11 Exciting Ways to Get Paid To Travel The World

Ever thought about making money while you travel? It’s more common than you might think.

Some folks work jobs that take them around the world.

Others find ways to earn remotely so they can go wherever they want.

The possibilities aren’t just for influencers or people with huge followings—there are real, practical ways to make travel pay for itself.

It takes effort, and some options work better than others depending on your skills and lifestyle.

But if you’re open to new ideas, you can turn travel into more than just a getaway.

Keep reading—you might find your next move!

1. Travel Blogger and Influencer

A travel blogger and influencer makes money by sharing travel experiences through… you guess it!

Blogging and social media.

But it’s not just about posting pretty pictures—successful creators build multiple income streams to turn travel into a full-time career.

Brand collaborations are a big one, but not all deals are paid.

Shelley Marmor shared that she built her blogs from scratch and now makes $50,000 a month—but not by posting random travel pics.

You can listen to our episode with Shelley below.

She focused on Mexico travel, writing content people actually search for. No personal travel diaries, no fluff—just useful info that ranks on Google.

Her biggest moneymakers? Affiliate links, ad revenue, and digital products.

Brand deals? Nice when they happen, but not her main focus.

Instead of relying on social media, she learned SEO, outsourced content, and scaled smart.

Her advice? Pick a niche, stay consistent, and don’t wait for brands to pay you—build income streams that work on their own.

It’s not an overnight success, but done right, blogging can be more than a passion project—it can be a serious business.

2. Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad is one of the most popular ways to get paid while traveling.

But it’s not always as easy as it sounds!

Kirstie Lush taught in Japan and had two very different experiences—one miserable, one great.

Her first job had long hours, no breaks, and chaotic classrooms with kids from ages 2–12.

The pay was low ($1,350/month), and teachers weren’t allowed to change lesson plans, making it repetitive.

She quit after eight months.

Her second job was much better—structured lessons, prep time, and higher pay ($1,600/month). The school also renewed her visa, which made staying in Japan easier.

Her advice? Research the school before accepting a job—some offer better work-life balance and pay.

JET and ALT programs place teachers across Japan, but rural placements are common.

Want to know how she found her job? Read her full experience here.

And this is just Japan—many other countries offer opportunities too!

3. Flight Attendant

This one’s a classic.

Becoming a flight attendant is a legit way to travel the world and get paid for it.

But, please note, it’s not just being glorified waitstaff.

One flight attendant shared that in his first year, he worked 14–15 days a month, made $63,650 before taxes, and earned bonuses that pushed his pay to $66,000.

Top pay? $150,000 a year, but only after 12+ years of service.

The early years are tough—long shifts, little sleep, and difficult passengers—but the perks are huge.

He stays in great hotels for free and visits places he never imagined.

His advice? Find the right airline. Pay and perks vary a lot.

Some airlines offer better schedules, international routes, and faster pay increases.

This career isn’t for everyone, but for those who love travel, it can be worth the grind.

4. Cruise Ship Staff

Working on a cruise ship can be demanding, but for many, the perks make it worth it!

Crew members typically work 10 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, but that doesn’t mean they never get a break.

A former crew member shared that while shifts are long, many roles allow time to explore ports, especially when schedules include split shifts.

Some crew even form groups to go sightseeing together.

Despite the long hours, the financial benefits are a big draw.

Since food, housing, and even flights are covered, crew members can save a significant portion of their pay.

As an alternative, Hugo Ortega shared that working on superyachts offers similar travel perks with higher earning potential.

After spending nine years as a yacht crew member and captain, traveling to over 60 countries, he turned his experience into a $10K/month online course business.

The yachting industry offers high-paying jobs, luxury accommodations, and networking opportunities with wealthy travelers.

You can listen to Hugo’s story below…

5. Travel Photographer or Videographer

A travel photographer or videographer makes money by capturing and selling travel content, but building a career takes strategy.

Arthur Moore shared that when he started, he would arrive in a new city, offer discounted videos to his first client, and use that work to gain referrals.

Beyond client work, he also landed remote gigs by pitching YouTubers and travel brands.

He once emailed a creator, offering free editing in exchange for experience.

That led to a full-time travel job filming content.

Luxury events—like destination weddings, corporate retreats, and high-end tourism campaigns—are another way to break in, but they require a strong portfolio and networking.

The biggest perk? Freedom.

He works when and where he wants.

The downside? No stability—he’s constantly networking to find the next gig.

But for those who love travel and creativity, the trade-off is worth it.

6. Digital Nomad

Okay.

A digital nomad isn’t paid specifically to travel, but they earn money while traveling.

So, I can still say that it’s one of the most flexible ways to see the world.

Justin Tan shared that he built Video Husky, a video editing subscription service, to fund his nomadic lifestyle.

He didn’t start with travel in mind.

He was running Facebook ads when he noticed a common problem—clients needed better video content.

So, he built a productized service offering unlimited video edits for a flat monthly fee.

The business grew fast, and within a few years, he was making seven figures annually while living wherever he wanted.

His biggest lesson? Make your income independent of your location.

A structured, scalable business lets him travel without worrying about his next paycheck.

It’s not exactly about working on the beach—it’s about designing work that doesn’t tie you down.

Heck, I even have my own personal example of this.

I travelled for 6 weeks in Guatemala and made money by working remotely — I was able to fully pay for my trip.

It for sure feels like getting paid to travel!

7. Travel Nurse

A travel nurse fills in at hospitals experiencing staffing shortages, taking contracts that typically last 13 weeks before moving to a new location.

Ashly Jean shared that the job offers adventure, flexibility, and high pay, but it comes with constant change and unpredictability.

She emphasizes that nurses choose their assignments, but availability depends on demand.

She’s worked in city hospitals and rural critical access facilities, sometimes taking less desirable locations to secure better pay.

The average pay is significantly higher than staff nurses, but finding short-term housing, adapting to new hospitals, and being “the new person” over and over can be exhausting.

She advises staying open-minded about locations and being flexible with contracts.

Travel nursing isn’t for everyone, but for those who can handle the fast-paced nature of the job, it offers a rare combination of career growth and constant travel.

This is a solid choice for industrious folks who can’t seem to stay put!

8. Tour Guide

A tour guide gets paid to lead travelers through destinations, making it a direct way to earn while exploring the world…

While socializing!

Alexandra Kenin shared that she built Urban Hiker SF, a hiking tour company in San Francisco, as a side hustle while working full-time as a content writer.

She started small—leading weekend hikes for $49 per person—but demand grew fast.

Within a few years, she had guided over 1,000 people annually and expanded with a team of guides.

To scale, she leveraged TripAdvisor, Airbnb Experiences, and corporate clients to attract steady bookings.

Her biggest takeaway? Use local knowledge to create unique experiences.

She capitalized on hidden hiking trails, something most visitors wouldn’t find on their own.

Some guides relocate often, depending on the tour company.

And freelancers can move from place to place, learning new destinations and offering fresh tours wherever they go.

This is perfect for history buffs!

Take some time and listen to Alexandra’s full story below…

9. YouTube and Podcasting

Being a travel content creator on YouTube or podcasts sounds like a dream—getting paid to document adventures—but it’s not as easy as hitting ‘record.’

Alex Outhwaite shared that she made $10,000 in one month, but most of it came from brand sponsorships—not YouTube ads.

The catch? You’ll probably have to fund your first trips yourself.

Alex paid for her own travels at the start, focusing on underrated destinations like El Salvador and Pakistan to stand out.

Her early mistake? Making generic videos with loud music—no one cared.

Once she found her niche, she hit 100,000 subscribers in a year.

This isn’t a “get-rich-quick” gig.

It takes strategy, patience, and nonstop content creation.

But if you love documenting and sharing your travels, it’s one way to turn views into income.

10. House/Pet Sitting

House sitting and pet sitting allow travelers to stay in amazing homes for free while taking care of pets.

One seasoned house sitter shared that after over 150 house sits, she has stayed in luxury penthouses, bonded with pets, and even hosted her family during a sit.

Beyond saving thousands on accommodation, house sitting offers a deeper connection to places.

Instead of hopping between hotels, sitters get to live like locals.

Some homeowners even provide stocked fridges and small gifts, making the experience even more rewarding.

Getting started requires building a strong profile and securing references.

Those who genuinely love animals and respect the homeowner’s space get invited back for repeat sits.

For slow travelers or remote workers, it’s an ideal way to experience new places without breaking the bank!

If you want to test out pet sitting, you’ll want to check out Rover (here’s our review).

11. Remote Freelance Travel Consultant

A remote freelance travel consultant gets paid to travel by making travel their business.

While the core job is helping clients plan trips, many consultants use their own travels as part of their work.

That means…

Scouting destinations, testing experiences, and sharing firsthand insights to book better trips for clients.

Services like Fora can give you access to booking perks with thousands of hotels and tours around the world.

You can get paid upfront planning fees, plus a commission from hotels. According to travel advisor Bailey Richert, planning and booking a single trip could be worth $500 or more.

If you already love planning trips, it’s not that big a stretch to start offering travel advising services for other people.

Getting Paid to Travel: Your Turn

Getting paid to travel isn’t just a dream—it’s possible with the right approach.

Some paths take time to build, while others offer immediate ways to fund your adventures.

The key is to find what fits your skills and lifestyle, whether that means working remotely, creating content, or taking on travel-based jobs.

It won’t always be easy, and there will be challenges along the way.

But for those who are willing to put in the effort, travel can be more than just an escape—it can be a way of life.

With the right strategy, the world can be your office!

Looking for More Side Hustle Ideas?

• Download The Side Hustle Show. My free podcast shares hundreds of side hustle ideas to make extra money.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make money while traveling?

There are tons of ways!

You can work remotely, start a travel blog or YouTube channel, become a freelancer, or take on jobs that require travel, like tour guiding or travel nursing.

Some people even house sit or pet sit to cut costs while they work online. Double the earnings!

Can people really get paid to travel?

Yes, but usually not in the way you think.

Most people who “get paid to travel” are working—flight attendants, travel photographers, influencers, or travel consultants.

Others get free travel perks through sponsorships, remote jobs, or company-paid work trips.

Which company will pay for traveling?

Many do, but it depends on the job!

Airlines, cruise lines, travel agencies, and international schools often cover flights, accommodations, or expenses for their employees.

Some companies even sponsor travel content creators if they have a strong audience.