How to Work While Traveling

Not in the office? Learn the best ways on how to work while traveling to stay productive.

Traveling isn’t always synonymous with vacation days. In fact, for some people, traveling and work go hand in hand. If you’re looking to ditch the traditional office setting and cure your wanderlust once and for all, it’s time to learn how to work while traveling.

These days, the world is ripe with opportunities for working on the go and whether you’re interested in blogging or farming, there seems to be something out there for everyone.

Bring your resume — and your suitcase — and let’s find your next new job.

Do Freelance Work

Whether you’re a writer, a graphic designer, or a branding consultant, freelance jobs are one of the best ways to work while traveling. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are filled with opportunities to connect freelancers with new clients. In the age of the digital nomad job, nailing down some solid freelance work (and internet connection) before you head out to travel the world is always a good idea.

Try Restaurant Work

Whether you’re traveling in Europe or Asia, restaurants need workers to help keep business running smoothly. Maybe you know how to craft a perfect gin gimlet or have a way of connecting with restaurant patrons while you serve. Check out some of the local restaurants in the area and see if they’re hiring either temporary or long term staff members.

Talk to Hotels

The hospitality industry is filled with jobs for travelers, from housekeeping to bartending to marketing. If you plan to be in an area for a while, visit a handful of local hotels and see if they’re hiring. When you’re working while traveling, the hospitality industry offers flexibility and a high demand for workers. As a bonus, if you get in the loop with a hotel chain, they might even have jobs in other parts of the world, which means you won’t have to stay in one spot.

Be a Tour Guide

If you like meeting people from around the world and are an enthusiastic traveler, consider working while traveling as a tour guide. Tour guide companies are always on the hunt for new workers and if you’re traveling solo, this grants you a chance to meet new friends. These jobs can sometimes require long-term commitments, so if this isn’t what you’re looking for, make sure to do your research beforehand. If you’re trying to figure out how to be productive while driving, you can also take your tour-guide skills to the road with bus driving or shared ride services.

Work Remotely

If you don’t want to quit your current job to travel the world, you don’t have to. Some travelers turn to a 100% remote job so they can have the flexibility to travel and work where they please. If you need a break from the office setting and think your boss might go for the idea of remote working, give being one of the many remote workers around the world a try.

Teaching English (or Yoga)

There are plenty of opportunities as an English teacher abroad. Typically, to become an international English, you need a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification. This isn’t always the case though, so if you don’t have either of those things, you can look into other programs where you can teach English. You can also opt for a teaching job a variety of other things. Think of your skills — like yoga, dance, or theater — and go from there.

Rent Your Gear

If you have things you can rent out while traveling, this is a great opportunity for working on the go. Some people rent out surfboards or scuba gear while others turn toward their film or camera equipment. You can even rent your car. There are lots of websites and apps that will help facilitate your rentals. If you have something you can rent out where you don’t rely on using it every day, this can be a fantastic way to make some extra money.

Become an Au Pair

If you love kids, becoming an au pair is one of the best jobs that allow you to travel and enjoy what you do. An au pair will often get a weekly stipend as well as have their room and board covered. When you go abroad to live with another family, you automatically have a built-in support system and a connection to the community. An au pair can stay up to two years with their family and are often seen as one-part nanny, one-part exchange student, and are most likely between the ages of 18 and 30.

Think Seasonally

When you’re figuring out how to work while traveling, one of the best things you can do is think seasonally. In the winter, opportunities will open to help at ski resorts; if you’re interested in instructing or working as a lobby attendant, try to get in contact with hotels and resorts before the craziness of the season begins. This will help get your foot in the door and ensure that you don’t miss out on a job opportunity. The same is true for the summer season. Summer camps and lakeside lodges get swamped with tourists and the companies need extra help during the height of the season. Whether you’re a kayaking pro or an arts and crafts enthusiast for the kids’ club, get in touch, make some moves, and enjoy working on the go.

Work on a Cruise Ship

A popular form of work while traveling is to find a job on a cruise ship. To work at sea, you don’t necessarily need experience — just a thirst to travel the world, interact with travelers, and be ready to work hard. If this all sounds good, working on a cruise ship can be an incredible opportunity for the right person. You’ll bond with your crew, relish in the time off, and have the chance to be promoted within the company.

Photography

Photography is another universal skill that’s appreciated around the world. Whether you focus on newborn photography, landscape photography, or product photography, clients are constantly on the quest for a good photo. You can use your skills to help manage social media accounts or submit your images to websites and publications. If you’re interested in creative work while traveling, and you have experience with photography, add your camera to your business trip packing list and click away.

Blogging

Through things like advertisements, affiliate marketing, and monetizing videos, bloggers can make a great living working on the go. Even if you’re traveling, you don’t necessarily have to blog about travel. Blog about whatever interests you. Maybe that’s technology, self-care, food or even a travel blogger. When you get in the flow of blogging, you can also use your blog to get additional freelance writing, video, social media, or digital marketing work. Consider your blog your digital, ever-changing resume. If you’re hesitant to start, don’t be. The best part about blogs is that they all have to start (and grow) from somewhere.

House Sitting

If you’re trying to figure out how to work while traveling and also how to save money, think about house sitting. A primary expense when you’re traveling is lodging, so if you can get rid of that expense, you’ll start saving. A plus about housesitting is that all you have to do (most of the time) is sit there, which means you have time to do other freelance work. If you’re interested in housesitting, put the word our in the community or use a reputable website to connect with potential house sitting clients.

Farming and Agriculture

During harvest seasons around the world, plenty of places will be looking for workers to help with farming and agriculture needs. Maybe you’re interested in wine and want to take part in a seasonal job as a grape harvest or you’d like to learn about the ins and outs of coffee production. In addition to payment, this type of travel job can often offer room and board as well. You’ll get to meet new, interesting people and at the end of a long week, hopefully, be able to taste the fruits of your labor. When it comes to how to eat healthy while traveling for work and how to be productive with your finances, working on a farm is a win-win.

Website Design

Because people all around the world need websites, website design work while traveling is promising. Try to link up with potential clients through social media, family, or friends. You can also advertise your services at a local coffee shop, restaurant, library, or through the tourism board of the community. Knowing how to make a website is a vital skill and it’s a good one to share, especially if you’re looking for ways to make an income.

From a freelance writer to finding a place in the seasonal hospitality industry, there are tons of opportunities for traveling jobs. Make your income, see the world, and have fun while you remote work — it’s a great idea.
If you need a place to stay in the United States while you’re jet-setting, check out Zeus’s listings for fully furnished homes and apartments. At the end of a day filled with work and activities, you’ll have a full fridge and cozy bed waiting for you.