Traveling Expos: Best Jobs To Explore The World

There are a variety of jobs that allow you to travel and work expos. The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed people to reconsider how and where they work, with many now seeking more flexible work schedules and travel opportunities. Some jobs that offer travel include:

- Flight attendant

- Cruise line worker

- International tour guide

- Travel photographer

- Construction manager

- Management consultant

- Marketing manager

- Actor

- Pilot

Flight Attendant

A flight attendant's role goes beyond serving snacks and drinks to passengers. They are responsible for ensuring traveller security and providing client assistance, making each voyage an energizing experience. From demonstrating safety procedures to assisting passengers with their needs, flight attendants play a pivotal role in creating unforgettable moments for their customers.

The hiring process for flight attendants varies depending on the airline, but it generally involves submitting an application, participating in interviews, and completing training. Some airlines may also require candidates to pass a background check and drug screening.

The salary for flight attendants in the US is $55,126 per year on average. However, salaries can vary depending on the airline, experience, and other factors.

Cruise Ship Worker

A cruise ship worker's life can be an exciting adventure at sea. From chefs to entertainers, these roles offer a unique opportunity to work and explore beautiful oceanic vistas while interacting with coworkers and guests from diverse cultures. While it can be demanding with long work hours and high customer service expectations, the benefits are plentiful. You'll have the chance to save money, as your room and board are provided by the cruise line, and you'll get to visit amazing destinations during your breaks.

Job Roles

Cruise ships offer a variety of job roles, including:

• Musicians
• Card dealers
• Bartenders and servers
• Deckhands
• Chefs and cooks
• Maintenance technicians
• Yoga instructors
• Schedule directors
• Nurses
• Marine team
• Technical operations team
• Food and beverage operations team
• Housekeeping and laundry team
• Guest services team
• Shore excursions team
• Entertainment team
• Youth team
• Content managers
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Paramedics
• Public health officers
• Gaming team
• Marketing team
• Accounting team
• Technical team

Salary and Benefits

Requirements and Training

While certain roles like bridge/deck and technical positions require post-secondary training at certified marine schools, most other roles do not. Cruise lines generally prefer candidates with 1-2 years of relevant experience in a related role. Additional cruise-specific training through a tourism/hospitality school or an online cruise ship program can also be beneficial.

Application Process

To apply for a job on a cruise ship, it is recommended to have all your documents ready, such as a passport, resume, and references. Applying directly to the cruise line's main offices or through their official hiring partners in your home country is a common approach. Utilizing the services of a Cruise Ship Employment Specialist can also be helpful. Customizing your resume and cover letter for each cruise line and ensuring you use the correct terminology for the position you are applying for are crucial steps.

International Tour Guide

International tour guiding is a dynamic career that allows you to explore and share your passion for travel, culture, and history with diverse groups of tourists from around the world. It is a job that can take you all over the world, offering thrilling experiences and encounters with new cultures.

As an international tour guide, your responsibilities include leading tourist groups to various historic or important locations, landmarks, and sights, and elaborating on the significance of these sites to visitors. You will also need to provide safety information and devices, as well as coordinate with lodging services.

Pros of Being an International Tour Guide

The job offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, cultural immersion, and exciting adventures. You will gain exposure to different cultures, have the chance to network with people from all over the world, and develop valuable skills such as problem-solving and adaptability.

Cons of Being an International Tour Guide

Most tour directors are freelance, which can bring challenges such as needing independent health insurance and struggling to find enough work, especially at the beginning. You will also need to be prepared for irregular working hours, including weekends and holidays, and the job may require you to be away from home for extended periods, causing you to miss important events.

How to Become an International Tour Guide

In most cases, there are no formal qualifications required to become a tour guide. Most training is done on the job under the supervision of an experienced guide. However, voluntary certifications related to a specific country, culture, site, or tourism zone can enhance your employability. For example, the International Tour Management Institute (ITMI) offers a two-week training program in San Francisco, which can lead to well-paid work and valuable industry connections.

Requirements and Qualifications

While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement, a bachelor's degree in tourism, history, cultural studies, or a related field is advantageous. Previous experience as a tour guide, preferably with international tours, is also beneficial. Proficiency in multiple languages is essential, as is excellent communication and storytelling skills, cultural sensitivity, and physical fitness to lead walking tours.

Travel Photographer

Travel photography is a coveted profession that seamlessly blends passion, adventure, and creativity. Travel photographers get to document important facts, immortalize fleeting moments, and preserve the beauty of diverse landscapes, ensuring that the stories of different cultures and places endure.

• Exposure to different cultures: Travel photographers get to interact with locals, gaining an immersive experience of diverse cultures.
• Networking opportunities: Travelling to far-off places allows travel photographers to meet professionals from other countries, opening doors for future collaborations and job offers.
• Personal growth: Navigating through foreign lands hones important skills such as problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Overcoming challenges like language barriers or unfamiliar customs helps build resilience and broadens the mind.
• Adventure and exploration: The job often equates to an adventurous lifestyle, with opportunities to explore uncharted terrains, meet diverse people, and taste exotic cuisines.
• Creativity: Studies suggest that exposure to different cultures can spark creative thinking, leading to more innovative ideas and a more passionate approach to work.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in travel photography, here are some steps to help you get started:

• Determine your interests: Do you want to work exclusively as a travel photographer, or would you prefer a job with a travel component, such as a freelance photographer who specializes in travel photography?
• Build your skills: Invest in courses, workshops, or mentorship programs to hone your photography skills, especially if you're new to the field.
• Create a portfolio: Build a strong portfolio that showcases your best work and highlights your unique style. This will be crucial when approaching potential clients or applying for jobs.
• Network and collaborate: Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to meet potential clients, collaborate with other photographers, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Some relevant events include the International Festival of Photojournalism Visa pour l'Image, Arles International Photo Festival, and the Photography Show.
• Market yourself: Build an online presence through social media, websites, or blogs to showcase your work and attract potential clients. Consider investing in search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your online visibility.
• Never stop learning: The field of photography is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date with new techniques, technologies, and industry trends. Continue to seek out learning opportunities, whether through workshops, online courses, or personal projects.

Travel Agent

Being a travel agent is a great way to earn a living while travelling and working expos. Travel agents are typically employed by travel agencies or large-scale resorts, and their job is to help individuals and businesses plan work and personal travel. They advise clients on travel destinations, create itineraries, and book plane tickets and hotel accommodations.

Skills and Qualifications

To be a successful travel agent, one must possess strong organisational skills and be personable to make connections with clients. Other essential skills include:

• Familiarity with domestic and foreign travel destinations
• Working knowledge of HR functions and planning management
• Time management skills
• Customer service skills
• Ability to work independently
• Communication skills

Salary Expectations

The average salary of a travel agent is $44,953 per year, with the potential to earn an average of $150 in tips per day. Travel agents often have the benefit of working remotely and enjoy perks such as 401(k) matching and paid time off.

Education and Training Requirements

Most travel agencies require a high school diploma, but many employers prefer a more advanced degree in a hospitality, business, or related field. Certifications through The Travel Institute, such as Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE), can also be advantageous.

Experience Requirements

Gaining firsthand experience by visiting destinations is beneficial for travel agents. Proficiency with the global distribution system (GDS) is often requested by agencies. Prior experience in customer service or hospitality can also be valuable.

Frequently asked questions