Seven Jobs That Support a Long-Term Travel Lifestyle
Long-term travel is more achievable than ever, especially for those who build their careers around flexibility and global mobility. At International Citizens Insurance, we work with numerous clients who utilize our coverage as part of a comprehensive strategy for living and working abroad. Some pursue location-independent freelance careers, while others secure jobs overseas that support an extended stay in one country.
Our team brings a practical, real-world perspective on what works in international travel and employment. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of seven jobs that can serve as a springboard to a lifestyle built around long-term travel.
Below are seven careers that allow you to earn an income while exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures worldwide.
1. Tour Guide
One of the easiest ways to get involved in a travel lifestyle is to gather plenty of knowledge about a favorite city and become a tour guide.
Many countries have relatively simple rules about staying long-term if you wish to start a business, so it is not as complicated as you might think to become a tour guide. Guides who speak more than one language are especially successful.
While anyone can become a guide, you’ll need to be upbeat and energetic to interact with people effectively. Additionally, you’ll need to be able to attract customers and organize tours to maintain a steady income.
2. English Teacher
Thousands of recent college graduates go abroad to teach English each year. There are dozens of established programs that place grads in foreign classrooms, such as the JET Program, a joint venture backed by Japan’s Ministry of Education.
Fluency in the host language is typically not required, as native English speakers are expected to communicate in English.
Basic skills for dealing with a classroom of young pupils are needed. Pay tends to be low, but due to reduced costs of living, many people save significant amounts of money in this occupation.
3. International Aid Worker
Many nonprofit organizations welcome aid workers with specific skill sets, paying for their accommodations, meals, and basic medical needs in exchange for critical duties.
This is a challenging route because many people who work in international aid are focused on unstable and potentially dangerous areas of the world.
Standards of health care and even access to potable water may be low. Likewise, pay after expenses might be relatively scant. In some cases, nonprofits help their employees pursue an advanced degree or reduce their debt while working.
4. Travel Nurse
Nurses are in such high demand that they deserve their own section, although many aid workers are nurses. Those with a nursing degree who are willing to “go on point” in areas facing health crises can find themselves welcome across international borders.
As in other aid occupations, living conditions can be harsh; however, the unique experiences one can enjoy can contribute to future opportunities, such as advanced degrees or a long-term position at a hospital in another country. Pay varies by location, but proficiency in a second language is often required.
5. Travel Blogger
Travel bloggers often face the most significant challenge in developing a following and generating income from their work.
However, once they have a devoted readership, the possibilities are endless regarding their income and perks. Some bloggers travel the world, while others specialize in a specific region.
Over time, bloggers can monetize their work by writing e-books, developing promotions in collaboration with other companies, or consulting using their travel expertise. Basing themselves in countries with a low cost of living can help stretch a blogger’s budget.
6. Travel Agent
Travel agents possess many of the skills of tour guides, but they take it a step further. They develop complete itineraries for clients, including airfare, hotel, and activities.
A travel agent based in their country of specialization has several significant advantages, including the ability to partner more easily with local businesses and secure the best deals for clients.
They might even lead clients’ tours during their visit. Long-term expatriates and those with strong second-language skills are at a definite advantage here, and pay can range from modest to $200 or more per hour.
7. Interpreter or Translator
Do you have at least two years of college-level study or equivalent experience in a foreign language? By partnering with a company abroad, you could find yourself doing a fair amount of freelance translation work or interpreting.
“Interpreting” is face-to-face or audio work, while “translation” refers to written documents. Standards for interpreting can be very high, but generally speaking, there are fewer requirements for becoming a freelance translator.
Pay depends on fluency, the amount of work, and, of course, the standards of living in your host country.
Explore the World and Get Paid Along the Way
If travel suits you, I think you’ll find that a lifestyle of ongoing travel is the most enjoyable and exciting option you can choose.
You’ll get to enjoy plenty of adventure, all while meeting new people. You’ll have great stories to share with anyone you meet, and you’ll always be making plenty of wonderful memories.
On the other hand, many of these jobs come with some uncertainty about income, living conditions can vary widely between countries, long-term relationships may be challenging to maintain, and jet lag can be a serious factor if you move around frequently.
Do your research and follow your passions; you may just be able to make it work for you.
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Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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