15 Jobs that Allow You to Travel

Key takeaways

Jobs that let you travel may range from remote work opportunities, like writers, to roles that require traveling, like foreign correspondents.

• Before beginning a full-time travel role, you may consider taking leaves of absence that allow you to explore different parts of the world.

• Different types of travel job categories include remote work, jobs with long breaks, or jobs based in a different country.

• You can explore careers in web development, education, and health care that allow you to travel.

Discover the different types of jobs that are both in demand and offer the flexibility to allow for more travel. Afterward, consider enrolling in the Generative AI Leadership and Strategy Specialization, designed to equip you with the skills needed to harness the full potential of large language models like ChatGPT, revolutionizing leadership strategies and productivity in business and personal life. Upon completion, add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What are jobs that let you travel? Types of careers

Incorporating travel into your life can be beneficial for your career as it can foster empathy, creativity, adaptability, and resiliency—invaluable skills in any workplace.

There are plenty of opportunities to incorporate travel into your career. Perhaps you want to work remotely to explore a few different locations. Or you're interested in a career that allows for occasional travel, to conduct research, or to execute events.

Here are the different types of jobs that can be conducive to travel:

• Fully remote jobs

• Trade jobs that allow continual or frequent travel

• Jobs that offer long breaks or sabbatical leave

• Jobs based in a foreign country

How to work remotely and travel

Having the freedom to work remotely means you may be able to work just about anywhere with an internet connection. This may require you to be extra vigilant about time zones so you don’t schedule meetings with your clients or colleagues at odd hours. Remote jobs can be an excellent way to stay employed while traveling.

1. Web designer 

Like many others on this list, plenty of web and graphic designers today are becoming digital nomads, meaning they are location-independent. Whether you’re a freelancer with your own clients or working under a fixed contract with a company, design work can typically be done anywhere with a good internet connection.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $95,380 [1]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 7 percent (much faster than average) [1]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

2. Software developer 

This in-demand career is a great option for analytical, detail-oriented individuals with a background in computer science or information technology. Software developers write code to create or update computer applications and programs, work that can often be done remotely.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $131,450 [2]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 15 percent (much faster than average) [2]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

3. Information security analyst 

As a cybersecurity analyst, you are responsible for executing security measures to protect a company’s computer systems. Like web-based designers and engineers, this work can be done remotely. Take advantage of this by working from home and taking short trips, or switching up your location every few months.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $124,910 [3]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 29 percent (much faster than average) [3]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Read more: 8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

4. Writer 

As a writer, you have the opportunity to work from anywhere. Your salary can vary depending on whether you are a content or SEO writer, copywriter, grant writer, academic researcher, journalist, or novelist. Since writing tends to be done on a computer, you can typically continue working while you travel.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $72,270 [4]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent (as fast as average) [4]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Travel occupations 

Some trade jobs enable you to continually be on the move or to be assigned to a location for a few months at a time. Some of these jobs require only a high school diploma plus training. If you crave continuous movement and change, then these may be a good fit for you.

5. Flight attendant 

As a flight attendant, you can travel to many cities around the world in addition to receiving flight benefits for you and your family. To become a flight attendant, you must be physically fit to stand for long periods of time and help passengers with luggage, have experience with customer service, and be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $67,130 [5]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 9 percent (much faster than average) [5]

• Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent and FAA certification

6. Travel nurse 

Travel nurses are employed by a nursing staffing agency instead of a hospital, which means you can travel domestically or internationally to a new location when hospitals need temporary nurses. To become a travel nurse, you need to be a licensed and registered nurse with at least a year of experience working in acute care. Salary depends on location and demand.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $93,600 [6]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 5 percent (faster than average) [6]

• Entry-level education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, plus licensure exam

7. Pilot 

A huge perk of becoming a pilot is being able to travel to different destinations. Depending on the airline, pilots tend to have a minimum of 12 to 15 days off per month, called “reserve days,” that are often spent in hotels far from home. Becoming a commercial pilot requires a license from the FAA. Pilots tend to start out flying charter flights and tours.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $198,100 [7]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent (as fast as average) [7]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

8. Fitness trainer or instructor 

This is perhaps one of the most exciting jobs with flexible hours and travel potential. Teaching yoga, sports, or recreational activities like diving, skiing, ziplining, surfing, or soccer can be a fun way to live in a new place. These jobs tend to be popular in tourist destinations—think living in the mountains or a dreamy beach locale while earning an income.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $46,180 [8]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 12 percent (much faster than average) [8]

• Entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent, plus yoga teacher training or other sports certification

Jobs that allow you to take long breaks

These jobs operate either on a school timeline or a project basis, allowing for weeks or months of free time. Pursue one of these jobs, and use that extra free time for travel.

9. Professor or postsecondary teacher

Becoming a professor usually requires a PhD, making this job a good fit for someone already pursuing a graduate or doctoral degree. Professors often get summer and winter breaks during which they may attend conferences, plan classes, or conduct research. Sabbaticals are typically six months and are available every seventh year unless the university’s policies allow otherwise. 

This time can be used toward conducting fieldwork abroad (researching sea turtles in Costa Rica or archival studies in Egypt, for example), writing a book, or developing new programs and pedagogies.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $83,980 [9]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 7 percent (much faster than average) [9]

• Entry-level education: Usually a PhD, but sometimes a master’s degree is enough for community colleges

10. K–12 teacher 

As a K–12 teacher, your summer breaks provide relief from 180 days of teaching. During the school year, teachers spend a lot of extra time planning classes, grading papers and exams, and developing fun activities for students. When summer rolls around, take advantage of the extended break to travel.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $64,580 [10]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 66,200 openings added per year [10]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree, plus state-issued certification or license

11. Management analyst

Management consultants take on projects with companies where they lead strategy and business analysis to improve efficiency. For some consultants, this requires traveling up to four days a week (Monday to Thursday) or being based in a new location for months at a time. 

Management consulting is notoriously competitive because it is considered prestigious, well-paid, and good training for entrepreneurship, at the cost of long hours. If you don’t mind a bit of grind while you explore a new city or location, this might be a good career choice for you.

Further, there is a growing trend of companies providing benefits such as flexible paid leave and sabbaticals.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $101,190 [11]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 9 percent (much faster than average) [11]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

Occupations that require travel 

These jobs allow you to live abroad for months or years. Often, these jobs require you to teach, research, or work collaboratively with the local community. If you are excited about a purposeful career advocating for a social issue or an adventurous job reporting news on global politics and the economy, then this might be a satisfying career option.

12. Non-governmental organization (NGO) worker 

As an NGO worker, you may be in charge of implementing programs in countries with developing or emerging markets, usually addressing social or political issues such as poverty, hunger, disaster relief, environment, or peace and security. You might be in charge of communications, partnerships, or fundraising. The exciting part is that you get to live in the country fully immersed in the local culture. It can be a life-changing and rewarding experience.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $78,240 [12]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 6 percent (faster than average) [12]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

13. English as a second language teacher 

Teaching English can be a fulfilling way to spend a year living in a foreign country. Outside of the classroom, enjoy sightseeing, attending local festivals, eating street food, and embarking on adventures with new friends. Typically, a TESOL or TEFL certification is required.

There are many teaching exchange programs, such as Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) and the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA), that hire young adults to teach English abroad. Other similar reputable programs include the British Council and the Council on International English Exchange. Another option is to teach subjects like history, literature, science, art, or math at international schools, which tend to be located in cities globally.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $59,950 [13]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): -14 percent (decline) [13]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

14. Foreign correspondent 

If you are trained as a journalist or photojournalist, you may be interested in taking your career abroad. There is a great need for reporting on the political and economic situation in other countries. As a journalist based overseas, you have the opportunity to interview and interact with locals on a daily basis to understand what’s really happening on the ground, while enjoying an unconventional and exciting lifestyle.

• Median salary: $60,280 [14]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4,100 openings per year [14]

• Entry-level education: Bachelor’s degree

15. Anthropologist 

Conducting fieldwork and ethnographic research is a significant part of studying the development and behavior of humans and their environment. Fieldwork for research organizations, government agencies, consulting firms, and universities often requires traveling for extended periods. While some anthropologists today are beginning to study local cities and towns to create sustainable social change, many conduct participant observation in foreign contexts for an unbiased perspective.

• Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $64,910 [15]

• Job outlook (projected growth from 2024 to 2034): 4 percent (as fast as average) [15]

• Requirements: Master’s degree or PhD

How to travel for a living

Once you have an idea of what kind of work you might want to do, it’s time to find a career that lets you travel for work. You can search for job openings on career search websites, reach out to companies directly to inquire about employment opportunities, and take advantage of your professional network to ask if any of your contacts can put you in touch with a company hiring for your dream travel job. 

Tips for transitioning into a travel-friendly job

Traveling more does not necessarily mean losing your place in your career. These options offer opportunities for you to continue working while satiating your desire for new adventures.

When considering whether to switch careers or plan ahead for a future role, it is important to understand whether you want to travel with your work or simply have a job that offers more vacation time to travel for pleasure. Here are some tips to help you decide what feels right:

• Start small: If you are considering a remote job or living in another country for an extended period of time, perhaps you can visit that country first on vacation before committing to a year. Or, take a weekend trip nearby to know whether you seek an urban or rural outdoorsy lifestyle.

• Understand what type of job works best for you: Consider your lifestyle and family needs, and figure out what your transferable skills are.

• Don’t quit your day job right away: If you are hoping to transition into a remote career, such as graphic design or writing, start by taking classes to brush up on your skills or creating a portfolio in your spare time.

• Take the leap: Once you have decided on a financially responsible plan, pushing your comfort zone can be scary. But oftentimes, a calculated risk can reap positive rewards. Try to adopt a growth mindset. It may be a tough adjustment moving to a new city or country, but trust that you can make it work.

Explore free career resources

Subscribe to our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn for tips that promote your professional growth. Then, explore free, digital resources:

• Watch on YouTube: 10 Jobs That Let You Travel the World

• Take a quiz: Career Test: What Career is Right for Me Quiz?

• Gain insights: How to Strengthen Your Critical Thinking Skills

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