

On the other hand, frequent or extended travel can lead to fatigue, stress, and a lack of personal time, which can negatively affect an employee’s mental health and well-being .

Here is a quick table to help you understand how the different travel percentages will impact your life once you start your job:

• 10% travel — It means one or two months’ worth of business trips each year. In my experience, it is relatively easy to endure as it means a few travel days (or sometimes weeks) here and there.
• 25% travel — You will spend at least a quarter of your working hours away from your usual place of work. It amounts to 3 months per year, one week per month, or two days per week.
• 50% travel — It means constant overnight or international business trips for at least two weeks per month or six months a year. 50% of travel is usually mentioned in international business job descriptions.
• 75% travel — You will essentially live out of your suitcase and move from hotel to hotel for nine months per year, or three weeks each month. Most jobs that require you to travel three-fourths of the time are pretty stressful (e.g., high-paying jobs or jobs in the transportation industry ). You may rake in a hefty salary, but the tradeoff is little time for yourself, your family, and your non-work-related hobbies and goals. 

On the bright side, companies usually shoulder most (if not all) of your travel expenses, including food expenses, hotel expenses, and transportation expenses.

How To Get a Job That Requires You To Travel

If you’re deadset on getting a job that includes a travel percentage in the description, here are a few tips to keep in mind — whether you’re writing your cover letter or answering an interview question on whether you’re willing to travel or not.

• Highlight any previous travel experience you have. You want to reassure your potential employer that you’re not likely to, say, suffer from jet lag, or commit novice mistakes like forgetting to apply for a visa in countries that require them.
• Be honest about the amount of time you’re willing to spend traveling. The more honest you are about what you want at the job application or interview stage, the more likely you’ll end up with a job that’s a good fit for you. 

Tip : 1,059,152 Jobs Are Available on Salarship .

Final Thoughts

Evaluating the time you’ll be traveling in a job description can help you decide whether a position is right for you.

On the one hand, traveling often translates to more opportunities for promotion and career growth. On the other hand, traveling can be stressful and take a toll on your physical, mental, and psychological health.

Ultimately, it all boils down to your personal priorities and values.

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Travel Jobs: The 60 Best Jobs for Travelers & How To Get Them (Secrets of a 10-Year Nomad)

Do you want to be a full-time traveler? Does the “real world” leave you running for the exit? Then it’s time to take a look at these travel jobs!

You can absolutely get travel jobs with no experience in travel and with only a little work history.

I myself was a modern nomad for around 10 years. I started getting seasonal travel jobs during college, with very little work experience. Along the way, I met people older and younger than me from all sorts of backgrounds. Most of us in this nomad circle find it very easy to find new travel jobs when we’re ready to move on to the next adventure.

You DON’T need to become a flight attendant, a traveling business executive, or even have a college degree to get exciting new travel jobs year after year. There’s no need to trap yourself in a stuffy, rigid career with a single company. Travel should come with the freedom to wander, and with these jobs, it does.

Here are 60 adventurous jobs for travelers of all ages and experience levels. You’ll also find examples and links to adventurous travel jobs you can apply for right now .

Keep in mind that all travel jobs on WanderJobs come with staff housing.

Part 1: Adventure Travel Jobs

1. international travel tour guide.

Lead tour groups on multi-city, multi-country cultural or adventure tours. Required Experience: High

As a travel tour guide, you may be traveling through quaint European cities to sample local wines and chocolates, attending cultural events, and meandering through bustling marketplaces. Or you may choose to lead a group of teens on an outdoor adventure tour, hiking the Himalayas, surfing in Hawai’i, and volunteering in Peru. With this travel job, you’ll have the same accommodations as the guests, which, for the more bougie tours, can mean some of the most luxurious accommodations of any job on this list. You may be put up in some stunning hotels. For some teen tour companies, you may be camping or staying in hostels. Your food will be the same as the guests, so it’s generally very good quality. While exciting, this is a very challenging role. There is little off time, as you’re living and traveling with the group you’re leading. Many tour groups put two guides in a group to break up the enormous work load. Though many companies offer multiple tours that go to many different destinations, it’s not always possible to choose where you get placed. Usually newer guides are given easier assignments, but many companies at least take your preferences into account.

How to Get a Travel Tour Guide Job:

These companies look for well-traveled applicants with high self-confidence and a very outgoing personality. You must be friendly, responsible, and highly organized. This is a job for people who are high-energy and have a good amount of work experience. You can browse Travel Tour Guide Jobs here.

2. Conservation Crew

Work to preserve trails with a small team in this manual-labor heavy outdoor job. Required Experience: Low

Trail teams usually consist of a handful of young people who are willing to put in a hard day’s work, face the elements, and survive off of peanut butter sandwiches. The locations are enviable; you could find yourself in a ponderosa forest in Flagstaff, the lush Pacific Northwest, or even in tropical American Samoa. It’s the sort of job where the challenge brings great rewards. A hard day’s work using your muscles, being immersed in nature, and bonding with your small team makes you feel proud, calm, and connected at the end of the day. Many trail crew positions require a few weeks on, a few weeks off, in a cycle of a few months. Some positions come with housing during your off time (you’ll be camping on the job), but sometimes you’ll need to find your own. Food is up to the team, and the goal tends to be survival calories and keeping pack weight down, not creating gourmet delicacies. Trail conservation positions are often volunteer-based, though not all are. The paid positions are usually for more supervisory roles after you’ve had some experience on a volunteer team. Volunteers may be paid in small stipends and small education grants.

How to Get a Conservation Crew Job:

The two best known sources of conservation crew positions in the US are the Student Conservation Association and the American Conservation Alliance . You won’t need much experience to get a volunteer position, but you’ll need some to be a paid team leader.

3. Travel Camp Leader

Guide youth and teens on multi-country cultural and outdoor adventure trips. Required Experience: High

Travel camps boast bucket-list worthy itineraries. As far as a travel job goes, it’s hard to beat one where you’re literally traveling from beautiful place to beautiful place. These companies usually sell expensive packages to the parents of school-aged kids, which means:

• You’ll be going to exiting places, some that would be hard to get to on your own
• There are many physical adventures, since the kids have the energy for them

A real itinerary from one company includes:

• Fly in to an island city in Guatemala
• Bike through a tropical rainforest environment to explore Mayan pyramids
• Roam ancient ceremonial caverns
• Enjoy a zipline tour
• Relax by the hotel pool
• Sample local chocolate

This is an adventure you can share with the kids. If they’re doing it, you can be sure you’ll be doing it too, as a participant and role model. But that also means there’s no time off. It’s a 24/7 job.

How to Get a Travel Camp Leader Job:

These companies are looking for a bit more leadership experience under your belt. They want employees who are well-traveled and culturally aware, and appreciate foreign language skills. You’ll also need to be a good communicator. The easiest way to find travel camp companies is to search google as if you’re a kid looking to sign up to attend one. Then find the employment page when you’re on the site. “International teen travel tours” is a good search term to start with. You’ll also find some travel camp tours on WanderJobs.

Care for children and preform light household duties while living abroad with a host family for a year. Required Experience: Low

This travel job is an old classic. To get the flavor of what it means to be an au pair, think of the movie The Sound of Music. While you are technically employed by the family, the idea is that in some sense, you are joining as part of the family and helping to raise the kids. In this US, Au pairs are paid with a stipend of a minimum of around $200/week. Au pairs seek employment in countries other than their own. One of the biggest benefits of this line of work is the cultural and language exchange between family and au pair.

You’ll go on vacations with your host family, meet their friends, attend recitals and barbecues and celebrate holidays. It all comes down to the match between au pair and family, which makes or breaks the experience.

I was very fortunate to grow up with au pairs from Norway. Each year, a new young woman came to care for me and my brothers, and most of them were very good matches. (A few left quickly.) Those who stayed are still, 20 and 30 years later, a loving part of our family. They visit us when they are in the states, we have stayed with them and their families in Norway, we exchanges letters and Christmas gifts and attend each other’s weddings.

However, there are some very bad stories of women coming from other countries and feeling completely trapped with families who verbally abuse them and make them work well beyond the hours indicated in their contracts. While there is usually a possibility of being placed with a different family if this happens, be very cautious and listen to your gut if a red flag comes up.

How to Get an Au Pair Job:

You’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you’re a good, reliable, and kind person who is good with children. Since au pairs are usually in their late teens, not much previous work experience is expected. Au pairs tend to be young women. Young men have a tough time being placed, as host families aren’t always comfortable leaving their kids with a man they’ve just met.

However, this is rapidly changing with the childcare crisis brought on by the Covid pandemic. Many families are now considering hiring young men for the first time, and it’s possible the perspective shift will be long-lasting. As of summer 2020, host families in the US are desperate for childcare, and au pairs are getting interview requests from up to fifty families, according to the 7/26/20 New York Times article, Au Pairs Get the Upper Hand. It seems likely that families will be willing to consider even domestic au pairs and forgo the benefit of an international cultural exchange.

There are many au pair matching sites where you can find a host family and make sure you feel comfortable with them before making a commitment.

5. Gap Year Program Leader

Lead older students on multi-country, adventure, and volunteering trips geared toward education and personal growth. Required Experience: High

Working as a gap year leader offers a slightly different experience than working as a travel tour leader. The people you’ll be leading are usually high school or college-aged youth who are actively looking to expand themselves as people and gain an education before heading off for their next year of college.

Many of the itineraries will resemble the highly adventurous itineraries of other travel camps. In addition, there may be more formal educational lectures, time for reflection and journaling, or preparing personal mission statements.

How to Get a Gap Year Leader Job:

You’ll need plenty of travel and leadership experience and at least a college degree.

Just like finding a travel camp company, the simplest plan is to search google as if you’re looking to attend a gap year program. Then find the employment page when you’re on the site.

6. SCUBA Instructor/Guide

Help tourists have safe, fun SCUBA diving adventures in warm tropical waters. Required Experience: High

Unlike other travel jobs on this list, SCUBA is more of a career commitment. It requires certification and experience in a very specific niche, so you need to have interest in committing to SCUBA long-term to make it worthwhile.

Those who I’ve met who are SCUBA instructors make it part of their personality. They love it, and it’s easy to understand why. Dive instructors usually live on islands and in tropical locations, where relaxed and laid-back attitudes are the norm. You get to spend time in the ocean, seeing beautiful reefs and sharks and fish, and tour groups max out at just a few people to keep it manageable. You’ll have to care for a lot of equipment, do regular checks, and be comfortable guiding tourists through potentially dangerous situations. An outgoing personality is much less important than generally good communication skills.

How to Get a SCUBA Job:

The most important thing you’ll need to do is become certified as a professional divemaster through PADI and log many hours SCUBA diving.

SCUBA instructors should be extremely responsible, organized, and safety-oriented people. SCUBA jobs can be a bit more challenging to find. Often job boards for SCUBA slowly turn into advertisements for certification courses. For now, you can try DiveJobs .

7. Zip Line Guide

Lead guests through a zip line course and tell them about the area. Required Experience: Medium

Zip line guides work in pairs to take small groups of tourists through areas of natural beauty in a thrilling way. Being a zip line guide (as I know from short personal experience) is physically challenging and mentally draining. But it can be a lot of fun. The guests are usually in a good mood and excited to be doing something from their bucket list. A good zip line company will provide a lot of safety training- weeks- which makes for great team bonding among coworkers. Zip lines are generally built in beautiful places, which means you’ll be working outdoors in a nature or even wilderness setting. Leading a group of guests means you’ll need to make a safety presentation, get them in harnesses, and hook and unhook them from the zip lines. Often you’ll be giving a general informational tour while up on the course. This means you’ll be doing some public speaking, but it’s an amount that even a shy person can get used to. Tips for zip line guides can be pretty darn good.

How to Get a Zipline Guide Job:

Search zip line guide jobs on WanderJobs or on any major job board.

8. Small Vessel/River Cruise Staff

Live and work aboard a smaller and more luxurious cruise vessel catering to older and wealthier guests. Required Experience: High

Sometimes the allure of being aboard a boat and exploring different ports is too strong to ignore. Luckily, working aboard a massive cruise liner is not the only option. River cruises are smaller and more intimate, and offer guests a higher level of service. For this reason, the job competition is a bit tougher. Small cruise itineraries include off-the-beaten-path locations, such as:

• The Puget Sound
• Small, less-trafficked tropical islands
• European river tours
• Custom itineraries
• & lots more

In addition, charter cruises often have a more environmentally or culturally-friendly slant. They may be opportunities for guests to participate in hands-on education, and “excursions” off the ship are significantly more thrilling and less touristy. To get an idea, National Geographic has a few passenger ships, and offers a breathtaking Journey to Antarctica cruise with a $16,000 price tag. You’ll still be in close quarters with your coworkers pretty much constantly, but all in all, staff life on a small cruise is less of a party atmosphere than on a cruise liner.

How to Get a Small Vessel/Charter Cruise Job:

A google search is best. Again, do the search as if you’re looking to pay to be a guest on the cruise. Once you find a company you like, look for its employment page. You will need to be well traveled and have excellent customer service skills to get one of these jobs.

9. Scenic River Float Guide

Safely row guests through currents on guided river raft tours.

Required Experience: High

As a scenic river tour guide, you’ll steer a raft full of tourists down a large, slower-moving river, while giving them a guided tour along the way. It’s a highly physically and mentally demanding job. It takes an all-around strong and confident person to excel as a river guide. Unlike whitewater, the current is fairly calm. Tourists come for the scenery and a relaxing adventure rather than an extreme thrill. Imagine floating down the Snake River famously photographed by Ansel Adams, while watching for eddies and dangers and pointing out eagles and beavers along the forested shoreline. There is still a high amount of danger inherent in scenic river guiding. Rafts have been overturned by logs, rocks, and surprising currents. If a raft is overturns, things can become chaotic and unsafe, sometimes to the point of fatality. There is an art to mastering the river, and because of this, river rafting is a commitment and more of a career choice than some other jobs on this list. A good company will provide a huge amount of safety training, and will likely also require applicants to be trained and certified before even applying for a job. If you can handle the responsibility, working as a river guide can be a very rewarding experience. There may also be opportunities for crossover into whitewater rafting jobs. It’s an excellent job for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to Get a Scenic Float Guide Job:

I haven’t yet found any reliable source of leads for this type of job. Try searching google for any combination of “scenic river float guide jobs” and “river rafting jobs”.

10. Kayak Guide

Lead a caravan of kayaks through calm and beautiful waters. Required Experience: Low

Kayak guides lead tourists on lake tours or coastal ocean tours, weaving out of narrow, magical tree-lined inlets. It’s one of the simpler ways to get out on the water for work. You’ll need enough people skills to kindly introduce yourself and teach kayaking safety basics, but it’s an easy choice for introverts. Once you’re out on the water, it’s just a game of follow the leader and making sure nobody falls behind. You will need strength and stamina for paddling, but that will build over time.

You’ll usually be leading people of many different ages, and often families, on a single tour. Kayak guides are needed in many different types of environments. From small lodges on cold Alaskan waters and while migration routes, to Mediterranean environments with rocky, scrubby shorelines, you’ll be able to seek out a location that fits your preferences. There are even night kayak tours in bioluminescent bays. Each stroke of the paddle through the water causes bacteria to glow an etherial blue. It’s quite beautiful and relaxing.

How to Get a Kayak Guide Job:

Find Kayak Guide jobs on WanderJobs .

11. Ski/Snowboard Instructor 

Help vacationers (often groups of kids) improve their skiing and snowboarding skills. Required Experience: Medium

Ski instructing is one of the best known seasonal jobs for young people. There are abundant positions available every ski season across the globe, so if you want a ski job and you know how to ski (and are decent at interviewing), you will probably be hired.

The culture on mountains and among seasonal ski employees is very specific. This, in my opinion, is the most important thing to consider before accepting a ski job, even more important than your love of the sport. You’ll be around lots of young people who like to party, to “work hard, play hard,” who aren’t yet settled in life and want to “go big or go home.” Duuuuuddddeeee!

This is a job absolutely best left to extroverts, and ideally young extroverts. You’ll of course also need to be fit and comfortable with lots of public speaking.

Ski and snowboard instructor jobs come with mountain passes so you can spend as much of your free time on the slopes as you want. This, of course, is one of the main reasons people commit to a season on a mountain. If there’s fresh snow, it’s yours to shred, and there will be lots of coworkers around to join you.

There is a hierarchy of ski jobs, and if you stay in the game for a while you can move from a bunny slope youth group instructor to giving private adult lessons, or even work your way to a ski patrol position.

Not all mountains offer housing for their ski instructors, but many do. Those that don’t may at least have resources to help you find your own housing before you arrive.

How to Get a Ski Instructor Job:

While it’s possible to get certified as a ski instructor before applying for your job, I don’t recommend this. Your home mountain will train you, and if they require further certifications for teaching at higher levels, you can earn those after you start working. I wouldn’t pay to be certified before actually starting work.

Find ski and snowboard jobs on WanderJobs or any major job board.

12. High Ropes/Aerial Course Guide

Teach tourists to safely navigate ropes courses, preform safety checks, and be present to help if needed. Required Experience: Low

Aerial high ropes courses can be found near many wilderness lodges, as they’re often a draw for they same type of outdoorsy tourist. They’re also found near cruise ship ports, which brings a whole ‘nother type of guest. So while you’ll have a beautiful view and access to fun recreational activities, the job itself is genuinely pretty dull.

Aside from a thorough daily safety check of the course and all gear, there isn’t all that much to the job. You’ll spend a lot of time staring up at guests as they go through the course, walkie-talkie in hand, making sure nothing dangerous happens. Occasionally you’ll have to shout up encouraging tips from the ground, or “rescue” someone from an obstacle they can’t solve.

High ropes guides often cross over into rock wall and zip line territory.

It’s an easy, low-responsibility job for a first time seasonal worker. The title “guide” is a bit of an exaggeration; it may feel like more of a babysitter position.

It’s a good job for young people.

How to Get a High Ropes Guide Job:

Search for jobs here on WanderJobs or on any major job board.

13. Horse Wrangler

Care for and train horses and lead guided horseback tours.

Horse wrangling requires early mornings, long hours, and intense physical labor. Most available jobs are on ranches in the western US. 

If you have experience with horses, love being outside, and don’t mind getting dirty, then this could be an exciting job. In addition to herding animals, wranglers are responsible for feeding, saddling, grooming, and training the horses, leading trail rides, and cleaning the stalls. 

Horse wrangling requires working around the clock and is best for people without many commitments. Your responsibilities will depend a lot on your prior experience, training, and seniority. As a beginner, you probably won’t be doing much wrangling – you can expect to start out shoveling manure and grooming the horses. 

There are various horse wrangler jobs available on public land as well as privately owned ranches. Each ranch has its own set of rules, requirements, and exclusions that you’ll want to review carefully before deciding where to apply.

Once hired, you’ll likely attend wrangler school for four to six weeks. You will learn essential skills, including trail riding and horseshoeing, and cover topics such as horse behavior and anatomy. 

Ranches cultivate a close community where employees are treated like family. Personal life and work often blend together. While permanent positions include paid time off, many of the seasonal ranch jobs require you to work straight through the season with no weekends or vacation days. 

Due to the remote location, there are few activities available off of the ranch. Workers typically spend the little downtime they have exploring the countryside or relaxing by a campfire.  

Most ranches provide employees with family-style meals and dormitory lodging. Depending on your attitude going into the job, horse wrangling could be one of the most rewarding or most miserable experiences of your life. If you’re willing to trade sleep and time off for riding horses and watching the sunrise over the mountains, then you’ll likely find a lot of personal growth and fulfillment in working on a ranch. 

How to Get a Wrangler Job:

Browse through ranches on WanderJobs and check individual company websites to see if they are currently hiring for wrangler staff. The competition is high, so it’s worth reaching out to companies to establish a relationship even if there are no positions open.

14. Backcountry Guide

Lead overnight backpacking trips into the wilderness.

If you love the mountains and are always seeking out wilderness adventures, becoming a backcountry guide could be a good employment option. In addition to guiding groups safely in remote areas, guides are responsible for coaching clients through physically and mentally demanding situations, teaching them the technical skills needed to navigate tough terrain, and managing risk. 

To land a job as a backcountry guide, you’ll need advanced certifications in wilderness safety and first aid, a backcountry food handlers permit, and proven expertise in disciplines like rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, ice climbing, mountaineering, and ski touring. The position entails a large amount of responsibility – backcountry guides must have sound decision-making in risky situations, excellent interpersonal skills, and passion for adventure. 

As a beginner, it’s best to join a local alpinist club and explore training options with a mountain guide association. Depending on your location and what field you’re hoping to work in, you may need a certification from the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), one of the industry’s most recognized and respected organizations. 

Getting the necessary certifications can be a long process, but if you’re prepared for the rigors required, you will join a close international community of intrepid explorers. Backcountry guiding affords ample opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most amazing wilderness areas. When you’re not camping in the backcountry, you’ll likely have free housing at a mountain hut or remote resort. 

How to Get a Backcountry Guide Job:

Browse Backdoorjobs for available backcountry guiding positions.

15. Fruit Picking Abroad

Harvest, sort, & pack fruit on farms with other travelers in Australia.

Required Experience: Low

Picking fruit is a physically demanding job that requires early mornings and long hours in the sun. You’ll likely have aches and pains – particularly at the beginning – from the repetitive motions and hard labor. 

Fruit picking jobs exist in any agricultural area, but different regions have varying levels of open positions based on the availability of migrant labor. The most interesting opportunities for young people are located in Australia, where it’s possible to extend your visa by a year in exchange for three months of fruit picking, and in New Zealand.

While most jobs are seasonal, fruit-picking work is available in Australia year-round. Positions down under typically attract students and backpackers, so you’ll likely work with an eclectic group of travelers from around the world. 

There are no particular skills or previous experience required to get a job picking fruit. As long as you are willing to work hard and show up on time each day, you shouldn’t have a problem holding onto your job throughout the season. 

Many farms offer workers accommodation for free or at a reduced price. The type and quality of housing vary substantially from one farm to the next. You could be placed in a crowded caravan with six other people, or get a small bungalow all to yourself. 

How to Get a Fruit Picking Job:

On the Australian Work Travel Visa, you can work and play your way through the country and apply for many different jobs. Fruit picking seems to be one of the lower hanging fruits- pun intended. The job search and application process is a little more messy and requires more spontaneity and flexibility. Here is a handy guide .

16. Yacht Crew

Work for an individual employer or traveling family aboard a private yacht or sailing vessel.

Required Experience: Medium

While yachting is associated with luxury, working on a private yacht is rarely glamorous. The experience is highly dependent on the owners of the yacht, the captain, and the guests on each voyage. Some clients are relaxed and down to earth, while others can be demanding and even rude. 

In general, being part of a yacht crew is tiring work with long hours – on a typical day, you should plan to wake up before dawn and work well past sunset. Responsibilities include cleaning the yacht, assisting with food and beverage service, and fulfilling clients’ various requests. 

If you love the sea and are ready for the service industry’s demands, working on a yacht crew can be a great way to sail for free while also earning some income. Crew positions are available on private yachts worldwide. As long as you have exceptional customer service and at least some knowledge of boats, you have a good chance of being hired. 

Crew cabins tend to be cramped and lack the luxurious feel of the rest of the yacht. Since you’ll spend a lot of time with the other staff members in close quarters, the group’s personality can make or break your experience. 

How to Get a Yacht Crew Job:

One of the best known yacht job boards is Find a Crew . Since you’ll be talking to individuals rather than incorporated companies, the process can be a little sketchier. Use your judgement.

17. Bicycle Trip Leader

Lead guided travel tour trips through picturesque cities and adventurous locations.

Traveling by bike is an amazing way to see the world. If you enjoy cycling and love working with people, then guiding bike tours could be an exciting and enriching experience. 

Becoming a cycling trip leader requires a high level of physical fitness, positivity, and dependability. Tours range from single-day trips to month-long adventures and are available in stunning locations worldwide. 

As a guide, you’re responsible for guests’ safety and are on call 24/7. You should be prepared for long hours and ready to handle medical emergencies like illness or bike accidents. You’ll also need to know how to service bicycles since guests on the tours are likely to experience issues such as flat tires and broken chains along the way. 

In addition to ensuring everyone’s safety, guides are responsible for immersing guests in the local culture and customs. You’ll need to be very familiar with the area and have excellent navigation skills in case you need to make any unexpected detours due to weather conditions or guest preferences. 

Bike guides tend to be a fun, extroverted group with lots of opportunities to socialize and explore the local area when you’re not working. 

When you’re on a trip, you’ll receive free accommodation in the same hotels the guests are staying (although it’s usually in a lower quality room). Not all companies cover accommodation costs when you’re not with clients, so you’ll want to consider this when applying to these travel jobs. 

How to Get a Bicycle Trip Leader Job:

Search Google as if you’re looking to pay to attend an international bicycle tour. When you find a company you like, search for its employment page.

18. Whitewater Raft Guide

Safely guide guests through physically challenging white water rapids. Required Experience: High

If you are passionate about adventure, love the water, and handle risk and unpredictability with grace, then whitewater raft guiding could be a good option. Raft guides depend on one another to safely make it out of the rapids each day, which fosters a type of trust and bond that can be hard to find in other jobs. In general, you can expect to work with a fun group of people who spend their free time enjoying the outdoors and drinking around a campfire.  The travel job is best for young extroverts who love working with people and are ready for long hours and physically demanding work. Positive energy is critical – guides must keep the stoke high even when their extremities are numb, and the guests are miserable. 

Becoming a raft guide takes hard work. There is a steep learning curve, with intensive training and various certifications required or recommended.

The first step is to attend a 7-10 day guide school with a rafting company, followed by another 2-6 weeks of unpaid training once hired. The training is intense and seeks to weed out those who can’t handle the physical and mental demands of whitewater raft guiding. 

Many guides also complete courses in or become certified as:

• advanced wilderness first aid
• wilderness first responders
• swift water rescue certifications
• CPR & first aid

While not all of these are required, the more certifications and experience you have, the more you can expect to earn.  NOLS is a well-known outdoor adventure certification school. On the other side of this rigorous process, there is a close-knit international community of guides with many opportunities to travel. Keep in mind that requirements may vary across borders and from state to state within the US. 

Many rafting companies offer basic housing, often in the form of guide camps near the river. Amenities are sparse, with guides living out of tents, their cars, or old RVs. Raft guiding is not a lucrative travel job – even with the free housing, it’s unlikely that you’ll come out of your first season with more than a few hundred dollars saved. 

How to Get a White Water Guide Job:

Search for white water jobs on WanderJobs and Backdoorjobs .

19. Wilderness Therapist

Help youth overcome mental health issues with nature and counseling. Required Experience: High

Wilderness therapy combines nature and counseling to help at-risk youth cope with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, ADHD, technology addiction, and other mental health issues. 

It’s helpful to have outdoor experience and a background in social work or psychology. But if you enjoy nature and working with youth and are willing to work hard, it’s possible to overcome a lack of experience. 

Wilderness therapy is gaining popularity worldwide, but many programs remain concentrated in the US, the UK, and New Zealand and run seasonally. You’ll be with students 24-7, teaching a variety of outdoor and survival skills that can be transferred into everyday situations.

Students will need help coping with new physical and mental challenges and mentorship as they seek self-improvement. The job certainly has its difficulties, but it is also incredibly rewarding. You can have a profound impact on others’ lives and experience significant personal growth.

People who choose to work as wilderness therapists find supportive communities and build lasting friendships with their colleagues. 

The structure of wilderness therapy programs varies by company. Sometimes students spend a week in the classroom with a licensed clinician, then a week in the wilderness with a guide. Sometimes the two are combined and require guides to have more extensive clinical training.

Many programs follow a rotating schedule with one or two weeks on, and the next one or two weeks off. When you’re working, you’ll be camping in the backcountry with your group. Not all companies cover accommodation during your time off. 

How to Get a Wilderness Therapist Job:

Backdoorjobs has lots of wilderness therapy jobs to browse.

Part 2: Hospitality Travel Jobs

20. cruise ship jobs.

Work in a customer service role or behind-the-scenes aboard a mighty international cruise liner. Required Experience: Medium

Cruise ship jobs seem to hold the allure of adventure. While they do allow you to see new places, the adventures tend to be a bit more surface-level, hedonistic, and rife with difficulties than other options. There are so many jobs available on cruise ships to match different experience levels and interests. They truly are like floating cities, and will need staff to help with cooking, cleaning, entertaining, sailing, styling hair, serving, retail, maintaining the ship, childcare, and much, much more.

The benefits of working on a cruise ship are:

• visiting a handful of new countries in a short period of time
• making new friends from around the world
• saving a good amount of money you earn

But the downsides are substantial. These include:

• an extremely long workweek and little free time
• a social life heavily dependent on drinking at the staff cantina
• little time off the ship
• lack of internet/cell coverage
• tiny, shared living quarters
• apathetic management

It must be said that cruise liners and their guests very actively harm the “tourist towns” in which they dock and make life in these places significantly more depressing for locals.

Despite all this, some people LOVE working on a cruise ship. In fact, my friend Marissa shared an in-depth experience of her time working aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship on my Once Upon a Wander podcast .

Some people though, including a few I met who worked on Carnival ships, found cruise ship life stressful and unpleasant. Do some research and make sure it feels right to before applying to work on a cruise ship. Or just take my recommendation and stay away altogether. There are so many better options.

How to Get a Cruise Ship Job:

It’s important to research the companies you are interested in applying to. Not all cruise jobs are equal. Some are more… notorious than others. It’s probably best if introverts steer clear of cruise ship jobs, as you will get little alone time. However, the jobs themselves are so varied that you may still find something that suits you if you don’t want to interact directly with guests. The required experience level varies greatly by job, with the easiest jobs to get generally being in the housekeeping department. It can end up being many months after you’re hired before you’re actually placed on a ship. You can browse Cruise Ship Jobs here or on any major job site, including Indeed .

21. Lift Operator (Liftie)

Safely operate ski lifts and check guest passes during the winter season. Required Experience: Low

A liftie job is the easiest entry point to working on the ski slopes. A common choice for younger people, operating the ski lifts requires a lot more standing around and a lot less responsibility than the more coveted positions of ski/snowboard instructors or ski patrol. It is expected that ski resort employees working on the mountain will receive a free season lift pass, which is one of the biggest draws. Some, but not all, mountain resorts will provide employee housing and/or meals. The culture of a ski job is not for everyone. If skiing or snowboarding every day brings you a genuine thrill, and you enjoy bonding with others over beers and drinking, it’s probably a good fit. But if hearing “gonna go shred some sick gnar” or “get that fresh pow, man” on the regular isn’t your cup of tea, maybe look elsewhere.

How to Get a Liftie Job:

Look for lift operator positions anywhere you’d find ski instructor jobs. You can start here .

22. Housekeeping

Clean guest rooms & common areas and fold laundry. Required Experience: Low

Housekeeping is one of the easiest entry points into the travel job arena, period. Just about any company you’ll find on WanderJobs needs housekeepers. Lodges, resorts, retreat centers, ranches… they all need to be cleaned. It’s one of the largest employee departments in tourism. Because of the ease of entry, housekeepers usually make up the youngest department in seasonal travel companies. Many of them are teenagers and early 20s. The work itself is surprisingly physical and it helps to be in good shape. It’s a good choice for someone who doesn’t want to interact with the customers.

Usually you’ll be put into pairs or small teams to clean guest rooms, so you’ll be able to chat with your partner or listen to music. It’s genuinely a lot of fun.

When you’re cleaning alone it’s nice to just listen to a podcast or enjoy the peace and quiet. I consider it to be kind of relaxing and even meditative.

How to Get a Housekeeping Job:

Housekeeping is the #1 easiest travel job to be hired for. After getting your foot in the door at your preferred company, it’s easier to get a new position (or become a housekeeping supervisor) the next season.

There are many housekeeping positions on WanderJobs .

23. Wilderness Lodge Staff

Hospitality positions in wilderness locations include everything from housekeeping to kitchen crews. Required Experience: Low

Wilderness lodges come in all sorts of locations and sizes. I’ve worked for a wilderness lodge with a staff size of 160, and another with a staff size of 4.

Both experiences offered an incredibly peaceful slice of life, where you could step outside your door and be right in nature. You’ll be able experience real quiet; nothing but the rustling leaves and soothing waves on the lake. Wilderness lodges seem to attract a good type of person, and also a wide variety. I’ve met a lot of artists, thinkers, and adventurers in these places. There are SO many types of travel jobs to chose from at a lodge that it’s likely you’ll be able to find something that suits you.

Jobs often include:

• Housekeeping
• Front desk & customer service
• Activities staff
• Office staff
• & many more

Larger lodges may offer three hot meals per day in addition to housing. Lodges in National Parks, designated as official National Park concessioners, often have Employee Dining Rooms (EDRs) with fresh, tasty food for staff. Hanging out with friends is a wonderful experience when you’re so close to nature. Expect lots of stargazing, camp fires, porch parties and hiking. Listen to my Once Upon a Wander podcast interview with coworker Nita . She describes what working at a wilderness lodge in the Grand Teton National Park meant to her.

Read my review of life at a wilderness lodge in Minnesota .

How to Get a Wilderness Lodge Job:

For google searches, it’s helpful to search wilderness lodge + location + staff housing. For example, “wilderness lodge Alaska staff housing.” Many wilderness lodges are so far from the nearest town that they need to offer staff housing or they wouldn’t have staff. Find Wilderness Lodge Jobs on WanderJobs .

24. Front Desk/Reception

Check in guests, make sales, answer the phone, and preform other customer service duties. Required Experience: Medium

Front desk positions are a good choice for people who want to live and work in beautiful places but who don’t necessarily consider themselves “outdoorsy” or don’t want the adventure to come from the job itself. These positions are usually a bit cushier, and as with any office job, there’s more opportunity to sit down, have a slow cup of coffee, and be in a climate-controlled environment. Each day will have a rush and a lull, but you do have to be prepared to deal with many customers wanting attention at once. The downtime tends to balance it out, though. In one of my front desk positions, I was on the night shift in a gorgeous wilderness lodge. Most guests had already hunkered down for the night by the time I clocked in, so I liked to sit in the office, stare off at the lake, or read a nice book. In another of my front desk positions, this one at a zip line, the day was much more fast-paced. I had to stand outside in the sun and check in hundreds of guests each day. Both positions required learning a somewhat confusing point-of-sale system and knowing how to answer detailed questions about the business, but there were never any huge challenges.

How to Get a Front Desk Job:

Look for any job on WanderJobs marked as resort, hotel, hostel, lodge, or retreat center. Any place that operates as a place for guests to spend the night will need front desk staff.

25. Activities Leader

Keep guests entertained and engaged. Required Experience: Medium

This is a travel job for people who truly love meeting and engaging with new people. An activities leader should be friendly, warm, and outgoing. She should not be afraid of looking silly or acting like a goof to make others happy. Ideally, making others happy should be a driving force for her own happiness. Companies that hire activity leaders do so for many reasons. Each company will have a very different schedule of events. Some sample activities include:

• guest picnics and bonfires
• guided nature walks
• art classes
• tournaments
• & much more

You’ll need a lot of mental stamina to be successful in this position. Public speaking skills are important.

How to Get an Activities Leader Job:

Find activities lead jobs with room and board on WanderJobs by searching for companies with at any resort, retreat, ranch, or hotel. Summer camps and year-round camps (like YMCAs) are also a great place to find Activity positions if you’re interested in working with youth.

26. Retreat Center Staff

Work and live on a campus geared toward the peaceful spiritual growth of its guests and employees.

Working at a retreat center is an experience unlike any other I’ve had. When you consider what a person really, truly needs to be happy and fulfilled in life, you have to admit that living in a strong community with other people and being in nature are very near the top. Retreat centers give you these.

Both retreat centers where I’ve worked and lived were places for people of many different backgrounds, ages, and nationalities to come together and live a more natural way of life. Beautiful facilities in nature and fresh healthy meals fostered a calm, creative way of life.

Part of the draw of a retreat center is the location. They tend to be more remote: in the mountains, tucked in a forested valley, by a cliff on the sea. I’ve found nothing yet to match the feeling of peace and connection I’ve found at these places.

Retreat and conference centers require employees in many different areas: kitchen, housekeeping, front desk and customer service, spa, events, management, etc. It’s just like a resort, but specifically for people who want to rest and restore, or learn, or create.

Groups of guests come to learn yoga, martial arts, meditation, art, writing, communication, dance, etc. Many retreat centers allow employees to participate in many of the events on campus, so it’s usually a fun environment.

It’s easy to make friends at retreat center jobs. You’ll find lots of kind, open-minded liberals and people trying to better themselves or take a break from the rat race.

Some retreat centers (like those listed on WanderJobs) offer paid positions, but many more are work-exchange/volunteer only. Some will actually charge the volunteers a monthly fee for room and board, and while this may sound ridiculous, it can lead to some of the best experiences of your life. Still, no need to pay when you can just find a travel job that pays you.

How to Get a Retreat Center Job:

Search for retreat center jobs on WanderJobs.

You can also browse Find the Divine and Retreat Finder , but as these aren’t job sites, you have to click on individual retreat center web sites to see if they do have employment or volunteer positions available.

27. Lifeguard

Because you’re responsible for everyone’s safety at the pool or on the beach, being a lifeguard requires constant vigilance and an ability to handle medical emergencies. 

From rescuing children who are panicking to dealing with drunk adults, you must be prepared to handle a wide range of dangerous situations in the water. You must be a physically fit and strong swimmer, have a lifeguard certification, and complete CPR and first aid training.

Lifeguards may also teach swimming or water aerobics classes and clean and maintain the swimming area. 

Expect a party culture with a lot of socializing. After work, there are often friendly competitions between lifeguards, such as swimming, paddle boarding, and boat races. 

Lifeguarding culture remains somewhat male-dominated. Women working as lifeguards often report feeling like they need to prove themselves and say men are given more responsibility and promoted faster.

You’ll also need to be able to deal with boredom. Lifeguards can’t read or look at their phones while working and need to find alternative ways to entertain themselves when the pool or beach is deserted. 

Many classic lakeside sleep-away camps recruit lifeguards to keep the swimming campers safe.

How to Get a Lifeguard Job:

Overnight summer camps are one of the best places to find lifeguarding positions with housing. You can usually earn a lifeguarding certificate at your local YMCA or swimming pool.

28. Restaurant Host

Greet guests, take some orders, and help keep the floor running smoothly.

Restaurants worldwide are social, fast-paced environments where the atmosphere can change quickly. The culture you’ll find depends on what kind of restaurant you work in and where it’s located. 

Restaurant staff in the US tend to be on the younger side, but many countries have hosts, waiters, and chefs of differing ages. Some restaurants have strict rules and dress codes, while others are more casual and allow for greater self-expression.

It’s possible to get a travel job as a restaurant host with minimal experience, but positions with the best perks (and housing) will be awarded to those with previous training in hospitality. You also may benefit from speaking a foreign language or two.

Restaurant hosts are responsible for a guest’s first impression and must have excellent customer service skills. In addition to showing guests to their table, answering the phone, and taking reservations, you help clear tables and assist the waiters as needed. 

The restaurant industry certainly isn’t for everyone. Before taking a position as a host, you should prepare for long and unusual hours with many spent standing up. You’ll need to maintain composure in an ever-changing, high-stress environment. If that sounds exciting, working as a restaurant host could be a fun and worthwhile experience. 

How to Get a Restaurant Host Job:

Search WanderJobs for lodges, hotel jobs, restaurants, and resorts. Most places with overnight accommodations for guests have a restaurant.

29. Spa Attendant

Help youth overcome mental health issues with nature and counseling.

Spa attendants are responsible for fostering an environment that helps others relax. Working alongside massage therapists and aestheticians, attendants support clients in seeking out self-care and making healthy changes in their lives. 

There are no specific requirements to become a spa attendant. Still, it works in your favor if you have prior customer service experience, have worked in the hospitality or wellness industry, or have cosmetology certifications. As long as you are organized and professional and have excellent interpersonal skills, it’s possible to get a travel job as a spa attendant. 

If hired, your duties will include assisting customers, selling treatment packages, cleaning the facilities, and helping aestheticians and therapists prepare for clients. You’ll also be responsible for administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and managing inventory. 

Spas and wellness centers worldwide tend to have a team-oriented environment that attracts young, health-conscious employees. Working in this type of setting can be incredibly calming and enjoyable. 

Like all jobs, working in a spa is stressful at times. Customer service roles are known for being mentally and emotionally draining, and you’ll need to spend many hours a day on your feet. Depending on the spa’s operating hours, you may have long shifts and be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends. 

You’re most likely to find housing included at spas in large or remote resorts and on cruise ships. If you work at a spa in one of these settings, you can expect to meet interesting people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world. Resorts often have perks like free access to facilities and fun events. Through these activities and those you discover on your own in your free time, you’ll get to know other employees within the wellness center and throughout the entire resort or ship. 

How to Get a Spa Attendant Job:

After searching for resort, hotel, and lodge jobs with housing, find out which of those have spas. Or try a keyword search on WanderJobs for “spa”.

30. YMCA Camp Counselor/Leader

YMCA camps offer a range of counselor and leadership jobs with different requirements. You can find anything from junior counselor positions geared towards high schoolers to activity specialist roles intended for those with professional teaching experience. 

Depending on your skill set, there may be an opportunity to specialize in areas like sports, swimming, or arts and crafts. 

Working at a YMCA camp tends to be a seasonal job. While some camps offer year-round programs, most operate primarily in the summer when kids are out of school. 

A majority of YMCA camps are located in the US and Canada, so if you’re looking for a travel job overseas, this may not be the right fit. Even without traveling abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from around the world, since YMCA camps attract a diverse bunch of international campers and counselors. Camp communities offer fantastic opportunities to make lasting friendships, but they can be a bit cliquey. 

To get a job as a YMCA camp counselor, you must have excellent leadership and enjoy working with children. If hired, you’ll likely need to undergo additional training focusing on communication skills, conflict resolution, leadership, child safety, first aid, and CPR. 

Working for a summer or two as a YMCA counselor can be a very enriching experience. However, you must remain positive, energetic, and bubbly even when you’re covered in mosquito bites and haven’t had dry socks in two weeks. As a result, camp counselors often report feeling drained by the end of the summer. 

Typically staff members spend the summer living in cabins with the campers. Different camps have varying levels of sophistication in their accommodations for counselors. Depending on your level of comfort with camping, you’ll want to consider a particular camp’s facilities before applying.  

How to Get a YMCA Leader Job:

Search major job boards (like Indeed) for “YMCA camp residential”.

31. Hostel Jobs

Preform various guest service duties in a highly social traveler environment.

Hostels are abundant worldwide and are among the classic places people turn when looking for a travel job that includes housing. There is a lot of flexibility depending on your desired environment. You can find hostels in urban centers, around national parks, and next to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

With opportunities to work at reception, as a housekeeper, in the kitchen, and more, it’s easy to find work in this sector. 

Working at a hostel rarely requires any specific prior experience and is a great way to gain some additional skills, such as bartending, event planning, or waiting tables. One thing you do need is a love of meeting new people. 

Hostels are very social spaces with little privacy, so if you’re an introvert looking for peace and quiet, a hostel job is probably not for you. The culture is perfect for extroverts who thrive in new situations, as the vibe of a hostel is constantly changing with the fluctuation of guests and employees. If you take a travel job at a hostel, you’ll join an eclectic group of people who were attracted by the opportunity to live abroad for free. 

In addition to interesting coworkers, you’ll also get to know guests from far corners of the globe. At any given hostel, you’re likely to find a diverse collection of individuals, including artists, digital nomads, backpackers, and other free spirits. In general, the crowd tends to be young and will be up for partying any day of the week. 

Since hostel employees live and work in the same space, work-life and downtime can be hard to separate. Many hostels operate on a work exchange basis, but some will pay you a small wage in addition to providing free or reduced-price housing. Regardless of which option you end up with, you’ll probably share a room with at least one other staff member. 

How to Get a Hostel Job:

Search the major job boards. Not all hostel jobs come with housing- especially those in cities- but if not, it’s worth it to contact the manager to see if they would be able to work something out with you.

Many hostel workers do unpaid work-exchanges. There are many of these types of experiences on Workaway.info .

32. Retail & Gift Shop Staff

Stock and sell trinkets and snacks to tourists.

Retail jobs are your standard shop experience. You’ll spend much of your time standing in one spot (behind the register) and checking people out.

There are lulls and rushes, but the work isn’t known to be exciting. It’s extremely repetitive.

On the bright side, you’ll probably get to know a small number of coworkers well, and there can be some good people watching.

How to Get a Retail/Gift Shop Job:

Many national park concessioners (#34 travel job on this list) hire retail staff specifically for their shops. At other companies, retail is often a job integrated with positions like front desk and check-in.

33. Marina Attendant

Help customers with boats, pump gas, do basic maintenance checks.

This is one of the many travel jobs on the list that I’ve done personally- that’s me in the picture! Marina work is a cool gig. One of the best things about working at a marina is the view. Few workplaces are more beautiful than the shores around a lake or ocean, and it’s exciting to be able to watch storms rolling in from the distance.

The position requires being on your feet most of the time and interacting with many people on a daily basis. Marinas can get very busy, and when they do, it can feel a bit stressful. People who rent boats at marinas or own boats generally have a good amount of money, and sometimes the sorts of attitudes can come with that. You’ll have to be able to field customer questions while making sure you do everything in a very safe way. Some marinas are more relaxed than others. Personally I would recommend finding one that only serves as a place for people to keep their own private boats rather then renting out boats to customers. There’s a good amount of time to chat with your coworkers and appreciate the view. If your marina does rent out boats, it will be your job to teach the customers to use them. For people with their own boats, you’ll be expected to ferry them out to their buoys. There’s no question that driving boats around all day is a lot of fun. The customer rushes are mitigated by periods of downtime, especially in the early mornings, when you’ll have the whole beautiful, quiet lake to yourself as the sun comes up. I used to love playing music on my phone and drinking coffee in the marina office at twilight, looking out at the mountains and lake. At this point you’ll have to prepare for the day, maybe do some paperwork, and check on the boats and dock.

Whatever your skill level is with boats (mine was near zero when I was hired), it isn’t that challenging to learn to drive them well enough to dock them and tow them safely and skillfully.

How to Get a Marina Job:

Search WanderJobs for marina positions , or browse TripAdvisor for wilderness lodges on your lake of choice.

34. National Park Concessioner Staff

Perform customer service & hospitality duties while living with other travelers in a national park.

Many private companies help provide additional services to visitors within each national park, including lodging, tours, and retail. In the US, National Park Service concessioners employ more than 25,000 people during peak seasons at places like restaurants, hotels, concession stands, and gift shops. 

Because concessioners are hired by private companies rather than the federal government, many say the hiring process is more straightforward and flexible than getting a job as a park ranger. Since many rangers start out working concessions, this is a great way to get your foot in the door and open up additional opportunities with the National Park Service. 

While the concessioner jobs are often indoors, you’ll get to spend the season living in one of the nation’s most beautiful places. Many employees at national parks are outdoor-minded folks who love adventure. You’ll be able to spend your days off exploring the park and surrounding area with coworkers and will likely have the chance to try some fun outdoor activities like rafting, rock climbing, or snorkeling. 

Not all concessioner staff positions include housing, but it’s not uncommon to receive subsidized room and board. Don’t expect anything luxurious – most park employees live in basic dormitory-style lodging or RVs. But it’s a wonderful way to live in a community of people with similar interests, and employees in these places often feel like families.

How to Get a National Park Concessioner Job:

The two major National Park concessioners are Xanterra and Delware North, and searching the sites of those two companies will provide most of the travel job opportunities. However …

Those are huge companies and are infamous, like Vail Resorts, for treating their employees like numbers and not like people. In traveler circles, it’s called Xanterrible.

It’s harder to find the smaller companies because most websites are in disguise, and it’s not till you reach the employment page that you’re redirected to the automated Xanterra or DN database. But smaller companies exist!

The official National Park list of Authorized Concessioners can be found on their website .

35. Overnight Summer Camp Counselor

Lead groups of kids through traditional summer camp activities.

Working as an overnight camp counselor is a great summer travel job for young extroverts who love working with kids. You can choose from a wide selection of camps throughout the US and Canada, as well as some international ones. 

Options range from classic YMCA-style summer camps to specialty programs focusing on music, theater, or sports. General overnight camps expect employees to enjoy working with youth and have a positive attitude, while specialty camps require additional expertise in that particular field. 

Each camp has a different vibe and traditions, so you’ll want to do some research and select one that is a good fit. No matter which location you choose, you’ll find a unique environment with countless learning experiences. Camp culture fosters life-long friendships among both campers and counselors. Kids carry summer camp memories well into adulthood, so it can be very fulfilling to be a part of campers’ life-changing experiences. 

Although working as a camp counselor is fun and rewarding, it doesn’t come without challenges. The job rarely includes any alone time, which can be tough even for the most extroverted individuals. Counselors stay in the same cabins as campers, and supervising a group of children 24 hours a day is exhausting by the end of the summer. 

How to Get a Camp Counselor Job:

There are many sites dedicated to camp listings, including Camp Resource and Camp Channel . But since there are so many hundreds of camps not listed on these sites, it’s easier just to pick the area you want to go and do a google search for overnight camps in that location.

Drive guests, haul gear, act as a tour guide.

There are possibilities to work as a tour group driver on trips ranging from classic sightseeing tours to multisport adventures worldwide. Some tour companies employ drivers for the entire season, while others hire them as external contractors for a week or two at a time. 

To get one of these jobs, you’ll need a valid commercial driver’s license in the countries visited, excellent customer service skills, and a proven commitment to passenger safety. The vehicle’s size may vary from group to group, but you should be comfortable maneuvering large vehicles with a trailer full of equipment in tow. 

While most of the job is spent sitting, you will also get some exercise through the frequent loading and unloading of luggage and gear, such as bikes and kayaks. The position includes a lot of downtime when the guests are out sightseeing or staying in the same spot for a few days. You’ll therefore have the chance to explore many different places along the route. However, if you’re hired as an external contractor, the job could be a bit lonely. 

In addition to wages, drivers typically receive free lodging in a hotel for the tour duration. Sometimes they’ll stay in the same location as guests, while others they’ll be placed in a different hotel nearby. 

How to Get a Driver Job:

Whitewater rafting and other gear-based outdoor companies sometimes have dedicated drivers to haul the gear from one place to another, and to meet the guests once they go down river.

For coach-bus tour driver jobs, the best way to find a company is to search google as if you’re trying to pay to join a tour as a guest. “Coach bus tours national parks” or “europe coach bus tours” would be good searches, for example.

Contiki is an example of a coach bus tour company in Europe, though they only hire people with European passports.

37. Hotel & Resort Jobs

Work in guest services, desk jobs, or support positions at hotels & resorts.

Hotels and resorts offer tons of different employment opportunities all over the globe. There are openings for bartenders, chefs, waiters, restaurant hosts, housekeepers, concierges, event coordinators, entertainers, fitness instructors, massage therapists, lifeguards, and more. 

In addition to living in a desirable destination, you’ll receive perks like free or discounted access to the resort’s facilities. One of the other benefits is meeting interesting guests and working with people from around the world. Since many hotel and resort employees are far from “home,” coworkers can become like family.  

Most upscale hotels and resorts include housing for employees, especially those located in remote areas. The accommodation itself is rarely luxurious – no matter how fancy the resort, you’ll probably live in shared housing with 4-5 other people. 

Working at a hotel or resort offers flexible hours; however, shifts can be long with few breaks and little downtime, and the pay is not always sufficient for the hours required. Like other hospitality industry jobs, employees at hotels and resorts regularly report feeling drained by the end of the tourist season. 

But for many, the ability to wake up with a swim at a world-renowned beach or hit the slopes after your shift at a famous ski resort makes the long hours worth it. 

How to Get a Hotel/Resort Job:

WanderJobs lists lodge & resort jobs and hostel & inn jobs . If you’re searching in google, choose more remote or even island destinations, as they are more likely to offer staff housing.

38. Workamping Campground Host

Register campers, keep campgrounds safe and clean.

Workamping is an option for couples or individuals who love to camp and are looking for ways to do so cheaply. It’s a position often filled by seniors and people.

You’ll need your own RV to live in.

Campground host positions are available at privately owned parks as well as state and national parks in the US and Canada. While uncommon, it is possible to find workamping openings in other parts of the world, especially in Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. 

Working as a host involves various duties around the campground, such as cleaning, maintenance, landscaping, registering campers, answering visitors’ questions, reporting any rule violations to management, and working in the campground shop. In exchange for your work, you’ll receive a free RV campsite complete with water and electricity hookups. 

Hosting contracts usually extend for 3-6 months. The requirements, hours, and expected time commitment will depend on the campground. Regardless of your schedule, you should plan to work throughout the peak season and on weekends and holidays. 

Workamping has numerous benefits, including spending time in beautiful natural areas for free and meeting folks who also love the outdoors. But there are downsides as well. You’ll likely have to deal with unruly campers and take care of less desirable tasks like picking up trash.  

It’s also my belief- from research, and from talking to people when I attended the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous in 2020 as a speaker- that workamping can get pretty exploitive. It seems that many employers treat their employees badly, overwork them, underpay them, and do not honor contracts in ways that seem illegal. I’m not sure why this particular travel job was so popular with the retired population, but it was. I personally would avoid it at all costs.

Many, but not all, workamping jobs include a salary. Volunteer positions typically require about 20 hours of work a week, while those that come with additional wages involve around 40 hours a week. So they say; in practice, overworking seems to be common.

How to Get a Campground Host Job:

Most Workampers I spoke to at RTR found their jobs through Workamper News .

Part 3: Career Travel Jobs

39. english teacher abroad.

Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) to students at a high school abroad. Required Experience: Medium

A native English speaker with a good command of the language can become an English teacher abroad far more easily than becoming a teacher within the US. The certification process for a TEFL certificate is relatively quick, cheap, and easy. I myself earned the 100-hour online certificate and a 50-hour younger learner certificate in about half the suggested time.

That said, for some reason actually finding a travel job as an English teacher (as of 2020) requires sifting through an absolutely baffling quagmire of scams and misinformation. Does this school want to hire me or is this a company trying to sell me a course? Why won’t the man who I just paid to get my results after taking my certification test respond to any of my emails? Why do I have to go to the country and look for a job after I get there? Theses questions and more plagued me and my ex, and I’m sure many others. Eventually, after moving to Japan to get a travel job teaching English, failing to do so, moving back to the US, and getting scammed, my ex managed to find a job teaching in a good school in Japan and is going on his second year-long contract. I’ve known many people who have taught English abroad (I volunteered with some permanent teachers in Thailand), but as far as “how to get a job teaching english abroad” goes, you’re rather on your own.

How to Get a TEFL Job:

First, become TEFL certified. Most companies require a minimum 120-hour certification and a bachelors degree, though there are companies that do not require a degree.

There are many companies that offer certification, with a median price of about $300 for 120 hours. The cheapest I’ve found is Global TEFL , which was $90/120 hours at the time I wrote this article. Then, do tons and tons of research to find current job openings for English teachers. You may find jobs in China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and other locations.

There are also TONS of online opportunities if you’re looking to continue to travel while you teach. Here’s a quick guide by Goats on the Road.

40. Maintenance 

Repair, build, and haul things as needed. Required Experience: Medium

Most any company, especially those that include guest lodging, requires skilled maintenance staff. In the on season, you’ll be doing general repairs and will often have access to a truck or golf cart, and a workshop or shed. You may find yourself painting, chopping wood, and responding to guests’ request for lightbulb changes in addition to more skilled labor. The maintenance team tends to be one of the smaller operations of a seasonal company and the teams are given more power and freedom to make their own decisions and schedules. It’s often a good gig for introverted types. Sometimes in the off-season, a more remote wilderness lodge will shut down but will still require a skeleton crew consisting of a maintenance worker or two. It’s an unusual way to experience a quiet winter of solitude.

How to Get a Maintenance Job:

Even when maintenance is not listed as an open position on the employment section of a company’s website, it may be worth it to email the company and ask them if they could use some more help.

Maintenance is one of the travel job categories in which it pays to become an expert in your field. An experienced, highly skilled maintenance worker will always be valuable. Find live-in maintenance travel jobs at any resort, retreat, ranch, or hotel listed on WanderJobs.

41. Chefs & Cooks

Prepare and cook meals for guests and staff.

Every kitchen requires a team of cooks of different experience levels and with different amounts of responsibility in order to run properly. A chef at a seasonal company (I’ve worked with many) absolutely doesn’t require a culinary degree, but does require a high level of confidence and skill.

However, head chefs and sous chefs often handle a stressful level of responsibility. Even if your skill is high, you may prefer to be a line cook or even a prep cook (my favorite), where it’s easier to zone out into your task or chat with the other cooks through the workday.

The jobs, from least to most responsibility are:

• Prep Cook (chopping, grating, juicing, repetitive tasks)
• Line Cook (cooking a few specific things, preparing salads)
• Sous Chef (cooking, menu prep, covering in the chef’s absence)
• Chef (ordering ingredients, cooking, menu prep, managing the kitchen)

There are two massively different types of kitchens: made to order, and buffets.

Made-to-order kitchens (which are by far the most common) are almost always more fast paced. This brings an extra level of stress, and sometimes the notoriously angry and narcissistic head chef who thinks he’s god’s gift to man. (I met one of these types at a restaurant in a seasonal travel job I left very quickly). Most places with seasonal jobs will only have this type of kitchen.

Buffet-style kitchens are usually found in two environments: retreat centers and staff dining rooms. Retreat centers usually have constantly changing menus of fresh, healthy, delicious foods.

Staff dining rooms (known as Employee Dining Rooms or EDRs at national park concessioners) vary by location. The food is generally good but not great, and it feels nice to help feed your coworkers.

Working in mess hall or a retreat center environment is much lower-pressure, and in my opinion, much more enjoyable than cooking in a ritzy made-to-order restaurant.

How to Get a Cook Job:

Most any resort, lodge, hotel, retreat center, summer camp, or hostel on WanderJobs will require cooks.

While it isn’t especially hard to start off as a prep cook, there are plenty of places to volunteer as a cook to get more experience before applying for a job. Retreat centers often need volunteer cooks, as do many families on the Workaway site.

42. Antarctica Research Station Staff

Help keep the remote research station running to support scientific discovery.

Getting a travel job in Antarctica is very competitive and requires a particular skill set. Apart from the scientists, research stations have various support staff such as:

• electricians
• firefighters
• boat handlers
• and more… 

Many employment contracts are limited to the summer (around November to February). Others extend through the winter (around March to October). There is a high cost associated with transporting staff to and from the bases, so preference is given to those willing to commit to longer contracts. Even in the summer, be prepared to cope with extreme and unpredictable weather. 

The culture differs from one research station to the next. Most communities have a small-town feel to them. There are movie theaters, bars, and coffee shops that host various events, such as pub quizzes, open mic nights, and karaoke. 

While each research station is stocked with medical supplies and has at least one on-site physician, advanced medical care for life-threatening conditions is often days away. Before heading to Antarctica, research station staff must pass a comprehensive medical exam, including blood tests, chest x-rays, and an EKG. Those hoping to stay throughout the winter must undergo additional medical and psychological tests to ensure they are fit to withstand the physical and mental challenges associated with isolation, frigid temperatures, and 24 hours of darkness for months on end. 

If alone time and privacy are important to you, this travel job is probably not the right fit. Despite being isolated, research station employees rarely get any time to themselves. The stations vary in size, but on average, you can expect around 40-50 staff during the summer and 10-20 in the winter. 

Accommodation, while free, is rustic and crowded – most workers reside in cramped tents or bunks on a ship, and getting off the base for some privacy is not an option. Except for those employed in transportation, support staff seldom travel away from their research stations. 

Before applying for a this travel job, I highly recommend reading the book South Pole Station by Ashley Shelby. Though fictional, it gives an incredibly realistic view into seasonal life in Antarctica.

How to Get an Antarctica Job:

The best place to start looking for a job is with your country’s Antarctica Program . There are around 70 different research stations run by programs from about 30 countries.

43. National Park Ranger (entry level seasonal)

Help educate guests and keep the park safe and clean.

One of the perks of working as a national park ranger is spending time in some of the world’s most stunning natural areas. This travel job is best for those who love nature, are passionate about conservation, and enjoy working with others. You must be willing to work outdoors in any kind of conditions, including extreme temperatures and stormy weather. 

Since park rangers are employees of the federal government, they tend to work a maximum of 40 hours a week. However, rangers must be prepared to work holidays and weekends when parks experience an influx of visitors. 

The culture among national park rangers depends on the geographic location of that particular park. In remote areas, there is a significant overlap in work life and social life, while parks located near towns or cities offer a better work-life balance and more non-park-related activities. Park communities typically resemble isolated small towns where everyone knows each other. 

The path to becoming a park ranger is a competitive one, with many people finding their way in the door through volunteer positions or internships. You’re more likely to be hired if you have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, geology, forestry, history, law enforcement, or a similar field. 

In most parks, seasonal workers are hired only for the summer. These contracts last from 4-6 months and do not include benefits afforded to permanent employees, such as health insurance and retirement contributions. 

Entry-level rangers typically start out collecting fees from visitors at park entrances or maintaining hiking trails. Over time, it’s possible to work your way up to a more desirable position, such as leading tours, researching wildlife, or working in the backcountry. 

Some parks provide free housing, while others deduct rent from your paycheck based on the cost of living in the surrounding area. Accommodation in the parks varies significantly and can range from newer apartments to run-down trailers. Seasonal employees are provided fully furnished rooms and can expect to have at least one roommate or housemate. 

How to Get a National Park Ranger Job:

Find park jobs with the National Park Service or the US Forest Service . If it seems like those official sites don’t have many listings, there may be more posted on a major job board like indeed.

44. Massage Therapist

Relax and help heal clients through bodywork.

Massage therapy is a job that requires a lot of endurance. It isn’t easy to use your muscles in that way for long periods of time.

Part of the fun is that there are so many different types of massage to choose from. When you take the first step to become certified, spend time to figure out what type of massage is most interesting to you and works best with your own body.

You need to be very good at first impressions and making someone feel comfortable as soon as they meet you. You need to look tidy and clean.

Massage therapy is an incredibly personal job. You’ll usually be in a room alone with another person for an hour or more, and in many forms of massage, the other person won’t be wearing clothes. Some clients won’t talk at all, and others will reveal all their traumas. You’re genuinely a therapist and should treat the role and the client with respect. When you have repeat customers, you’ll come to care about them and their well being.

A massage therapist will walk a way with a lot of money, and that is usually one of the biggest draws. It’s one of the few certifications left that doesn’t require a college degree but that can still provide a great payoff. Most clients will tip you as well.

How to Get a Massage Therapist Job:

First, of course, you’ll need to become a licensed massage therapist. The requirements for this vary by state so it can be a little tricky and will require some research and planning.

Massage travel jobs with housing are harder to find than most other travel jobs on this list. Most massage therapists are local, but companies with housing are sometimes hiring.

A roundabout technique to find massage travel jobs with housing is to look for spa jobs with housing (at resorts, lodges, retreat centers, etc), and then apply for any other job at the place. Once you are there and management knows you, it can be easier to suggest offering your services to the spa on the side. (This is how the massage therapist in the photo got much of his work at a retreat center).

Another workaround that many massage therapists I know personally have used is to do off-the-books massages for the staff while they work a different day job. When they are licensed in one state but not another (bureaucratic insurance nonsense!) it’s easier to just have friends pay you in cash. My friends have earned an impressive amount of extra income this way.

45. Accountant

Keep the books.

Nearly every organization requires some accounting work. Many companies hire full-time, in-house accountants, while others outsource the work to freelancers, consultancies, or accounting firms. 

The job requires excellent attention to detail and superior analytical, math, and computer skills. As an accountant, you’ll take care of various finance-related tasks, such as recording transactions, advising on financial decisions, and ensuring compliance with local laws. Those entering the field should expect some stressful situations and prepare to work overtime during tax season. 

The universal business need for bookkeeping services allows accountants a lot of flexibility in choosing where they want to work. Accountant positions are most likely to include housing at places mentioned in this post, including retreat centers, hotels and resorts, and national parks.

Minimum requirements to become an accountant in the US vary by state. If you want to do accounting or bookkeeping work abroad, you may need to obtain additional certifications and become familiar with the local tax laws and financial policies. 

This kind of work can be tedious and repetitive, but also very fulfilling for the right person. Accountants can contribute immense value to businesses and play a crucial role in an organization’s success. If you are financially savvy and like working with numbers, you will likely find the work rewarding. 

How to Get an Accountant Job:

These jobs aren’t always listed, so you may have to go through the companies on sites like WanderJobs one by one and contact them to ask if they are looking for an accountant.

These travel jobs are harder to get and there may be a lot of internal promotion, so a better bet might be to work your way up in a company after you prove yourself in a different position.

46. Lighthouse Keeper

Maintain the light and the property.

Lighthouse keepers historically played a crucial role in helping ships navigate safely to shore, but their place in modern society has dwindled. Today, lighthouses in many parts of the world are fully automated.

Those that still have keepers are usually managed by national parks or non-profits seeking to preserve these historic structures and their associated traditions. 

Current lighthouse keeper jobs are perfect for history buffs who love the sea or for those seeking solitude and an uncommon career opportunity. While available positions are scarce, they are possible to find in coastal areas worldwide. 

Keepers are responsible for tasks like cleaning and maintaining the lighthouse grounds, managing the gift shop, and providing information to visitors. Since many lighthouses are historical landmarks, they are popular field trip destinations for schoolchildren and unique venues for small weddings, reunions, or birthday parties. Prospective keepers should expect to assist with these types of events when necessary. 

Some lighthouses offer keepers free RV camping sites, a sleeping area inside the lighthouse, or private cottages on the grounds. Most lighthouse attendant roles are for volunteers only, but some do pay. One historic lighthouse in San Francisco, for example, offered a couple $130,000 a year, provided they continued running it as a bed and breakfast. 

I recommend the memoir Light Years by Caroline Woodward as a beautiful way to learn what it really means to live as a lighthouse keeper.

How to Get a Lightkeeper Job:

There very few manned lighthouses left; most are automated. Finding a job will take a lot of research into the light stations of various countries. Google search is the way to go.

From a modern day lighthouse keeper (in British Columbia) on Reddit : “the application is super hard to find actually so it does not get a lot of applicants. Also the process is insane as it is a government job. My application took over 4 months…”

47. Farmer/ Gardener

Plant, harvest, weed, build structures, and care for plants.

There are a variety of farming and gardening travel jobs available around the world at places like organic farms and retreat and conference centers. These settings usually offer a fun environment with young coworkers and an ability to connect with nature. 

Many eco-retreat centers have gardens that provide the ingredients for healthy meals. By working as a gardener, you’ll contribute to the center’s ability to provide sustainable, locally sourced food and experience the feeling of accomplishment that comes with eating food you grew yourself. 

Any farming or gardening role requires manual labor outdoors, so you should be ready to work hard and spend your days tending to the fields, orchards, or gardens. You’ll learn how to grow different fruits and vegetables and enjoy the perk of freshly picked, in-season produce. It’s an incredibly satisfying travel job, working with your hands and tending to the land. You’ll be tired and fulfilled at the end of a day.

Many of these positions are available for volunteers only, but finding a paid farming or gardening job is possible. The housing included tends to be dormitory-style and will likely involve one or more roommates. If you’re lucky, you may get a cabin or bungalow to yourself. To get a better paid position you may have to stick with one company long enough to take over when manager leaves.

How to Get a Farm/Garden Job:

Find farm and garden travel jobs on BackdoorJobs , or as unpaid positions through WWOOF . Also read #15 on this list to learn about fruit picking in Australia.

48. Human Resources

Hire staff, coordinate housing, activities and payroll, and deal with staff issues.

From mountain lodges to adventure tour operators, nearly every type of workplace on this list requires Human Resources staff. As a result, there are plenty of HR opportunities at interesting locales around the world. 

The type and quality of housing included with HR travel jobs (if any) and your responsibilities will depend on your workplace. Smaller businesses most often employ HR generalists who do a little bit of everything. Larger companies, on the other hand, may require employees to specialize in particular areas, such as onboarding and training, payroll and benefits, or employee relations. 

HR positions are focused on helping others and create many opportunities to build lasting relationships with coworkers. Since HR workers organize staff events and activities and oversee recruitment and hiring processes, they have a lot of power to shape the company culture. This ability to foster a positive work environment is one of the things many HR employees say they like most about their jobs.

Working in HR is a fun and fulfilling job, but it involves juggling many different responsibilities at once and can be stressful. If you want to work in HR, you’ll need excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as well as lots of patience. HR people continually have to address things that aren’t running smoothly within the company and may have to resolve disputes that arise between coworkers.

How to Get an Human Resources Job:

HR is a career-ladder decision, so you’ll need to prove experience before moving into the role. Often you’ll eyeball the role from inside a company before applying internally for the position when it eventually opens up.

Search one of the major job boards and get very specific with your keywords. Obviously include “human resources”, but also cycle through the types of places that would have housing included, like wilderness lodges and wilderness resorts, tour companies, cruises, and national park concessioners.

49. Managers & Supervisors 

Lead a department, create schedules, coordinate inventory, communicate with other departments.

Many of the travel jobs on this list have at least one related managerial or supervisor role. From managing a restaurant or housekeeping staff in a resort to supervising a group of rangers in a national park, there are numerous manager and supervisor positions available worldwide that include free housing. 

Becoming a manager requires extensive experience in your chosen industry and a proven track record of success. You’ll also need superior communication, excellent interpersonal skills, sound leadership, and an ability to resolve conflict effectively. Depending on your workplace, you may also need good customer service skills and patience for dealing with disgruntled clients who are always asking to speak with the manager. 

While you’ll still have the chance to meet and work with interesting people, it’s hard to become friends with coworkers when you’re the boss. Being a manager holds significant responsibility and can be more stressful than other travel jobs. You’ll need to make difficult decisions that are in the organization’s best interest even if they are unpopular among employees. 

The job also has its advantages – managers and supervisors often receive nicer accommodation than regular staff and are more likely to get private rooms or entire apartments. As a result, these roles are better than others for people with families or partners traveling or working alongside them. 

How to Get a Manager/Supervisor Job:

Becoming a supervisor or manager can range from extremely easy (such as moving up from a housekeeper to a housekeeping supervisor position within a single season) to very difficult (becoming a kitchen manager at bustling tropical resort).

Basically, if you want a supervisor job, stick with any company for a little bit longer than the other seasonal staff and you can pretty easily get one.

Many companies on WanderJobs will advertise manager and supervisor positions, but it’s also worth finding companies you like and emailing directly to ask if they have open positions. Some are only posted internally to current staff, but if you’re qualified, go for it.

50. Youth Educator

Teach youth about the outdoors, ecology, and natural sciences.

If you’re passionate about the outdoors, teaching others about the natural world can be a gratifying travel job. Outdoor education centers across the US and Canada hire educators to teach youth about wilderness survival, ecology, conservation, geology, and more. Educators may also be involved in activities like local conservation efforts or trail maintenance. 

Each center will have different requirements for employment. Generally, it’s preferable if you have a bachelor’s degree, a background in environmental science or a related field, knowledge of the outdoors, and some experience with teaching. Because outdoor education centers are popular field trip destinations for schoolchildren, you must enjoy working with kids. Some youth educator travel jobs are open to applicants of all ages, while others give priority to recent college graduates. 

Outdoor education centers typically attract adventurous, eco-conscious individuals. If that sounds like you, then you can expect to work with a fun group of like-minded people. Educators often get the weekends off, allowing them to explore local trails or relax in nature with coworkers. 

Many of these travel jobs are full-time, residential positions and include dormitory-style housing onsite. Contracts are mostly seasonal, but it is possible to find year-round roles, especially in warmer climates. 

How to Get a Youth Educator Job:

There are some youth education positions on WanderJobs , and more on BackdoorJobs .

51. Travel Nurse

Work in clinical settings in smaller towns around the US.

Travel nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who fill vacancies at various US healthcare facilities, including clinics and hospitals. Becoming a travel nurse offers a unique opportunity to work in any US state or even the Virgin Islands while also fulfilling an essential need in the healthcare industry.

Typically, travel nurses work for independent staffing agencies that assign them to open positions for a short-term contract. You’ll be able to tell the agency what kind of environment you’re looking for, and they will find you an assignment that matches your skills and preferences.

Contracts usually last around 13 weeks but can be longer or shorter depending on the facility. RNs who are enjoying their existing assignments may be able to renew the contract and stay longer in that role. 

Responsibilities of a travel nursing job are essentially the same as a typical RN position. To become a travel nurse, you’ll need a nursing degree from either a two or four-year university, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, and at least one year of experience working as a nurse. 

Getting a job as a travel nurse offers many perks, including free housing, competitive compensation, and the ability to work in diverse clinical settings. Traveling positions tend to pay entry-level nurses a higher salary than permanent roles, making these jobs particularly appealing for younger people.

How to Get a Travel Nurse Job:

In the Covid age, there is now more than ever a need for travel nurses. There are many good job placement companies that will come up in a simple google search, like Nomad .

Of course, you’ll already need to be a registered nurse. This is a genuine career choice with high pay, long hours, and benefits.

Part 4: Travel Jobs for Digital Nomads

52. online freelancer.

Seek out clients and meet their needs remotely through individual contract jobs.

Online freelance opportunities are abundant for a wide range of professionals with varying levels of expertise. Some of the jobs are short-term projects, like designing a logo or writing a blog post, while others become long-term partnerships. 

Freelancers are much in need in the areas of:

• graphic design
• content writing
• ui/ux design
• virtual assistance
• translation

Working as an online freelancer requires a great deal of independence, self-motivation, and organization. If you like working with others and are looking for a fun group of coworkers, then freelancing is probably not the best fit. 

Many freelancers find that the benefits outweigh the lack of social life at work. Online freelancing has many advantages, including flexible hours, location independence, and control over your own schedule.

Jobs are available at every level – whether you’re a beginner in your field or an expert, you’re sure to find something that interests you. However, competition for freelance jobs is intense .

With more and more people ditching their nine-to-fives in favor of a flexible and nomadic lifestyle, the pool of freelancers looking for online work continues to grow. This competition can be especially frustrating for new freelancers trying to break into the industry.

Because of the location freedom that freelance work offers, it’s possible to find very affordable housing if you’re flexible about where you live. It’s a solid career option for digital nomads.

How to Get a Freelance Job:

The easiest way for most people to begin freelancing is to start with Upwork , where you can bid on the thousands of jobs posted. In order to get your first job (and therefore your first positive review), you’ll need to underbid everybody else and write a personalized cover letter. Even then, you’ll get a lot of rejections. If you have a friend on the site, it’s easier to get them to hire you for a quick gig and review.

Once you start gaining reviews, you can charge more money and get repeat clients. When those clients trust you (which they should if you consistently do a good job) you can start talking and getting paid outside of Upwork so they don’t take a cut of the profit.

Freelancing is essentially creating a small business for yourself. Ultimately the best thing to do is tell everybody you know what your skill is and that you are looking for clients, and build yourself up through word of mouth within your actual, real-life circle of friends, family, and community.

53. Teach English Online

Teach English as a second language to children or adults in other countries.

Teaching English online is a popular job among young travelers. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you can essentially work from anywhere. 

There are loads of companies hiring online English teachers, each of which has its own requirements, preferred teaching style, and expected time commitment. Some companies are looking for previous teaching experience, while others only require employees to be native English speakers. 

Like most online jobs, teaching English remotely is best for self-starters who prefer working independently. To get a teaching job, you’ll probably need a certification such as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Both of these are relatively easy and inexpensive to obtain online. 

Most beginners start with part-time teaching jobs until they gain enough experience to compete for a full-time role. Many teachers say the job is best as a supplement to other work, so it could be combined with another job on this list that does include lodging. 

One of the most interesting aspects of this job is talking with people from diverse places and learning about other cultures. However, if you and your students live in different time zones, you may have to work strange hours. 

While teaching English can be a gratifying job, doing so online can get lonely after a while – especially if you’re a solo traveler. 

How to Get a Teach English Online Job:

Teaching English online requires the same preparation as finding a TEFL job aboard (#39 on this list). Most, but not all, companies will ask applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.

Begin by becoming TEFL certified with a minimum 120-hour course. Online courses run for about $300/120 hours. At the time of writing, Global TEFL is $90/120.

There are many companies hiring online TEFL teachers. Again, here’s a quick guide by Goats on the Road.

54. Telecommuter

Work a regular desk job from home.

COVID-19 has drastically reshaped the work landscape, and more companies are allowing telecommuting than ever before.

Unless your profession necessitates in-person work, you’ll likely be able to find a remote job posting in your industry. Whether you’re looking for a full-time role or a part-time position, there are all sorts of opportunities available now for telecommuters.

Since remote jobs are long-term contracts with a single company, they typically offer more stability than freelance work while providing some of the same flexibility.

In addition to saving money and time on commuting, remote work allows employees to have more freedom over their schedule and location. Telecommuting means you can live anywhere you’d like (as long as the time zone is compatible with your hours) and find a place that suits your budget. 

Like all jobs, remote work also has its downsides. Off-site employees miss out on the benefits of working at the office, such as free breakfast and socializing with coworkers. For some, working from home makes it difficult to unplug and can also be isolating.

Telecommuting jobs are therefore best for those who enjoy being alone or who already have a supportive community outside of work. 

How to Get a Telecommuter Job:

There are tons of job boards for people who want traditional careers but who also want to work from home. Flexjobs is just one of many. You can also search traditional large job boards.

55. Online Tutor

Help students with coursework in specific subject areas.

The need for online tutoring is on the rise – demand increased significantly this year since the pandemic has shuttered many schools’ doors around the world. 

Online tutoring offers a lot of flexibility and customization based on your preferences. It can be a full-time job or a side gig, and you can work for yourself or for a company that hires online tutors. 

As a tutor, you’ll provide one-on-one support for students in your chosen areas of expertise. You can select a particular subject, such as math or English, or focus on helping students prepare for standardized tests like the SAT. 

There are no specific requirements to become an online tutor, but you’ll need demonstrated excellence in your chosen field and good communication skills. If you’re hoping to get a job with a tutoring company, it helps if you have previous tutoring or teaching experience. 

Similar to other online jobs, working as a tutor can be lonely if you don’t have a supportive in-person community. But you’ll have the freedom to live and work from anywhere you choose. 

How to Get an Online Tutor Job:

The Balance Careers has a quick introductory guide to online tutoring.

Part 5: Work-Exchange & Volunteering Travel Jobs

56. housesitting.

Act as caretaker for people’s homes, pets, and plants while they are away.

With a vast selection of homes and environments to choose from, housesitting offers something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a small cabin in the woods or a luxury villa on the coast, you’ll probably be able to find it on various housesitting sites. 

In addition to taking care of the house, you may also care for homeowners’ pets. You’ll often encounter dogs and cats, but there are also options to housesit on a small farm or at homes with animals like horses, chickens, or even llamas.  

There are many online resources for anyone looking to get started housesitting, as well as a supportive global community. While taking care of someone’s home, you will feel more like a local than a tourist. The homeowners may introduce you to the neighbors and share their favorite restaurants and hangouts, which will quickly immerse you in the local culture and community. 

Housesitting is best for those with other sources of income. While it is possible to find positions that pay, most housesitting jobs offer free accommodation instead of a wage. As a result, it’s a good option for digital nomads, remote workers, slow travelers, retirees, and professionals on sabbatical. Housesitting is also an excellent choice for individuals who are considering moving abroad and want to see if a particular place is a good fit. 

How to Get a Housesitting gig:

There are so many housesitting websites. A google search will bring up those that are most current. Try Trusted House Sitters to start.

Work-trade on organic farms around the world.

WWOOFing, short for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, is one of the most popular ways to volunteer abroad. In exchange for room and board, WWOOFers typically work 4-6 hours a day on different farms, including vineyards, dairy farms, and apiaries. Duties include assisting with daily tasks such as caring for animals, weeding, picking vegetables, or making cheese. 

The workload, requirements, and overall experience vary significantly from one host to the next. All of the positions require manual labor, so you should be prepared to work hard outdoors regardless of where you end up. While no specific experience is needed, it helps if you have some background in agriculture or farming. Most countries require WWOOFers to be 18 years or older, but there are some exceptions.

The amount of time you work on each farm is up to you and your host. Generally, volunteers work for about 2-3 weeks, but in some cases will stay as long as 6 months. Positions are available in more than 50 countries and attract a diverse group of people. As a WWOOFer, you’ll meet volunteers from around the world, gain practical farming skills, and learn about sustainable agriculture in varied environments.

As a whole, WWOOFing is a unique way to travel cheaply, enjoy nature, live sustainably, and experience the local rural culture. 

How to Get a WWOOF gig:

Sign up for WWOOF (link is to the USA site), which costs around $40/year for a single account or $65 for a double.

Then create a profile and search and contact hosts.

58. Workaway

Work-exchange ~20 hrs/week with locals around the world in exchange for room & board.

I’m not being hyperbolic when I say Workaway may be the ultimate way to see the world.

These unpaid work-exchanges go like this: you give about 20 hours of your week to help your host with some job you’ve agreed on, and in exchange you receive free room and board for the duration of your stay.

That’s the basic principle. The real benefit beyond not paying for a hostel or eating out is the cultural exchange and the absolutely incredible opportunities for adventure. I’m not quite sure how to capture the allure of what Workaway has to offer without just giving you a sample of the available experiences:

• Join a family on a sailboat in an around-the-world trip and cook the meals
• Help build a treehouse on a honeybee farm in Japan
• Teach computer skills and build a playground for a forest school in Vietnam
• Rehabilitate puppies at an animal rescue shelter in St Lucia
• Guide guests at an ecolodge in Madagascar

There are opportunities for any sort of work you can think of, from child care, guest service, and language exchange to art, carpentry, gardening, and computer skills.

It’s so much better than a vacation because you’re living right with the locals and can learn about a new culture, and make a new “family” in each place you go. Nothing else can match that, and the feeling of having a way to contribute to your new community right from the get go. You could set up an entire round-the-world trip through workaway and only ever pay for transportation logistics.

How to Get a Workaway Gig:

Sign up for an account on Workaway .info . It costs about $45 per year but the quantity of amazing opportunities is almost unbelievable. You can browse the hosts without paying but won’t be able to contact them.

You’ll need to set up your profile, choose hosts, and reach out to them to set up each individual work exchange. Make sure your hosts have very positive reviews so that you stay safe in a new place. You can also link accounts with a buddy if you’ll be traveling with a friend or partner. Each of you will be required to have your own account.

59. Yoga, Meditation, & Spirituality

Lead classes and workshops in mind, body, and spiritual arts.

Yoga, meditation, and spirituality centers worldwide hire volunteers to teach classes and guide guests on their spiritual journeys. Although many positions are unpaid, they offer the chance to spend time in a very tranquil setting and help others on their paths to self-realization. 

These studios and retreat centers are usually located in scenic and peaceful locations, making this an excellent choice for anyone looking to relax in nature. The time commitment will depend on your contract. You’ll rarely work more than 30 hours a week, leaving plenty of time to explore the area. You could even combine this kind of position with an online job that pays. 

Getting a job as a teacher generally requires a background or certification in yoga instruction, meditation, or spiritual teachings. Some studios and centers also hire general volunteers who help with cooking and serving food, cleaning, grocery shopping, and gardening. 

Volunteering is a great way to connect with and learn from other yoga and meditation practitioners and offers enormous potential for personal growth. Most people will share a room with at least one other volunteer, but some positions offer teachers private rooms in exchange for their services. 

How to Get a Yoga, Meditation, or Spirituality Gig:

The Workaway website is a good way to find work-exchanges in the spiritual and movement arts. Paid positions with housing are much rarer and require clever online searching, though some can occasionally be found on Yoga Trade .

60. Fire Lookout

Watch for smoke and wildfires from a lookout station.

If you love the wilderness, are physically fit, and don’t mind being isolated, then working as a fire lookout could be a unique and rewarding travel job that also has a positive environmental impact.

A fire lookout is just what the name suggests: keeping a close eye on the forest for signs of smoke and fire, from a lookout perch in the wilderness. Catching a fire early is important in preventing wildfires before they become dangerous.

The US used to have more than 10,000 people working as fire lookouts, but that number has declined due to advancements in technology. There are only around 300 fire towers in the US today that are still manned, so getting one of these travel jobs is likely to be challenging. However, as wildfires become more frequent and widespread in the US and many other parts of the world, demand for fire lookouts is expected to grow in the coming years. 

The job requires excellent communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills. Many employers prefer at least an associate’s degree, with some requiring more advanced education. Prospective lookouts are more likely to be hired if they have experience in forestry or have worked as field technicians. 

Fire lookouts typically work for government organizations, such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. Many of the positions are reserved for volunteers only and include lodging and a small stipend. 

How to Get a Fire Lookout Job:

Many of the few remaining fire lookout jobs are volunteer based. Most are in the US, Canada, and Australia. You’ll need to apply well in advance of fire season. The jobs are challenging to find.

Here are some tips from a professional fire lookout on Reddit .

My Top Travel Job Search Tips :

• Search for travel jobs by location on a map
• Use a location keyword in your own google searches, plus jobs with employee housing, ie “alaska resort jobs with employee housing”
• Use these sites to find hundreds of travel jobs, volunteer positions, and free ways to stay
• When in doubt, search google as if you’re a traveling tourist and not a travel job seeker. Find a company you like and then look for its employment page.
• If none of the jobs you are finding include housing, look in more remote locations. Search for wilderness lodges, islands (not only tropical!), retreat centers, jungles, mountains, and the like.

About the author

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Interview Strategies

How to Answer Job Interview Questions About Travel

Gary Burchell/Getty Images

If you're applying for a job that will require some regular travel, you should prepare for that question in your interview. When an interviewer asks this question, it’s to see if you’re willing and able to travel as much as the job requires. If you’ve  applied for a job  like this, it’s a good idea to think about how to answer questions about travel.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Travel

When answering this or any other  interview question , you need to be honest with your answer. Think about how much you can travel, whether or not you can be flexible, or if you have family ties or other obligations that require you to plan ahead when it comes to making travel plans. 

Know the travel requirements beforehand.  Ideally, you should know if the job requires travel before you apply. If you know you absolutely cannot travel for work, simply don't apply for those sorts of jobs.

There is nothing to be gained by saying you’re willing to travel if you know you are not.

State any travel limitations you may have.  If you have any limitations that might restrict travel, be sure to state them clearly. For example, if you have to be home with your family on weekends, you’ll have to explain that you can only travel Monday through Friday. Again, you should be as forthright as possible in your answer, so you don’t get hired for a job you ultimately have to turn down.

Ask the interviewer clarifying questions.  Questions about your willingness to travel give you the chance to ask questions about the type of travel required. Even if you’re willing to travel, you can ask follow-up questions to learn more about the travel that may be required. For example, you might ask how much travel is involved (if the job listing didn’t state this).

You can also ask how the travel is broken up: for example, will you travel one day every week, or for one month every year? You might also ask where you’ll have to travel, or whether or not weekends are included. With this information, you can provide a more honest answer to the question. This will also keep you from being surprised about the amount of travel later on.

Explain how you’ve traveled in the past.  When answering questions about traveling, explain how and where you traveled for previous jobs. Answers like this show that you have experience with work-related travel, which will place you ahead of other candidates who lack this experience.

Focus on how you can help the company.  When answering questions about travel, avoid answers that explain how you enjoy the benefits of travel. For example, don’t say that you love free hotel rooms or the chance to travel the world on the company’s dime. Instead, emphasize why you think travel is important for the job.

Examples of the Best Answers

Here are a few examples of how to answer questions about your willingness and availability to travel.

I’m very willing to travel. I have worked as a sales representative in the past, and that work required 50% travel time. I know this job requires 25% travel time, and I’m willing and able to travel when needed for this company.

Why It Works:  This candidate uses percentages effectively to quantify her experience and to demonstrate that she is well-versed in travelling for her job.

I’m definitely willing to travel. I believe it’s extremely important to meet regularly with my clients face-to-face to develop our working relationship. However, could I have a bit more information on the type of travel required for this job, to get a better sense of the job schedule? Would this travel be weekly, or once every few weeks or months?

Why It Works:  This is a good example of to ask clarifying questions to ensure that you have enough knowledge about the company’s travel requirements to provide an honest response.

While childcare commitments require me to stay in town on the weekends, I’m very flexible with my schedule on weekdays. I traveled extensively for my previous job and am comfortable with a high percentage of travel days. Would the travel for this job be on weekdays only, or on weekends as well?

Why It Works:  While this answer is honest about the candidate’s limited availability on weekends, it also shows that he can be flexible and is willing to travel during the normal work week – a mark in his favor.

More Job Interview Questions and Answers

While questions about travel are important to answer appropriately, there will be many more questions to answer. Familiarize yourself with these potential  interview questions and answers  so you’ll feel more comfortable and confident during your interview.

Your interviewer will also expect you to have several questions about the job or the company in general. If you’re not good at coming up with questions, take a look at this guide about  interview questions to ask  your interviewer.

Key Takeaways

BE HONEST: Don’t be tempted to misrepresent your availability to travel, thinking that this requirement might be negotiable. If an interviewer asks this question, that’s a sure sign that some travel is expected.

BE FLEXIBLE: Even if there are times, like the weekends, when you cannot leave home, emphasize your willingness to travel on those days you are free to do so.

CAPITALIZE UPON YOUR EXPERIENCE: If you have travelled as a regular part of a previous job, describe this experience to your interviewer. If this has involved international travel and you are proficient in a foreign language, this would also be a good thing to mention.  

10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

These best travel jobs allow you to build a fulfilling career while traveling domestically or internationally.

Getty Images |

Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs.

Getting a 9-to-5 job doesn't mean you have to put your dream of traveling the world on hold. Many professions nowadays not only provide financial stability but offer the exciting perk of frequent travel. Let's explore some of the best jobs that allow you to build a fulfilling career while satiating your wanderlust.

We've taken the top travel jobs from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs rankings. These jobs are described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as having a travel component.

10. Cartographer

Median salary: $71,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Cartographers collect data to create detailed geographic maps. They use advanced tools like geographic information systems, or GIS, for spatial analysis, ensuring accuracy in representing terrain, features and other information. Although cartographers spend much of their time in offices, specific jobs may require extensive travel to locations that are being mapped.

Learn more about cartographers .

(Caiaimage | Paul Bradbury

9. Public Relations Specialist

Median salary: $67,440 Expected job growth by 2032: 6%

Public relations specialists' main job is to generate positive publicity for their clients and help them maintain a good reputation. They can work in various industries, including corporate, government, nonprofit or agency settings. As a public relations specialist, you may travel often to engage with the media, attend events and build relationships with stakeholders.

Learn more about public relations specialists .

8. Construction Manager

Median salary: $101,480 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, collaborating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects adhere to budgets, timelines and quality standards. Since construction managers often manage several projects simultaneously, they may need to frequently travel among sites.

Learn more about construction managers .

7. Sports Coach

Median salary: $44,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 9%

Sports coaches help athletes develop to their full potential and reach maximum performance. The travel frequency for sports coaches, especially in major leagues like the NFL and NBA, is high. These coaches often accompany their teams to away games in different states, which means they spend lots of time on the road.

Learn more about sports coaches .

6. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $63,760 Expected job growth by 2032: 11%

Flight attendants travel wherever an aircraft goes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. They also communicate with pilots regarding flight details and cabin conditions.

Flight attendants' travel frequency depends on factors such as their seniority and the airline's scheduling policies. Junior flight attendants often have less control over their schedules and may work more weekends and holidays.

Learn more about flight attendants .

(Getty Images) |

5. Sales Manager

Median salary: $130,600 Expected job growth by 2032: 4%

Sales managers are responsible for directing an organization’s sales team. Some of their duties may include setting sales goals, analyzing data, developing training programs for sales representative and addressing any changes necessary to meet customer needs. Depending on the company, sales managers may have to travel to national, regional or local offices and attend in-person customer meetings.

Learn more about sales managers .

4. Operations Research Analyst

Median salary: $85,720 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Operations research analysts use advanced techniques, such as data mining and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. They help businesses solve a wide range of problems, including supply chain optimization, production planning and inventory management.

Although operations research analysts typically spend their time in offices, they may travel occasionally to meet with clients.

Learn more about operations research analysts .

3. Management Analyst

Median salary: $95,290 Expected job growth by 2032: 10%

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are experts who specialize in helping companies improve efficiency and increase profits. How often management analysts travel depends on the company they work for and their current projects. However, those who pursue a career in management consulting can expect to travel quite frequently to meet with clients.

Learn more about management analysts .

2. Marketing Manager

Median salary: $140,040 Expected job growth by 2032: 7%

Marketing managers gauge the demand for a product and help develop a marketing strategy that fits. Depending on their company’s needs, marketing managers may travel throughout the country or worldwide to meet with clients and attend conferences.

Learn more about marketing managers .

Median salary: $113,990 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks using mathematical and statistical models. They often work in industries such as insurance, finance and retirement planning, determining the likelihood of events and their financial impacts.

Travel frequency for actuaries varies depending on the employer and their specific job role, but some may travel occasionally to attend meetings or meet with clients.

Learn more about actuaries .

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Does “75% travel” on a job posting turn you off?

After nearly three years at Microsoft as a field engineer, I have traveled over 160,000 miles which is around 250 hours in the air. That doesn’t include the time spent in airports, trains, cars, and taxis. I also spend around 125 night per year in hotels. These past few years are an extreme example but I encourage you to consider the road warrior lifestyle.

Have you ever seriously considered becoming a road warrior (or I guess air warrior?). I suspect the concept either fills you with dread or excitement. In the following article, I will share the pros and cons of my experience as a road warrior.

Why you should consider a position that requires extensive travel?

Skilled professionals that are willing to travel are a special bread. From a hiring perspective, a willingness to travel may be the key to landing your dream job. Employers that require extensive travel may be willing to overlook other hiring requirements. Travel workers are often better paid. Many companies allow travel employees to retain airline points, hotel points, and credit card points. Travel employees often have a budget for food and other travel expenses. Not only do you get to travel and see new places but you are likely to eat for free. Within the first few years you will likely rack up enough travel points for preferential boarding, seating, and hotel perks for personal and business travel.

Travel work translates well to work from home

Travel work translates well to work from home as companies and customers become more technologically capable and open to allowing remote support. Companies that hire travel employees often look to reduce expenses by converting travel engagements to remote deliveries. If you are unable or unwilling to relocate; traveling can greatly expand your available career opportunities. Travel workers often work from home when not on the road.

What sort of jobs am I talking about?

Within IT there are many travel positions available. These positions seem to generally fall under field technician/engineer, sales, consulting, training, or speaking. Travel could be domestic, international, or both. Job postings for these positions will often state a travel requirement of some kind; often in a percentage. I would term true road warrior positions as those in the 50-75% travel range.

Let me share my personal experience as an example. I was hired into a position that was described as requiring up to 75% travel. I travel 2-3 times per month; usually 4-5 days per trip. I work from home when not traveling. Despite being gone roughly 12-15 days per month, I feel like I have more free time than ever before.

You travel 125 days per year and you have more free time?

Company policies vary but in my situation, travel is part of my job. How many people get paid for their commute? I commute 30-40 hours per month. That doesn’t always translate into working 30-40 hours less per month but it certainly takes the edge off. My time at home is more flexible. I also live near a regional airport where boarding is a breeze.

I usually fly out on Sunday or Monday for 4-5 days and return on Thursday or Friday. I am rarely gone over the entire weekend. I plan my travel around key family events and local commitments. I try my best to be gone on unimportant days and home for the memorable events. We all have these days that are limited to work, errands, winding down, sleep, and repeat. Throughout the year there are some heavy travel periods and some slow times. I generally don’t travel when my customers are unavailable; so holidays seasons and early Summer tend to be slower. I try to avoid traveling more than two weeks back-to-back and usually have at least 2-3 days at home between trips.

In comparison to my previous position. I had a 20 minute commute and worked 5 days a week in an office job that allowed limited work from home days. The work week often crept into the 45-50 hour range. I also ran a side business for excitement and some extra income in my spare time. I had a reasonable amount of flexibility and vacation time but often missed important events due to scheduling conflicts.

I now have enough excitement and income as a road warrior that I was able to drop the side business and other extracurricular activities. My time at home is more focused. I am gone when my family is most busy and home more when they are more available. Technology also makes staying in touch with family and managing personal business remotely much easier.

Yah but 75% sounds like a huge commitment.

Keep in mind that the statement “up to 75% travel” is likely referring to 2-3 times per month. That is 75% of your working hours; not 75% of your life . You still work 40-ish hours per week (part of that being travel). You still take vacations and sick days. You still have plenty of time at home.

Let’s do the math. You likely work around 40 hours a week, 250 days, and 2,000 hours per year. So 75% travel equates to roughly 185 days but you are realistically looking at 125-150 days per year tops. Travel is expensive; your employer will likely encourage finding ways to reduce travel.

“Don’t you get sick of traveling all of the time?”

I will say that people seem to have a limited taste for living the road warrior lifestyle. As I mentioned earlier; travel work may be augmented or replaced by remote work. Traveling produces a broader professional network that can be utilized to make a transition later if needed. You will likely find that companies like Microsoft that have a sizable number of employees that travel, also have many opportunities that require less travel or almost no travel. You may find that those years as a road warrior were a stepping stone to a more rewarding position within the same company. You will also have a better feel for relocation opportunities if that becomes an option.

It does appear that many people transition out of the travel lifestyle in 3-5 years. Traveling is my focus time. I try to avoid letting entertainment and activities dominate my flights and free time. I always set aside some fun time but I try to focus most of that time on learning and personal projects. That way when I return home, I am more free to focus on being present and free to let myself relax and refresh.

Vacations do suffer a little. Every business trip has some vacation-like activities. You see new things, sample local food, attend fun activities, and may even do some sightseeing in your spare time. You may be more likely to travel for vacation once you build up travel points. You may find yourself retuning to work locations for vacation; as you seek to share your experiences abroad with family and friends. Even when visiting new locations it can start to feel a bit like work. You find yourself returning from a long work trip only to repack your bags for an oddly similar family vacation.

Potential Benefits:

• More time at home
• More work from home
• Visiting new places
• Eating awesome food (usually for free)
• Getting paid or getting credit for commute time
• Rapid growth through highly engaging work
• Increased professional network
• Broader career opportunities (not limited to local employers)
• No need to relocate
• Maxing out travel rewards programs
• Flexibility to reduce travel commitment before burning out
• You will likely be away from home 100+ days per year
• Traveling does put a strain on relationships
• Sometimes being there for the small stuff is important
• Managing diet and exercise can be difficult while traveling
• Frequent travel is generally bad for your health
• Returning to a traditional work environment could be difficult
• You are not immediately available if there is an emergency at home
• You will rely more heavily on people back home for help
• Limited support network or oversight if quitting smoking, overeating, drinking, etc.

Is travel right for you?

• Limited local career prospects
• Unwilling or unable to move
• Nearby regional or international airport
• Steady and predictable situation at home
• No major commitments locally or at home
• Being a smaller person since planes are tight
• Being in decent physical condition or health
• No major issues with back, walking, balder, etc.
• Not having too many unhealthy vices (good self control)
• No anger management or anxiety issues

Clearly you need to live or relocate near a reasonably sized airport. Large people have a harder time but that isn’t a major deterrent. You should move up to more comfortable seating within the first year. Flying can be hard on the back and bladder. Obviously you will not be home to care for elderly parents or other dependents. My personal recommendation is to stay home if you have small kids; no amount of money will replace those precious moments. You will have plenty of temptation to drink, smoke, and overeat if that is a concern. Being a frequent flyer is generally considered unhealthy. Traveling will test your patience and tolerance for stress on a regular basis.

Obviously, company travel policies play a big part in determining how much flexibility you have as a frequent flyer. Make sure to fully understand the travel policies and expectations before accepting a travel position.

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Define the Term Extensive Travel in a Job Description

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The Disadvantages of Working Four 10-Hour Days

How to keep track of deductible job expenses, independent cargo van driver careers.

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Traveling for a job is a requirement for many positions in sales, marketing or operations. If you are applying for a job, be sure to check the job description if it calls for travel. Some job postings will list the amount of travel required. If the description says "extensive travel," you should expect to travel every week. A job is sales commonly requires constant travel, but other positions require extensive travel, too. Traveling for work can create challenges in balancing your work-life relationship, but if you can manage this, there are many benefits you’ll receive. Free flights, vacations and hotel rooms are just a few benefits that you’ll get by spending the majority of your time on the road.

Expectations

If your job calls for extensive travel, then you should expect to be on the road the majority of the time. You should only take a position like this is you don’t mind spending two to three nights a week in hotels away from home. Chances are you’ll be traveling to various sites and meeting with clients throughout your week. And when you’re not at a client meeting, it can be difficult to manage your time and complete your work when you are splitting your time between a hotel, home office or coffee shop. Constantly moving around and living out of a suitcase can be stressful, and it is something you’ll need to learn how to handle.

Types of Travel

The type of travel you do will depend on the position. In a sales job, for example, you might be in charge of a specific region which will require you to drive to customers within your state. In this role, you’ll spend most of your travel time driving yourself to various customer sites. In some cases, you might be close enough to home that you can drive back at the end of the day. Other positions, may require travel outside of the state or country. Most of your traveling in these jobs will require travel by air and you’ll be spending your nights in hotels during the work week.

Although traveling for work can be challenging, there are many benefits. If you spend your time driving, you’ll either be reimbursed for your mileage or will be provided a company car. With mileage reimbursement, you’ll make extra income, since your company will likely pay for gas in addition to each mile you drive. If you travel by air and stay in hotels, then you’ll get to keep all your frequent traveler points for yourself. After enough travel, these points can be redeemed for free flights and hotels rooms, which can make for a free vacation later. Be sure to make an effort to actually use these miles and points because many people bank them and they expire, or changes in the rules reduce their value.

Balancing Life

Balancing your work and personal life can be challenging in a job that requires extensive travel. Traveling for work can take a heavy emotional, physical and mental toll, so you’ll need to learn how to make a balance. If you’re on the road the majority of the time, you’ll spend less time with your family and friends back home. And if you happen to have children, it can be especially difficult to be away. Taking a job with extensive travel will be much easier if you are single or have few family commitments. But if you do have family at home, then you’ll need to ensure you make the most of your time at home and keep in touch while on the road. Digital communications makes staying in touch easy. Home is now just a phone call away from anywhere on the road and video conferencing with a webcam can be done for free with any Internet connection.

• The Business Journals: Why Banking Your Frequent-flier Points Is a Horrible Idea

Auston Matta is an experienced engineer who has worked in the packaging industry since 2003. He holds a bachelor's degree in bio-engineering and a master's degree in engineering management. Auston has also contributed to "Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News."

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Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse, travel nurse faqs, what does a domestic or international travel nurse do, travel nurse salary and employment, helpful organizations, societies, & agencies.

Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

• Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
• Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
• Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
• Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
• Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
• Stroke care certification
• Telemetry certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

• Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
• Additional immunizations
• Learning a new language
• Learning about diseases unique to the area

How Can a Travel Nurse Receive a Tax-Free Housing Stipend?

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

• Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
• Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
• Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
• Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
• Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
• Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
• Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
• Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
• Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
• Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
• Learning various patient care systems/documentation
• Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

• Work within the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
• Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

• Work outside the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
• Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
• Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

RELATED :  RN License Transfer and NLC Guide

Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

• Travel reimbursement
• Free housing
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
• Choice of location
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Competitive pay
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

• International Council of Nurses
• Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
• National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
• American Travel Health Nurses Association

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Wealth of Geeks

9 Jobs That Can Be Done While Traveling

Posted: December 24, 2023 | Last updated: December 24, 2023

In a world of high-speed living and remote jobs, earning money anywhere is possible. Travel isn’t cheap. It costs a lot of money, and working in an office does not leave much time for leisure. If you are on vacation and have seen all there is to be seen, you may look for something else to pass the time.

Remote jobs don’t have to be boring. In fact, many of them are great options for earning free or discounted travel. You just have to know how to choose which of these travel jobs is right for you.

1. Blogging

Blogging while traveling is a great way to earn some money. Your office is wherever your laptop is, so you are never tied down to one place. This can help you travel the world with just a laptop and a bit of data, which you can always find in local cafes or restaurants . It’s even better if you do travel writing, so you can combine firsthand experience with creative writing that helps others plan their travels.

2. Vlogging

Similar to blogging, video blogging, also called “ vlogging ,” is a visual form of content. You can write blogs for your website but also work as a freelancer for other people’s websites. When it comes to vlogging, however, people usually vlog for their own channels. It takes more time to succeed but can also be more rewarding monetarily. All you need is a smartphone with a nice camera, or if you want to be fancy, a laptop with some video editing software like Adobe PremierePro or DaVinci Resolve.

3. Video Commercials

This one is both fun and rewarding. If you have a smartphone with a decent camera and invest in an excellent DJI drone, you can earn some nice money on your travels. Combine this with an investment in a decent laptop and a video editing course, and you have a recipe for success. When I was on vacation in Corfu , I discovered an opportunity with their beautiful beachfront Tavernas. I packed my drone, visited a few of them on foot, and offered them my services. I scored two jobs for filming a video ad and one logo redesign job, which made me a nice profit for less than a full day of work.

4. Singing and Playing an Instrument

Singing or playing an instrument is another excellent way to earn some surprisingly good money. If you are a good singer and can play an instrument, you can always play in the city center or other popular spots. Many great talents have been discovered performing in public this way. You can also offer your skills to local restaurants or lounges if they are in need of live music or other entertainment.

5. Haircuts for Tips

If you know how to cut hair, another great way to earn money is to offer free haircuts and keep profits from their tips if they decide to give you one. You only need hair clippers for this one, so you can be flexible and earn well in countries where haircuts are expensive. Pro tip : You can combine this with vlogging and use this as your content on your vlog to increase exposure.

6. Exposure for Businesses

This travel job is for those with a well-developed online business. If you already have a travel blog , you can always ask restaurant owners, bar owners, hotels, and others who provide services in tourism if they would like to collaborate on a promotion on your website. The business will get exposure to your audience, and you can negotiate payment or exchanges for that promotion, like a one-night hotel stay or a free meal.

7. Bartending

A good barista is always a much-needed part of the crew. If you know how to mix drinks or make a killer espresso, you can always offer your services to nightclubs or cafes and earn a decent wage, plus tips.

8. Temporary Tattoos or Hair Styling

Unlike the classic tattoo industry, where laws and regulations can tie up employment approval, temporary tattoos can be done anytime, anywhere, and do not fall under any laws and regulations. There is a low risk of infection with temporary tattoos or paints, unlike classic tattoos that are created by piercing the skin. Hair braiding or wrapping is popular at beach destinations and can also be done anytime, anywhere.

9. Working on a Cruise Ship

Working on a cruise ship is more permanent, but it still fits within the scope of travel jobs. There are numerous jobs that you can do on a cruise ship, and each of those offers some nice wages. Understandably, a captain makes much more than a cabin steward, but all employees receive benefits and gratuity. You can use the time between shifts to discover beautiful cities wherever you stop. 

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Job groups in Kenya, salaries, and allowances according to SRC 2024

Many people desire to secure jobs with the Government of Kenya, also known as the Public Service Commission jobs. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) is in charge of setting and reviewing the remuneration of public servants in the country. The SRC has classified various job groups in Kenya, each with a different compensation package.

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Job groups in kenya and their salaries in 2024 (kes 13,280 - 166,780), house allowance (kes 2,250- 80,000), hardship allowance (kes2,800 - 60,000), per diem rates in 2024 (kes 3,000 - 22,000 daily for local travel), other allowances, what are job groups in kenya, what is the teachers service commission, how much is grade 8 salary in kenya, how much does job group m earn in kenya, how much is job group t salary in kenya, how much is grade 6 salary in kenya, what is the lowest-paid job group in kenya, what is the salary of job group b5, tuko's copywriting course.

Different job groups in Kenya have different entry requirements and earning brackets. Normally, a public servant gets a basic salary, house allowance, and commuter allowance. Other allowances may apply , depending on the assigned duties.

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Job groups in Kenya (SRC salaries)

Job groups are classes linked by a common objective, skill set, education, or certification requirement. There are multiple job groups in Kenya in 2024, each with a unique pay grade or bracket.

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Below is a look at the various job groups classified by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and their basic monthly pay. Note that this is the minimum basic pay per month, and the SRC has the power to review the amount.

Also note that the county government job groups and salaries are similar to those issued by the national government through the Public Service Commission, at least for the basic salaries. Allowances may differ.

County Government job groups and salaries: The complete breakdown

Every year (a new year is marked on the exact day you were employed), the SRC gives public servants a raise in the basic salary as long as the amount remains within the job group bracket.

This means that a newly employed graduate in Job Group K will have a basic salary of KES 38,270, while one who has been working in the same group for three years will have a slightly higher basic salary.

Once again, note that the SRC regulates county government salary structure in Kenya, as it does public servants in the national government. As a result, the payment between the two groups is roughly similar.

According to the set job groups and salaries in Kenya , all civil servants are entitled to a house allowance. This amount is provided every month to compensate for the cost of housing in a particular area. The amount varies depending on location, as explored below.

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• Cluster 1: This covers civil servants working in Nairobi. The rates in Nairobi are higher than in other locations because the cost of living is considerably higher than in other cities and towns.
• Cluster 2: This covers civil servants working in the county headquarters of Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Kwale, Kilifi, and Naivasha.
• Cluster 3: This covers civil servants working in the county headquarters of Nyeri, Machakos, Eldoret, Kericho, Kisii, Kakamega, Lodwar, Embu, Nanyuki, and Garissa
• Cluster 4: This covers all other parts of the country not included in clusters 1, 2, and 3.

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There are multiple job groups and salaries in Kenya in 2023, but not all are entitled to hardship allowances. Hardship allowances offer compensation for the cost of living in areas classified as hardship zones.

Initially, this allowance was a certain percentage of the basic salary. That has been revised to a flat rate across all civil servants in the same cluster .

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The per diem rates in Kenya for civil servants were reviewed and effected in February 2022. The clusters are explored below.

This money is issued to people sent on duties away from their regular stations. It covers daily expenses, so it is also called the Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA).

• Cluster 1: This covers Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru. i.e., the amount provided when civil servants travel to Kenyan cities for work-related reasons.
• Cluster 2: This covers all county headquarters, Malindi, and Naivasha.
• Cluster 3: This covers all other parts of the country except those listed in clusters 1 and 2.

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NB: Per diem or DSA is only issued to people who travel for work-related reasons. The amount is given to cover expenses for one day.

All public servants in Kenya are entitled to a leave allowance, which is issued once a year, usually at the end of the year. They are also entitled to a monthly commuter allowance of between KES 3,000 and 25,000, depending on the job group.

Abled-differently persons also get a disability allowance, and those working in special institutions are also entitled to a special allowance.

The monthly disability allowance is KES 20,000 for people with hearing or visual impairment and those with physical disability. Abled-differently persons registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) are also tax-exempt.

These are classes of jobs that are linked by a common skill set, purpose, education level, or certification requirements. They are normally used for workforce planning.

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The Teachers Service Commission of Kenya ( TSC ) of Kenya is an independent commission established under the Constitution of Kenya to manage human resources among teachers in the country. The TSC creates and regulates teachers' job groups and salaries in Kenya.

What is the salary of job Group H?

Job group H employees have a basic salary of about KES 25,470 p.m. Their gross salary also includes house, commuter, and leave allowances. Hardship, disability, and special allowances depend on one's condition and working environment.

Grade 8 is equivalent to Job Group L. This group has a basic salary of KES 42,970 p.m. They are also entitled to various allowances.

Job Group M employees have a basic salary of about KES 49,000 p.m. They are also entitled to various allowances.

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Job Group T employees have a basic pay of about KES 169,140 p.m. These are high-ranking officials who are also entitled to various allowances.

The Grade 6 or Job Group N has a basic salary of KES 56,370 p.m.

A (CPSB 18) is the lowest-paid Job Group in the country, with a basic salary of 13,280 p.m.

TSC educators who are in workgroup B5 earn a basic salary of KES 27,195 p.m. It is the lowest-paid job group in the education field. T

Job groups in Kenya are set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Each category has unique requirements and compensation packages.

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Tuko.co.ke recently published all the details about the Kenyan passport tracking system. The tracking system allows passport applicants to know if their passports are ready for collection without visiting the immigration offices in person.

The updated tracking methods have made it easy for Kenyan residents and diaspora residents to view the progress of their applications. Kenya's Directorate of Immigration has partnered with Posta to facilitate passport delivery across the country.

DISCLAIMER : This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Simon Ayub (Lifestyle writer) Simon Ayub is a Content Manager, Strategist, and writer who joined Tuko's team in 2019. He graduated in 2014 with a BSc in Agricultural Economics and is a CPA. Simon has over a decade of experience creating content for nyagah.co.ke, theHoth and other platforms. He works on content encompassing biographies, fashion and lifestyle, gaming, and more. Simon was awarded the "Writer of the Year" 2022 on Tuko. In 2023, Simon finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and, in 2024, expanded their skills through the Google Initiative Course. You can reach him via [email protected].