The dream of many people is to travel the world and experience different cultures. But for most people, this dream is just that – a dream. However, there are a number of legitimate ways that remote workers and freelancers can get paid to travel the world. We offer some options and a list of some of the companies willing to pay you to travel the world
Whether you are a seasoned freelancer looking for a change of scenery, a gap year student, or someone looking to try their hand at a different way of working, jobs that offer travel opportunities are not as hard to land as you may think. You may find that your existing hiring company may have international subsidiaries that could do with your expertise or skill set.
The best way to find opportunities is to network with other freelancers, research companies that hire remote workers, and approach companies abroad that require your services.
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- Consultant trainer: If you train in your domestic market, what’s stopping you from pivoting that expertise to a new market?
- Become a hand-carry agent for an air courier. Companies such as Air Charter Service are looking for highly reliable, flexible individuals to join their global network of onboard couriers. As part of a team of hand-carry agents, you would supervise the door-to-door delivery of a range of cargos from high-value single packages to huge shipments of prototype parts. This high-responsibility role requires diligence, efficiency and the ability to react quickly to unforeseen circumstances.
- English as a second language instructor: If you are already certified in ESL, you may find that certain educational organisations or corporations are looking to enhance their workforce’s grasp of English. You could look at pitching your services to a target client and show how you could create a fast-track course based on the company’s objectives.
- Travel blogger or hotel reviewer: This is a no-brainer. Travel bloggers write about their experiences travelling the world. They often make money through advertising, affiliate marketing, and selling their own products or services. But what about blogging about what it is like to be a freelancer in your area of expertise in other markets while you are a digital nomad? If you are up for doing hotel reviews, you will have to show the hotel’s promotions and PR department your network; your angle and how you plan on distributing your content to your network. This will mean having sleek and active social media accounts with related content. The best place to become a travel blogger and expert is to start in your home market and go on from there.
- Freelance writer: Freelance writers write for a variety of publications, both online and offline. They can write about any topic they are interested or knowledgeable in, and they can often work from anywhere in the world. However, if you are going to live abroad see where your trip could be advantageous to companies with satellite operations there or potential clients you could interview on their behalf.
- Photographer: Photographers can sell their photos to magazines, newspapers, websites, and other publications. They can also sell their photos as prints or stock images. If you specialise in corporate photography, you could pitch to multinationals to take headshots of executives across their offices; be the official photographer for events or their in-house publications.
- Videographer: Videographers can create videos about their travels and sell them to businesses or individuals. They can also create videos for social media or video platforms.
- Social media marketing professional: Social media marketers help businesses and individuals grow their following on social media. They can often work remotely, and they can travel as part of their job.
- Virtual assistant: Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to businesses or individuals from remote locations. This is a great option for freelancers who want to travel but still want to have a steady income.
- Personal shopper for unique items, such as antiques, classic cars and art. If you already have a keen eye for design or items that are often purchased overseas and imported back into your home market, you may consider offering your services as a personal shopper. The costs for travel and delivery, plus insurance could be included in your service, which might start with research on pinning down clients’ ideal purchases. Clients will likely be high-net-worth individuals, so they will expect a high level of service, knowledge and networks.
- Interior designer: Some clients would love more than anything to be accompanied by a design pro to take them shopping and sourcing items abroad. An interior designer can negotiate trade prices for their clients and will know where to go to get the best deals and unique finds through their networks.
For more inspiration on jobs that include a lot of travel, check out this article here. See if it’s possible to do these jobs on a remote or freelance basis.
Here are some companies that hire freelancers to travel:
- JoinMy Trip: This service allows you to create excursions and guided travel and get paid for it. Everything is free, including customer support. They will help you to set up your trip.
- Worldpackers: Worldpackers is a platform that connects travellers with volunteer opportunities in exchange for accommodation and other benefits
- Workaway: Workaway is another platform that connects travellers with volunteer opportunities.
- Freelance job platforms such as Hoxby, Toptal, YunoJuno, Upwork and Fiverr can help you find work from a variety of clients.
Here are some additional tips when it comes to becoming a travel freelancer:
- Build a strong portfolio: Your portfolio is your calling card, as we have previously reported, so make sure it showcases your best work. Include photos, videos, and writing samples that highlight your skills and experience.
- Network with other freelancers: Get to know other freelancers who are travelling the world. They can offer advice and support, and they may even be able to connect you with clients.
- Be flexible: Be prepared to adapt to different cultures and work environments. Be open to new experiences and be willing to learn new things. If you are travelling alone this is crucial.
- Stay organised: It can be easy to get overwhelmed when you’re travelling and working at the same time. Stay organised by creating a system for tracking your work and expenses. Have the system set up before you leave.
- Enjoy the journey: Remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Take time to explore new places and meet new people.
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