10 Jobs that pay you to travel

Tired of working that 9 to 5, where you only get two-week vacations per year? You want to go places, so you have been searching for a job that not only gives you the freedom to travel, but pays you to do so as well. This list is ranked according to earning power and freedom to see the places you do travel to on the job.

#10: Sales Representative

[Average salary: $57,000]

Remote sales representatives are still very important for several industries, especially for closing large deals with business or luxury clients. The face-to-face element is still important in demonstrating or showcasing products and services, especially in the medical, construction and consumer industries.

Travelling sales representatives have slowed down since the covid-19 outbreak, but this is expected to pick up again soon, as virtual meetings are not having the desired impact for many businesses.

#9: Flight Attendant

[Average salary: $63,000]

You do not need any specialised degree or certification. All you need is good communication and customer service skills, although the interviewing process can be a bit rigorous. One of the perks is to travel free to hundreds of destinations with accommodation covered. Although the covid-19 crisis has put a damper on the demand for flight attendants, it is still something definitely to explore if you are looking for something that allows you to travel the world.

#8: Independent Trucker

[Average salary: $260,000]

Freight carriers or independent truck drivers literally drive all over the country, even crossing the border to Canada or Mexico. They enjoy the flexibility of having some say in the contracts that they take and are often able to rest between contracts if they wanted to spend some time in a town where they had just made a delivery. They can literally see hundreds of cities in a year without paying a cent out of pocket and can take home as much as $260,000 per year.

#7: Cruise Ship Director

[Average salary: $136,000]

Being a cruise ship director is not only fun, but it pays really well. Directors manage the events, entertainment, recreations and activities on the ship. They are the face of the ship as they make a lot of public appearances and even MC the events. Like all other crew members, they can hop off the ship to tour the places they dock. It’s a great way to visit many destinations on one itinerary and all without paying a dime.

#6: Travel Writer

[Average salary: $75,000]

Although a travel writer works freelance and income can be unpredictable, it is a good options for persons wanting adventure and enjoy exploring new places. As a travel writer, you can choose to write on a variety of topics, such as food, culture, destinations, politics and religion. The goal is to inspire people to go visit the places you talk about and to offer useful information for those who do plan to go.

If you decide that this is the right move for you, bear in mind that only reputable travel magazines, large newspapers and travel websites will pay for your transportation and accommodations.

#5: Luxury Travel Advisor

[Average salary: $100,000]

Luxury Travel Advisors are travel agents who work only with five-star travel and affluent clients. These are people who really need to get around and test products and services because their clients expect them to have first-hand knowledge and experience with the product or services they are booking or recommending. While normal travel agents earn about $36,000 per year, a luxury travel advisor earns commission on every booking they make from airlines to hotels and even restaurants. So they can earn as much as $100,000 per year after just two years in the business.

#4: Hotel Manager

[Average salary: 105,000]

Hotel managers manage all aspects of the hotel and ensure that it runs smoothly. While annual salary starts from 105,000 dollars, hotel managers can earn as much as $200,000 if they work for a large chain five-star hotel or resort. Hotel managers travel often for meetings and conferences, hotel openings and other events. With larger companies, you can change location or even relocate internationally.

#3: Director of Sales

[Average salary: $108,737]

The sales managers at hotels are responsible for developing the company through sales and marketing. They also travel to different events and exhibitions to represent the hotel.

While their base salary is usually around $88,000, they can earn quite a bit from commissions and bonuses.

#2: Airline Pilot

[Average salary: $137,330]

Clearly, if you are flying a plane to an international airport you get to see places you fly into. The airline usually provides accommodation, transportation to and from the airport and even meals and other expenses when you are on assignment. This can be a great way to see different cities if you work for a major international airline carrier.

#1: Creative or Art Director

[Average salary: $133,000]

Directors who work for a hotel chain travel to openings working with designers, artists, copywriters and marketers. They plan and oversee the design process, and often dictate the ambiance, furnishings and art for the various spaces in the hotel, from the guest rooms to the lobby and other public spaces. Creative directors can also work for cruise ships, airlines, bus companies and other companies related to or unrelated to travel.

Do you know any more jobs that pay you to travel? Let us know in the comments.

About the Author

Taneallea Feddis,

Founder/Managing Director, BlackWall Consultants

She is an educator, website designer and content marketer.​ She helps entrepreneurs develop their business through coaching and developing their digital strategy. She is passionate about teaching new skills to others, and her goal is to encourage and assist Caribbean businesses with their digital transformation and sharing in their success stories. Click here to learn more about Taneallea Feddis.