From jet-setting across continents to immersing yourself in diverse cultures, here are 25 of the best jobs that offer the ultimate perk – getting paid to see the world!
I’ve included a mix of jobs that require very little experience yet are still decently paid, vs jobs that are highly paid and need some form of experience, as well as self-employment ideas.
Let’s jump right in!
Best Jobs that Pay You to See the World
1) Travel Blogger/Influencer
Average Monthly Income: $4,000-$6,000
Top Earners Can Make: $14,000+ a month
I know, I know, you’ve likely already heard of this one, but if you want to be able to work for yourself, set your own hours and still make good money, travel blogging and influencing could be perfect for you.
Whilst it does take anywhere between 6-8 months to get off the ground, the long term reward is incredible.
The average travel blogger makes around $3,000 a month from advertising and an extra $2,000 a month from paid deals and sponsors.
Top earners can easily rake in $14,000+ a month.
The Most Profitable Niches include:
- Luxury Travel
- Adventure Travel
- Budget/Hostel Travel
- Family travel
- City Breaks
- Cruising
- Road Trips
The key to being successful in this niche? Captivating storytelling, stunning photography and/or engaging videos.
You absolutely don’t have to be the next National Geographic photographer, but if you can share your adventures in a fun or thought provoking way, you’re on to a winner.
2) Flight Attendant
Average Monthly Income: $3,000-$4,000
Top Earners Can Make: $5,000 a month
For those who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy meeting new people, a career as a flight attendant can be incredibly rewarding.
Not only do flight attendants get to travel to various destinations around the world, but they also enjoy the perks of discounted or sometimes even free airfare for personal travel!
Plus, on long haul destinations, layover perks are pretty neat – getting to spend 1-3 days in a country without paying for airfare or hotels!
3) Tour Guide
Average Monthly Income: $4,000
Top Earners Can Make: $6,000+ a month
Have a deep passion for history, culture, and storytelling?!
Working as a tour guide not only lets you share your passion with others, but it also lets you explore different corners of the globe.
As long as you speak English, the language of mass tourism, and the local language, this is a job you can take anywhere!
Most profitable tour niches include:
- City Walking Tours
- Wildlife Safari Tours
- Historical Tours
- Local Food/Brewery Tours
4) Cruise Ship Crew
Average Monthly Income: $1,000-$2,000 (but this is tax free and fully yours to keep given your accommodation and food is already paid for by the company).
Top Earners Can Make: $5,000+ (if you’re an officer or manager of a ship area e.g. cruise director or entertainment manager).
Working on a cruise ship is an incredibly unique opportunity to travel to exotic destinations while being surrounded by luxury amenities and stunning ocean views!
From hospitality and entertainment roles to positions in food service and recreation, cruise ship jobs offer a diverse range of opportunities for those seeking adventure on the high seas.
Unless you’re an officer, you’ll typically take a minimum of 6-8 month contract in the same position.
That’s something to bear in mind, but of course, you get free food, lodgings and your days off in port too.
5) Travel Photographer/Videographer
Average Monthly Income: $3,500-$5,500
Top Earners Can Make: $15,000+ a month
Have a keen eye for capturing the beauty of the world through a lens?
Whether freelancing for travel publications, working with tour companies, or selling your work online, this job offers the chance to explore breathtaking landscapes and document unforgettable moments.
You’ll likely need to go self-employed first though, as competition for paid, stable jobs with publications are incredibly fierce.
But don’t let that put you off; the average self-employed travel photographer makes $4100 a month.
Related: 15 Lucrative Photography Side Hustles To Turn Your Passion Into Profit!
6) Travel Nurse/Doctor
Average Monthly Income: $8,000-$20,000
Top Earners Can Make: $20,000+ a month
Already have professional healthcare training?
Becoming a travelling nurse or doctor is a seriously lucrative avenue.
On average, a travelling nurse pulls in $3,000-$7,000 a WEEK, vs a travelling doctor makes $1,800-$3,000 a DAY.
You could be providing medical care in remote villages, working on cruise ships, or serving in international clinics.
Whatever the setting, these professionals play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services around the world while experiencing new cultures and environments.
7) International Aid Worker
Average Monthly Income: $3,000-$4,000
Top Earners Can Make: $5,000 a month
This isn’t a ‘get rich’ job (averaging only around $20/hour).
For those who want to make a difference while seeing the world, a career in international aid work offers a unique blend of travel and humanitarian service.
Whether responding to natural disasters, providing healthcare in underserved communities, or working on development projects, aid workers have the opportunity to travel to some of the most challenging yet rewarding destinations on the planet.
8) Travel Writer/Editor
Average Monthly Income: $4,750-$5,200
Top Earners Can Make: $10,000+ a month
If you have a way with words and a passion for exploration, becoming a travel writer or editor allows you to share your experiences with readers while earning a pretty decent living.
Whilst employed travel writers often have a set salary (around $60,000/year), freelance writers set their own.
The average freelance writer can make a whopping $90,000 a year, whilst seeing the world – and that’s with only a handful of high quality clients.
I’ve written an entire guide on how to find the best high paying freelance writing jobs here (as someone who’s already done it!)
9) International Business Consultant
Average Monthly Income: $9,000-$11,000
Top Earners Can Make: $15,000+ a month
International business consultants can easily pull in a 6 figure+ salary with just 2-3 years experience under their belt.
And business doesn’t just have to mean ‘traditional business’ either.
Some of the most profitable consulting niches include:
- Human Resource Development
- Business Coaching
- Marketing
- Investment
- Accounting
- Start-Ups
- Social Media Growth & Strategy
10) English Language Teacher Abroad
Average Monthly Income: $3,000-$5,300
Top Earners Can Make: $7,000 a month
Teaching English as a second language is a popular option for those looking to live and work abroad while experiencing new cultures.
With VIPKid, a remote option, for example, you can make up to $20/hour, with 25 minute classes.
The beauty of VIPKid, as opposed to proper in-person teaching? There is zero lesson planning required.
If you’d prefer to live in a country and teach in an actual school, job boards like ESLcafe or Indeed will help you find a job.
Again, you’re likely looking at around the $20-$25/hour mark.
Related: Can You Really Make $4,000 a Month With VIPKid? Real VIPKid Teaching Review
Related: 11 Best Companies to Make Money Teaching English OnLine as a Second Language
11) International Event Planner
Average Monthly Income: $4,500-$6,000
Top Earners Can Make: $13,000+ a month
As an international Event Planner, you’ll be planning and coordinating events such as conferences, conventions, and festivals around the world.
This role requires excellent organizational skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to work with diverse teams and clients from different countries.
On average you’ll make around $25-$40 an hour, if you have little previous experience, otherwise with a small portfolio, you’re likely looking at the $50-$80/hour mark.
12) Adventure Tour Leader
Average Monthly Income: $3,400-$4,600
Top Earners Can Make: $5,000+ a month
Again, this isn’t a ‘get rich’ job, but it’s an incredibly fun one, especially if you love the great outdoors!
Lead groups of travelers on adventurous expeditions such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife safaris in remote and exotic locations.
Adventure tour leaders ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants while sharing their knowledge of the destination’s natural and cultural highlights, and make around $30/hour.
If you have specialist knowledge e.g. certifications in these sports, you can make around the $35-$40/hour mark.
13) Travel Show Host
Average Monthly Income: $3,000-$5,000
Top Earners Can Make: $7,000+ a month (with advertising and sponsors)
Feeling more entrepreneurial?
Why not host your own travel show on YouTube, or streaming platforms, showcasing the best destinations, attractions, and experiences around the world?
Earnings on YouTube ad revenue alone can be erratic, so relying on brand deals as well as sponsors and affiliate income is a good way to go.
Travel show hosts often collaborate with tourism boards, sponsors, and production companies to create engaging content for viewers.
Related: How to Start a YouTube Channel to Replace Your Full Time Income
14) Destination Wedding Planner
Average Monthly Income: $10,000-$12,000
Top Earners Can Make: $30,000+ a month
Do you specialize in planning and organizing destination weddings for couples who want to tie the knot in exotic locations?
Exotic locations such as tropical beaches, historic castles, or picturesque vineyards? You could be onto a real winner.
Destination wedding planners can easily make over $100 an hour, with the average being around $175.
When you factor in that the average wedding takes 150 hours to plan, you can quickly see how lucrative this venture is ($26,250 for just one wedding!)
Destination wedding planners typically coordinate every aspect of the wedding, from travel arrangements to venue selection and vendor management.
15) Archaeological Excavator
Average Monthly Income: $4,200-$4,800
Top Earners Can Make: $6,000 a month
Whilst you might need a minimum of a Masters Degree for this one, participating in archaeological digs and research projects at historical sites and ancient ruins is a great way to be paid to see the world.
Archaeological excavators uncover artifacts, analyze findings, and contribute to our understanding of past civilizations while immersing themselves in the rich history of different cultures.
Average hourly rate starts at $22/hour.
Related: 23 Hobbies That Make Money: Build Your 6 Figure Business!
16) International Trade Specialist
Average Monthly Income: $6,000-$7,000
Top Earners Can Make: $10,000+ a month
International Trade Specialists help businesses in expanding their global market reach by providing guidance on international trade regulations, customs procedures, and market trends.
It’s more consultant based but pulls in a healthy 6 figure salary yearly.
On a day to day basis, you’ll facilitate import/export transactions, negotiating trade agreements, and helping companies overcome international trade barriers.
17) Environmental Conservationist
Average Monthly Income: $4,100-$5,400
Top Earners Can Make: $6,000 a month
This is a great one if you want to work with animals or the natural landscape!
As a Conservationist, you’ll be working on incredible conservation projects in ecologically sensitive areas such as rainforests, coral reefs, and wildlife reserves around the world.
You’ll typically need a PhD in this field, or at least a Masters to be a Research Assistant.
Environmental conservationists tend to carry out research and based on findings, educate local communities about the importance of preserving natural habitats and biodiversity.
18) Social Media Manager
Average Monthly Income: $5,000-$6,000
Top Earners Can Make: $9,000+ a month
With over 165,000 businesses created around the world every day, it’s no wonder social media marketing is more in demand than ever.
Do you have experience managing social media accounts such as Instagram or TikTok?
Perhaps you have experience in digital marketing campaigns for multinational companies, travel brands, or tourism boards?
You can easily make a 6 figure salary in just 6-8 months by going self-employed.
If you work for someone else, your average hourly wage will only be $25-$30, BUT if you go self employed, you can make around the $100-$250/hour mark.
Related: How I Make $10,000 a Month as a Virtual Assistant In Just 8 Months
19) Remote Work Consultant
Average Monthly Income: $12,500
Top Earners Can Make: $15,000+ a month
Work consultants help individuals and organizations adopt remote work arrangements and attract/accomodate digital nomad lifestyles.
You’d surprised how lucrative this is – the average consultant makes around $150,000/year in this up and coming sector.
The best news? It’s still fairly new! This means there’s not a lot of competiton right now.
On a day to day basis, you’ll be offering guidance on remote work best practices, technology tools, and how to put them into practice in the business.
Related: 30+ Small Business Ideas to Become Your Own Boss (& Take Back Your Time)
20) Yacht Chef/Host/Entertainer
Average Monthly Income: $6,000
Top Earners Can Make: $9,000-$10,000 a month
Showcase your talents as a cook, musician, singer, dancer, comedian, or entertainer aboard luxury yachts or cruise ships.
Perform live shows, host events, and engage with guests while sailing to exotic ports of call around the globe.
Average pay is around $50/hour for entertainers, whilst yacht chefs typically make around $100,000-$150,000 in the first year of working.
21) Destination Marketing Manager
Average Monthly Income: $4,500-$6,000
Top Earners Can Make: $7,500 a month
Love developing marketing strategies to attract visitors and drive tourism through advertising, PR campaigns, and digital marketing initiatives? Then you’ll love this job.
Like a Social Media Manager you’ll make around $25-$30/hour with no experience, but as you climb the ranks, you can easily make around the $55-$70/hour mark.
22) Hospitality Consultant
Average Monthly Income: $12,500
Top Earners Can Make: $15,000+ a month
Love everything about guest management, operations, and revenue enhancement?
This is a seriously lucrative path for anyone currently in the hospitality industry.
As a Hospitality Consultant, you’ll be working with hotels, resorts, and hospitality businesses worldwide to help them improve their services and profitability in global markets.
The average consultant makes around $150,000 year, but in more luxury locations e.g. Dubai, this quickly tops the $250,000/year mark.
23) Culinary Tour Guide or Food Blogger
Average Monthly Income: $5,000
Top Earners Can Make: $10,000-$14,000+ a month
Culinary and food blogging is surprisingly profitable, whether it’s in the form of an actual blog, or a YouTube channel.
The average earner makes around $5,000 a month, but top earners pull in $10-$14,000 a month with sponsors and brand deals.
On a daily basis, you’ll be exploring the culinary delights of different regions and cultures and sharing your gastronomic adventures through blogs, vlogs, social media, and culinary storytelling.
Related: How to Make Serious Money on YouTube: 7+ Income Streams
24) Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
Average Monthly Income: $2,800-$4,500
Top Earners Can Make: $5,600 a month
Organize cultural exchange programs and study abroad experiences for students, professionals, and travelers.
Coordinate logistics, arrange accommodations, and facilitate cross-cultural activities and immersion experiences in diverse destinations worldwide.
The average coordinator makes around $20-$25/hour, and typically works in a student/hostel/backpacking resort.
25) Marine Biologist or Oceanographer
Average Monthly Income: $3,000-$5,000
Top Earners Can Make: $6,000 a month
Love the oceans? Want to study marine life, ecosystems, and oceanic processes and get paid to do it? You absolutely can as a marine biologist or oceanographer.
Here, you’ll be conducting research, collecting data, and analysing findings in marine environments such as coral reefs, marine sanctuaries, and coastal ecosystems across the globe.
Plus, you’ll also learn how to dive with a PADI certification, might even get a boat licence paid for, and get to work in some of the coolest locations in the world, including the Great Barrier Reef!