29 Ways To Get Paid To Travel & See The World

With some creativity and research, it turns out there are quite a few ways you can travel cheaply, but you can also get paid to travel as you please.

You can make money and even get free meals while getting paid to blog, teach English abroad, or photograph the world.

People are opting for a digital nomad lifestyle and choosing to work remotely while they travel. This way of life is excellent for making money on the go and allows you to see the world and have a satisfying job.

Let’s check out the best ways to get paid to travel and see if you find your next smart career move!

Quick Picks

We have some of the best side hustles possible, and most of them can be great picks to work from home.

But that also means you can work as you go! You can take your work with you as you backpack the Adirondack Mountains, cruise through the Mediterranean, and much more.

Here are our top picks for the best jobs that’ll pay you as you travel:

Best Online Business – Blogging (Travel Blog & More!)
Most Flexible Job – Freelance Writing
Best Freelancing Site – Steady
Great Money Potential – Bookkeeping ($30/Hour!)
Easiest Job On The Go – Tutoring

Get Paid To Travel

If you love taking trips and are looking for ways to get paid to travel, you’re in luck. Many jobs can help you see the world while getting paid good money.

Here are 29 of the best ways to get paid to travel:

1. Freelance Writing

The great thing about becoming a freelance writer is that you can work from anywhere worldwide and earn money, as long as you have an internet connection.

And, if you’re a good freelance writer, there are many opportunities for you to get paid to write about your travel experiences as a guest post on a travel blog.

Being a travel writer, you can write about any content- whether it’s about your travels for a blog, content for magazines, or whatever else.

You can learn more about freelance writing in the Freelance Write From Home eBook, which shows you how to start a profitable freelance writing business.

2. Travel Blogging

If you’re thinking about freelance writing, why not start your own travel blog?

Starting a blog can be a great way to get paid to travel as digital nomads.

Travel bloggers can explore the world and share their experiences with others while getting paid for it as travel bloggers.

You can do more than a travel blog; you can also write about your family, crafts, cooking, or whatever interests you have.

Travel blogging can be any content you want- the only thing you need to do is make it profitable.

Your travel blog can make money from sponsored posts and affiliate links, where you get paid for posting the content and get commissions for clicks.

Other ways digital nomads make money blogging on a travel blog include advertising, selling digital products or services, and charging for consultations.

We love using WordPress for our website, and it’s all thanks to web hosting through Bluehost that we can keep it up and running wherever we are.

3. Bookkeeping

Becoming a bookkeeper is a great way to make extra money while traveling.

Thanks to most bookkeeping programs being on the cloud, bookkeeping is an online business you can take wherever you go.

To make money bookkeeping while traveling, you’ll need a good laptop computer that you can use to connect to a secure internet connection.

You’ll also need to use the bookkeeping software your client uses, any logins they have, and whatever files they’re asking you to work on.

The most popular software is QuickBooks, but many others are just as good. Quickbooks offers certification programs that you can take to prove your proficiency in the software.

If you want more information about becoming a bookkeeper, Bookkeeper Launch offers three FREE courses to help you see if it is a business for you!

4. Virtual Assistant

Becoming a virtual assistant is an excellent option for people who want to work from home and travel.

If you have some office experience and are proficient with computers and online tools, you can branch out and start a business as a VA.

Virtual assistants can help online businesses with various tasks like customer service, social media, data entry, and more.

For example, our virtual assistant helps us with everything from customer service, social media management, email management, and writing HARO(Help a Reporter Out) responses.

Want some more information about becoming a virtual assistant? Check out the FREE workshop by $10K VA to see if it’s a good fit for you.

5. Tutor Online

If you’re looking for a way to make extra money and use your teaching skills while traveling, tutoring online could be the perfect gig.

With online tutoring, you can make a difference in the lives of students who need help mastering their course material, and you can do it on your own time and wherever you go!

Many online tutoring platforms offer tutoring jobs in a variety of subjects. You can also find tutoring job listings through tourism boards or other organizations that promote travel.

With BookNook, you can find tutoring jobs for grades K through 8, typically in English and math.

6. Social Media Management (SEO Specialist)

Working as a social media manager(SEO specialist) may be the perfect fit if you want to work on the go.

Social media is a great small business idea that you can start without a lot of money and basic marketing skills.

As a social media manager, you can put your social media skills to work and be responsible for helping large and small businesses grow their social media presence.

It’s an exciting and challenging role that comes with many rewards. Roles involve creating engaging SEO content to increase web traffic and engaging with customers on your client’s social media accounts.

7. Affiliate & Destination Marketing

When it comes to getting paid to travel, affiliate marketing is one of the best options. As a brand ambassador, you get brand partnerships and earn a commission for every sale you generate.

Destination marketing is another excellent way to get paid to travel.

As a destination affiliate ambassador, you’ll promote a particular destination to potential travelers giving them information to help them plan their trip.

This can be a great way to earn a passive income while you’re traveling and a great way to get to know a particular destination well.

Want to learn more about affiliate marketing? Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing is a GREAT course to teach you all about making money with affiliate marketing.

8. Sell Digital Products

Selling printable products is a great option to make money online. Not only does it give you the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, but it’s also a great way to earn passive income while you travel.

With an online store specializing in digital products like printables, you can reach a global audience and sell your products 24/7 on sites like Shopify.

Once you create your digital products and set up your online store, you can pretty much set it up and watch the money flow into your bank account as you travel.

Digital printables are the best option to create and sell your passion project without worrying about shipping and handling fees like you would selling most crafts.

To learn more about making printables and starting a printable business, take the FREE printables workshop Gold City Ventures offers!

9. Create Online Courses

Creating an online course is a great way to earn money while doing something you love, like traveling.

Your courses can help people learn new skills and knowledge to improve their lives while you make passive cash doing it.

Whether it’s teaching them how to start their own business or showing them how to use Photoshop like a pro, you can make a difference and get paid for it!

Whatever your area of expertise may be, there’s sure to be someone out there who would love to learn from you. And the best part is, you can do all this from your laptop’s comfort and make money while you sleep!

10. Write eBooks

Writing eBooks has become a trendy work-from-home option in recent years. And no one says you must stay home to be productive and earn money!

There are several different platforms digital nomads can use to sell eBooks. Many people are using Amazon self-publishing to reach a large audience of buyers.

Once you’ve got everything set up, it’s simply a matter of writing your book and promoting it to potential buyers so you can start making money.

If you’re unsure what to write about, think about your travel experiences and how you could share them with others.

Alternatively, you could create a tutorial on how to do something related to the travel industry(like how to pack for a trip).

11. House Sitting 

With an average pay of $36 per hour, house sitting is a great way to earn some extra cash and save money with free housing while you get paid to travel the world.

And in most cases, all you have to do is simple tasks like bringing in the mail and watering the plants. So if you’re looking for an exciting new adventure, why not become a house sitter?

If you’re interested in learning more about house sitting, check out House Sitters America, an online community for US-based house and pet sitters.

With their help, you can start living the dream while making money traveling the world.

12. Dog Sitter

Looking for a unique way to travel and get paid simultaneously? Dog sitting may be a new and fun way to get out and travel around. If you love animals and travel, this might be the perfect gig!

As a dog sitter, you’re responsible for caring for someone’s pet while they are away. This includes feeding, walking, and providing companionship.

In exchange, you can get paid, free accommodation by staying in their home. 

This is a great way to experience different parts of the world while working from anywhere and save money on a place to stay and other travel expenses. 

You can sign up to dog sit with Rover, which connects you with clients and makes getting jobs easier than on your own.

13. Travel Photography

Travel photography could be the next career move for you! You could travel to exotic places, like destination weddings, and get paid to be in beautiful places.

It’d be great to save money on travel costs and see places you want to visit!

As a freelance photographer, your stunning photos could be featured in magazines like National Geographic or in travel blogs, books, websites, and more.

You could also make money selling travel photography prints – like selling feet pics on the beach with Fun With Feet.

Travel bloggers can also double up as photographers, taking beautiful and unique photos to use for travel blogging.

14. Teach English Online

A great way to get paid while traveling is by teaching English online. Native English speakers are in high demand, so you can find opportunities all over job sites, which can be done anywhere in the States.

This online job has numerous advantages, the majority stemming from the sheer convenience of being able to work and earn money from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

The beauty of being an online teacher is that you can choose your hours to teach English online!

Whether you want to spend all day exploring or relaxing, you can do so without worrying about fitting classes into a 9-5 schedule.

Did you know that with places like VIPKid, you can make up to $22/hour teaching English to Chinese students? All you need are some qualifications and a passion for teaching!

15. Teach English Overseas

Teaching English overseas is an exciting and enriching way to see the world and make money traveling.

When you teach English overseas, you’ll have the chance to learn about different cultures, gain valuable classroom experience, and get paid to travel.

You can work in various settings, from developing countries to the world’s wealthiest nations, depending on what you want from the opportunity. 

Your salary depends on your teaching destination, your qualifications, and your college degree.

And with nights, weekends, and holidays off, you’ll have plenty of time to explore your new home, travel, and make new friends.

It’s worth noting that if teaching overseas is going to be a full-time job, you may become a taxable resident of a foreign nation which implies paying taxes in that country.

So you’ll want to check on that before committing to teaching overseas.

16. Cruise Ship Employee

Working on a cruise ship is the perfect opportunity for you to get paid to travel. With cruise line operations resuming in the wake of COVID-19, cruise lines are hiring again!

No matter your skill set or experience level, there’s sure to be a perfect position for you to work on a cruise ship. There are a variety of positions available on cruise ships, from entertainers and bartenders to restaurant workers and maintenance crews.

Positions for deckhands, cooks, concierge managers, and security personnel are also available on cruise ships.

The average full-time job salary for a cruise ship worker is over $60,000 per year – not bad for seeing exotic destinations while earning money at the same time!

So if you’re looking for an opportunity to travel, have free accommodation, and get paid to travel, working on a cruise ship is the perfect option.

17. Flight Attendant

As a flight attendant, you’ll get paid to travel the world and see different destinations every few days.

You’ll also receive perks like free meals and hotel stays. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different cities between flights.

One thing to remember is that seniority is a big deal in the airline industry:

So don’t expect to be able to fly to Australia, Latin America, or Southeast Asia when you first become an airline flight attendant.
Most likely, you’ll start with fewer days off than your colleagues.
And you won’t have as much say regarding assignments or layovers. Layovers typically only last a few hours.

18. Work On Yachts

There are plenty of ways to get paid to work on yachts. You don’t need to be an experienced sailor to get a job on a yacht – there are many positions available for beginners.

And you don’t need to be connected with the yachting community either. There are plenty of agencies that connect yacht owners with a crew so that anyone can apply.

The best time to look for jobs is during the off-season when the vessels are docked. This is when the captains and owners have time to meet prospective crew members and see if they’re a good fit.

So if you’re looking for an exciting and well-paid job, look no further than the world of yacht work!

19. Public Speaker

Are you an expert in your field? Do you have something valuable to say? If so, you should consider becoming a public speaker.

Giving talks and presentations is a great way to earn some extra income and get paid to travel. 

Public speaking jobs are a great way to share your expertise with others and build your professional reputation.

You can book speaking engagements through a service like Agent, which makes it easy to find events and connect with event organizers. Local speaking jobs can be found through services like Upwork or FlexJobs.

Public speaking events may have varying audiences, from modest gatherings to significant occasions, and they might include free trips abroad.

20. Travel/Tour Guide

If you love sharing your knowledge of travel and new places, becoming a tour guide may be the perfect travel job for you!

As a travel or tour guide, you will have the opportunity to take groups of people on amazing trips and adventures for tour companies and get paid to travel abroad or in the States.

Travel jobs are great for someone who loves learning about new cultures and enjoys being active in planning every detail of the trip, from the lodging to the transportation to and from the location and the activities that will show the group a good time.

To be successful as a guide, you must have a strong knowledge of the area where you will be guiding the tour group. There are endless possibilities when it comes to being a tour guide, so it is important to find an area that interests you and that you have expertise.

One way to make more money as a travel/tour guide is by starting your own company and leading your own tours.

21. Graphic Design

Becoming a graphic designer is a great way to get paid to travel. You can often find freelance work through online job boards or social media platforms.

Additionally, many companies always need graphic designers to help create marketing materials and advertisements. If you have a strong portfolio and are willing to hustle, you can make travel a regular part of your life.

You can also expect to be paid reasonably well as a graphic designer. If you can secure some freelance work or contract jobs, you can often make significantly more than the average wage.

The best part about being a graphic designer is that it is a very versatile profession. You can work with a wide range of clients and industries, so you have plenty of opportunities to find work that suits your interests and travel goals.

22. Yoga Instructor

Becoming a yoga instructor is one of the best ways to get paid to travel the world. It’s a relaxing job that connects you with many people- and you have some options to take some trips while you teach!

With certification, you open up a world of possibilities to live and work abroad while being able to share your love of yoga with others.

You can travel and be a visiting instructor at yoga studios across the states, where teachers can earn over $40 per class.

You can also create videos and post them on YouTube to make passive cash. You can simply record your daily yoga routine, make fun videos, and edit them for followers to watch online.

With YouTube videos, you get paid per view, plus you can earn cash from affiliate marketing or selling your own merchandise.

Once you have built up a YouTube following, you can add Google Adsense to your videos to start earning additional money from your yoga teaching.

23. YouTube Videos

YouTube is a great way to make money while you’re on the road for a few weeks, and if you do the travel videos right, you can even turn it into a full-time job.

By starting a travel vlog, editing videos, and posting regular videos on YouTube, you can build an audience and start earning income from advertising.

You can also make money traveling and posting videos by pursuing affiliate marketing, freelance writing, and eBook publishing opportunities.

So what are you waiting for? Start vlogging today!

24. Social Media Influencer

Do you love sharing your travel experiences and photos on social media? If so, becoming a social media influencer may be the perfect job for you!

As a social media influencer, you could land sponsorships and brand deals that will pay you to travel and post about your experiences.

You can also get paid to promote products and services on your social media channels. People love to read and see photos of influencers’ experiences at hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions.

So if you’re looking for a career combining travel and social media, consider becoming a social media influencer. It could be the perfect way to get paid to see the world.

25. Traveling Nurse

Traveling nurses enjoy many benefits, including getting paid to travel to new places, meet new people, and gain valuable experience while providing vital care to those who need it most.

You’d be working a full-time job as a nurse, but with some added benefits of taking trips to work with patients and clients.

You’ll have the opportunity to work in various settings, from small rural hospitals to large urban medical centers, as well as with individual clients in their homes.

So if you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding career, consider becoming a traveling nurse. 

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, TravelNursing can give you more information about becoming a traveling nurse!

26. Website Developing

With the growth of the internet, more and more businesses are looking to create a web presence. This means that there is a growing demand for website developers.

With the right skills and a bit of luck, you can make website development your career and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with it.

One great thing about website development is that it is a relatively low-cost profession. You can find work anywhere in the world if you are skilled in this area and all you need is internet service and your computer.

You can start your own web development business, be in control of your work, and set your hours. You can also look for freelance opportunities on Steady or search for remote jobs on job boards.

Whatever route you decide to take, keep your skills up-to-date and stay abreast of the latest trends in website development. The field constantly evolves, so staying ahead of the curve is essential.

27. Au Pair

Do you want to travel the world and get paid to do it? If so, becoming an Au Pair is the perfect opportunity for you!

As an Au Pair, you’ll be matched with a host family in another country who provides you with room and board for your help taking care of their kids.

The job is not full-time but usually only lasts for 3 months to a year.

Still, this is an incredible way to experience life in another culture and learn a new language, all while getting paid to travel and do something you love – working with kids!

The Cultural Exchange Project can help you find a host family and more information about becoming an Au Pair.

28. U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State is always searching for patriotic citizens to help represent the United States in other countries! You could get paid to travel simultaneously by joining their ever-growing team.

The salaries for people who work for the U.S. State Department vary based on experience and education. Still, they offer great benefits like paid leave, health insurance, and retirement plans.

29. Join The Navy Or Peace Corps

Peace Corps

The Peace Corp and the Navy may be just the place for you if you want to get paid to travel the world! They technically do not offer a salary but pay for your housing and also give you a stipend that can go towards living costs, travel, and other expenses.

Not to mention, you get the priceless experience of working and traveling in a foreign country. You will have the opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, have the opportunity to teach, and see exotic places that you would never have otherwise had the chance to visit.

The organization will give you around $10,000 (pretax) to assist the transition back into civilian life after two years of service.

Join the Navy

Joining the Navy is a demanding job, but there are moments of fun. When sailors visit other countries’ ports, they usually get a few hours away from the boat. On rare occasions, the military allows shore leave overnight.

You’ll be eligible for free housing while you are enlisted. After you finish your service, you’ll be eligible for lifetime benefits like VA loans and tuition assistance.

Final Thoughts

Getting paid to travel may be a pipe dream for some, but it’s a reality for others.

You have several options for starting your own business and earning passive income, and the most common way to get paid is the best freelance jobs– travel blogging and writing.

Whichever route you decide to take to get paid to travel, do your research and always be prepared for the challenges that come with any job – especially one that involves traveling.

Think about what you want to do and who you want to work for. With some planning, elbow grease, and saving money, getting paid to travel may be closer than you think.