One of the most popular questions i get asked is “how can you afford to travel for so long?” and “how can I work and travel at the same time, just like you?”
Well…its finally time to answer the age old question. The secret is officially out!
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to find work and travel the world at the same time.
You’ll be super surprised to see how many jobs there are that involve travel. After being on the road for 3 years and funding myself through several methods mentioned below, I aim to give you an eye opener into how you can acquire a full time travel job career, get paid to travel indefinitely and simply fund your trip so you can get from A to B without robbing a bank.
There are varying ways to work and travel. Now although there are many Digital Nomads out there, who simply fund their trip by acquiring a laptop and hooking up to some basic wifi connection; it really isn’t all that easy…and trust me…it takes a hell of a long time to get up and running.
But your here to make money now…right?
Good!
Below we have put together the best travel jobs for budget travellers while you embark on your epic adventures around the world.
All the jobs below allow you to work and travel the world without having to worry about running out of cash. As mentioned above, while some are full time travel careers, others are simple stop-gaps where you can earn a quick bit of cash before you continue on with your adventure!
Pack your bags….its time to begin your journey:
1. Teach English Abroad
Lucky for you, you can teach English in so many countries and still see the world at the same time. In fact, the power is in your hands with this one.
You have two options:
1) Become a online English teacher. Not only does this give you even more flexibility and freedom, you can actually get a really good salary from doing this if you put enough graft in getting the necessary clients.
2) Work in a Primary School teaching English to juniors. This is probably one of the best travel careers out there and there’s a pretty low barrier to entry. In fact, most natives can EASILY get a travel job teaching English in South East Asian Countries, South America & Africa. Do not fear, even if your not a native, those with high level speaking abilities will be flying. (I’m talking about you incredibly talented Europeans/Scandinavians) .
My personal advice would be to take a TEFL course first. Not only will these mean you will more than likely walk into most teaching jobs straight off the bat, hopefully it will mean won’t be a crappy teacher either.
It is an investment but one I highly recommend if you are itching to see the work through the local eyes.
2. Scuba Instructor
Having previously lived in Koh Tao, Thailand, I was constantly surrounded by Scuba Instructors who were making a full time career living under water. From the Great-Barrier reef in Australia, and the tropical wonders in Mexico, to the warm waters of Okinawa and the Whale Sharks in South East Asia, these guys are living the dream.
But it isn’t easy. Becoming a certified Scuba Diver Instructor takes a bit of investment, but is undoubtably be one of most exceptional ways to work and travel.
You need a handful of courses and certifications, as well as having logged in a certain amount of hours underwater yourself. If you are already certified, get excited because the world is now as your fingertips!
If you are interested in becoming a instructor, head to Thailand for some of the cheapest PADI certificates in the world.
3. Work in a bar or hostel
Hostel & Bar work are one of those unspoken backpacker rules and has existed since the dawn of time. Its on the hush and we like to keep it that way. Although technically “illegal” as you are working without a “working holiday visa”, everyone does it and let me tell you…its super easy. Boasting as the easiest jobs to get while you travel, all you have to do is ask the hostel/bar manager if they are looking for any work. 9/10 its always a yes.
Although it may not be the most glamorous of job in the world, and may include sweeping, cleaning toilets, late night counter shifts and endless hours of bar flyering in the midday heat, this is simply the best way to save money quickly (some will offer you the change to earn money also). Not only will they provide you with free accommodation , food and most likely alcohol, it is an awesome way to meet some incredible people.
I found myself working in several hostels through Thailand and even managed to wangle myself a very well paid events manager role in the biggest bar on Koh Tao island.
4. Working Holiday Visas
On a working Holiday Visa, the country is literally yours to play with. Under the umbrella of “working holiday visa” is a large category that encompasses many different jobs: Restaurants, construction, hotels, cruise ships, fishing boats, ski resorts, and more
Most popular countries for Working Holiday visas are Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Canada.
Depending on where you are from, New Zealand and Australia are two of the easiest countries in the world to get work visas.
In Australia, not only have they just increased the age limited from 31 to 35, they offer you the chance to increase your stay from one year to two if you get your hands dirty on a farm (read more here…)
5. Teach Yoga
Now because Yoga has emerged in popularity in recent years, Yoga instructors are in somewhat high demand. While not the highest paying travel career, finding work as a Yoga instructor is one of the more assured ways to work and travel and your bound to find work almost ANYWHERE.
Great thing about being a yoga teacher is that you do NOT need any certificates. As long as you can show off your skills on the mat, people will jump at the opportunity to learn some new moves.
Best way to start is to ask people at your hostel, set up an Instagram account and away you go. Good luck.
6. Work on A Boat or cruise ship
Working on a boat: Although still very much under the radar (and mainly for stunning, young females who are not shy putting on a bikini in public), it is still possible to find travel jobs on boats, specifically – yachts and sailboats (Spain is famously easy) Sometimes it’s as easy as just walking on to a dock and asking around. Sailing around the world is one of the best ways to get paid to travel! PERIOD.
Cruise ships: Easy and again…one of the greatest travel jobs out there – you just gotta be ready to work!
From my experience, its normally those who are 30 or older that jump aboard and set sail, but what do I know. Cruise Ship are hard work and you should expect to be doing over 60hour week shifts. It’s a work hard, play hard atmosphere.
The Pro: Explore the ports with your colleagues and meet new people every single week.
From what I have heard… its a blast, and a phenomenal way to save money as EVERYTHING is included. The jobs usually only pay $1,000-$2,000 a month, but with no bills, no insurance, no nothing to pay for, it all goes in to the savings account.
Highly recommend if time is on your side
7. Ski Resorts
In November, I will begin my first Ski Winter Season in Japan, and god I’m excited. Ski resorts/ companies have always and WILL ALWAYS hiring travellers (even under the table…shhh) and the benefit are awesome!
Although the money isn’t always amazing, the work hard, play hard mentality is inspiring and you’re bound to make friends for life.
If the mountains are where you hearts at…its not even a question!! BOOK NOW!
8. WWOOFing, HelpX or Workaway
WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms): simply work on organic a farm for around 20-30 hours a week and in return you are given free food and accommodation. There are tens of thousands of farms spanning the globe, so where ever you wish to travel, WWOOF’s got you!
Again, similar to WWOOFing, HelpX and Workaway are offer fantastic experiences for backpackers. Both HelpX and Workaway boast a great a range of volunteering tasks, including teaching English, translating, painting, hostel work, babysitting, farming… well anything really…the list goes on!
In return you receive free food and accommodation.
These are both amazing experiences even if you aren’t trying to save/ earn money. Workaway will provide you will memories of a lifetime.
Check out the websites here:
Workaway: https://www.workaway.info
Helpx: https://www.helpx.net
WWOOFing: http://wwoof.net
9. Work as an Au Pair
If you love kids, this is the perfect job for you. There are always little once who need an incredible “nanny”/ Au Pair like you: no mater where you are in the world.
Although, It doesn’t always pay, they always offer free accommodations, your own bedrooms, food and some drinking money over the weekend if they like you 😉
If it does pay expect anything between $500 a month to $5k depending no where you are are in the world.
I have many friends who do this and love it. Fantastic way to get to know a country and live like a local.
10.Translator
Are you bilingual or perhaps you have a knack for learning other languages quickly? You should consider becoming a translator and work online or offline to fund your travels.
11. Travel Tour Guide
Okay…so don’t get this confused…your not a Tour Director. A Tour Guide usually does shorter tours, e.g three hour walking tours around Rome or your favourite city). Ideally, Tour Guides are experts in their niche, but sometimes (depending on where you are) you can get by with knowing a little bit more than your average backpacker. If you have experience or certification, getting tour guide work will be super easy and an awesomely fun way to fund your trip.
If you live within the EU, you can also find tour guide work within Europe relatively easy (Free Walking tours, etc.) without certification.
12. Fitness Instructor
Similar to Yoga, get enough people looking to stay in shape while they travel and offer your expertise in return for a few quid.
13. Busking
Play an instrument? Tap into your Michael Jackson or Ed Sheeran!
I have witnessed many backpackers get heaps on money while busking in major cities like Sydney. Although money is never promised, if the crowd love you, you are looking at top dollar here.
Alternatively, ask your hostel if they are interested in setting up music lessons…if you don’t ask, you don’t get