Does the thought of visiting exotic locations and discovering new cultures seem more appealing than the daily grind of office life? We have put together a list of ideal jobs for those who want to earn a living without sacrificing their love for travelling.
Archaeologist
For an archaeologist, travel seems to be an inherent part of the job. In search of buried relics and an in-depth knowledge of past civilisations, archaeologists get to fly off to different regions of the world to work on excavations, more commonly known as "dig sites". While love for the outdoors coupled with a genuine interest in world history and geography might help you make a start in the field as a volunteer, there are some academic qualifications for those who are serious about dedicating their life to archaeology. Related courses to enrol in are archaeology, anthropology, history, and geography. Obtaining a graduate degree is essential, but an undergraduate degree will make you qualified for entry-level job positions. Fieldwork experience is also needed, and it can be acquired through internships and funded university programs. Some countries to turn to for opportunities are Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Cambodia, India, Israel and the Palestinian territories, Italy, and the United Kingdom — all known to have the most archaeological dig sites in the world.
ESL teacher
English is one of the most spoken and used languages on the planet. Being proficient in English is considered a highly desired asset, which can open many international doors. If you are thinking to teach English as a second language, you will find out that non-native English-speaking countries continuously seek the services of fully proficient native English speakers. However, even in countries where English is the native language, ESL teachers are also in demand to teach immigrants, expat professionals, and international students. Some of the countries to consider when making your job applications are China, Vietnam, Spain, Poland, and the Czech Republic. But how can you set your foot in the classroom? If English is your first language, you need a Bachelor's degree and an ESL training certificate, which can be accredited by Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Teaching Language as a Secondary Language (TESL).
Travel writer
Is writing your passion and so is travelling? If so, the next logical step would be to utilise both and try to breakthrough into the highly-competitive travel writing industry. Travel journalism can be a tough field to get into, especially since the outbreak of digital journalism and blogging, but with hard work, persistence, and talent, you can make your way up. At the beginning, you may have to accept the fact that most of your work will be freelance-based and most of your travel expenses won't be covered. You may want to consider becoming a digital nomad for a while, which will give you the freedom of working remotely so that you can travel as much as you like (of course, to affordable places). Whichever path you choose, remember to record your adventures abroad in a blog for example, which can be a great way to showcase your personal writing style and specialisation, and enrich your portfolio. For the beginner travel writer, reading travel guides, articles, and travel books can be a source of inspiration.
Retail buyer
Travel is often a requirement for the job of a retail buyer. Choosing which merchandise to feature at a store depending on market trends falls under the retail buyer's responsibility, and to acquire the right products, the retail buyer may have to attend fairs, conferences, and trade shows overseas and within their country. You do not necessarily need an academic certificate to become a retail buyer. Higher education may be considered an advantage by employers, but having completed secondary school can be enough as training is provided to learn the ropes of the job. During your trips, you will get the opportunity to interact both with nationals of the country and international contacts, and to have a glimpse of the cultural uniqueness and the customs of the country.
Travel agent
A travel agent ensures that leisure and business trips go off without a hitch, making arrangements when it comes to transport, accommodation, and tours, as well as giving advice and information about the destination. To help clients make the best decision about their travel arrangements, a travel agent must have firsthand experience of the hotels, resorts, and other services they offer. Visiting various countries to do quality checks and get to know your partners, will put you frequently on a flight to faraway places. As an aspiring travel agent, you can get a Bachelor's degree in travel and tourism or start a vocational training.
International aid worker
Volunteering experience abroad along with a degree in international relations, social work, agriculture, or education may qualify you to work as an international aid worker. You will be required to work in harsh conditions triggered by war, economic crises, famine, natural disasters, and diseases. Thus, you must be driven by a genuine sense of humanitarianism, as well as an interest in the culture and ethics of the country to which you are travelling. Speaking one or more foreign languages can make you a stronger candidate with more chances to be recruited. The work of the international aid worker is strenuous, so it should be acknowledged that salaries can be very high — but under no circumstances let this be a decisive factor for undertaking such a job.
