6 Best Jobs for Traveling the World

Although it took a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, business travel is already bouncing back, with 1.3 million business trips taken each day in the United States alone.

Not only that, but 77% of millennials in the U.S. with traveling jobs said work trips helped them feel more creative and efficient.

Jobs that require travel are clearly in demand — and may even promote productivity.

So how can you indulge in your passion for adventure while making money at the same time? We've rounded up some of the best jobs for people who love to travel.

Job 1: English Teacher

Median Annual Salary: $58,590 (BLS, May 2022)

Many countries hire American teachers to immerse their students in the English language as much as possible. This makes teaching English abroad a great career choice for English majors.

To get a job teaching English abroad, you must typically have an English as a Second Language teaching qualification, like the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. With TEFL certification, you can teach in over 40 approved countries, including Thailand, Argentina, and Vietnam.

Some countries run national programs for bringing Americans over to teach English. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, for example, only requires that you have a bachelor's degree — no teaching certification necessary.

Job 2: Travel Writer

Average Annual Salary: $57,200 (Zippia, 2023)

Travel writers can make quite a bit of money nowadays. Many of these jobs require you to have a background in writing or marketing, a love of travel, and strong writing chops.

If you'd like to become a travel writer, begin by freelancing and pitching travel-based articles to smaller publications. Once you've earned a handful of bylines in the travel space, you can use those articles as clips when pitching to big-name companies.

If you're aiming to run your own travel publication or blog, be sure to work on getting traction for your brand. Starting small is fine, but many hotels, airlines, resorts, and five-star restaurants will only accommodate free or discounted requests for mega-popular brands.

You can build up your social media following or create a newsletter to increase engagement. This way, you have demonstrable clout when you pitch your idea for a travel project.

Freelancing is also a great option if you're considering a gap year.

Job 3: Travel Agent

Median Annual Salary: $46,400 (BLS, May 2022)

Travel agents curate escapes for their clients that align with their dreams and goals. Knowing the travel landscape, staying up-to-date on industry trends, and loving to travel can greatly benefit the quality of service you bring to your clients.

If you want to become a travel agent, earn certification first. The following organizations offer various travel agent certifications:

• Global Business Travel Association
• International Air Transport Association
• The Travel Institute
• American Society of Travel Advisors

Earning certification normally takes 6-18 months. Some programs require prior experience in the travel industry.

Job 4: Tourism Marketing Associate

Average Annual Salary: $52,120 (Payscale, May 2023)

Tourism marketing associates work with resorts, cities, and vehicular companies. The role often includes work trips to do things like try the cuisine, test out the facilities, and ride the brand's motorcycles across the countryside.

Most marketing positions require a degree in mixed media, bachelor's in marketing, communication, English, or a similar field. Having a background in the travel industry can also help you create a story around each client's property and product.

Try sharing your own travel experiences on social media. This could help capture a hiring manager's eye when they're scoping the internet for their next marketing associate!

Job 5: Photographer

Median Annual Salary: $40,170 (BLS, May 2022)

Any type of photographer can travel the world these days. Fashion photographers, for example, must go to different cities to photograph celebrities and product catalogs, whereas sports photographers must follow a team from city to city.

No formal training is required to become a professional photographer. If you'd like to pursue formal education to expand your skill set, however, it's best to get a bachelor's degree in photography.

Job 6: Commercial Airline Pilot

Median Annual Salary: $103,910 (BLS, May 2022)

Pilots might face rigid and hectic schedules at times, but the job is no doubt one of the best for traveling. Yes, you'll spend hours up in the air — but you'll get paid to travel and can see the world from a literal bird's eye view.

In order to become a pilot, you must earn a bachelor's degree, complete professional flight training, and accrue experience as a commercial or military pilot.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires you to earn specific certificates depending on the level of piloting you want to do. Some universities may offer pilot training through two- and four-year aviation programs.