Let’s face it, more than likely you aren’t going to be the next Anthony Bourdain or Samantha Brown (seriously, how did she get that job?!). As much as I we would love to be paid to travel all over the world, chances are the Travel Channel won’t come knocking on our doors any time soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel and still get paid for it! Here are my five ways to travel and work:
5. Work on a Cruise Ship!
Think about it, you can travel the Caribbean, South America, the Mediterranean, Alaska, etc. see different countries, WHILE ON A GIANT BOAT! If you don’t get seasick, this is the perfect way for you to travel and sea (see what I did there?) the world! As long as you don’t mind the long hours and trips to the same places, you can make bonds of a lifetime. My friend seems to be having the time of her life, jumping from cruise to cruise and if you aren’t one to shy away from hard work, then this is for you.
4. Do Seasonal Work !
In the summer you can be a camp counselor in Europe or a ranch hand in Australia; then, you could spend your winters at ski lodges in Switzerland! You could seriously spend each season in different country if you wanted. There are so many opportunities out there to work in Vail, Saint Tropez, Tasmania, you name it. While a lot of these positions are under the table, who needs a check and a bank account if you are moving with the seasons?
3. Be a Tour Guide!
If you have ever been to Europe, chances are you have done one of the free walking tours in a big city. I mean, they are historic, fun, good exercise, and kinda free, all you have to do is give a tip! When I finished my year teaching in France and I applied to so many places in Paris to be a tour guide, however who wants to leave that job?! No one, hence why I went to Hong Kong. Anywho, nowadays there are walking tours, bike tours, segway tours, even running tours…maybe? Sounds like there could be, if not, I will trademark it! While generally you will live on tips, if you have a big enough group x twice a day – you can make some good money!
2. Work in a Hostel!
What I would GIVE to work or own my own hostel! I love meeting people and to meet people all around the world for my job? Yes, please! Hostels bring in such an interesting crowd and can really make or break a travelers time in a place. You always remember that really chill backpack hostel in Vietnam, or the crazy hostel with a bar and dance floor in the basement in Paris. While the cleaning and dealing with mean and naughty travelers are a bit of a dealbreaker for me, if you have the patience (and the work papers) to work at a hostel, DO IT. You will learn hot, new traveling tips from travelers and then on your vacation time, be able to experience what they did!
1. Teach!
Ugh…so let me bring out my soapbox. I debated putting this on here, because I don’t think teaching is for everyone. People see this as a meal-ticket and a way to see the world, and yes Teaching English or whatever language or subject is a chance to do this, but you are also affecting peoples’ lives. You are making an impact on a child, teenager, or adult so if you just want to sit on the beach and drink pina coladas without giving a you-know-what, then teaching isn’t for you. As you know, teaching is a real profession. You owe it to your students to be the be best you can and you will gain just as much as them during your time as a teacher.
Ok, I am off my soapbox, teaching abroad is amazing! You get firsthand cultural experiences, and the memories you make will last you a lifetime. When you get a student to write for the first time or that adult student rushes in to tell you that he successfully conducted a meeting in English, there is no greater feeling. You will get to travel while molding the minds of the world, what more can you ask for? 🙂 While teaching, I got to see twenty countries easily!
While there are certainly many other opportunities to live, work, and travel abroad, here are my top five!
Agree or disagree with me? Let me know in the comments below!
