Traveling is a passion of mine, but like many, budget restraints often limited my ability to explore. That is, until I discovered alternative ways to travel long-term while earning an income abroad. In this extensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned through first-hand experience about getting paid to travel the world.
Types of Jobs that Allow Travel
Many aspire to travel indefinitely but assume it requires savings or a trust fund. The truth is, with some planning and flexibility, it is possible to fund extended travel through work. Here are some of the top options:
Teaching English
Teaching English is consistently one of the most accessible ways to earn a living abroad. Programs like the JET Program in Japan or EPIK in South Korea offer teaching positions with housing, a salary, and time off for travel provided. No prior teaching experience or degree is required for many programs, just a Bachelor’s degree of any kind.
Remote Work
Advances in technology have opened up remote work opportunities beyond ever before. Many professionals like writers, programmers, designers, and more can do contract work remotely for clients back home or find positions based entirely online. Digital nomadism allows location independence to travel long-term.
Volunteering
Organizations like WWOOF, Helpx, and Workaway coordinate unpaid volunteer placements on farms, with host families, or for charity projects globally in exchange for lodging and meals. It’s a great low-cost way to experience a new culture while assisting worthwhile causes. Many volunteers build enough contacts to find paid work later in the country as well.
Cruise Ship Jobs
Working on a cruise offers the unique advantage of literally traveling while earning a salary. Jobs in childcare, hospitality, entertainment, and more are available worldwide. Room and board are included, along with stops in new ports frequently. Experience is preferred for many roles but not all.
Tour Leading or Guiding
If you have expertise in a place, becoming a local guide there is an ideal profession. Tour companies and agencies hire freelance guides and trip leaders regularly. Being bi-lingual is a huge advantage too. This path allows introducing visitors to amazing destinations you love.
That covers some of the major categories, but creativity and persistence can often uncover less common avenues to get paid for traveling as well. Now that you understand the overall landscape, let’s examine a popular option in-depth as a case study.
Teaching English Abroad: A Deeper Dive
Of the options listed, teaching English abroad continues to be one of the most straightforward paths. Some key factors to understand:
Qualifications
Nearly all programs require a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in any subject, not necessarily education. A TEFL/TESOL certificate is recommended but optional for many entry-level jobs. A clean background check and being a native English speaker are standard prerequisites.
Locations
The most well-known destinations include Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Thailand and more. Western Europe also offers opportunities like teachenglish.de in Germany. Latin America has language schools in countries like Costa Rica and Chile too.
Salary & Benefits
Salary ranges greatly depending on location but typically fall between $2000-$4000 per month. Housing is normally provided along with partial or full return airfare as well. National healthcare may be an included benefit too.
Application Process
Most large-scale programs have a standardized online application form. Expect to upload documents, record a short video interview, and complete a background check. Competition varies by year but advance research improves chances. Having supplemental skills helps stand out too.
Visa Requirements
Governments issue work visas specifically for English teachers. Applicants must secure the proper visa prior to arrival through approved sponsoring organizations or schools. Background checks are sometimes done overseas at consulates too.
Timeline
In early application cycles that start in fall, placement decisions come by January-March. Successful candidates begin teaching in summer or early fall semesters. Most contracts are initially 1 year with options to renew.
Pros and Cons of Teaching English Abroad
Pros:
- Steady pay allows extended independent travel across multiple countries over 1-2 year periods
- Housing provided makes costs very low, maximizing funds for leisure activities
- Immersive cultural experience living abroad long-term in new destinations
- Flexible work schedule allows multi-week vacations to further travels
- Skill development opportunities in public speaking, curriculum design, etc.
Cons:
- Potentially larger time commitment than other options with full school schedules
- Contracts don’t always allow mid-contract cancellation for new opportunities
- Requires adapting to new educational systems and bureaucracy
- Potential for lack of appreciation or value placed on English instruction
- May experience feelings of isolation without local language skills
One reality many potential travelers overlook is that extended international relocation alone presents challenges, even in paid positions. Adapting to life changes abroad takes an open mindset and resilience. Understanding realistic scenarios can best support informed decision making.
Getting Settled In: Resources for Relocation
When contemplating employment-based travel, thorough logistical planning is paramount. Here are some tools for smoothing the transition abroad:
Housing: Relying solely on employer housing comes with risk of dissatisfaction or issues. Research backup short-term rental options on sites like Airbnb to independently secure housing if needed.
Banking: Open international bank accounts and debit/credit cards before departure to avoid fees at overseas ATMs. Online banks allow worldwide access.
Technology: Investigate local cellular plans for affordable international data. Purchase an unlocked multi-band phone or purchase a local handset upon arrival.
Health/Travel Insurance: Acquire abroad health coverage plus emergency medical evacuation membership. Some employer plans offer limited accident coverage only.
Documentation: Keep ID/visa documents organized digitally and physically. Make copies stored separately from originals.
Cultural Prep: Read travel guides and forums about daily life, customs, language tips to adapt quickly on arrival. Be open and respectful of cultural norms.
Support System: Inform trusted contacts at home of travel plans, itinerary changes, living situation details in case of emergencies abroad.
Budget Reality Checks: Understand high costs may involve occasional splurges and setbacks too. Build flexibility into long-term financial plans with modest living and savings.
Relocating long-term calls for logistical due diligence equal to any big life change. Agencies provide much hand-holding but self-sufficiency also emerges from research and organization. Staying adaptable cultivates resilience during inevitable challenges adjusting abroad.
Extended Travel on a Budget
While earning reduces costs of extended international travel, living frugally maximizes funds available for leisure activities. Here are additional tips for affordable long-term travels abroad:
Housing
Consider house-sitting, work trades, or volunteer placements that include lodging to eliminate rental expenses. Short-term Couchsurfing also extends hospitality and cultural immersion savings.
Transportation
Take advantage of affordability perks like rail passes in Europe and Southeast Asia available for multiple country hopping over periods of 1-3 months. Research discount airlines and book well in advance too.
Daily Expenses
Pack easy grab-and-go breakfast and lunch foods to eat on the go or prepare yourself versus dining out all meals. Opt for supermarkets versus convenience stores.
Free Activities
Every culture offers worthwhile attractions requiring no admission like hiking, museums, architecture and people watching. Research free festivals, performances or talks happening locally too.
Travel Periodically
Rather than constant movement, establish a “home base” for periods of work before longer journeys elsewhere. This prevents burnout and more meaningful cultural integration each new place.
Lean Months
Unforeseen costs do occur, so tally realistic living figures each destination and set aside 10-20% extra monthly as a lean travel fund for emergencies or unexpected life delays abroad.
Extended travel fosters awe-inspiring experiences but also realistic budgeting as costs vary enormously across regions and circumstances change. With informed planning and adaptable spending habits, long-term travel careers stay financially sustainable.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While working abroad cultivates rewarding adventures, challenges naturally arise too. Preparing for realistic scenarios supports resilience:
Homesickness
Prioritize regular communication with supportive friends/family back home. Journaling feelings and setting achievable short-term goals refocuses energy outward.
Isolation
Utilize expat forums and local networking apps to identify social activities, language exchange partners or interest groups nearby. Stay active in communities.
Culture Shock
Adjusting fully takes time – be patient and research cultural norms to prevent unintended offenses. Comparing everything to home prolongs adaptation. Keep an open mind.
Bureaucratic Hurdles
Have back-up paperwork in multiple locations and research legal avenues to resolve issues promptly versus speculation that increases stress. Contact embassies as needed.
Health Problems
Understand health systems and insurance coverage limitations before arriving. Procure travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed. Maintain preventative health habits like a balanced diet, sun protection, and stress management practices. Access healthcare early for minor concerns to prevent escalation. Keep emergency contacts informed if symptoms persist. Don’t ignore warning signs of more serious conditions that require seeking prompt medical attention.
No life pursuit is seamless, yet maintaining optimism, community ties, and proactive wellness strategies help weather inevitable challenges internationally. Overall, openness to new experiences and cultures arguably outweigh disadvantages for those whose passion lies in exploration. With diligent preparation and adaptability, working abroad offers rewarding careers that let dreams of long-term travel become reality.