If you have a severe case of wanderlust and you’re dying to scratch it, don’t be held back by the need for money. In fact, you can earn your way around the world. Throughout history, people have found a way to balance the need for an income with the desire to travel by choosing career paths that take them away from the 9 to 5 and into freedom found.

Here are 5 career options for the free spirit. Earn a living and see the world at the same time!

Job 1: Virtual Coach

Becoming a virtual coach is a great way to make money while traveling. Whether you are skilled in teaching people how to be mindfully present or helping people change their lives with transformational coaching, harnessing your expertise as a virtual coach allows you to serve clients from anywhere in the world. With the rise of remote work and digital communication tools, you can conduct coaching sessions seamlessly, fostering personal growth for individuals globally.

As a virtual coach, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule, aligning with different time zones as you explore new destinations. This career choice not only provides financial stability but also allows you to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and landscapes, gaining unique insights to enhance your coaching practice.

Job 2: Web Designer

Becoming a digital nomad is super in right now, and one of the most popular digital nomad jobs is a developer or designer.

Today the internet offers free spirits the opportunity to work from anyplace they dare to dream. A web designer can work with very few requirements. Their must-haves include their extensive knowledge of coding, a laptop, and an internet connection.

Businesses the world over need websites. While being in the same location as your client isn’t necessary for a web designer, the opportunity to travel to the client’s site to meet them is totally legit. The chance to meet the client, understand his culture, and gain a personal connection that isn’t always there from a remote location is a valid business expense. And if you get to sneak in a little sightseeing along the way…well, we won’t tell!

Job 3: Au Pair

Wealthy families, particularly in Europe, will often hire an American au pair to mind their children. This opportunity provides the American room and board along with a small salary. The American is exposed to the new culture and is immersed in the new language.

The families who hire these Americans love the arrangement for a couple of reasons. First, it’s more affordable than a traditional nanny. Second, their children are exposed to the opportunity to learn English from a native speaker.

An au pair assignment normally lasts for about a year. At the end of that time, the au pair can move on to another au pair host family in a new nation or can return to America.

Job 4: Wildlife/Nature Photographer

If you have the knowledge of how to frame a great photo and love to travel, wildlife and nature photography could be a perfect opportunity for you. Indeed, this job requires you to travel to some of the most beautiful and remote places in the world to get the best photo opportunities.

This job isn’t for everyone! The work conditions can be challenging. You must be able to physically hike in to off the grid locations; strong enough to carry your camera, lights, and lenses; nimble enough to scale mountains and rocks; and brave enough to come face to face with beasts of nature.

But if you have the right eye and love the adrenaline rush, a career as a wildlife or nature photographer might be your calling.

Job 5: Freelance Writing/Blogging

Freelance writers and bloggers, like web designers, need very little but a laptop and internet connection. Their tools are carried in their heads with solid writing skills, creative thought processes, and the ability to convey messages to readers.

Freelance writers, especially in the specialty of web content writing, are in demand. As the internet grows continually, so does the demand. American and British writers are constantly sought after as the need for their firsthand English language skills grows. This gives them the opportunity, like web designers, to travel to client locations as a legitimate business expense.

However, if you really love travel, consider becoming a travel blogger. This niche affords one of the best opportunities to fly to fabulous resorts, experience cruises, and visit exotic locales. After all, the best way to blog about it is to experience it!

Job 6: Seasonal Workers

When the summer heats up at the beach, the demand for seasonal workers also heats up. On the other hand, seasonal employees head for the mountains and ski resorts in the winter months. This principle applies throughout the world!

During peak tourist seasons, staffing demands go up in resort towns. Employers such as hotels, retail stores, resorts, hotels, and amusement parks all need workers during the season. It’s a fun way to travel, make new friends, and develop a colorful resume.

Wrapping It Up

For some of us, the desire for freedom, travel, and carving our own paths is innate. Don’t fight the pull to travel. Embrace it, and make it work for you. These are only 5 of the careers that allow you to break the mold and travel. Look at your own unique skill set and find a way to combine your career with your passion for travel.

About the Author

Deborah Tayloe is a professional freelance writer. She loves to travel and has moved 9 times in the last 15 years. She’s a native of Erie, Pennsylvania who currently lives in Bertie County, NC with her husband and an energetic toy fox terrier.