Traveling the world is one of the best things anybody can do with their life. It opens your mind and teaches you important life lessons. You truly learn to see the world and other people in a different way and to appreciate the advantages you have.
The problem for many travelers is not getting the motivation to get up and go, but funding the kind of traveling lifestyle that they desire.
Money is almost always going to be a big limiting factor in your travel plans. It will affect which countries you choose to visit, where you stay, what you eat, which activities you try, and most importantly, how long you stay out before coming home to reality.
Traveling can be like a drug. Once you get a taste for it, you just want more, but if you keep having to come home to work and save up, you’re never going to be fully satisfied.
So, here is a list of some of the easiest ways to combine work with travel, and either make a living from anywhere in the world or at least prolong your traveling experience until you finally decide to come home, or decide to make traveling your reality.
Teach English
Becoming an English teacher is tactic long-used by travel lovers to earn some cash while on the road. Chances are you probably already know somebody who’s tried this or is doing it now.
There is a huge demand for capable English teachers in all areas of the world, particularly in Asia. This demand is growing, as education levels improve around the world, and people embrace the necessity of learning English to help with tourism, business, and the internet.
It’s easy enough for any English speaker to become a teacher if a little time and effort are invested. Official courses vary in price and difficulty, but some kind of real qualification is definitely the most surefire way to guarantee yourself a job quickly.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a bit different to the other options here, as by definition you won’t be getting paid for your work, and you will usually have to cover some expenses yourself.
However, this is probably also the most rewarding option.
It can give you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign culture. You can learn how other people live and actually contribute something meaningful to communities and environments that need it.
There are endless options for prospective volunteers, meaning you can choose a cause that speaks to you. Do you want to volunteer in Ghana in an orphanage? How about becoming a volunteer in Marine Turtle conservation in Costa Rica? The only limit is your imagination.
Au pair
This is another great way to fully immerse yourself in another culture. It involves going to live-in with a host family in a country of your choosing, helping them with various tasks.
You are likely to help with childcare primarily, but may also be needed to assist with cooking, cleaning and other household tasks.
It’s a brilliant way to get to know locals, improve your language skills, and earn a (modest) income.
Work as a flight attendant
This is more of a career choice than the other items on the list. You will have to undertake fairly lengthy training, and it is more difficult to qualify for the job in the first place than the other options. In return however, you will receive a good salary with lots of benefits.
Clearly, a vital part of the job is traveling regularly from place-to-place, so you will constantly have opportunities to explore new countries and cities.
It is a serious career though, so you won’t have as much freedom as some of the other choices. The turnarounds in between flights can be very tight, and there may be long hours involved.
Freelancing
Taking on some freelancing gigs is a great way to combine work and travel, as you are your own boss and can take on or reject work based on how much free time you have.
Pretty much any skill can be sold online for money, so if you have a degree or work experience in a certain field, or if you’re just good at something, chances are someone will you pay for it. A few examples might be marketing, writing, photography, design, translation, and tutoring.
All you need is a laptop and internet connection, or even just access to internet cafes, and you can start making money from anywhere.
Anybody can find a way to work and travel at the same time
Hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration to start looking for ways to combine work and travel and enjoy the amazing experience of traveling for longer.
Even if nothing here appeals to you, there are plenty of other ways to achieve the same kind of lifestyle. Anybody can find something that works for them.
