If you think that traveling for a living is a distant pipe dream, think again. Not only is it possible to earn money while traveling, but there are now more opportunities than ever to do so. Some jobs will pay you specifically to travel, while others will ask that you travel as part of your functions. Either way, there are tons of ways that you could make money while traveling to some of the best destinations on the planet. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Nursing

You wouldn’t expect to see this one on the top of the list, but traveling is central to many nursing positions. You could work as a travel nurse if you want to stay closer to home. Travel nurses are often called to fill pressing needs in areas experiencing shortages, or they may be asked to move to help deal with a crisis.

Another option could be to work with a non-profit organization. There are tons of non-profits that are focused on providing healthcare to populations in need, or you may be asked to educate some people on the ground. This can be a great way to travel the world and is one of the most fulfilling positions any nurse could fill.

Another thing you could do is work on a cruise ship or a yacht. There are plenty of openings for cruise ship nurses, and you will enjoy a great work atmosphere, moderate workload, and have the chance to see some of the most beautiful locales in the world. Not to mention that you can enjoy all the amenities on the boat as well.

One thing you will need, however, is the credentials. Most cruise lines will require that you have at least a bachelor’s degree to work with them. The good news is that you can find online accelerated BSN nursing programs from nursing schools like Baylor University that will allow you to get your credentials in a fraction of the time it would usually take. You’ll also be able to get them while you’re working.

Travel Blogger

Travel blogging is another great option for those who want to make money while traveling. The issue here is that there’s a lot of competition, so you will need to find a way to differentiate yourself. Maybe you could focus on one specific aspect of traveling, like nightlife, working abroad, adventure travel, humanitarian travel, political commentary, food, etc. Then you can start working on your branding and building an audience.

Most travel bloggers spend a lot of time on YouTube, and you will probably need to have a strong presence on the platform if you want to build traction for your blog. This is also what could help you get more sponsorships.

In the beginning, you can monetize your blog by becoming an affiliate. You could advertise some products that you use through links and get a commission. You can also use native ads or partner up with comparison sites so you can get paid when people conduct queries from your website. Once you have a solid audience, you can start shopping around for people who may want to sponsor you or pay you to visit their establishments.

Starting a Travel Agency

Another great option would be to start your own travel agency. You could work on your own or hire a few people to help. One of the great things about this kind of business is that you can start very small and form partnerships with a few service providers. You can start organizing small groups and work as a tour guide as well as an agent. Adventure travel is a very hot niche right now, and if you have experience with extreme sports, that could be a great way to capitalize on this niche and have a blast every single day.

Note that you won’t need to have a license or certification if you want to be a home-based travel agent in most cases. However, you may need to register in some states or municipalities. What matters the most here is your experience with travel and your relationship with providers.

Consulting

As a consultant, you will also have the chance to travel the world depending on your expertise. One area where you will need to do a lot of traveling is civil engineering. Countries all over the world are trying to build up their infrastructures, and you’ll be the one they’ll be calling. Other areas in great need of consultants include healthcare, IT, and management, among other things.

Foreign Service Officer

This is another career that will give you the chance to travel the world and make a real difference. The job of foreign service officers is a lot like that of a diplomat. They will be asked to work on serious issues like refugee aid, global disasters, and immigration while representing the United States wherever they go. 

This is a job where you’ll have the chance to deal with people from various organizations, whether it’s in government, the private sector, or non-profit organizations. This is a fast-paced job, and it’s not for the faint of heart, but it is a great option for people who like to have boots on the ground and be close to the real issues. 

English Teacher

You could also decide to do what many other expatriates do and work either full or part-time as an English teacher. This is also a popular option for many people getting out of college waiting for a position. This is a job that will allow you to travel the world and be 100% location independent. Note that you will usually need to have a bachelor’s degree to teach, and many schools will ask that you pass your TESL exam.

As you can see, there are tons of great careers that give you a real chance to get paid while traveling the globe. We suggest that you give all of those a second look and see if you have what it takes to fill the requirements.