7 Continents & 7 Seas: How I Got Paid to Travel the World
Traveling the world is a dream for many, and the idea of getting paid to do it sounds almost too good to be true. Yet, with a bit of dedication, flexibility, and a sense of adventure, it’s possible to explore the globe while earning a living. My journey through seven continents and across the seven seas allowed me to discover beautiful destinations, meet people from diverse cultures, and experience incredible adventures—all while earning an income. In this article, I’ll dive into some of the best positions that allow you to travel the world, the benefits of each job, payment details, and the best time to apply.
1. Cruise Ship Crew
Cruise ships offer one of the most immersive ways to travel the world, docking at ports across various continents. Jobs onboard vary widely, from hospitality and entertainment to technical positions.
Benefits:
- Accommodation and Meals Covered: As a crew member, your housing and meals are provided, allowing you to save much of your earnings.
- International Friendships: You work with a multicultural team, creating connections with people from around the world.
- Shore Leave: Crew members get time off to explore each destination, allowing you to see new places without paying for flights or accommodation.
Payment Details:
- Salaries range from $1,200 to $5,000 per month depending on the position. Entry-level jobs like housekeeping or food service are on the lower end, while specialized roles like entertainers or engineers make more.
- Contracts typically last 6 to 9 months, with the option to extend.
Best Time to Apply:
- December to February is an ideal period, as cruise lines often hire for the peak spring and summer seasons.
2. Travel Blogger/Influencer
As a travel blogger or influencer, you can earn a living by creating content about your journeys. Though it requires upfront work, it can become a highly rewarding and flexible job.
Benefits:
- Free Travel Experiences: Once you establish a following, hotels, tour companies, and airlines may offer free experiences in exchange for exposure.
- Flexible Schedule: You set your own hours and choose where you want to go.
- Multiple Income Streams: Bloggers and influencers can earn from ads, affiliate marketing, brand sponsorships, and even paid partnerships with travel companies.
Payment Details:
- Earnings vary widely. New bloggers might start with a few hundred dollars a month, while established influencers can make $1,000–$10,000 per sponsored post.
- Consistency is key; it takes time to build a following and see substantial income.
Best Time to Apply:
- Start anytime, but if you’re new, begin by pitching your content to smaller brands or writing for other travel sites to build experience and an audience.
3. English Teacher Abroad
Teaching English is one of the most popular options for those wanting to work while exploring a new country. Jobs are available worldwide, from bustling cities to rural villages.
Benefits:
- Cultural Immersion: Living and working in a foreign country allows for a deep connection with the local culture.
- Job Perks: Many schools offer housing, airfare reimbursement, and health insurance.
- Vacation Time: Teaching contracts often include holiday breaks, giving you time to travel locally and explore nearby countries.
Payment Details:
- Salary ranges from $1,200 to $3,500 per month, depending on the country and your qualifications.
- Higher salaries are common in countries like South Korea, Japan, and the UAE, while Latin American and Southeast Asian countries offer lower pay but a lower cost of living.
Best Time to Apply:
- March to May and September to November are peak hiring seasons, as schools prepare for new academic terms.
4. Flight Attendant
Flight attendants not only get paid to travel but also have the benefit of flexible schedules and flight discounts. This job takes you to new cities and countries every week.
Benefits:
- Discounted or Free Flights: Many airlines provide flight perks for employees and sometimes their families.
- Flexible Work Schedule: Although the hours can be long, flight attendants often enjoy days off in new locations.
- Accommodation Covered: Airlines cover hotel stays for overnight flights, so you get to experience new places without additional expenses.
Payment Details:
- Entry-level salaries range from $25,000 to $50,000 annually, with experienced attendants earning more.
- Per diem is paid for layovers, covering food and expenses while you’re in other cities.
Best Time to Apply:
- Fall and Winter are ideal times, as airlines often increase hiring to prepare for the holiday travel rush.
5. Tour Guide
If you have a passion for sharing knowledge about destinations, becoming a tour guide can be an ideal job that combines work with travel. Tour guides work in various settings, from local city tours to multi-day excursions.
Benefits:
- Free Travel and Accommodation: Many tour companies cover travel, accommodation, and meals for guides leading multi-day tours.
- Meet Like-minded Travelers: This job allows you to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts from around the world.
- Personal Growth: You’ll gain knowledge about the places you visit, and experience personal growth by working in a dynamic environment.
Payment Details:
- Salary ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, depending on location and experience.
- Tipping culture also means that good guides can earn more based on customer satisfaction.
Best Time to Apply:
- Spring is a good time, as tour companies often hire for the peak summer travel season.
6. Au Pair/Nanny Abroad
As an au pair or nanny, you live with a family in a foreign country, providing childcare in exchange for a weekly stipend and free accommodation. This job is popular in Europe, North America, and Australia.
Benefits:
- Accommodation Included: You live with the family, which often means a private room and free meals.
- Language and Cultural Exchange: Working as an au pair gives you a unique cultural experience and language immersion.
- Travel with Host Family: Many au pairs get to accompany their host families on vacations, getting to see more of the world.
Payment Details:
- Earnings vary, usually around $100 to $300 per week, depending on the country and family.
- Additional perks may include language classes, transport, and sometimes a monthly allowance for personal travel.
Best Time to Apply:
- Early Spring or Fall is ideal, as families often look for new au pairs before summer vacations or the start of the school year.
7. Freelance Digital Nomad (Remote Work)
The rise of remote work means more people can travel while working from anywhere. As a freelance digital nomad, you can work in various fields such as writing, graphic design, programming, and social media management.
Benefits:
- Location Independence: You can work from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy to travel and work.
- Set Your Own Hours: Freelancers enjoy the flexibility of setting their schedules, allowing for spontaneous trips and extended stays.
- Diverse Income Streams: Freelancing offers multiple avenues for income, from project work to retainer clients.
Payment Details:
- Earnings vary widely, depending on your skills and industry. Freelancers can make anywhere from $500 to $5,000+ per month, depending on experience and client base.
- Flexibility in rates and workload means you can scale your earnings based on your travel needs.
Best Time to Apply:
- Anytime – the digital nomad lifestyle is ongoing, but it helps to start by building a stable client base before going fully remote.
Conclusion: Making Your Travel Dreams a Reality
Traveling the world while getting paid may sound like a fantasy, but as these jobs demonstrate, it’s entirely possible. From working on a cruise ship and teaching abroad to freelancing remotely, each role comes with its own unique benefits, payment structures, and application timelines. These jobs require dedication, an adventurous spirit, and sometimes a bit of flexibility, but the rewards—exploring new continents, seeing the world, and making unforgettable memories—make it all worth it.
Whether you’re drawn to the life of a digital nomad, or you’d like to be part of a cruise ship crew sailing through the seas, there’s a path that can turn your travel dreams into a lifestyle. It’s an incredible journey filled with challenges, growth, and the opportunity to experience the world like few others do. So, are you ready to embark on your own adventure of getting paid to travel the world?