When asked if you are traveling for business or pleasure, have you ever wished you could answer “Both”? Some are content to settle down to working and raising kids after just a few excursions across the border, but what if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug and never recovered? Well then, consider satisfying your urge to travel while getting paid for it.
Firstly, do not assume that being paid for overseas travel will automatically satisfy your inner nomad. Gigs like consulting, lecturing or public speaking may mandate travel, but tight schedules tend not to allow time for excursions. The bulk of your captured moments might be in an office like any other office or the blur of passing sights seen from the airport shuttle. So be wary of what you commit to.
Travel for the Travel Industry
In the travel industry, employee turnover is high and the opportunities for employment are vast. Like never before, people are on the move domestically and internationally. Why not tap into the trend? Joining an industry based on movement will naturally get you travelling in no time.
If you want to quickly fill your passport, aviation holds the most potential. What’s that you say? You don’t have the cash or time for flight school? Well, you don’t have to be a hero pilot. A short vocational course can land you a job in support services like food prep, maintenance, cleaning, ticketing, sales or as a travel agent. Although not as prestigious flying the jet, the perks are the same. Plus this advantage: the luxury of coming home to your family and taking them on free vacations.
Tourism is transportation’s Siamese twin. Upon arrival, a visitor’s needs extend to food, attractions and lodgings. Find work as the pioneer scout that rates then reports to headquarters. If you are more of a people person, you are probably better suited to be a guide. Then you can enjoy perks that include decent tips and value points from the venues you support.
Careers that demand long-stay
Overseas projects often require prolonged stay. Generally, an experienced employee or well-decorated graduate is used. But your value may also lie in qualities like honesty, punctuality, and being responsible. Being the only trustworthy person on site makes you useful as an inspector, quality controller and human resources liaison or communications personnel. Better yet if you are multilingual.
Teaching or student travel
Teaching is an excellent ticket to a life of paid accommodation and transit expenses on a paid salary. You have the added satisfaction of teaching subjects to local people who appreciate you. If you are not an educator, becoming an overseas student with a student visa helps you save money on immigration fees. Both offer excellent ways to explore culture, sights and sounds with time on your side.
Open new markets explore new possibilities
Getting local consumers to rate foreign products does not happen overnight. It takes knowledge of both sides to build a successful bridge. That’s where your background comes in. Let’s say your legal guardian sold a product for years and/or you grew up in a multicultural household. If that’s the case, you have product knowledge and cultural understanding! Speaking the target market language is a huge advantage. Companies and entrepreneurs are always looking to pay talented people like you for overseas marketing.
Local work can still earn rewards
If you have concluded that paid travel is only for mobile singles or couples without children, well, change that idea. Remember that you can travel for free even if you are tied down. You just need to know where to buy gas, food and so on. Travel points, coupons, and incentive packages can be as valuable as cash. You don’t need to wait for platinum status to benefit. Use these perks to offset travel costs and suddenly that trip to South Africa becomes affordable.
Getting paid to travel is the best of both worlds. You can satisfy your itch to migrate long-term, live a short-term nomadic life, or remain at home and jaunt when you want. There are endless opportunities to convert your travel dreams into affordable realities. If you are clever and flexible, you, too, can travel for business and pleasure.
