Wondering how you can get paid to travel to every continent?
The good news is it’s not impossible.
I know, because I’ve done it!
After finding ways to work and travel around the world to all seven continents, I’ve put together a list of the top travel jobs that will help you see the world with a paycheck.
What you won’t find in this guide: any suggestions that you should become a blogger or influencer or even freelancer.
Not because there’s anything wrong with those jobs, but because it’s not a viable source of income until you grow your web presence, followers, or even clients.
While these are wonderful, and even aspirational jobs to have that indeed allow you to travel while making money, these channels often take months and even years before you’ll earn a solid paycheck.
What you will find in this guide: actual jobs almost anyone can do around the world after completing basic education that are guaranteed to provide you with a paycheck every month.
Not looking for a career change or you’re unable to travel full-time? Then check out my tips for traveling more with a 9-5 job!
Benefits of Getting a Travel Job
Besides the paycheck, travel jobs provide benefits such as housing, food, medical insurance, flights, and more.
Because the majority of the jobs I’ve had in the last few years have covered most of my basic living expenses, I’ve been able to save thousands of dollars despite the seemingly low salary.
With many of these seasonal jobs around the world, you can also slowly explore the area you’re living and working in.
And after the contract is over, you can continue traveling through the country or move on to your next destination often while having your flight already paid for.
1. Antarctica Support Staff
I’ll start with the big one: how to get paid to travel to Antarctica.
There are dozens of scientific research facilities across the White Continent (“the ice”), and three with the U.S.
All of these stations require regular people to keep the town or small community going from cooks to cleaners and carpenters to electricians.
I worked in the largest facility, McMurdo Station, as well as South Pole Station as a kitchen steward (also called a dining attendant).
Not only was I paid to be there, but I was able to live there too– something very few tourists get the opportunity to do.
The six-day work week can be challenging at times, especially if you work outside, but it’s all worth it for a free ride to the end of the world!
Benefits
- Medical care and health insurance
- Accommodations and food provided
- Contract completion bonus
- Free flights to and from gateway cities (Punta Arenas, Chile and Christchurch, New Zealand for Americans) and to the research station
- Option to delay flights home out of gateway cities after contract
Details
Pay: $1,600-$4,000 per month
Best time to apply: January- February
Requirements:
- Citizen of the country’s station you’re applying with
- Valid passport
- Experience in the job you’re applying for
- Pass drug screening, background check, physical and dental exams
Find out more about how to get a job on the ice in my Antarctica jobs guide.
2. Flight Attendant
Working as a flight attendant is probably one of the most well known ways to get paid to travel.
Aside from a steady paycheck with healthcare benefits and even retirement plans (a rare travel job perk!), layovers between flights you’re working on mean you have a few hours— or even days— to explore a new city or country without having to pay for airfare, food, or accommodations.
And when you’re not on the clock, you have access to discounted, and sometimes even free flights, which eliminates the biggest cost of travel.
Imagine if you were able to travel anywhere without having to pay for full airfare, how much cheaper your trip would be?
If you’re a flight attendant, you don’t have to.
Benefits
- Medical and health care
- Accommodations provided when working
- 401(k) retirement plans
- Discounts on travel: flights, hotels, cruises
- Per diem when traveling for work
Details
Pay: $20-$45 per hour; $51,000 average per year
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 21+ years old
- 4’11”- 6’3″
- Minimum 20/30 vision
3. Cruise Ship Worker
When you work on cruise ships, you can party over international waters with dozens of other nationalities, fall asleep to the sound of the ocean, and wake up in a new country.
As a cruise ship crew member for nearly three years, I was able to visit over 30 countries and make connections all over the world.
Some of my best memories from my time at sea include:
- Spending three days every week in St. Petersburg, Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Crossing the Atlantic Ocean twice
- Spending a summer based in the Mediterranean and another in the Baltic
- Sailing on Royal Caribbean’s maiden voyage to Greenland
- Home porting out of San Juan, Puerto Rico for a month
Cruise ships are floating resorts, so whatever jobs you’ll normally find at an all-inclusive resort on land, you’ll find the position on ships too in addition to the marine and engineering department.
Back of the house jobs such as housekeeping and the dining departments tend to be lower pay and normally filled by crew from countries where English is not the primary language.
For crew from the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia, the most common jobs they have on cruise ships include:
- Activity staff: cruise director, activities manager, activities hosts
- Entertainers: dancers, singers, performers, artists
- Sports staff
- Youth counselor
- Guest services representatives
- Shore excursions guides
- Future cruise sales staff
- H.R. and managerial positions
Benefits
- Medical care and health insurance
- Accommodations and food provided
- Free flights to the ship and back home
- Free travel to ports around the world
Details
Pay: $500-$10,000 per month; but keep in mind the average for most crew is between $1,000- $2,500 per month
Contract length: 4-9+ months
Requirements:
- 21+ years or older
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Preferred: four-year university degree
- Valid passport
- Good command of English
- Preferred: second language
- No criminal record
- Pass background check and medical exam
- Experience in the job you’re applying for
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- C1/D visa for non-U.S. or Canadian citizens
Find out more about what working on cruise ships is like and how to get a job on a cruise ship.
4. Yacht Crew
If living with thousands of other people on a mega cruise ship isn’t for you but you still want to experience life at sea, working on a yacht could be a better fit.
In between cruises or when guests are gone, you’ll get to live rent-free all over the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
While the drama on reality show Below Deck may not all be real, the work definitely is.
With a smaller crew and multi-million dollar charter guests, balancing responsibilities can be challenging.
Whether you work on the interior, exterior, or as an officer or engineer, you’ll have your hands full providing for the guests, but the tips can make it all worth it.
Many yacht crew are able to make enough to live on for a year— or more— in just a few months.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Accommodations and food provided
- Free flight to yacht location and back home
- Tips
- Use of yacht amenities and toys (hot tub, jet skis, etc.)
Details
Pay: $2,500- $8,000+ per month
Best time to apply: April- mid June; September- mid December
Requirements:
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- ENG 1 Medical
- Department-specific training course and/or experience in the position you’re applying for
5. English Teacher (ESL)
One of the easiest ways to get paid to travel is by teaching English abroad, or working as an ESL instructor (English as a Second Language).
There are so many countries looking for teachers, and the good news is many of them don’t require you to have any kind of teaching degree or even experience like the company I worked for in Japan.
As an ESL teacher, you’ll get paid to live in a new country while making friends, picking up the language and culture, and gaining invaluable professional skills.
One of the biggest perks for me when I moved to Japan to teach English was the close proximity to other Asian countries.
I was able to take trips over extended weekends or my week-long vacations to neighboring countries like South Korea and Hong Kong.
If you’ve never traveled abroad before or you’re nervous about going to a new country alone, many ESL programs will help you ease into life in the country.
They’ll pick you up from the airport to helping you find an apartment or even getting a new cellphone.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Accommodations provided or the company assists you in securing housing
- Some programs cover flights
- Many companies and schools don’t require any teaching degree, certification, or experience
Details
Pay: $600- $5,000 per month
Contract length: 1 year
Requirements:
- Four-year university degree
- Valid passport
- Native English speaker or non-native English speaker with TEFL certification
- Preferred: TEFL certification
- Preferred: teaching experience
Find out more about teaching English in Japan
6. Resort Staff
From Mexico to the Maldives, working at a resort means you could get paid to travel and live where people vacation.
Many large beach resorts offer visitors with plenty of entertainment and activities, and they need staff to run them.
Common positions include many found on this list already:
- Childcare workers
- Activities hosts
- Excursion staff
- Bartenders
You’ll be responsible for engaging with guests, entertaining them, and ensuring they have a great experience at the resort.
As an employee, you’ll get the perks of free or discounted access to the resort’s amenities such as the gym, golf course, or even theme parks if the hotel has affiliations.
And as always, you’ll have room and board taken care of, so you can explore the area during your downtime without having to worry about paying for housing.
Benefits
- Health insurance sometimes covered
- Accommodations and food provided
- Access to resort amenities
- Discounted food, drinks, and excursions
Details
Pay: $300-$1,200 per month
Best time to apply: 1-2 months before peak season
Requirements:
- Hospitality experience
- Experience in the job you’re applying for
7. Travel Group Leader or Tour Guide
As a tour leader or guide, you’ll not only be able to visit amazing places around the world, but you’ll be paid to be there and help others enjoy the destination as well.
There are all kinds of different excursion companies and tour offerings, from the more traditional ones in popular tourist areas to adventurous experiences in lesser-visited locations.
While your main responsibility is taking care of your group and of course guiding them, you’ll also be the liaison between vendors such as transportation services and the hotel, ensuring everything is planned and organized.
Wherever your group goes, you’ll be there too, which means all of your accommodations, transportation, and meals are all covered!
Benefits
- Accommodations and food provided
- Flights sometimes covered
- Tips
Details
Pay: $50- $400 per day
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Preferred: four-year degree in a related field
- Knowledge of the location and industry you’ll be working in
8. Outdoor Adventure Guide
If you’re a bit more of the adrenaline-pumping type, you could travel the world as an outdoor adventure guide.
From kayaking and rafting to zip lining and wilderness hiking, becoming an outdoor guide allows you to enjoy the great outdoors while participating in your hobbies.
As an outdoor adventure guide, you’ll lead your group through exciting excursions and activities while also setting up their camp and even cooking for them.
Benefits
- Accommodations and food provided
- Tips
- Access to activities, facilities, and sporting equipment during downtime
Details
Pay: $50- $600 per day
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- First Aid & CPR
- 80+ hour wilderness course
- Discipline-related certification
9. Lapland Christmas Elf
If you’ve always wanted to experience a Lapland winter and immerse yourself in Finnish culture, then this could be your dream job!
Part character actor and part tour guide, this job as a Christmas Elf in Finland spreads holiday cheer to visitors of all ages.
As Santa’s little helper, you’ll greet guests, tell stories, sing songs, and guide them through Santa’s village.
Playing dress up as an elf still not your thing? If you still want to work in an arctic winter wonderland, there are other opportunities available through Lapland Staff, including:
- Safari Guides
- Husky Guides
- Activity Instructors
- Cooks
- Clothing Team Members
Benefits
- Medical and healthcare coverage
- Assistance finding accommodation
Details
Length of contract: 1-2 months (November- December)
Best time to apply: Fall
Requirements:
- Good verbal English
- Preferred: knowledge of French, Spanish, or German
10. Au Pair
If you enjoy working with kids and fully immersing yourself in a new culture, working as an au pair could allow you to live in the country of your dreams while being paid to learn the language!
As an au pair, you’ll be responsible for helping out your host family with childcare duties such as:
- Tutoring
- Chauffeuring kids to and from extracurricular activities
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Providing entertainment and activities
- General babysitting
When you’re not working, you’ll get to explore the country more while having your housing and food all covered.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Accommodations and food provided
- Flights covered
- Free language classes
Details
Pay: $500- $800 per month
Length of contract: 1- 24 months
Requirements:
- 17-30 years old
- High school diploma/ equivalent
- Good command of English or language of host country
- Not married
- No children of your own
- No criminal record
- Non-smoker
- Childcare experience
11. Scuba Instructor
Becoming a certified scuba diving instructor provides you with the skills and opportunity to work all around the world, from the Caribbean to the South Pacific.
If you love the beach life and swimming amongst the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and marine life, working as a scuba diving instructor is the perfect way to get paid to travel the world.
While the benefits and pay vary depending on the location, you’ll still be able to earn some money while you live in paradise (wherever that may be), often with accommodations covered.
Benefits
- Accommodations sometimes provided
- Flights sometimes covered
Details
Pay: $800-$2,500 per month
Length of contract: 6-12 months
Requirements:
- 6 months of certification as an open water diver
- Advanced diver certification
- Rescue certification
- Divemaster or Dive Leader certification
- First Aid & CPR
- 100 open water dives
- Completion of Instructor Development Course (IDC)
- Instructor Exam (IE)
12. Ski Instructor
Love the snow and spending your days on the slopes? As a ski instructor, you could get paid to ski anywhere in the world.
If you get certified through one of the internationally recognized qualifications systems (CSIA, BASI, and NZSIA), you’ll able work across the globe in resorts from North America and Europe to Japan and New Zealand.
When you’re not teaching, you have free access to the resort’s lifts and ski trips in addition to enjoying the perks of living in a winter resort town.
And if you’re still eager for more after the season is over? Head over to the opposite hemisphere for their winter season and get paid to work and travel once again!
Benefits
- Accommodations sometimes provided
- Free skiing trips and lift passes
- Discounts from ski shops, resort stores, and local businesses
Details
Pay: $12-$65 per hour
Length of contract: 5-7 months
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Skiing and teaching experience
- Level 1-2 ski instructor certification
13. Bartender
One of the easiest ways to get paid to travel from one city or country to the next is by being a bartender.
From working in hostels and bars to high-end restaurants and luxury resorts, bartending around the world allows you to socialize with locals and tourists alike without digging into your savings.
You can also check out the city during the day and still make a few bucks in the evening.
If you happen to work during a big event or holiday such as New Year’s Eve, the tips you make from one night of work alone could provide you with a few weeks’ worth of travel expenses.
Benefits
- Tips
- Flexible schedule
Details
Pay: $10-$35 per hour
Requirements:
- Bartending and/or hospitality experience
- Good command of English and/or language used in the country
14. Your Job, But Remotely
If you worked from home at all during 2020, there’s a good chance you could do your job anywhere in the world with good Wi-Fi.
While lots of the job recommendations listed above are contract opportunities and may not align with your career trajectory, you can also find a job in your industry or take the one you have overseas and work remotely.
For many individuals who work a full-time job, the financial stability makes it hard to step away from, but can be challenging when it comes to achieving your travel goals.
There are many ways you can travel more with a full-time job, but one of the easiest ways is to do your job in a country or region that you want to explore.
By living there, you’ll be able to explore on the weekends and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Not only will you be able to see more of the world, but if you move to a low cost of living country like Mexico or Southeast Asia, you could live comfortably while saving a significant amount of money to— you guessed it— travel more.
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I need to figure this out! There are some great options, but the one that sound the best (scuba instructor) I need to learn first!
I know of a few people who’ve traveled this way and despite all the hours and training it definitely seems worth it!
Great post! I worked in Japan for a few years and met sooo many other foreigners having a blast doing this – it’s funny, a couple of those friends went on to work in Antarctica, just like you. :)
I really love the style of travel where you move somewhere semi long term and then explore the area you have moved to.
That’s so funny! The travel community really is a small world. Slow travel is where it’s at for sure, you get a richer experience than zipping through the country in a few days.
This is super helpful! There are really so many jobs that allow people to travel the world! I’ve been considering working as an ESL teacher, but I think I just need to find a fully remote job!
Absolutely, do what works best for you. You can also try teaching ESL online, too!
These are some great suggestions! There are more options for getting paid to travel than I thought! I bet living in Antarctica is an incredible experience! I’m not sure I could deal with the cold for 4 months though! And who knew you could work as a Lapland elf??? That sounds like fun! Thanks for the great guide!
Right?! I actually looked into the job as an elf (obviously) but missed the deadline… so I ended up in Antarctica instead!
Some great ideas on this list! I’ve always wanted to be an outdoor adventure guide as Iove hiking and being out in nature. I’m fortunate enough to be working remotely right now so I’m hoping to travel with my job when I can!
That’s so great, I hope you’re able to explore more now that you’re remote!
There are lots of fantastic ideas here! I have looked into becoming a ESL teach, and have the qualification, but haven’t found the right fit yet.
That can be tricky, but it’s good you’re taking your time especially since most teaching contracts are a year long. I hope you’re able to find a good match soon! Let me know if you’re considering teaching in Japan as I can provide you with tons of info. Also, teaching online is also a great option!
Thank you for listing down these options! I’ve been dreaming of traveling the world while having a decent job to support it. Now, I just have to look into these and start planning.
These are some great ideas! I like the Antartica Support staff idea since I know that is an expensive destination. A travel guide is a good one too. Remote work sounds like the best option!