Exploring Careers: Road Tripping And Earning

There are many jobs that allow you to travel by road, and some careers that even require it. If you're looking for a job that will take you on the road, you might consider becoming a truck driver, travelling technician, or a travel or cruise line nurse. If you're interested in a career that will allow you to work remotely from anywhere, you could become a digital nomad, working as a freelancer or remote worker in fields like software development, web design, graphic design, content writing, social media management, virtual assistance, online teaching, digital marketing, SEO, e-commerce, video editing, translation or interpretation, or customer support.

Sales representative

A sales representative is a job that requires frequent travel, meeting clients, and attending trade shows. It is a great opportunity for those who have excellent communication and negotiation skills and enjoy the perks of travelling.

In addition to an hourly wage, sales representatives often receive travel expenses and a commission on every sale they make. This can lead to a lucrative career in industries like pharmaceutical or advertising, with many transferable skills.

While the life of a travelling sales representative may seem glamorous, it can also be challenging. Frequent travel can impact your health and managing admin, bookings, and meetings can be stressful. Developing an efficient routine and using technology to streamline processes are crucial for success in this role.

Some companies may provide dedicated travel administrators to handle travel arrangements, but often, sales representatives are expected to organise their travel and submit expense claims. Booking in advance and using helpful apps can help save time and money.

Overall, a sales representative role is ideal for those who enjoy travelling and have strong communication and negotiation skills. With the potential for a lucrative career and many transferable skills, it is a great opportunity for those seeking a job that allows them to travel by road.

Marketing manager

Travel Requirements

Salary

Skills and Experience

Benefits

Example Roles

• Travel Marketing Manager, AARP: This role is based in Washington, DC, and requires 15-20% travel. It involves experience in partner/affinity marketing and a master's degree is preferred.
• Marketing Manager - Iberia, Road España: This role is based in Spain and requires a willingness to travel frequently. The role entails developing and implementing local marketing strategies, building the company's brand in the Iberian market, and working closely with sales and marketing teams.
• Marketing Manager (REMOTE), Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, Davidson Hospitality Group: This remote role is based in Mackinac Island, MI, and offers an estimated salary of $76.5K - $96.9K per year. Hospitality marketing experience is preferred.

These examples demonstrate the variety of marketing manager roles that involve travel, whether it's domestic or international, and the potential for remote work opportunities.

Flight attendant

Requirements

There are some universal requirements for flight attendants. These include:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Able to stand for long periods of time
• No visible tattoos or piercings (beyond one earring per earlobe)
• Able to pass criminal background and pre-employment drug tests
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Possession of a valid passport

Some airlines may have additional requirements, such as specific height or weight restrictions, and foreign language skills are often desirable.

Training

Benefits

The role of a flight attendant comes with various benefits, including:

• The ability to travel and explore new places
• Free or discounted flights for family and friends
• No requirement for a college degree
• Opportunities for advancement
• Flexible schedules
• Per diem allowances for meals
• Insurance and retirement plans
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Discounts on travel and hospitality services

Salary

The median annual wage for flight attendants was $68,370 in May 2023, with a national average salary of $55,126.

Bartender

Travelling as a Bartender

Bartending is a great way to fund your travels and see the world. It's a job that's in demand everywhere, and it gives you the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.

Getting Started

Before you set off, it's a good idea to get some experience working in a bar. You could start by bussing tables or waiting tables, and then ask to be trained as a bartender. This experience will make you more hirable, and it's preferable to employers than a bartending school qualification.

Finding Work

When you're on the road, the best places to look for bartending work are hostels and hotels. Go in person and ask to speak to the manager—networking is key. It's also a good idea to canvas the local neighbourhood with your resume.

Working Conditions

Bartending can be hard work. It's a fast-paced job that requires you to be on your feet all day. You'll also be working late nights, so it can be tiring. But, it can also be fun, especially if you're working in a successful bar with a good atmosphere.

Pay

As a bartender, you'll be making minimum wage plus tips. The amount you earn will depend on where you're working and how busy it is. In some places, you may not be taxed on your tips.

Hours

A typical bartending shift is 6-8 hours, but this can vary depending on the country and the type of bar you're working in. In some countries, you can't serve alcohol in the morning, so your shifts will always start after 11 am.

Benefits

As well as giving you the opportunity to travel, bartending will help you develop useful hospitality skills, such as customer service, money handling, and stock management. You'll also get to try out new drinks and learn about drinking cultures around the world.

Downsides

As well as late nights, one of the downsides of bartending is that it can be noisy. You may also have to deal with difficult customers, and it can be stressful.

Bartending is a great way to fund your travels, meet new people, and develop useful skills. It gives you the opportunity to work all over the world and experience different cultures. However, it can be hard work, and it's not always glamorous.

Tour guide

Qualifications and Training:

While a degree is not required, tour guides typically need a high school diploma and may benefit from a degree in a relevant field such as leisure, travel, tourism, or languages. They can also pursue accredited tourist guide training programs to qualify for different types of guiding, such as site guiding, guided walks, or guiding on a moving vehicle.

Skills:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must for tour guides, who should also be fit, energetic, confident, and able to work independently. Problem-solving, adaptability, empathy, and storytelling abilities are also valuable assets. Foreign language skills and a driving license are advantageous.

Job Duties:

Salary:

The national average salary for a tour guide in the US is $39,795 per year, but earnings can be increased by developing storytelling and adaptability skills, gaining experience, and working in regions with popular tourist attractions.

Job Outlook:

The demand for tourist guide services is expected to grow by 29% by 2030, much faster than the average growth rate of other industries.

Types of Tour Guide Jobs:

• Walking tour leader
• Bus city guide
• Museum guide
• Adventure guide
• Campus guide
• Tour manager
• Travel adviser
• Tour operator
• Tour coordinator

Frequently asked questions