Hospitality and Tourism Jobs Abroad

Tourism and Hospitality Jobs Abroad Overview

For travelers looking to work abroad in the hospitality and tourism industry, there are several popular job options that allow you to travel as much as you wish while earning a living, even if switching locations and jobs may be necessary. These jobs often can and ideally should provide opportunities for cultural immersion and new travel experiences. Of course, you must follow the varying visa and work permit requirements of host countries or those who may sponsor you.

Here are some of the most popular jobs for travelers in the hospitality and tourism sector:

Travel Blogger/Vlogger, Social Media Influencer or Storyteller: If you have a talent for writing or creating videos, enjoy creating a social media persona, enjoy turning your adventures in the form stories in all forms of media, you can document your travel experiences and monetize your content through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing, just as we progressively cover in articles and resources throughout our site. You can work as a digital nomad or a remote worker to extend your travels, creating your jobs, or freelancing for employers as you wish.

Farm Work or WWOOFing (We cover this in-depth in our Farm Jobs Jobs Abroad page): WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) allows you to work on organic farms in exchange for room and board. It's a great way to experience rural life and learn about sustainable agriculture.

Tour Guide: Working as a tour guide allows you to share your knowledge and passion for a specific destination with teens, adults, and all forms of tourists in all group sizes. For guiding young tourists, or travelers on more risky paths, it is important to have some skills — some a pre-prerequisite, others taught by tour operators. It's a great way to explore a region intimately and interact with travelers from all over the world.

Cruise Ship Jobs: Cruise ship staff positions, such as bartender, server, entertainer, or even ship photographer, provide opportunities to travel to various destinations while working onboard luxurious vessels.

Hotel and Resort Jobs: Many hotels and resorts around the world hire international staff for positions like front desk agent, concierge, bartender, or housekeeping. These jobs often come with accommodation and meals.

Au Pair/Nanny (We cover this in-depth in our Au Pair Jobs Abroad page): Becoming an au pair or nanny allows you to live with a host family while taking care of their children. It's a unique cultural exchange opportunity, and you can find positions in various countries.

English Language Teacher (We cover this in-depth in our Teaching English Abroad page): Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is a popular option for travelers. You can find teaching positions in many countries, especially in Asia and South America. TEFL certification is often required, but it's relatively easy to obtain.

Cultural Exchange Programs: Programs like Work and Travel, Working Holiday, or Camp Counselor opportunities in the United States can provide international travelers with temporary work experiences.

Hostel Worker: Working in a hostel, either as a receptionist, cleaner, or social coordinator, often comes with free accommodation and a chance to meet fellow travelers.

Culinary Jobs: If you have culinary skills, consider working as a chef or cook in foreign kitchens. You can learn about local cuisine while earning a living.

Ski Instructor: If you're an experienced skier, working as a ski instructor at a ski resort during the winter season can be a rewarding way to spend time in mountainous regions.

Dive Instructor: For those with scuba diving certification, becoming a dive instructor in tropical destinations offers the chance to work in a stunning underwater environment.

Event Planner: Event planning jobs in the hospitality sector may involve organizing weddings, conferences, or other events at exotic locations.

Backpacker Hostel Owner/Manager: If you're looking for a long-term commitment, owning or managing a backpacker hostel in a tourist hotspot can be a rewarding venture.

These are just a few examples of the many job opportunities available to travelers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Keep in mind that the availability of these positions can vary by location and season, so research your desired destination and plan accordingly.