Work and travel dreams - ideas on how to do both
The long held dream of many is the concept of work and travel , getting the best of both worlds. Earning money as you adventure around the world sounds like a fantasy but it really isn’t. You can do it!
Work and travel on a cruise ship
Ideal for singles
As a cruise director and someone still involved in the industry, I will give you the lowdown on this.
This employment is really ideal for a single person.
If you are a couple, it is very difficult to try and get work together. Even if you were both employed by the same cruise line, your chances of working on the same ship would be remote.
It is not unheard of, but generally, in my experience, couples struggle to find work together.
This was my launch into real-world travel. Working on a cruise ship means being away from home 6-8 months a year. The money is generally good. It’s a great starting point.
Depending on your itinerary aboard a vessel, you could be traveling Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe or the entire world on a world cruise.
You accommodations are good. The food is better than what you would get traveling on the road and it is a set 3x per day. The types of jobs on a cruise ship can vary.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Shore excursions
- Housekeeping
- Cruise staff
- Youth Staff
- Activity staff
- Salon and gym
- Shop
- Casino
- Reception and guest services staff
The choices are practically endless. Is it easy? No. The days are long. 16 hour days are the norm.
Depending on the cruise line and the national flag it operates under, contracts can vary substantially – as can conditions.
Getting a job with a cruise line takes time and determination. Avoid the agencies that promise employment. Most – not all, are scams.
You would be better off setting up your resume and sending it off directly to the cruise line advertising the position.
But I have to say, some of my most memorable life moments have been working on a cruise ship.
Friends and lovers are temporary and experiences are intense. Depending on your department, you will get shore leave.
However the most freedom to go ashore and explore will be with the Casino, shorex, the entertainment side and the shoppies (shop staff).
Salon staff, restaurant, guest services and general services have less time as a rule.
Work and travel and travel some more
Working on a cruise ship is a great way to not only travel but to save money FOR travel. It is like starting your travels with trainer wheels.
You get the comforts, the stability and the experiences so that you can then move on, if you like, and start traveling in other ways.
Even working on a cruise ship for 6-8 months will start to flex those travel muscles, teach you a whole lot about yourself, bring you out of your shell if you are a shy person. It is definitely a great way to set you up for the real deal.
✅ Why Consider This Route:
Great pay (with minimal expenses)
Free accommodation and meals
Travel included—Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, and more
Perfect training ground for global travel
🛳️ Common Roles on Cruise Ships:
Restaurant and Bar Staff
Housekeeping
Guest Services
Casino Staff
Entertainment and Activity Teams
Youth Staff
Shore Excursion Teams
Gym and Spa
Retail (Shop Staff)
💡 Best departments for shore leave: Casino, Shop Staff, Shorex, and Entertainment
🧭 Tips to Get Started:
Skip sketchy agencies—apply directly on cruise line websites
Prepare a solid resume and be persistent
Expect long days, intense friendships, and unforgettable moments
See also the digital nomad lifestyle as a possible way to achieve your dream of work and travel
Working on a River Ship: A Program Director’s Perspective
As someone currently working as a Program Director on river ships, I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t suggest this incredible career path.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the heart of continents, with East and West Europe being the primary destinations where the magic happens.
I’m speaking specifically about Viking Cruises here, though there are certainly other river cruise lines out there. But let me be clear—I LOVE my gig.
Viking is an outstanding employer, and the high retention rate among our staff speaks volumes about the company culture.
What might surprise you is that I’ve been with Viking for 10 straight years now. Anyone who knows me personally would be shocked by this longevity.
I’m typically someone who gets bored quickly and moves on to the next adventure. Yet here I am, still genuinely happy and fulfilled where I am.
The river cruising industry offers a unique blend of travel, hospitality, and cultural immersion that keeps the work fresh and exciting.
Every day presents new scenery, new guests, and new experiences—perhaps that’s why even someone with my usually restless spirit has found a long-term home here on the rivers of Europe.
Positives:
Travel Opportunities:
You’ll visit stunning destinations along Europe’s rivers (Rhine, Danube, Seine, etc.) or other global routes, with opportunities to explore historic cities and cultural sites during downtime.Cultural Exchange:
You’ll interact with guests from around the world and work alongside an international crew, fostering cross-cultural connections.Structured Routine:
Schedules are often well-organized, with roles like hospitality, entertainment, or navigation following set routines aligned with the ship’s itinerary.Accommodation and Meals:
Crew members typically receive free room and board (though cabins are small and shared) and meals, reducing living expenses.Team Environment:
Working in a close-knit crew can create strong camaraderie, as everyone collaborates to ensure guests have a seamless experience.
Challenges:
Long Hours:
Hospitality and service roles (e.g., waitstaff, housekeeping, reception) often involve 10–12 hour days, with limited days off during the season (typically March–December). However vacation time is regular and broken up in the season.Confined Spaces:
River ships are smaller than ocean liners, so crew quarters and workspaces can feel cramped, requiring adaptability.Guest Expectations:
Viking caters to a luxury-minded, primarily older clientele. Meeting high service standards and managing guest needs can be demanding.Seasonal Contracts:
Most roles are seasonal (6–9 months), which may suit some but can feel unstable for those seeking year-round work.Limited Privacy:
Living and working with the same people 24/7 can be intense, with little personal space or time alone.
📚 Teaching English Abroad: Culture and Cash Flow
Want to immerse yourself in another culture while earning a decent wage? Teaching English abroad opens that door.
Whether you’re a certified educator or someone ready to get a TEFL/TESOL certificate, this path is rich with travel potential—especially in Asia and Latin America.
🌍 Where the Jobs Are:
Asia (China, South Korea, Taiwan) – High demand, steady income, often housing included
Latin America – Great for non-degree holders, more relaxed
Europe – Higher competition, often requires teaching credentials
Africa – Mostly volunteer roles
✅ Pros:
Culturally immersive
Decent pay and often free housing
Great for singles or couples
🔔 Tip: Get certified (TEFL/TESOL) 6–12 months in advance to land better roles
Teaching English - a great way to travel and earn
Suitable for singles and couples
Teaching English abroad is perfect for the single person and can work for couples. You have a good chance of working together as a couple.
However, you may find that it is perhaps not in the same school but in the same region or area.
Some schools may even encourage this as they see the emotional support value in having a couple,
There are several types of teaching English available. So….. how to work and travel making money teaching English?
First up, if you have qualifications in teaching and the experience as a teacher, your recruitment by an agency would be much easier.
But, you can teach English without a teaching degree. But like anything, you have to go through an admissions process. In most cases it will require some small investment.
You will need to get a TEFOL/TESOL degree or something similar by doing the course and qualifying.
There are two main ways you can be a teacher of English while you travel.
You can be assigned to a country – somewhere in the Far East is the most common, usually China, Taiwan or South Korea.
In Europe it is possible to get work but the demand there is more advanced, looking for business English.
Africa is mostly volunteer work. Latin America also offers a lot of opportunities for teachers without degrees.
What this type of teaching means is that you physically will live and stay in that country and could be assigned in a big city or a small community.
Now, this is great but the travel is limited. However, you will get off the home shore and be immersed into another culture.
If that’s your goal with world travel, it is a good start. You can earn and move on with savings but effectively you will be rooted for the time you are teaching.
And generally, the demand will probably mean you will be assigned mostly in Asia/Far East.
Check out this video and find out so much more. Prepare to get really excited! This is excellent information.
If you’re interested in this type of physical teaching, that is, being in the country and immersed in the culture and earning a good income with usually provided housing, this may be something you would enjoy.
Teach English remotely
Perfect for the single person, perfect for couples and possible for families in tow.
Online teaching companies
There are a number of online teaching companies available and you would do well to research each one carefully.
Read the requirements and check that you are qualified to teach for these companies and also note that some online teaching companies will be looking for strictly Canadian/US citizens for employment
Work and travel is doable but you really need to be creative in both your thinking and in your flexibility.
💻 Teaching English Online: Remote Income with a Passport
Prefer more flexibility? Online teaching offers freedom to roam, with just a laptop and a stable internet connection.
This is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and even families who want to stay mobile while earning income from anywhere.
💡 How It Works:
Join platforms like VIPKid, Dada, or TeachAway
Teach from anywhere with reliable internet
Earn $1500–$3000/month teaching short sessions
🧳 Considerations:
You’ll need props, materials, and a quiet space
Fast internet is essential—off-grid travel won’t cut it
Establish yourself with an agency before hitting the road
🔧 Give yourself 6–12 months to build credibility and client base
Start a travel blog
Good for singles, couples and family
Start a Travel Blog
Obviously a perfect way for a family man or woman to work and travel with the entire brood across the continents.This is the ultimate dream, right?
Imagine going to all these wonderful places, taking great photo’s and blogging about it. In return, all the money you make from the website/blog will pay for your travels. Well, like I said, that’s a dream.
The truth is, there are literally thousands of blogs out on the Net that are doing exactly that – or at least trying.
Hard facts:
- It is not that simple. Everyone and their cousin has a travel blog. The competition is overwhelming.
- You have to have a niche. Most blogs will offer a general outlook on travel. What is so special about yours?
- You will most likely not make a cent for months or years or perhaps never
So, should you forget that idea? No! Not at all. But you do need to rethink it. You need that niche. You need to find that very special interest that you and just a few would write about.
The fantasy of work and travel with a blog as your income earner is possible. Here’s a good article that will help you understand how to start a travel blog and what to expect.
Visiting a country and backpacking through it is an experience but if you are going to focus your entire website on observations and hints and tricks about backpacking then you better know your stuff and be prepared for some stiff competition.
However, maybe your love is kayaking or cycling. Perhaps it’s botany or ornithology. Now you are drilling down to a niche. If your travel website is about traveling the world on a bicycle, studying the botany of a region or finding the best places to kayak, then you have a market.
Yes, it’s a way smaller readership then the general travel material, but you are eliminating literally thousands of websites that would otherwise pose as competition.
The message here is forget about general travel. Dig deeper and correlate your travel and blog with something you’re passionate about.
Expect to spend a lot of time and effort creating a blog and getting Google rankings that will get you to the first page of search results.
Perhaps you can simply work and travel by creating another type of blog – something that has nothing to do with travel. It could be about boating or fishing – basically anything you’re passionate and know about.
This is an option that is long term. It is said that in order for your pages to get to those top pages of search, even if perfect for user experience and SEO, would be around 35 weeks.
🧭 Start a Travel Blog: Tell Stories, Build a Brand
You’ve got stories, photos, and experiences. Why not turn them into a business?
Creating a travel blog is a dream for many—and while it’s highly competitive, it’s not impossible. The key is niche and authenticity.
💻 Hard Truths:
High competition
It may take months or years to earn
General travel blogs are saturated
✅ How to Make It Work:
Pick a specific niche: cycling adventures, eco-travel, family hiking, etc.
Build high-quality, SEO-rich content
Be consistent and patient with growth
🎯 Blogging isn’t fast cash—but it’s a powerful long-term strategy if done well
✈️ Alternative Ideas to Fund Your Travel Dreams:
Still not sure? Here’s a quick hit list of additional options:
Freelance work (writing, design, coding)
Seasonal work (ski resorts, harvest jobs, tourism hotspots)
House sitting or pet sitting gigs worldwide
Remote jobs or businesses (eCommerce, VA services, consulting)
🔍 The key is creativity, planning, and knowing your strengths
Work and travel dreams aren’t just for the lucky or the brave—they’re for planners, doers, and dreamers like you. Whether you’re floating on a cruise ship, teaching English in Seoul, or writing a blog post from a beach in Bali, the lifestyle is real and achievable.
Yes, it takes effort, discipline, and a few sacrifices. But if freedom, exploration, and a life rich with experience sound like your kind of success… it’s time to pack your bags and get going.
Have you tried working while traveling? Got a dream you’re chasing? Share your experience, ask a question, or tell us what you’d love to do below. Let’s turn work and travel dreams into your next reality!