9 Jobs for People Who Love to Travel
by Shelly Horton
Posted: December 03, 2019
** Open Colleges does not currently offer any Travel courses **
When people are asked what would they do if they won Lotto the most common response after “paying off the mortgage” is “travel the world". It’s such a romantic and luxurious dream, writes TV Personality, Journalist and Avid Traveller, Shelly Horton.
Well, what if you made travelling the world part of your job? It is possible. So here are ten other different types of globetrotting careers. Some are obvious (cheers, Travel Agent careers), while some jobs that involve travel might surprise you.
1. Travel journalist

I’m biased here because this is part of my job and I LOVE it. I have travelled to many countries to film stories for my video production company, ShellShocked Media.
I’ve done stories in Mexico, Bahamas, Cuba, America, Thailand, United Kingdom and Iceland. And that’s just in the last 18 months. The catch is you have to be good at what you do as it’s a very competitive industry.
If you’re starting out you might need to work for free at first. But it’s worth it. You could even start a travel blog and work up from there.
Discover more careers choices you can make that will allow you work from anywhere in the world.
2. Flight attendant

Okay, okay this may be obvious. But, besides becoming a travel agent, it is one of the most achievable. You don't need a degree to become a flight attendant, and most major airlines only require prior customer service experience.
Then, the great news is you get trained on the job. On the downside, the hours are all over the shop, and you have to deal with demanding passengers and jetlag, but on the upside, you'll get to visit hundreds of cities across the globe during your career.
Plus, you’ll become the most popular person in your family thanks to the discounted family airfares.
3. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is ideal is you want to combine politics and travel. Look I know this is not an easy one, but if you’re starting out in your career, it’s a great end goal.
Being a diplomat may not seem achievable but there are a variety of jobs available in Australian embassies, high commissions or consulates overseas.
You apply through the government website and they provide a lot of training. Most people who end up in this field don’t just do one posting but go from country to country.
So there are plenty of opportunities for travel. The key here is to be reliable, efficient and discreet.
4. Teach English

ESL (English as a second language) teachers are in high demand overseas. When you take a job as an ESL teacher in a foreign country, you'll get to help students understand English while immersing yourself in that country's culture.
Be prepared to show your credentials and you’ll probably be subjected to a background check. Sometimes you only need the basics and others will require that you are fluent in both languages. But the places you go will only be limited to the languages you speak.
5. Nanny/Au Pair

Au pairs and nannies often get to travel internationally. Of course, you are required to provide top-notch childcare and some families expect qualifications in early childhood education.
There are agencies that specialise in matching au pairs and families from overseas and can also sort out the working visa requirements. Do your research on the agencies as some charge a one off finder’s fee while others expect an ongoing commission for your salary.
That can hurt, as often the pay is not great. But considering you get your accommodation and all meals provided you may get to travel the world for free.
6. Cruise ship worker

There is a lot of staff keeping guests happy on those massive cruise liners. Cruising as a form of travel is becoming more and more popular.
The career opportunities are almost endless. They range from customer relations, bar tending, wait staff, chefs, gym instructors and personal trainers, medical staff, cleaners, performers, lifeguards, tour guides, activity co-coordinators and of course the ship’s captain.
The advantages are cruising the world with short stops along the way. The hours can be gruelling, but word is, it’s always entertaining.
7. International aid worker

This is the double whammy. You get to travel for a living while making a real difference in people's lives. There are a number of international non-government aid organisations such as UNICEF, World Vision, The Fred Hollow’s Foundation and Oxfam.
With a job like this, you can visit struggling countries and help its residents recover from dire situations such as natural disasters and famine. You'll need a background in a field like health, horticulture or education and a strong passion for social work.
8. Roadie

Musicians go on tour all the time — and they take busloads of roadies with them. While most venues have their own stagehands, musicians like the consistency of travelling with their own people who they trust.
It’s not just lugging heavy equipment, there are jobs like stage manager, lighting technician, audio producer and tour manager. It’s life on the road with many late nights and early starts. But you still get to travel the world with your own soundtrack.
9. International tour guide

Wherever you want to go, popular travel destinations are always in need of friendly, knowledgeable guides to lead tourists through city sights and cultural excursions.
You can base yourself in Australia and go with groups to different countries or go to your country of choice, learn the area and offer your services through travel agencies there.
You may need to contribute more than just knowledge of local history; some guides also provide the service of a travel co-coordinator, arranging the entire trip from flights, accommodation, transport and suggested places of interest and restaurants.
** Open Colleges does not currently offer any Travel courses **