Have a dream of travelling the world? Most of us can’t afford to just quit our jobs and spend years exploring all of the wonders that the world has to offer, at least not until we’re well into our 50s or 60s.
But what if you had a job that required you to travel around the world? What if you could see the world while still getting paid?
Here are 11 kick-ass jobs that involve travel around the world and how you can land one of them yourself:
1. Flight Attendant

Flight Attendants (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Salaries for flight attendants can be fairly respectable as well, though it varies a lot depending on the airline, experience level, and your country of origin.
Training/education required: High school diploma or GED. People skills, language skills, and looking presentable will increase your chances of getting hired.
2. Working On A Cruise Ship

Cruise Ship (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
- Waiter/Waitress
- Bartender
- Line cook
- Chef
- Casino dealers
- Masseuse
- Cleaning & maintenance personnel
- Hotel manager
- Cruise director
- Performer
- Dancer
- Musician
- Sound technician
- Production manager
- Electrician
- Diving instructor
- Childcare worker
- Security guard
This is just a short list of the jobs available on cruise ships – there are plenty more specialized positions available depending on the cruise line and what they’re looking for at the moment.
As a crew member on a cruise ship, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other adventurous crew members, travel to tropical destinations all over the world, and have your room and board paid for.
Training/education required: Depends on the position, but there are plenty of positions on a cruise ship that doesn’t require any special training or education.
3. Yacht Crew

Working on a yacht (Photo credit: Dave Cobb)
Training/education required: Sailing experience likely required.
4. ESL Teacher

ESL Teacher (Photo credit: Alex Halavais)
Contract terms will vary from 6 months to 1 year, though you can certainly stay longer if you want to. This isn’t one of those jobs where you travel around constantly, but the longer stints will really allow you to experience the local culture.
Training/education required: Will vary depending on the destination and the position. Some positions only require a high school diploma in an English speaking country, though most require a bachelor’s degree. Some positions will also require TESL certification and/or a Master’s in education.
5. Airline Ready Reserve Agent

JAL ground agent (Photo credit: Miki Yoshihito)
Training/education required: High school diploma or GED.
6. Freelance/Remote Developer

Working on a beach…you might not get too much done, but its possible with remote work (Photo credit: Giorgio Montersino)
Training/education required: An computer science/IT degree, depending on the position.
7. Au Pair

An au pair (Photo credit: Ann Larie Valentine)
Again, this isn’t one of those jobs that require travel on a constant basis, but if you’re lucky, you might end up with a generous family and get to experience some of the luxuries of the ultra-rich.
Training/education required: Depends entirely on the family’s requirements, but a background in childcare is usually a strong asset. You can apply as an au pair through an agency in the country where you want to live. Check out The International Au Pair Association‘s website to get started.
8. Tour Guide

Tour guide (Photo credit: Marcin Wichary)
If you’re in a foreign country where you have a tremendous passion for the local culture, food, music, and people, you can definitely land a position as a local tour guide, though you might have to learn the local language. Anothor option is to start as a freelance tour guide, though that will require some entrepreneurial savvy.
Training/education required: A knowledge of the local area and culture, and knowledge of the local language.
9. Freelance Photographer/Writer

Freelance photographer (Photo credit: rickz)
The difficulty here is getting started. It takes time to build a client base, and even more time to develop the skills to be truly great at your craft.
The best way to get going is to start doing freelance photography and writing on the side while you’re working at your regular job. Start submitting your work to magazines and online publications until you start gaining a solid reputation and a steady stream of work.
Training/education required: No formal education/training required, but writing/photography skills and some entrepreneurial hustle are required.
10. Travel Nurse

Travel nurse (Photo credit: Penn State News)
The downside is that you’ll have a bit less career stability, and you might have to move just as you’re putting down roots in a new city. But if you’re a nurse who’s looking for adventure and an opportunity to travel, becoming a travel nurse is your best bet.
Training/education required: Nursing degree.
11. Navy Sailor

Graduating from the U.S. Naval academy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you’re young and adventurous, the navy might be the place for you. Best of all, signing up for a navy stint offers the opportunity to develop useful career skills on the government’s dime. Of course, there’s always the risk of being sent to a war zone.
Training/education required: Training is provided, but some positions may require a degree.