7 Continents & 7 Seas: How I Got Paid to Travel the World
Traveling the world and getting paid to do it is a dream for many, but for a fortunate few, it’s a reality. Over several years, I managed to work jobs that allowed me to explore the world, hopping across continents and sailing through the seven seas—all while earning a paycheck. In this article, I’ll share how I did it, the best jobs that make it possible, their benefits, average salaries, and tips on how to make this dream a reality.
1. Finding the Right Jobs: Opportunities for Paid Travel
If you want to travel the world and get paid, the key is to find jobs that offer flexibility and mobility. Here are some jobs that allow you to work on-the-go while exploring new destinations:
a) Cruise Ship Crew
- Working on a cruise ship is one of the best ways to travel extensively while being paid. Cruise ship jobs range from customer service, entertainment, and hospitality to technical and deck positions.
- Destinations: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaskan cruises, and even around-the-world itineraries.
- Roles: Bartenders, entertainers, chefs, deckhands, and shop assistants.
b) Flight Attendant
- Flight attendants fly to different cities or countries almost daily. Many airlines offer layover days that allow attendants to explore before flying back.
- Destinations: Global, depending on airline routes and the specific airline’s base.
- Roles: Cabin crew, in-flight customer service.
c) English Teacher Abroad
- Teaching English in non-English-speaking countries is a popular way to explore the world. With programs like TEFL or CELTA certification, teaching English abroad is relatively easy to get into, especially in places like Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe.
- Destinations: Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Eastern Europe, and more.
- Roles: Language instructor, private tutor.
d) Travel Blogger / Content Creator
- Becoming a travel blogger or content creator takes effort, but it’s an excellent way to travel and earn at the same time. You can generate income through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and ad revenue.
- Destinations: Anywhere with good internet!
- Roles: Blogger, vlogger, social media influencer.
2. Job Benefits: Why Paid Travel Jobs Are Worth It
Working while traveling doesn’t just pay the bills; it offers unique benefits that are hard to find in traditional jobs.
a) Free Accommodation and Meals
- Most cruise ship jobs, teaching jobs, and flight attendant roles provide housing and meals as part of the employment package. This perk allows you to save a significant portion of your income, making it easier to travel further and for longer.
- Cruise ship employees, for instance, have meals provided, reducing the hassle of budgeting for food. Teachers abroad often get housing allowances or even free accommodation through certain programs.
b) Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Unlike vacation travel, living and working in a place allows you to experience the culture more authentically. Teaching abroad gives you time to settle into a community, build relationships, and understand local customs, while cruise ship jobs take you to multiple countries in a short span, providing a unique global perspective.
c) Personal Growth and Career Development
- These jobs often help you build valuable skills, like adaptability, communication, and intercultural competence. Working as a cruise ship crew member or flight attendant teaches patience and resilience, while teaching abroad develops language skills and adaptability in unfamiliar settings.
d) Access to Exclusive Travel Discounts
- Cruise lines, airlines, and travel companies often offer employee discounts for hotels, flights, and tours. Some airlines allow flight attendants and their families to fly at discounted rates or even for free, while cruise companies may offer discounted voyages to their employees.
e) Flexible Schedules and Time Off
- Depending on the job, you might get regular time off to explore. Cruise ship staff often have hours between shifts to disembark and explore the ports. Teachers abroad have weekends and national holidays to travel locally or even internationally.
Real-Life Example
When I worked on a cruise ship, the company organized crew excursions in every port, allowing us to join local tours, visit beaches, and enjoy the best of each destination at no extra cost. The immersive experiences and friendships formed are memories I’ll cherish forever.
3. Payment Details: How Much Can You Earn While Traveling?
The pay varies widely depending on the job and location, but here’s a rough guide to expected earnings for different travel jobs:
a) Cruise Ship Crew
- Salaries: $1,200 to $10,000 per month, depending on the position. Entry-level roles like housekeeping or service staff may earn $1,200–$2,500 per month, while officers and specialized roles like chefs or entertainers can earn $3,000–$10,000.
- Additional Benefits: Free accommodation, meals, and access to crew facilities. Some cruise lines also offer bonuses at the end of each contract.
b) Flight Attendant
- Salaries: $25,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience, airline, and route frequency. International flights often pay more.
- Additional Benefits: Free or heavily discounted flights for employees and sometimes their families, plus per diem payments for meals during layovers.
c) English Teacher Abroad
- Salaries: $1,500 to $4,000 per month, depending on the country and level of experience. Teachers in South Korea and Japan typically earn higher salaries than those in South America or Eastern Europe.
- Additional Benefits: Free housing or housing stipend, paid vacation, and healthcare coverage.
d) Travel Blogger / Content Creator
- Salaries: Highly variable; starting bloggers may make little to no income at first, while established bloggers can make anywhere from $500 to $10,000+ per month through sponsorships, affiliate links, and partnerships.
- Additional Benefits: Free travel experiences, hotel stays, tours, and access to press events.
4. Best Time to Apply: Timing Matters
Each job has its own hiring season, so applying at the right time can improve your chances of securing a position:
a) Cruise Ship Jobs
- Best Time to Apply: Late summer and early fall, around August to October, is prime hiring season, as cruise lines prepare for the upcoming busy season in winter.
- Contract Period: Most contracts last around 6–9 months, with options for renewal.
b) Flight Attendant
- Best Time to Apply: Airlines typically hire in January and February. Keep an eye on airline career pages in the early months of the year.
- Training Period: Once hired, you’ll undergo 4–8 weeks of training before being assigned routes.
c) English Teacher Abroad
- Best Time to Apply: The school year usually begins in August/September, so applications are often accepted from January to April.
- Contract Period: Teaching contracts are usually 1–2 years, depending on the country and school.
d) Travel Blogger / Content Creator
- Best Time to Start: Anytime. Building an online presence and following takes time, so consistency is key. Focus on creating quality content and engaging with your audience year-round.
5. How to Get Started: Steps to Secure Your Travel Job
If you’re ready to get paid to see the world, here are steps to start your journey:
- Research and Choose the Right Job: Consider your skills, interests, and the places you’d like to see.
- Get the Necessary Qualifications: Some jobs, like teaching English abroad, require certifications such as TEFL. Flight attendants and cruise ship staff also undergo training.
- Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight skills relevant to travel and customer service, such as language proficiency, adaptability, and cultural awareness.
- Apply to Multiple Jobs: Increase your chances by applying to several positions and companies. Cruise lines, airlines, and teaching programs often have competitive hiring processes.
- Network and Reach Out to Recruiters: Join job boards, LinkedIn groups, or forums specifically for travel industry jobs. Connections can sometimes help you secure a job faster.
6. Is This Life for You? Pros and Cons of Working While Traveling
Before jumping in, it’s worth noting both the advantages and challenges
Pros
- Opportunity to travel and immerse yourself in diverse cultures.
- Free or heavily discounted travel expenses, including flights, accommodation, and meals.
- Great for building life skills, like adaptability, resilience, and language proficiency.
Cons
- Long working hours, particularly on cruise ships or as a flight attendant.
- Distance from family and friends, as contracts can last for months.
- The travel lifestyle isn’t as glamorous as it seems—working while exploring can be exhausting.
Final Thought
Working while traveling isn’t always easy, but for me, the experience was life-changing. I got to see the world, meet incredible people, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s not just a job—it’s a lifestyle that challenges you, grows you, and rewards you with adventure. Whether it’s setting sail on the open seas or taking to the skies, there are countless ways to make this dream a reality.