Six perfect jobs for people with serious wanderlust
The 9 to 5 lifestyle isn’t for everyone, some people are born intrepid travellers with an insatiable need to explore all four corners of the globe. Ditching the office job for a one-way plane ticket is the dream for many, but travelling costs money.
One of the ways to get the best of both worlds is by finding a job that requires plenty of travel. With the right skill sets, you could embark on a career path that allows you to visit exotic destinations while putting bread on the table at the same time.
Here are 6 jobs that are perfect for those who love to travel:
1. Flight attendant:
It might be the most cliche travel-related job out there but it is also one of the most accessible. A specialised degree is not required to become part of the cabin crew, most airlines only require a good secondary education and previous customer service experience.
The hours are frequently erratic and the work is often unpredictable, but during your career you’ll get a glimpse of hundreds of cities across the globe. You may also be entitled to free or discounted flights for you and your family. What other job offers the variety, exploration and opportunity to meet new people like a flight attendant?
2. ESL teaching:
Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is one of the easiest ways to get out and see the world. Demand for ESL teachers is at an all time high with a 62% increase in students over the past three years worldwide. Further education experts AoC Jobs have highlighted how an ESL teaching position offers rewards in the form of challenges, personal engagement and interesting work both within the UK and abroad.
A second language is not required to teach ESL but you will need to attain an undergraduate degree in any subject and a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification.
3. Au Pair:
If you love working with children and already have a basic ability with a second language, becoming an au pair could be your dream job. As an au pair, you will stay with a host family in a foreign country (Orange County in California, anyone?) and provide babysitting services, assistance with domestic chores and schoolwork. As well as living rent-free, au pairs can expect to receive a small salary.
Your free time will be somewhat limited but it is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, develop foreign language skills and build new friendships that last a lifetime. Developing childcare skills will also open up new opportunities to work with children in the future.
4. International aid worker:
If you want to travel for a living, while doing something worthwhile, consider working for an international aid organisation. You can make a real difference in people’s lives by visiting struggling countries and helping its residents recover from natural disasters, disease outbreaks and famine.
Many people who enter this area of work have a degree in social sciences or a relevant vocational subject such as human rights, medicine or economics. If you’re considering getting into the field, experience gained while volunteering at a charity or even a wildlife sanctuary will be looked upon favourably.
5. Cruise ship employment:
Working on a cruise ship allows you to make a living while sailing the seven seas. Whether you’re a performer or a practitioner, cooking up a storm in the kitchen or keeping your cool behind the wheel, there are opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds on one of these floating resorts.
A job on a cruise ship can entail long hours and you will probably be working every day. The pay can vary but you won’t be spending much while you are on board as food and accommodation is covered. If you suffer from seasickness this probably isn’t the job for you.
6. Travel tour guide:
Every travel destination needs friendly guides to lead tourists through sightseeing tours and cultural excursions. This can be a great follow up to another position or for a traveller who falls in love with one of their destinations.
To become a tour guide, you will need to study up on your chosen location’s history and culture. You must be familiar with all of the city’s major attractions as well as its hidden gems. It helps if you can speak another language fluently, particular the local tongue. You should also be prepared to handle emergencies that arise such as first aid and finding lost luggage.
There are no set entry requirements to become a tour guide, although courses in tourist guiding are available and are accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding (ITG).
