Whether you’ve just recently graduated from college or are in the middle of your career, the urge to travel calls to all ages. While some individuals are content with using their vacation days traveling just two weeks out of the year, others feel a stronger itch to pack their bags and leave with no thought of returning. If the thoughts of plane trips, luggage, passport stamps, and the long open road appeal to you more than a stable, settled life, traveling for a living may be suitable for you. There are many different career options that involve traveling, each with their own requirements and pros and cons; whether you want to travel the world or just within the United States, here are just a few career options I’ve highlighted:

Airline Employee

Don’t just think flight attendant—pilots and first officers also get to travel the world. Being part of a flight crew offers a high degree of flexibility, letting you be with your family for extended amounts of time before your next trip. On the downside, flight attendants receive a relatively low salary, and while pilots get paid much higher, they have a lot more certifications to obtain, tests to pass, and requirements to fulfill. Despite the downsides, airline employees receive amazing perks in regards to traveling.

ESL Teacher

Right now there is a high demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers abroad, and many recent college graduates are attracted to this field. Being multilingual helps but is not a necessity in becoming certified to teach in another country. While the pay isn’t always great depending on the country you teach in, the cost of living is usually low and there is no better way to become completely immersed in a different culture. In addition, there are a multitude of countries that require ESL teachers, giving you the opportunity to travel to numerous countries.

Travel Writer/Photographer

If you love traveling and writing or photographer, becoming a travel writer and/or photographer most likely sounds like a dream come true. The field is incredibly competitive though, and writers and photographers may not be compensated for their travel expenses or very much in general at all. However, with a lot of perseverance and a stroke of luck, you could be hired as a full-time travel writer/photographer for a publication.

Cruise Ship Employee

For those of you who want to see the world and don’t get sea sick, becoming a cruise ship employee may be a perfect fit. The pay isn’t ideal, but there are a lot more job opportunities on a cruise ship that the other specialized fields here. Cruise ships offer a plethora of services and so provide a variety of job functions. Just for starters, each ship needs chefs, lifeguards, engineers, a cleaning crew, doctors, and entertainers. The hours will be long for all workers, but you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful destinations reachable by water.

Consultant

The educational background and skills play a much more important role for consultants. Usually only the best graduates of top universities can find work as consultants straight out of college, but the pay is great and travel opportunities are aplenty. Businesses all throughout the U.S. and even in other countries are always looking for ways to improve the efficiency of their operations. As a consultant, these companies will pay you to come to them and cover all your travel expenses.

Truck Driver

It may not seem like the most glamorous job, but long-haul truck drivers get to really know the country. Forget congested highways and crowded cities and instead imagine the long open roads of Nevada or the winding roads of Colorado. Although the pressures of the job can be high and long time away from family is a deterrent, the pay is decent and there are thousands of jobs available in the field. Additionally, truck driving companies are moving toward providing better incentives for drivers, including providing positions that allow drivers to get home every weekend or even every night.

Each of these jobs is very different from one another, so it’s important to weigh all the positives and negatives when choosing a career based in traveling. But whatever you choose, you will have the opportunity to see more of the beautiful world we live in.

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