Who hasn’t dreamt of jetting off to exotic destinations, all while getting paid to do it? The idea of getting paid to travel the world is no longer just a fantasy. With the right strategies and a bit of hustle, you can turn your wanderlust into a lucrative career. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this guide will provide actionable tips, tricks, and hacks to help you make money while exploring the globe.
1. Become a travel influencer and get paid to explore
Why you should be a travel influencer
One of the best ways to get paid to travel the world is by becoming a travel influencer. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have transformed the travel industry, allowing influencers to share their adventures with a global audience. Brands are willing to pay for exposure, and as a travel influencer, you can capitalize on this demand.
How to get started as a travel influencer
- Pick your niche: Love luxury resorts? Or maybe you’re all about hosting wellness retreats throughout Southeast Asia? Choose a niche that excites you and aligns with your travel style.
- Create killer content: Invest in a decent camera or smartphone to capture high-quality photos and videos. Every post should tell a story — think of it as transporting your followers to that inspiring Parisian café or that hidden beach in Thailand. Great apps such as Canva and CapCut can elevate your visuals and wow your audience.
- Engage like a pro: Build a community by actively responding to comments, hosting live sessions, and sharing behind-the-scenes content. The more you engage, the more loyal your audience becomes.
- Collaborate with brands: Start by partnering with smaller brands and work your way up. For example, you could showcase a travel gear brand by demonstrating how their backpack held up on your trek through the Patagonian wilderness.
Your checklist
- Choose and define your travel niche.
- Set up social media profiles and optimize them with travel-related keywords.
- Start creating and posting high-quality content regularly.
- Engage with your audience to build a loyal following.
- Reach out to brands for potential collaborations.
💡 Read our ultimate step-by-step guide on how to become a travel influencer.
2. Get paid to travel and review hotels
Reviewing hotels as a lifestyle
If you love staying in luxurious hotels or unique accommodations, getting paid to review them is a dream come true. Many hotels and resorts offer free stays, upgrades, or even payment in exchange for honest reviews that they can use for marketing purposes.
How to get started as a hotel reviewer
- Start a review blog or YouTube channel: Focus on reviewing accommodations around the world. Your content should be detailed, with high-quality photos and videos.
- Build relationships with hotels: Reach out to hotels and offer to review their properties in exchange for a free stay or payment. Emphasize the exposure they’ll get through your blog or channel. Start local and work your way up to international chains. The quickest way in is to already have a handful of reviews already sitting in your portfolio before pitching your services. Consider spending time and a bit of money to kickstart your portfolio.
- Use review platforms: Sign up for platforms like TripAdvisor or Booking.com to become a recognized reviewer. As your influence grows, hotels may approach you with offers.
Your checklist
- Start a blog or YouTube channel focused on hotel reviews.
- Create a media kit to pitch to hotels and resorts.
- Build relationships with PR agencies and hotel brands.
- Write honest, detailed reviews with high-quality visuals.
- Share your reviews on social media and review platforms.
3. Become a TourHero and lead group trips for a profit
The exciting world of hosting group trips
Becoming a TourHero is one of the best ways to get paid to travel. As a TourHero, you get to design, organize, and lead group trips to amazing destinations worldwide. Imagine organizing a food tour through the bustling streets of Tokyo or a yoga retreat on the serene beaches of Costa Rica, all while earning money and creating incredible experiences for other people. It’s an incredible way to share your passion for travel with like-minded folks… and it’s a terrific way to network too!
How to get started as a trip host
- Design unique trips: Use your travel expertise to create unique, themed trips. For example, organize a fitness group hike through the Inca Trail or an eco-adventure stay in the heart of the jungles of Tulum.
- Promote your trips: Use social media, your blog, and email lists to promote your trips. Highlight what makes your trips unique, whether it’s exclusive experiences, expert guides, fun workshops, or VIP access. Show potential travelers the epic moments they can expect, like swimming with turtles in the Galápagos or participating in a sacred cacao ceremony in Mexico.
- Have a good time with your group: As a TourHero, it’s all about giving everyone an amazing time on your designer trip. Remember: you are the ultimate hype person for your adventure! Hosting workshops and fun activities for your participants? Personalized attention can ensure a repeat guest!
Your checklist
- Kick off a trip planning session — visit the TourHero website to get started.
- Plan, design, and launch a unique group trip based on your niche. (Don’t worry, our experts will do all the hard work for you!)
- Build a margin for the cost of the trip so you can take home some earnings every time a guest books a spot.
- Promote your trip, get the word out, and get people to book your adventure.
- Engage with potential travelers and answer their questions.
- Lead the trip and make sure it’s an experience everyone raves about.
4. Teach English abroad or online
Share your language skills
Teaching English is a classic way to get paid to travel, especially in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Whether you choose to teach in person or online, this gig offers a steady income while immersing you in new cultures.
How to start teaching
- Get TEFL certified: Most teaching positions require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. It’s your ticket to teaching in places like South Korea or Vietnam.
- Choose your destination: Research countries with a high demand for English teachers. If you prefer the flexibility of online teaching, platforms like VIPKid let you teach students from anywhere in the world.
- Apply for jobs: Use job boards like Dave’s ESL Café or TEFL.com to find teaching positions. For online work, apply through reputable platforms and start teaching students across the globe.
Your checklist
- Obtain your TEFL certification.
- Decide whether you want to teach abroad or online.
- Apply for teaching positions in your chosen destination.
- Prepare for cultural and language differences.
- Use your teaching income to fund your travels and explore your new home.
5. Work as a travel photographer or videographer
Capture the world through your lens and get paid
If you have a passion for photography or videography, you can get paid to travel by capturing stunning visuals from around the world. From shooting weddings in exotic locations to creating content for tourism boards, the opportunities are endless.
How to get started as a travel photographer/videographer
- Build a portfolio: Start by capturing stunning visuals on your trips — whether it’s the vibrant colors of India’s Holi festival or the serene landscapes of New Zealand. Showcase your best work on a professional website.
- Network with brands: Reach out to tourism boards, travel magazines, and adventure brands to offer your services. For example, you might pitch a project to capture the wildlife of Kenya’s Masai Mara.
- Sell your photos: Use platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or 500px to sell your travel photos. You can also offer your services for hire, shooting content for influencers, bloggers, or corporate clients to take you to more places!
Your checklist
- Build a professional portfolio showcasing your travel photography and videography.
- Network with brands, tourism boards, and travel publications.
- Use stock photo platforms to sell your work online.
- Offer photography and videography services for events and projects.
- Continuously hone your skills with workshops and online courses.
6. Become a digital nomad with remote work
Embrace the remote work lifestyle
The rise of remote work means you can now get paid to travel the world without being tied to a single location. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, marketing expert, or web developer, you can take your job on the road and work from anywhere.
How to embrace the digital nomad life
- Find remote jobs: Many job platforms list remote work opportunities that you can match to your skills, including job boards on LinkedIn and Indeed.
- Create a work routine: Establish a routine that allows you to balance work and travel. Seek out co-working spaces in places like Bali, Chiang Mai, or Lisbon to stay productive.
- Leverage your travels: Blog about the digital nomad lifestyle or create a YouTube channel that shares tips on working remotely from different countries. For example, you could create content on the best co-working spaces in Medellín or how to manage time zones while traveling.
Your checklist
- Search for remote work opportunities that align with your skills.
- Establish a work routine that balances productivity and travel.
- Join digital nomad communities to network and share experiences.
- Leverage your travels to create content that resonates with your audience.
- Stay disciplined and manage your time effectively while on the road.
Conclusion: Start making money today
Now that you know how to get paid to travel the world, it’s time to take action. Whether you’re interested in becoming a travel influencer, reviewing hotels, leading group trips as a TourHero, teaching English, being a travel photographer or videographer, or working remotely, there are countless opportunities waiting for you. The key is to choose the path that aligns with your passion.
Start small, experiment with different income streams, and before you know it, you’ll be exploring the world and getting paid for it!
Looking to lead unforgettable group trips and get paid to travel? Learn how becoming a TourHero can open up new adventures and income opportunities while sharing your love for travel with others.
About TourHero
TourHero is a social travel platform that enables you to travel with like-minded people and fall in love with the journey. We work closely with handpicked local operators to ensure every experience curated is unique and exclusive to your travel group. Come with us on epic adventures and create memories that last a lifetime. Get started here!
