How to Get Paid For Globe-Trotting

Some wise man once said that the secret to happiness is to find your true passion and make that your life's work. That sounds great, but most of us are stuck in jobs that are much more mundane. And what if your passion is international travel? Who's going to pay you to run around the globe?

Actually, it's quite possible that someone will pay you to travel. You just need the right job. Here are five options for wannabe globe-trotters looking to make a career change:

"I'm On a Boat": Cruise Ship Crew Member

Working on a cruise ship crew is hard work, but there are definite perks: you get to travel from port to port while you work and you save on living expenses since you are living on the boat. Once you have enough money saved, it's no problem to simply take some time off and use the money you've accumulated to travel to places you can't see from a cruise ship.

English Teacher

In many places, especially developing countries, people see learning English as a vital skill that can help them advance in life. Consequently, there is a fierce demand for English teachers overseas, and in some countries all you need is a college degree and your native English speaking skills to get started. Two caveats, however: first, make sure that you research the program thoroughly before you buy tickets. Many, many people have successfully taught English abroad through reputable programs, but some have been burned by programs offering inadequate pay and/or inadequate support.

Second, if you don't have any classroom experience, you need to carefully consider whether or not you'll make a good teacher. You don't want to shortchange your students, so if you're not good at explaining things to other people or you get short of breath when you think about being in front of a classroom, it's best to find some other opportunity.

Diving Instructor

If SCUBA diving is your passion, why not share the love? Diving instructors are always in demand near popular SCUBA diving hot spots. Most people choose to train through PADI, a professional diving organization with more than 5900 dive centers and resorts.

Au Pair/Nanny

If you love kids and you're a female under the age of 27, you might be able to find work as an au pair. More than a babysitter but less than a nanny, au pairs act as "mother's helpers," taking care of the kids and the house part-time (and often informally teaching the kids' English) in exchange for room, board and a small stipend for spending money.


Being a nanny is a full-time job, but it pays more and it's open to older people. Just as wealthy Americans often hire nannies to teach their kids another language, so do upper-class people in other countries who want their kids to learn English. To avoid "Turn of the Screw"-type weirdness, make sure you get references for your future employers.

Flight Attendant

Like most customer service positions, this job is not for the faint of heart. However, it pays relatively well, traveling is baked in to the job description and you get discounts on flights.