travel industry work

Careers in Travel

A comprehensive overview of the dominant career paths in the travel industry..

CareerExplorer is a free career test made for success seekers and the curious minded.

Do you find yourself daydreaming of far away places? For people with a sense of adventure and a love of new experiences, a career in travel can be incredibly rewarding. But with the rise of new technology and a constantly changing economy, jobs in this area look almost nothing like they did just a couple of decades ago.

What does a career in travel look like today? Here, we’ll explore some of the most common professions in this area and how they can help you see the world.

Flight Attendant

Also known as in-flight crew member, cabin crew member, cabin attendant, air host(ess), and airline steward(ess).

Of all the careers in travel, flight attendant is probably one of the most people-focused. These friendly professionals are the face of the airline industry, responsible for ensuring passengers are safe and comfortable for the duration of their flight. You may remember them from the last time you traveled—perhaps more for the drink cart in front of them than for their personality.

But flight attendants do much more than people assume. In addition to providing basic customer service, they also secure the plane during takeoff, landing, and bouts of turbulence, and assist in emergency situations when they occur by leading evacuations, administering first aid, and even doing some firefighting. Maintaining a pleasant disposition is important in this career, but it’s really only the tip of the iceberg.

What are the perks of being a flight attendant?

Many people enter this career because they love to travel. And, for those with wanderlust, that’s probably the best part of the job: flight attendants literally get paid to fly. Airlines provide staff with free accommodation on long haul flights, plus, in most cases, a daily food allowance, so long-haul flights can essentially become mini all-expenses-paid vacations. There may only be a little bit of extra time to explore the destination between landing and takeoff, but it’s still an incredible way to see the world.

Other perks include the downtime. Although the work itself can be intense, it also involves a lot of leisure. On lengthier trips, flight attendants even get to sleep on the job! They also have more control over their schedule than people in more “typical” careers; every few weeks, attendants “bid” on all available flights to decide who flies when and where. Shifts are assigned by seniority, which means that, with enough time and experience, flight attendants can craft their dream schedule.

These perks, plus the fact that it’s possible to get hired right out of high school, makes flight attending an appealing line of work for many.

How much time do flight attendants spend away from home?

A career as a flight attendant isn’t all fun and games. Full-time attendants usually spend between 75 and 100 hours a month in the air, and another 50 hours on the ground, doing paperwork, waiting for planes, and preparing for flights. This can translate to a lot of time away from home, often working long, variable hours.

Perhaps because of the bizarre schedule, about one in four flight attendants work part-time. This option is obviously less lucrative than working full-time, but can make it easier to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle and raise a family.

Flight attendants are paid to see the world…sort of

Not only does flight attending require a lot of time away from home, it also involves a lot of unpaid work. Salaries are completely dependent on the number of hours spent in flight, so flight attendants aren’t compensated for the time they spend boarding, taxiing, or commuting to and from the airport. If a flight gets cancelled or delayed, so does the attendant’s pay.

In the US, the average salary is about $45,000. But depending on the airline, as well as the attendant’s schedule and level of experience, that number can range anywhere between $23,000 and $80,000.

Travel Agent

You’ve probably seen her before in an old movie: a smiling woman in a headset, stationed at her computer against a backdrop of faded tropical posters. But the day-to-day of today’s travel agents looks very different from what it did even ten years ago.

What do travel agents do?

At the most basic level, travel agents help simplify the trip planning process for their clients. They research fares and schedules; book flights, tours, and hotels; and advise clients on how to make the most of their time away. The specifics of their day-to-day vary a lot depending on where and for whom they work. But no matter what their focus, all travel agents share a common goal: customer satisfaction. This is a people-focused profession, committed to ensuring clients have the most pleasant, safe, and rewarding travel experiences possible.

There are two kinds of travel agents…

....each with very different lifestyles:

• Leisure travel agents work primarily with individuals, organizing everything from family vacations to honeymoon getaways. Although some of them work independently, most choose to work under a host agency. These businesses “employ” home-based agents through independent-contractor agreements, offering them services like marketing, training, and technology in exchange for a cut of their commissions.
• Corporate travel agents , on the other hand, primarily work with businesses, booking accommodation and flights for employees attending sales meetings, conferences, and more. Whereas leisure agents often work remotely on their own schedule, those in corporate positions tend to work in offices. It’s a standard 9-to-5 job, or something similar.

How do travel agents make money?

Travel agents earn their income in three ways, through commissions, service fees, and salary. Typically, vendors pay a 10-15% commission whenever an agent books a car rental, hotel, or cruise for a client. They also pay about 20-30% on travel insurance sales, though all of these rates can vary depending on the vendor, the agent, and how the booking was made.

In addition to commissions, some travel agents also charge clients a service fee for the time spent researching and creating their itinerary. These usually range somewhere between $75 and $200, but can be as high as $500 for more complicated trips.

Finally, many agents who work for an employer—either a host agency or a corporate sector company—also earn a salary on top of their commissions, adding a bit of stability to their income.

How much do travel agents make?

Not surprisingly, there’s a lot of variation in how much travel agents make. The average annual wage for US travel agents is just shy of $40,000 , but agents can earn as little as $23,000 or as much as $68,000.

Do travel agents get to travel themselves?

The bulk of a travel agent’s time is usually spent indoors: either at home, if they work remotely, or in an office. Most of their day is spent on the phone or the computer, talking to clients, airlines, hotels, and other vendors or preparing itineraries.

That said, many do spend some time visiting the destinations they promote in order to make better-informed recommendations to their clients. While away, they might visit restaurants, resorts, or hotels, or even try a guided tour.

Plus, many agents are able to use their connections to travel at a discount price. So seeing the world may not always be part of the job—but it definitely can be.

Is travel agent a doomed profession?

Online booking is only getting easier, and travelers are increasingly choosing to organize their own flights and accommodation. Although many travel agents are still running successful businesses, employment opportunities are expected to decrease by 12% in the next 10 years. For the right person, a career in this industry is still possible—but staying afloat will take dedication, adaptability, and a healthy dose of optimism.

People skills, local knowledge, and a sense of adventure—these are just some of the traits that make for a stellar tour guide. For extraverted explorers, a career in this field can be fun, varied, and rewarding.

Do tour guides get paid to explore the world?

At the most basic level, tour guides help travelers make the most of their trip by providing cultural, historical, or environmental information about their local surroundings. Working on foot, bus, bicycle, or even riverboat, they guide their clients through some of the most stunning destinations on earth, offering safety tips, expert knowledge, and helpful advice along the way. From the calm Tuscan countryside to the busy streets of Tokyo, tour guides really can work anywhere.

However, the life of a tour guide isn’t always full of novelty and excitement. While some tour guides do travel on the job, many work primarily in a single destination, showing visitors around a particular city, cultural site, or museum.

What are the different kinds of tour guides?

Tour guides can look dramatically different depending on where they work and what kind of travel experience they offer. Some of the most common tour guide variations include:

• Heritage Guides provide historical, archeological, or architectural information about ancient sites such as tombs, temples, and museums.
• Culture Guides offer knowledge about the lifestyle, religion, or cuisine of the local population. They might focus on one particular city, specialize in certain sites (like vineyards or ancient temples), or cover an entire geographical region.
• Adventure Guides lead clients on active, experience-based tours of the destination. Guides typically focus on one or more sports, such as trekking, skiing, or scuba diving, and have undergone some form of outdoors and first aid training.
• Nature/Eco Guides help visitors enjoy the local wildlife and landscapes, offering tours or safaris of deserts, gardens, forests, and more.
• Special Interest Guides play a similar role as adventure guides, offering targeted experiences such as golf, shopping, or wedding tours.

There are different roles available within each of these areas. Tour guides simply offer commentary about the destinations they visit, whereas tour directors are also responsible for planning the itinerary, coordinating the logistics, and trouble shooting any complications that arise along the way.

Do tour guides actually get paid?

Tour guiding is a fun gig, but not a particularly well-paid one. The average tour guide salary punches in just under $24,000 US , although experienced tour guides earn about $35,000 per year. Of course, this can vary depending on location, specialization, experience, and clientele.

Luckily, it’s also a relatively low-barrier career, usually requiring little more than a drivers license and an eager attitude. You may need to pass a first aid course or some other form of professional training for certain jobs, but you probably won’t be paying off any major student loans.

Travel Blogger

Equally low-barrier and adventurous is the world of travel blogging. Requiring little more than a laptop, a strong internet connection, and an entrepreneurial spirit, this exciting career can open doors all across the globe.

How do travel bloggers make money?

It may not look that way from their websites, but travel bloggers do a lot more than just write and explore. That’s because, like most bloggers , they rarely make money from the posts they produce. Instead, travel bloggers rely on a mix of advertising, sponsored campaigns, freelancing, and affiliate linking to generate income, using their blog primarily as a platform to attract potential partners. Many even sell related products, such as books, travel guides, podcasts, or public speaking services, on the side to make extra cash.

Because of this, the finances of travel blogging can look extremely different from one person to the next. While there are some bloggers who report making as much as $150,000 a year, others are barely able to break even. According to a survey of more than 1000 bloggers, only about 17% are able to sustain their lifestyle on their blog salaries, while more than 80% never make more than $100.

But although it’s a tough industry, it is possible to succeed. By diversifying their income and investing enough time and effort, well-established travel bloggers can make a stable $2,000 to $5,000 a month.

How do I become a travel blogger?

One of the reasons so many travel bloggers fail is because it’s so easy to become one. The real question isn’t “How do I become a travel blogger?” but “How do I become a successful one?”

To get started, aspiring travel bloggers will need a laptop, a working website, a passport, and enough cash to live and travel for at least two years. That’s because building a large enough audience to monetize takes time. Those who don’t have the savings required will likely need to take on additional part-time work while they get started.

Next, most new bloggers dedicate their time to posting lots of high quality, interesting, and useful content. The content itself can be about almost anything—travel tips, photography, hiking recommendations, etc—as long as it’s relatively frequent (one-two times a week) and provides real value to readers. Many bloggers also pitch stories to major media outlets, write guest posts on popular blogs, or invest in digital advertising to gain further attention. But no matter the strategy, the goal for any beginner travel blogger is the same: get readers first, revenue second.

Super Yacht Crew

Celebrity clients, a luxurious lifestyle, months and months on the open ocean: could any career sound dreamier? Jobs on a super yacht may not look quite like they do on Below Deck , but there’s no denying this is a fabulous way to see the world.

What is a super yacht?

Super yachts are massive, luxury boats measuring anywhere from 24 to 100 metres long. Expensive to buy and even more expensive to maintain, they are usually owned by the extremely rich and famous and their families. While some super yachts never make it out of the harbor, others will travel to some of the most exclusive destinations on earth, making them one of the most attractive work settings for those with wanderlust.

What does a super yacht crew do?

No matter what its size, almost every super yacht is manned by a group of skilled professionals: the super yacht crew. These personable and hard-working individuals live on board the vessel during long journeys, assisting with everything from cleaning to navigation.

Roles are varied, and can differ from yacht to yacht, but the most common positions include:

• Captain and First officer
• Mate and Deckhand
• Chief and Junior Steward(ess)
• Chef and Sous Chef
• First and Second Engineer

Some of these positions, like first engineer, are more technical, requiring extensive mechanical or seafaring knowledge. Others, like junior steward, are primarily service based. But no matter what their role, all members of the super yacht crew share a common goal: ensuring their employers and their guests are comfortable and safe for the duration of the voyage.

What’s the best thing about working on a super yacht?

For most people in this profession, the top attraction is the travel. Although real vacations are rare during the yachting season, most captains will try to give staff an occasional day off whenever possible. It may not offer a lot of time for sight seeing, but it does provide an opportunity to explore some of the world’s most exotic destinations—all expenses paid.

Is the super yacht life as glamorous as it sounds?

Many people are attracted to a super yacht career because of the lifestyle involved, but the daily reality of the super yacht crew is a little less glamorous than you’d expect:

• Living Conditions: Crew members live, eat, and work together closely for the duration of the voyage, which can be weeks or even months long. Accommodations are usually small and simple—either solo cabins or shared bunk rooms—and although privacy is possible, it’s usually rare. If you need a lot of alone time, this probably isn’t the career for you.
• Food: Meals aboard are usually prepared by the crew chef, which means they tend to be delicious, extremely high quality, and—best of all—free.
• Schedule: Super yacht crew live and work in the same space for months on end, which can make it difficult to maintain any real separation between work time and down time. Crews tend to be small and the clientele are often demanding, so working 12- to 14-hour shifts isn’t unusual.

Do super yacht jobs pay well?

Depending on the crew member’s experience and the size of the vessel, super yacht crew salaries can vary significantly. But in general, this is a very well-paid line of work—especially relative to other travel careers. Chief stewards can expect to make anywhere from $3000 to $8000 a month, and it’s not uncommon to see salaries as high as $90,000 on larger vessels.

Corporate Travel Careers

Got the travel bug but looking for a something more stable? Don’t fret—there are a plethora of corporate jobs in the travel sector. Providing all of the benefits of more “traditional” work, these exciting options offer a chance to see the world and plan for the future.

What kinds of travel companies offer corporate careers?

Corporate travel careers exist in a wide array of settings, each of which comes with its unique set of opportunities, perks, and drawbacks.

Because of the diversity of options, it can be hard to know where to look for a corporate travel job. But some of the most common work settings include:

• Airlines and airports
• Travel agencies
• Tour organizations
• Tourism offices
• Cruise companies (boat, bus, rail, etc.)
• Hotels, resorts, and hostels

What corporate jobs can I get in the travel industry?

Finding the right travel career isn’t just about deciding where to work; it also involves choosing the right kind of position. Corporate tourism jobs come in all shapes and sizes—too many to cover here—but here’s a quick list of some of the most popular ones:

• Marketing and publicity: From buying ads to writing website content, there are lots of ways to get involved in the promotional side of travel. Tasks might include crafting blog posts to boost an airline’s SEO, pitching news stories to travel magazines about an edgy new adventure tour, or designing an email newsletter to encourage signups for an upcoming cruise.
• Sales: Sales jobs in travel can include everything from cold calling potential customers to encourage tour signups to managing an entire sales department at an airport. Some standard duties in this line of work include creating sales plans, identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), training sales staff, providing customer service, and more.
• Finance: Even train companies need accountants! There are a variety of financial jobs in the travel industry, which can include everything from managing a hostel’s A/R and A/P processes to working as an in-house auditor at a major resort.
• IT: As the travel industry becomes more and more digital, a career in IT can be a lucrative option. Whether it’s building online booking software or creating a new tourism app, there are lots of opportunities for technologically savvy wanderers.

What are the benefits of a corporate travel career?

Although corporate jobs may not be as hands-on as others travel careers, they do offer many of the same perks. Many hotel chains offer discounted (or even free) accommodation to their employees, making it easy to travel on a budget. The same is true for many airlines, tour companies, hostels, and travel agencies. In the right career, you can expect to travel at low cost almost anywhere in the world.

At the same time, corporate careers often come with advantages that other travel jobs can’t provide: excellent benefits, a flexible work schedule, an impressive salary, and a high level of job security. This added stability can make the corporate route an appealing option for travellers with children, mortgages, or other responsibilities at home.

A writer, researcher, and occasional spoon carver, she knows that the "right" career sometimes looks nothing like what you expected.

Careers in Psychology

Unlock the future you.

Say hello to CareerExplorer, the personalized assessment that helps you find your dream career.

• Take the 30-minute free apititude test
• Discover your unique traits along the way
• Get career matches tailored to your personality

How does the travel industry actually work?

You may be new to the travel industry, investigating a career in travel or just trying to research a bit about the industry ahead of your next adventure. There’s a mass of information out there and it can be overwhelming to wrap your head around. Lucky for you, our team of travel experts have been hard at work to give you a bird’s eye view of the travel industry as a whole .

The travel industry has gone through many evolutions with a variety of external factors contributing to who has access to travel, where they are travelling to and what the travel industry looks like overall.

A few important travel industry statistics

Let’s start by setting the scene…the travel industry is HUGE and the numbers certainly prove it .

Source: Statista

A brief history of the travel industry

We are fortunate to live in a globalised world meaning that travel is reasonably accessible. At the press of a button, most people are able to book a flight and jet off to wherever our wallets will take us. 

But, it hasn’t always been so easy. To help you understand how the industry has developed to the point it has today and where it might head in the future, here is a travel industry timeline.

Before the mid 20th century, travel was reserved for the extremely wealthy. It was expensive and it was time-consuming (can you imagine having to travel on a boat for 3 weeks…. or 3 months!). The concept of a ‘travel industry’ had not yet formed; it was more a collection of hotels, restaurants and coachlines who all operated independently from one another.

1950 – 2000

After the Second World War, travel suddenly started to become accessible for many more people due to the development of commercial airlines. Although they were originally still very expensive,  costs started to reduce over the years and more people were able to invest in seeing the world.

The industry grew and grew, and many saw a gap in the market for people wanting to travel but not having the knowledge, or time to organise it themselves – travel agents and tour operators started to establish themselves!

2000 – 2019

The travel industry has undoubtedly boomed, and the way that people travel is almost unrecognisable from the early 20th century. With smartphones, we now have unlimited apps at our fingertips, specifically designed to make every aspect of travel easier. 

For travellers, there are websites and apps to help them plan their travel, help them while travelling and to give them inspiration for their next trip! For travel agents and tour operators, itinerary software has streamlined much of their processes, from itinerary planning to customer relationship management. Now all this technology is amazing, and helps our lives in many ways, but has also resulted in fragmentation of the travel industry with travellers choosing to plan and manage their trips themselves or online increasingly.

 2020 and the future of travel

Due to the pandemic and the pause in travel, both countries and travellers worldwide re-evaluated travel and how it should be conducted. Countries who experienced over-tourism considered ways to encourage more sustainable travel in their destinations . For travellers, Covid triggered them to start thinking about their bucket list destinations and working with travel designers to plan and book them. This resulted in tourism returning with a significant rise in 2022, although the industry is indicating it might be plateauing in 2023/2024 .

How does the industry actually work?

You may be thinking to yourselves, how does travel actually function as an industry . How does it all fit together? You are not alone, it’s a complex industry notorious for its jargon, terminology and abundance of acronyms!

As you can see there are a few key players to remember:

Tourism Boards and Government organisations: Usually run or overseen by local or national governments. These boards set in place regulations for the other players in the industry. They also market countries or cities as tourist destinations for potential travellers

Suppliers/Vendors: Suppliers (or Vendors) are the hotels, the restaurants and the activity providers that travellers eat, stay and partake in on their travels. Travellers may liaise with and purchase from suppliers directly if they are organising their own travels, or communications with suppliers may be managed entirely by a middle-man (AKA, the tour operator, travel agent, travel wholesaler or DMC).

Tour Operators: Tour Operators design itineraries, often tailor made, for their customers, liaising with suppliers to organise and book the travel itinerary (partially or start to finish)

Travel Agents: Travel agents liaise with tour operators to book packages and tours for their clients. As such, tour operators will often focus on a certain destination or market area, whereas travel agents can focus on selling the whole world – with a comprehensive list of suppliers in their books

Destination Management Companies (DMC’s) : Organisations that specialise in offering tours, logistics, and planning services for a particular destination. They often re-sell their services to tour operators

Ground Handlers : A ground handler takes care of some day to day operations and tour management such as picking customers up from the airport and arranging sightseeing tours

Associations and Memberships: These organisations exist to provide support, promotion, and opportunity to other players in the travel industry. All of them operate with a slightly different mission, whether it’s to promote sustainable business practices, celebrate the luxury travel market or to connect travellers with LGBTQ friendly travel businesses

Travellers: Arguably the most important cog in the wheel. Everyone in the tourism industry sets out to meet travellers’ needs – to ensure they keep coming back for more!

The beauty of the travel industry supply chain is how all of these key players work together creating one of the worlds biggest industries.   

 Interested to learn more?

The ultimate A-Z glossary for the Travel industry. Understand the different terms, jargon and acronyms.

For a taste of the luxury end of travel, explore our list of Exclusive luxury travel communities

To discover more about sustainable tourism, download our ebook focusing on how to elevate travel design with sustainability.

Travel designers- meet the influencers you should work with.

Understand the role travel influencers play in the industry and why tour operators should be following, interacting and collaborating with them. Explore eight global travel influencers who are inspiring travellers daily.

Tourism news websites you can trust

In the tourism industry it can be hard to differentiate the reliable travel news sources from the not-so-trustworthy ones. In this blog we summarise the top travel news websites that tour operators, travel agencies and DMC’s should pay attention to.

How to set your team up for success when introducing new software

Making changes happen is hard. Especially when it is something that will create a significant impact on the way you work, like new software. We discover what change management is and how it can assist you, your leaders and your team in creating new processes that will make you more successful in the long run. Is it time for a change?

How can tour operators contribute to sustainable tourism?

Sustainability is a key pillar of tourism, with a growing number of people interested in travelling responsibly and sustainably. We explore the easy ways in which your tour operator business can make a positive change. You can help to encourage economic growth and protect our environment whilst also watching your business flourish… could it get better?

The future of tourism: Bridging the labor gap, enhancing customer experience

As travel resumes and builds momentum, it’s becoming clear that tourism is resilient—there is an enduring desire to travel. Against all odds, international tourism rebounded in 2022: visitor numbers to Europe and the Middle East climbed to around 80 percent of 2019 levels, and the Americas recovered about 65 percent of prepandemic visitors 1 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. —a number made more significant because it was reached without travelers from China, which had the world’s largest outbound travel market before the pandemic. 2 “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Recovery and growth are likely to continue. According to estimates from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach 80 to 95 percent of prepandemic levels depending on the extent of the economic slowdown, travel recovery in Asia–Pacific, and geopolitical tensions, among other factors. 3 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. Similarly, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the 185 countries in which the organization conducts research will have either recovered to prepandemic levels or be within 95 percent of full recovery. 4 “Global travel and tourism catapults into 2023 says WTTC,” World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), April 26, 2023.

Longer-term forecasts also point to optimism for the decade ahead. Travel and tourism GDP is predicted to grow, on average, at 5.8 percent a year between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the growth of the overall economy at an expected 2.7 percent a year. 5 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 , WTTC, August 2022.

So, is it all systems go for travel and tourism? Not really. The industry continues to face a prolonged and widespread labor shortage. After losing 62 million travel and tourism jobs in 2020, labor supply and demand remain out of balance. 6 “WTTC research reveals Travel & Tourism’s slow recovery is hitting jobs and growth worldwide,” World Travel & Tourism Council, October 6, 2021. Today, in the European Union, 11 percent of tourism jobs are likely to go unfilled; in the United States, that figure is 7 percent. 7 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022.

There has been an exodus of tourism staff, particularly from customer-facing roles, to other sectors, and there is no sign that the industry will be able to bring all these people back. 8 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022. Hotels, restaurants, cruises, airports, and airlines face staff shortages that can translate into operational, reputational, and financial difficulties. If unaddressed, these shortages may constrain the industry’s growth trajectory.

The current labor shortage may have its roots in factors related to the nature of work in the industry. Chronic workplace challenges, coupled with the effects of COVID-19, have culminated in an industry struggling to rebuild its workforce. Generally, tourism-related jobs are largely informal, partly due to high seasonality and weak regulation. And conditions such as excessively long working hours, low wages, a high turnover rate, and a lack of social protection tend to be most pronounced in an informal economy. Additionally, shift work, night work, and temporary or part-time employment are common in tourism.

The industry may need to revisit some fundamentals to build a far more sustainable future: either make the industry more attractive to talent (and put conditions in place to retain staff for longer periods) or improve products, services, and processes so that they complement existing staffing needs or solve existing pain points.

One solution could be to build a workforce with the mix of digital and interpersonal skills needed to keep up with travelers’ fast-changing requirements. The industry could make the most of available technology to provide customers with a digitally enhanced experience, resolve staff shortages, and improve working conditions.

Would you like to learn more about our Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice ?

Complementing concierges with chatbots.

The pace of technological change has redefined customer expectations. Technology-driven services are often at customers’ fingertips, with no queues or waiting times. By contrast, the airport and airline disruption widely reported in the press over the summer of 2022 points to customers not receiving this same level of digital innovation when traveling.

Imagine the following travel experience: it’s 2035 and you start your long-awaited honeymoon to a tropical island. A virtual tour operator and a destination travel specialist booked your trip for you; you connected via videoconference to make your plans. Your itinerary was chosen with the support of generative AI , which analyzed your preferences, recommended personalized travel packages, and made real-time adjustments based on your feedback.

Before leaving home, you check in online and QR code your luggage. You travel to the airport by self-driving cab. After dropping off your luggage at the self-service counter, you pass through security and the biometric check. You access the premier lounge with the QR code on the airline’s loyalty card and help yourself to a glass of wine and a sandwich. After your flight, a prebooked, self-driving cab takes you to the resort. No need to check in—that was completed online ahead of time (including picking your room and making sure that the hotel’s virtual concierge arranged for red roses and a bottle of champagne to be delivered).

While your luggage is brought to the room by a baggage robot, your personal digital concierge presents the honeymoon itinerary with all the requested bookings. For the romantic dinner on the first night, you order your food via the restaurant app on the table and settle the bill likewise. So far, you’ve had very little human interaction. But at dinner, the sommelier chats with you in person about the wine. The next day, your sightseeing is made easier by the hotel app and digital guide—and you don’t get lost! With the aid of holographic technology, the virtual tour guide brings historical figures to life and takes your sightseeing experience to a whole new level. Then, as arranged, a local citizen meets you and takes you to their home to enjoy a local family dinner. The trip is seamless, there are no holdups or snags.

This scenario features less human interaction than a traditional trip—but it flows smoothly due to the underlying technology. The human interactions that do take place are authentic, meaningful, and add a special touch to the experience. This may be a far-fetched example, but the essence of the scenario is clear: use technology to ease typical travel pain points such as queues, misunderstandings, or misinformation, and elevate the quality of human interaction.

Travel with less human interaction may be considered a disruptive idea, as many travelers rely on and enjoy the human connection, the “service with a smile.” This will always be the case, but perhaps the time is right to think about bringing a digital experience into the mix. The industry may not need to depend exclusively on human beings to serve its customers. Perhaps the future of travel is physical, but digitally enhanced (and with a smile!).

Digital solutions are on the rise and can help bridge the labor gap

Digital innovation is improving customer experience across multiple industries. Car-sharing apps have overcome service-counter waiting times and endless paperwork that travelers traditionally had to cope with when renting a car. The same applies to time-consuming hotel check-in, check-out, and payment processes that can annoy weary customers. These pain points can be removed. For instance, in China, the Huazhu Hotels Group installed self-check-in kiosks that enable guests to check in or out in under 30 seconds. 9 “Huazhu Group targets lifestyle market opportunities,” ChinaTravelNews, May 27, 2021.

Technology meets hospitality

In 2019, Alibaba opened its FlyZoo Hotel in Huangzhou, described as a “290-room ultra-modern boutique, where technology meets hospitality.” 1 “Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has a hotel run almost entirely by robots that can serve food and fetch toiletries—take a look inside,” Business Insider, October 21, 2019; “FlyZoo Hotel: The hotel of the future or just more technology hype?,” Hotel Technology News, March 2019. The hotel was the first of its kind that instead of relying on traditional check-in and key card processes, allowed guests to manage reservations and make payments entirely from a mobile app, to check-in using self-service kiosks, and enter their rooms using facial-recognition technology.

The hotel is run almost entirely by robots that serve food and fetch toiletries and other sundries as needed. Each guest room has a voice-activated smart assistant to help guests with a variety of tasks, from adjusting the temperature, lights, curtains, and the TV to playing music and answering simple questions about the hotel and surroundings.

The hotel was developed by the company’s online travel platform, Fliggy, in tandem with Alibaba’s AI Labs and Alibaba Cloud technology with the goal of “leveraging cutting-edge tech to help transform the hospitality industry, one that keeps the sector current with the digital era we’re living in,” according to the company.

Adoption of some digitally enhanced services was accelerated during the pandemic in the quest for safer, contactless solutions. During the Winter Olympics in Beijing, a restaurant designed to keep physical contact to a minimum used a track system on the ceiling to deliver meals directly from the kitchen to the table. 10 “This Beijing Winter Games restaurant uses ceiling-based tracks,” Trendhunter, January 26, 2022. Customers around the world have become familiar with restaurants using apps to display menus, take orders, and accept payment, as well as hotels using robots to deliver luggage and room service (see sidebar “Technology meets hospitality”). Similarly, theme parks, cinemas, stadiums, and concert halls are deploying digital solutions such as facial recognition to optimize entrance control. Shanghai Disneyland, for example, offers annual pass holders the option to choose facial recognition to facilitate park entry. 11 “Facial recognition park entry,” Shanghai Disney Resort website.

Automation and digitization can also free up staff from attending to repetitive functions that could be handled more efficiently via an app and instead reserve the human touch for roles where staff can add the most value. For instance, technology can help customer-facing staff to provide a more personalized service. By accessing data analytics, frontline staff can have guests’ details and preferences at their fingertips. A trainee can become an experienced concierge in a short time, with the help of technology.

Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential

According to Skift Research calculations, total revenue generated by guest apps and in-room technology in 2019 was approximately $293 million, including proprietary apps by hotel brands as well as third-party vendors. 1 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. The relatively low market penetration rate of this kind of tech points to around $2.4 billion in untapped revenue potential (exhibit).

Even though guest-facing technology is available—the kind that can facilitate contactless interactions and offer travelers convenience and personalized service—the industry is only beginning to explore its potential. A report by Skift Research shows that the hotel industry, in particular, has not tapped into tech’s potential. Only 11 percent of hotels and 25 percent of hotel rooms worldwide are supported by a hotel app or use in-room technology, and only 3 percent of hotels offer keyless entry. 12 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. Of the five types of technology examined (guest apps and in-room tech; virtual concierge; guest messaging and chatbots; digital check-in and kiosks; and keyless entry), all have relatively low market-penetration rates (see sidebar “Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential”).

While apps, digitization, and new technology may be the answer to offering better customer experience, there is also the possibility that tourism may face competition from technological advances, particularly virtual experiences. Museums, attractions, and historical sites can be made interactive and, in some cases, more lifelike, through AR/VR technology that can enhance the physical travel experience by reconstructing historical places or events.

Up until now, tourism, arguably, was one of a few sectors that could not easily be replaced by tech. It was not possible to replicate the physical experience of traveling to another place. With the emerging metaverse , this might change. Travelers could potentially enjoy an event or experience from their sofa without any logistical snags, and without the commitment to traveling to another country for any length of time. For example, Google offers virtual tours of the Pyramids of Meroë in Sudan via an immersive online experience available in a range of languages. 13 Mariam Khaled Dabboussi, “Step into the Meroë pyramids with Google,” Google, May 17, 2022. And a crypto banking group, The BCB Group, has created a metaverse city that includes representations of some of the most visited destinations in the world, such as the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty. According to BCB, the total cost of flights, transfers, and entry for all these landmarks would come to $7,600—while a virtual trip would cost just over $2. 14 “What impact can the Metaverse have on the travel industry?,” Middle East Economy, July 29, 2022.

The metaverse holds potential for business travel, too—the meeting, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector in particular. Participants could take part in activities in the same immersive space while connecting from anywhere, dramatically reducing travel, venue, catering, and other costs. 15 “ Tourism in the metaverse: Can travel go virtual? ,” McKinsey, May 4, 2023.

The allure and convenience of such digital experiences make offering seamless, customer-centric travel and tourism in the real world all the more pressing.

Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages

Is the future contactless.

Given the advances in technology, and the many digital innovations and applications that already exist, there is potential for businesses across the travel and tourism spectrum to cope with labor shortages while improving customer experience. Process automation and digitization can also add to process efficiency. Taken together, a combination of outsourcing, remote work, and digital solutions can help to retain existing staff and reduce dependency on roles that employers are struggling to fill (exhibit).

Depending on the customer service approach and direct contact need, we estimate that the travel and tourism industry would be able to cope with a structural labor shortage of around 10 to 15 percent in the long run by operating more flexibly and increasing digital and automated efficiency—while offering the remaining staff an improved total work package.

Outsourcing and remote work could also help resolve the labor shortage

While COVID-19 pushed organizations in a wide variety of sectors to embrace remote work, there are many hospitality roles that rely on direct physical services that cannot be performed remotely, such as laundry, cleaning, maintenance, and facility management. If faced with staff shortages, these roles could be outsourced to third-party professional service providers, and existing staff could be reskilled to take up new positions.

In McKinsey’s experience, the total service cost of this type of work in a typical hotel can make up 10 percent of total operating costs. Most often, these roles are not guest facing. A professional and digital-based solution might become an integrated part of a third-party service for hotels looking to outsource this type of work.

One of the lessons learned in the aftermath of COVID-19 is that many tourism employees moved to similar positions in other sectors because they were disillusioned by working conditions in the industry . Specialist multisector companies have been able to shuffle their staff away from tourism to other sectors that offer steady employment or more regular working hours compared with the long hours and seasonal nature of work in tourism.

The remaining travel and tourism staff may be looking for more flexibility or the option to work from home. This can be an effective solution for retaining employees. For example, a travel agent with specific destination expertise could work from home or be consulted on an needs basis.

In instances where remote work or outsourcing is not viable, there are other solutions that the hospitality industry can explore to improve operational effectiveness as well as employee satisfaction. A more agile staffing model  can better match available labor with peaks and troughs in daily, or even hourly, demand. This could involve combining similar roles or cross-training staff so that they can switch roles. Redesigned roles could potentially improve employee satisfaction by empowering staff to explore new career paths within the hotel’s operations. Combined roles build skills across disciplines—for example, supporting a housekeeper to train and become proficient in other maintenance areas, or a front-desk associate to build managerial skills.

Where management or ownership is shared across properties, roles could be staffed to cover a network of sites, rather than individual hotels. By applying a combination of these approaches, hotels could reduce the number of staff hours needed to keep operations running at the same standard. 16 “ Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages ,” McKinsey, April 3, 2023.

Taken together, operational adjustments combined with greater use of technology could provide the tourism industry with a way of overcoming staffing challenges and giving customers the seamless digitally enhanced experiences they expect in other aspects of daily life.

In an industry facing a labor shortage, there are opportunities for tech innovations that can help travel and tourism businesses do more with less, while ensuring that remaining staff are engaged and motivated to stay in the industry. For travelers, this could mean fewer friendly faces, but more meaningful experiences and interactions.

Urs Binggeli is a senior expert in McKinsey’s Zurich office, Zi Chen is a capabilities and insights specialist in the Shanghai office, Steffen Köpke is a capabilities and insights expert in the Düsseldorf office, and Jackey Yu is a partner in the Hong Kong office.

Explore a career with us

99 Exciting jobs in travel and tourism- the ultimate travel job list!

If you are looking for jobs in travel and tourism then you have come to the right place! This article is the the ultimate guide that will teach you all about the different jobs in travel and tourism AND it provides you with relevant resources and links to places where you can find jobs that are being advertised right now!

If you know anything about the travel and tourism industry you will know that it is HUGE! You can read this article if you want to learn more about the structure of the travel and tourism industry and the different areas in which you can work. Because the travel and tourism industry is soooo big, it means that the opportunities are, well… endless! In this article I teach you about a wide range of jobs in travel and tourism- some of these jobs involve physically travelling, some involve living and working overseas and some involve working in travel but not actually travelling.

Note- If you are looking for jobs that allow you to travel specifically (but are not necessarily in the travel and tourism industry), you may find my article on jobs that allow you to travel the world more helpful. You may also be interested in my article explaining where to find jobs in travel and tourism , which has some helpful links for job searching.

What are the different jobs in travel and tourism?

Entertainer (singer, dancer, sports etc), sports instructor (skiing, diving, surfing etc), water sports operator, event planner, event security, theme park operative, resort representative/ holiday rep, events risk manager/ assistant, events sales manager, venue finder, tour operator, travel agent, ticketing agent, business and development manager/ assistant, bureau de change cashier, travel consultant, destination specialist (research and development), souvenir sales person, travel insurance sales person, travel writer, travel blogger, travel vlogger, travel influencer, social media manager, travel journalist, visitor information officer/ manager, travel photographer, holiday brochure producer, train driver, train assistant, driver (taxi, lorry, car), customer/ passenger service agent, ground handling agent, baggage handler, airport security officer, border force agent, flight planner, air traffic controller, flight dispatcher, airfield operator, transport engineer, car hire salesperson, cruise ship doctor/nurse/ paramedic/ healthcare assistant, children’s entertainer/ cabaret/ entertainer, production managers/assistants/ stage crew, food and beverage assistant/ manager/ chef, housekeeping/ cleaner, technical engineer, environmental officer, deck officer, security officer, human resources, computer system specialist, public health officer, marketing- photographer, videographer etc, casino staff/ spa staff/ salon staff, steward/stewardess, retail manager/assistant, housekeeper, nightclub staff/ bar tenders/ cleaners/ dj, casino workers/ cashiers/ operatives, front desk operative, receptionist, food and beverage workers, airbnb host, guest relations manager, tourism consultant, project manager, conservation specialist, tourism economist, tourism researcher, legal consultant, policy analyst, smart tourism developer, corporate social responsibility officer, teacher/ trainer, tourism development officer, human resources assistant/ manager, recruitment manager, marketing assistant/ manager, administrative assistant/ virtual assistant, finance/ account manager, contracting manager, jobs in travel and tourism.

There are so many jobs in travel and tourism- it is the biggest industry in the world after all! When most people think of jobs in travel and tourism they think of working as Cabin Crew, a Holiday Representative or on a cruise ship. And yes, these are popular jobs in travel and tourism, but there are actually many more opportunities as well!

This article provides you with a comprehensive overview of many of the jobs in travel and tourism. As much as I would love to claim that I have included all jobs here, this just isn’t possible because the travel and tourism industry is so big- but please do let me know of any that I might have missed in the comments at the end!

In order to make this article easier to navigate, I have organised the jobs in travel and tourism into 8 main categories, these are:

• Jobs in events activities
• Jobs in ticketing and sales
• Jobs in marketing and promotion
• Transport-based jobs
• Cruise industry jobs
• Hospitality jobs
• Jobs in tourism development
• Back office jobs

Please note that the list of jobs is not exhaustive and that some jobs may fall into more than one of the above categories.

Jobs in travel and tourism- Events and activities

There are many different jobs in travel and tourism that involve events and activities. Here are some of the most common-

There are a range of jobs in travel and tourism in the entertainment sector. Whether you are good at singing, making balloon animals, ballet or trampolining, there are many jobs in travel and tourism that will suit you!

Requirements- Specific skills according to entertainment method (e.g. singing or dancing)

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum

Useful resource- Entertainers Worldwide

If sports is your thing then you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a job in travel and tourism! Sports tourism is a big deal and there are lots of opportunities to teach your chosen sport to others, from running surf lessons in Portugal to offering ski instructing in Japan to yoga teacher training courses in Costa Rica, there are lots of opportunities available.

Requirements- Skilled at your chosen sport, specific training qualifications may be necessary

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum

Useful resource- Indeed

Water sports is very popular at many seaside destinations and there are a range of opportunities for jobs ranging from renting out jet skis, to running speed boat tours to selling tickets for banana boat rides.

Requirements- Customer service and first aid training, ability to swim

Salary range- £12,000-£15,000 per annum

Useful resource- Water Sports Staff

A tour guide is a very popular job in travel and tourism. A tour guide is responsible for running tours of a particular area or attraction. This could range from day tours around Rome to month long tours across multiple countries in Africa. Some tour guides are employed by a travel organisation and other work independently. Recently, many travel bloggers have started to run tours too.

Requirements- Knowledge of the local area, customer service skills

Salary range- £15,000-£40,000 per annum

An event planner is someone who plans events! They will coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events, such as weddings, sporting events, concerts, conferences etc. They often choose meeting locations, arrange transportation, and coordinate many other details.

Requirements- Experience in event planning

Salary range- £22,000-£40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Caterer

There is usually some degree of security that is required at events, especially big events such as football matches or concerts. Typically at such events there will be a whole team of security staff, this might include: general security guards, bodyguards, gatekeepers, crowd control, mobile patrol, and armed guards.

Requirements- Security training

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum depending on position

Useful resource- e4s

Theme parks are big places, meaning that they have lot of jobs in travel and tourism! The most obvious job is operating rides, however there are also lots of other opportunities within a theme park working as an entertainer, food and beverage assistant, ticket sales, cleaning and more.

Requirements- Customer service experience

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum depending on position

Most tour operators will hire Resort Representatives, also known as Holiday Representatives, to represent the holiday company in destination. These representatives will usually have accommodation provided for them in resort and this work is often seasonal (i.e. you will work during winter for a ski resort and during summer for a summer sun resort).

Their main responsibilities are to provide customer service to holiday makers, deal with any problems that might occur, conduct welcome meetings and to sell excursions. There are also Airport Representatives who are responsible for airport transfers and Children’s Representatives who work with children and run children’s clubs and activities.

Requirements- Customer service skills

Salary range- £15,000-£22,000 per annum

Useful resource- TUI Reps Guide

A risk manager is an important job in travel and tourism. A Risk Manager will be responsible for managing the risk to an organisation, its employees, customers, reputation, assets and interests of stakeholders. Their job is to identify and assess threats to an organisation, put plans in place for if things go wrong and decide how to avoid, reduce or transfer risk.

Requirements- Knowledge of risk management

Salary range- £30,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- Prospects

An Events Sales Manager is responsible for sales related to events. This includes: account management, business development, market research, sales prospecting, public relations, customer relationship management, event planning and coordination, logistics oversight, revenue management, and communications. Event Sales Managers also prepare proposals for clients and maintain event records. 

Requirements- Management and events experience

Salary range- £30,000-£45,000 per annum

Finding appropriate venues is a very important part of organising an event! For some large companies they may hire a member of staff specifically for this purpose.

Requirements- Knowledge of events and venues

Salary range- £15,000-£35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Event Job Search

Jobs in travel and tourism- Tickets and sales

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve tickets and sales- in fact, some might argue that selling tickets to attractions, accommodation options, transport etc is at the heart of the travel and tourism industry! Here are some jobs in travel and tourism that fall under this category-

A Tour Operator is a person who comes up with ideas for holidays. Tour Operators will conduct research into this, design the holiday itinerary and content, prepare contracts, organise accommodation and transport and make arrangements for necessary guides, tour leaders or resort reps etc. They will then market the package and sell to travel agents .

Requirements- Knowledge of the travel industry

Salary range- £25,000- £40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Trade Jobs

Being a travel Agent is one of the most popular jobs in travel and tourism. A Travel Agent sells holidays to tourists . This could be from a desk in a high street travel agent, phone the phone in a call centre or from behind a computer for online travel agents.

In recent times we have seen many independent travel agents starting up their own businesses too- these usually work from home and are small businesses.

Requirements- Knowledge of GDS systems and inventories

Salary range- £25,000-£40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Weekly

There are many Ticket Agent jobs in travel and tourism found in different sectors including: rail, airlines, bus companies, cruise lines and tourist attractions . Ticketing agents are responsible for making and confirming travel arrangements for passengers. They are employed by railroads, airlines, bus companies, and cruise lines. Ticketing Agents will typically sell tickets in terminals, plan routes using computers and manuals, and calculate ticket costs.

Salary range- £12,000-£24,000 per annum

Every business needs a person or people behind the scenes who are responsible for business development and growth and whilst you might not see these people very often (because they often work behind the scenes), this is actually one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism! Business Development Managers develop a network of contacts to attract new clients, research new market opportunities and oversee growth projects. They also make sales projections and forecasting revenue, in line with projected income.

Requirements- Knowledge of businesses, preferably a degree or higher level qualifications

Salary range- £40,000+ per annum

Bureau de Change cashiers process cash transactions from customers in national and foreign currencies. They provide information on the conditions and exchange rates for buying and selling foreign currencies, make deposits of money, record all foreign exchange transactions and check for money validity.

Salary range- £12,000-£18,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Trade Recruitment

Consultants (in travel and tourism as well as other industries) are generally there to provide advice and guidance- they are seen an experts in their field. Therefore, Travel Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance on- you guessed it- travel. They will often meet with clients to discuss and learn about their travel requirements and then advise the clients about suitable travel options in accordance with their needs, wants and capabilities.

Requirements- Expert level knowledge in travel and tourism

Salary range- £40,000-£55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Travel Counsellors

A destination specialist is exactly as it sounds- a specialist of a particular destination. This person will be responsible for providing advice and guidance relevant to a particular destination. They will assist the Business Development Manager and may also work closely with Tour Operators and Travel Agents, depending on their specific role.

Requirements- Expert knowledge of a specific destination

Salary range- £40,000- £55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Flight Centre Travel Academy

One of the jobs in travel and tourism that people often forget about is a souvenir sales person. Most of us will purchase some souvenirs on our travels and therefore there is a need for someone to sell these souvenirs.

Souvenir sales people range from independent people who may sell ice creams on the beach, to high street shops to duty-free chains. Some people sell souvenirs online too.

Requirements- sales skills, customer service skills

Salary range- £12,000- £18,000 per annum

Having adequate travel insurance is essential when we travel, and because most people will buy travel insurance, there needs to be lots of sales people to sell it to them! A Travel Insurance Sales Person will often work in an office or from home, making sales from their phone or computer. They will often be paid commission- meaning that the more travel insurance they sell, the more money they earn.

Requirements- Sales skills

Salary range- £15,000- £25,000 plus commission per annum

Jobs in travel and tourism- Marketing and promotion

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that fall within the marketing and promotion category, after all, it’s all good and well creating amazing products and services, but if nobody knows about then then they won’t sell! Here are some of the major jobs in travel and tourism that involve marketing and promotion-

Travel writing is an important job in travel and tourism. Whether you are writing a travel-based novel, an informative blog post, an article for a magasine or a guidebook, there is a big demand for travel writing.

Many travel writers work on a freelance basis, meaning that they are self-employed and they contract their work to various parties such as magasines or websites.

Requirements- Excellent writing skills, experience and qualifications in journalism

Salary range- £15,000- £50,000 per annum

Useful resource- Smart Blogger

Travel blogging has become increasingly popular (and competitive!) and recent years. A travel blogger may have their own blog or they may write for other blogs, or both. Travel blogging isn’t just about writing- it is about developing a brand, maintaining a website, managing social media and promotion, selling things (online courses, merchandise, affiliate products (e.g. cameras, tickets to tourist attraction, hotel bookings) etc). It can take years to grow a travel blog to a point where you can make a reasonable income.

Requirements- Ability to manage your own time, writing skills

Salary range- £0- £100,000 per annum

Useful resource- Wanderlust

A travel vlogger is someone who creates video diaries of their travels, they will often post content on YouTube, although they can also use alternative platforms if they choose to do so. This job requires technical filming equipment and video editing skills. As with blogging, it can take years for a vlogger to build a big enough audience to make money. Money is usually made from paid sponsorships and adverts as well as products sales (e.g. online courses, merchandise, affiliate products (e.g. cameras, tickets to tourist attraction, hotel bookings), Patreon membership etc)

Requirements- Video editing skills, ability to present yourself appropriately on camera

Useful resource- Career Pilot

A Travel Influencer is essentially any person who has ‘influence’. This is usually related to people who have large followings on their social media or websites. Being a Travel Influencer can take a lot of time (it can take years to build a social following) or a person could reach fame overnight when a post goes viral or when they attract the attention of mainstream media or other major Influencers. An Influencer will usually make money by collaborating with brands to promote their products and services- this could be hotels, clothing companies, tourist boards and tourist attractions to name just a few.

Requirements- Some knowledge of social media marketing, ability to develop a brand and willingness to be in the public eye

Useful resource- Unchartered Backpack

There are also ‘behind the scenes’ jobs in the social media scene too- major Influencers and organisations will often hire social media managers and administrative staff to help manage their workload. These roles will involve conducting research into trends, hashtags etc and analysing which posts work well, which times of day are best to post etc. They will be responsible for scheduling social media and responding to comments.

Requirements- Social media expertise, qualifications in marketing

Salary range- £15,000- £35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Digital Marketing Institute

A Travel Journalist is a journalist who focusses their writing on travel-related content. Journalists will usually work for a newspaper, magasine or other media outlets, such as a website or for a TV production company. Their main job is to research and report on a particular issue or subject, this could include interviewing people, looking through data archives and reviewing existing literature. May journalists work on a freelance basis and will write proposals for projects that they would like to work on before being accepted.

Requirements- Journalism qualification, writing and research skills

Salary range- £23,000-£45,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Guardian

All visitors to an area will require some kind of information, whether that is a tourist map, appropriate signage, guidebooks or recommendations. Therefore, it is important that there are staff who can help to provide this information! Tourist information centres are a popular place for tourists to visit and staff who work here will provide information and guidance, conduct research, help tourists to make bookings and act as an ambassador for the local area.

Requirements- Knowledge of the local area

Useful resource- National Careers

Many people do not think of photographers when they think of jobs in travel and tourism, but it is actually a very important and common role! Travel photography is big business- there are jobs for professional photographers to take photos for art purposes as well as for marketing- from Instagram posts through to holiday brochures.

Requirements- Photography skills

Salary range- £18,000- £39,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Wandering Lens

Whilst we get most of our information from the Internet these days, there is still a place for holiday brochure…. and somebody has to produce them! Well, actually there is a whole team of people who work to produce a holiday brochure including graphic designers, copywriters, photographers, researchers and the printing and distribution team.

Requirements- Knowledge of graphic design/ copywriting/ printing

Salary range- £15,000+ per annum depending on specific role

Useful resource- Pitched

Jobs in travel and tourism- Transport

Transport is a fundamental part of the tourism industry, and as such it is no surprise that there are many jobs in travel and tourism that are connected to transport. Here are some of the most common transport-based jobs in travel and tourism-

A Pilot is responsible for the safe operation of an aircraft. He/she will plan the route and communicate with Flight Traffic Control to safely navigate the aircraft from one destination to another. There are different ranks for pilots, most will begin as a First Officer and some will then work towards becoming a Captain.

Training to be a pilot is a barrier for many people as the costs to do so are very expensive (£100,000+). There are no student loans available for such training.

Requirements- Be a fully qualified pilot with current license to fly

Salary range- £40,000-£80,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aviation Job Search

Cabin Crew, also referred to as Flight Attendants, are responsible for the safety of passengers onboard an aircraft. Cabin Crew will undertake intense training on how to deal with accidents and emergencies and will be tested on their knowledge regularly. They are also responsible for providing customer service to passengers and will assist with boarding and disembarkation, serving food and drinks and selling duty-free items.

Requirements- Customer service skills and experience

Salary range- £15,000-£35,000

Useful resource- All Flying Jobs

A Train Driver is responsible for the safe passage of people on the train.

Requirements- Train driving license

Salary range- £40,000-£60,00

A Train Assistant is someone who undertakes general duties onboard a train, including providing customer service to passengers, selling food and drink and dealing with any onboard issues that may arise.

Salary range- £14,000-£18,000 per annum

While some people may not think about drivers when they think about jobs in travel and tourism, drivers are actually very important! From lorry drivers who transport the goods that are used for tourism to taxi and Uber driver, the travel and tourism industry would not function without them!

Requirements- Driving license

Salary range- £12,000-£35,000 per annum

Useful resource- Day Insure

Working as a Ticketing Agent is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism- because there are many tickets that need to be sold! Ticketing agents could be based at the airport, in a travel agency or in an office selling tickets online.

Salary range- £15,000- £25,000 per annum

A Customer Service Agent is another one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism. This is a customer-facing role that involves providing customer service. Customer Service Agents can work in different parts of the travel and tourism industry but this title is most commonly used in the airport as the title used for staff who work in the check in area.

Salary range- £15,000-£25,000 per annum

Useful resource- Menzies Aviation

A Ground Handling Agent is another job title that is used at airports. These are the people who work facilitate the smooth operation of airline services on the ground. Their main responsibilities are to accept, handle, load, unload, transfer, or otherwise processing cargo, passengers or baggage.

Requirements- Customer service experience, organisation skills

Salary range- £18,000- £30,000 per annum

Useful resource- British Airways

A Baggage Handler is responsible for loading and unloading baggage from the aircraft. They will drive vehicles that carry large amounts of baggage and check outgoing baggage against flight lists, transport it, and load it onto the aircraft using lifting equipment.

Requirements- Physical ability to lift heavy luggage

Salary range- £15,000- £22,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aviation Jobs

Airport Security Officers are responsible for making sure that everyone obeys the rules and regulations in relation to security at the airport. This includes checking passengers, baggage and cargo for any potential security threats.  

Requirements- Relevant security training

Useful resource- Heathrow Airport

A Border Force Agent checks that all passengers meet the criteria for entry into the country. They will check passports and travel documents of all passengers arriving into the country, this could be by sea, air or rail . They are also responsible for detecting and intercepting prohibited goods.

Requirements- Relevant Border Force training

Salary range- £22,000- £32,000 per annum

Useful resource- Gov.uk

A Flight Planner is responsible for the strategic planning of fleets, routes and staff for an airline or airport.

Requirements- Experience with airport or airline planning

Salary range- £30,000- £40,000 per annum

Useful resource- Careers in Aerospace

It can be argued that working as an Air Traffic Controller is one of the most stressful jobs in travel and tourism! Members of ATC are responsible for the safe navigation of aircraft in the skies. They are required to use radar, computers, or visual references to monitor and direct the movement of the aircraft in the skies and ground traffic at airports.

Requirements- A degree, Air Traffic Control training

Salary range- £40,000- £100,000 per annum

Useful resource- NATS

A Flight Dispatcher is responsible for making sure that the aircraft is ready for departure. They will undertake a number of checks to ensure that the aircraft is fit to fly and provide the Pilots and Cabin Crew with the relevant information (e.g. weather reports, flight plans, passenger list).

Requirements- Ability to work under pressure, good organisation skills

Salary range- £20,000- £35,000 per annum

A Loadmaster is required to plan how items and people should be loaded into the aircraft. This includes mathematically planning the correct placement of both cargo and passengers whilst also ensuring passenger comfort and safety and securing cargo.

Requirements- Relevant training, mathematical skills

Salary range- £25,000- £38,000 per annum

An Airfield Operator is responsible for ensuring the safe take off and landing of aircraft, maintaining navigational aids, performing inspections and communicating with air traffic control.

Requirements- Aviation experience and knowledge

Useful resource- AOPA

A Transport Engineer will undertake any relevant maintenance and repair work on the mode of transport. This include motor vehicles, trains, ships, boats and aircraft.

Requirements- Engineer training and qualifications

Salary range- £35,000- £50,000 per annum

Useful resource- Transport Engineer

Car hire is big business and there are a number of positions for jobs in travel and tourism in this sector. This includes Car Hire Salespersons, Car Hire Managers and the relevant administration positions that are connected with the car hire business.

Requirements- Sales training

Useful resource- Enterprise

Jobs in travel and tourism- Cruise industry jobs

Cruise tourism is BIG business and it is no wonder that there are so many jobs in travel and tourism that are based in the cruise sector. There are thousands of cruises that travel around the world each year, each with their own style and types of passengers. Some cruise ships are as big as small cities, with everything onboard from restaurants and bars and swimming pools to theme park rides, casinos and beauty salons. Because of this, there are a job of jobs in travel and tourism that fall within the cruise sector.

If you are looking for cruise ship jobs that are being advertised now, I recommend visiting the All Cruise Jobs website .

Here are some of the main jobs in the cruise sector-

If anybody needs medical attention onboard a cruise ship, there will be a team of medical professionals ready to help. This includes doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and paramedics.

Requirements- You will need to be trained in these roles before you apply for a job on a cruise ship.

Salary range- £12000+ per annum

Useful resource- Cruise ship medicine

The Pursers department is the centre of hotel operations onboard a cruise ship. This involves a variety of roles and management of hotel accounts, shore excursions, and shipboard personnel operations such as the Crew Office. This is usually a customer-facing role that involves providing high levels of customer service guests, assisting with account inquires, resolving customer service issues, and answering telephone calls.

Requirements- Managerial experience or training, experience of working on a cruise ship

Salary range- £35,000- £60,000 per annum

Useful resource- Cruise ship jobs

There are a range of jobs in travel and tourism that fall under the entertainment category. On a cruise ship there are positions in children’s entertainment, taking part in cabaret activities (e.g. singers, dancers, actors) and other general entertainment such as comedy shows or magicians.

Requirements- experience in the entertainment industry

Useful resource- Entertainers Worldwide Jobs

These are the people who are involved in the behing-the-scenes side of entertainment onboard a cruise ship. The Production Manager will coordinate productions and members of their team will have a range of specific tasks relating to the smooth running of the entertainment onboard the cruise ship.

Requirements- Experience in entertainment production

Useful resource- All Cruise Jobs

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve working with food and beverages in the cruise sector and other areas too. This ranges from bar staff, waiters and glass collectors to managers and chefs.

Requirements- customer service experience, chef experience/training

Useful resource- Cruise Ship Job

Housekeeping and cleaning is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism and is found in every sector, including cruise! There will usually be a team and some members of the team will hold leadership responsibilities.

Requirements- none

Technical engineers are responsible for the efficient and cost-effective operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment onboard the cruise ship. This covers a wide range of areas including power generation and propulsion; heating and air conditioning; and deck, hotel, and entertainment support systems.

Requirements- Technical training

Salary range- £25,000+ per annum

The Environmental Officer is responsible for ensuring that the procedures concerning the environmental aspects of the ship and pest control are implemented correctly. They are also involved with environmental audits and monitoring the proper management of chemicals on board.

Requirements- Environmental management training/ qualifications

Salary range- £30,000+ per annum

Useful resource- P&O Cruises Environmental Overview

The primary responsibilities of the Deck Officer is to ensure the safe navigation of the cruise ship. They will also be responsible for health and safety and security aspects of the ship’s operations, including guests, officers, crew and staff members.

The head of the department is the Captain, the highest ranking person aboard. This is then followed by 1st, 2nd, 3rd Officers; Safety Officer; Security Officer; Deck Cadet and Deck Ratings – Boatswain/Bosun, Carpenter, Able Seaman Unlimited, Ordinary Seaman Entry Level and Deckhand.

Requirements- Relevant training/ qualifications and experience

Safety and security is another important area of jobs in travel and tourism. Onboard a cruise ship there are a number of jobs that focus on the safety and security of passengers onboard, such as Security Officer, Security Guard and Surveillance Officer.

Requirements- Relevant training and experience

Salary range- £15,000 + per annum

Many people forget about the essential jobs that are required on a cruise ship! If a pipe leaks or a toilet gets blocked, a plumber is in need!

Requirements- Plumbing training and qualifications

The onboard Human Resources team works in conjunction with the shoreside Employee Relations team to implement and uphold all HR policies and initiatives. Responsibilities of HR staff include overseeing Crew Welfare, creating an effective work environment and supporting shipboard and shoreside management teams.

Requirements- HR training and qualifications

The IT Officer is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and support of onboard computer systems, mobile devices, physical and virtual servers, networks, point-of-sale terminals, network equipment, and peripherals.

Requirements- IT training and experience

Salary range- £20,000+ per annum

Useful resource- All Cruise jobs

The Computer System Specialist is responsible for all onboard computer systems. This includes installing and configuring new PC system hardware, upgrading existing hardware, and supporting mobile devices. The Computer System Specialist works closely with the IT Officer to ensure all onboard systems perform at optimum levels.

Requirements- Customer service skills, IT/computer skills

Useful resource- Princess Cruise Jobs

A Public Health Officer will monitor shipboard public health and infection control procedures. They ensure compliance and implementation of procedures associated with communicable diseases, illnesses and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic- this has become a very important job in travel and tourism over the past couple of years!

Requirements- Relevant public health qualifications and experience

Salary range- £35,000+ per annum

Every cruise ship will have a marketing department. Within this department there are a range of roles ranging from general marketing managers to photographers and videographers.

Requirements- Training and qualifications in marketing/ photography and videography skills and experience

There are a range of hospitality-based staff that can be found onboard a cruise ship too. This includes people who work in the casino (e.g. money change, game assistants etc), and staff who work in a spa or salon (e.g. masseuses, hairdressers, beauty technicians).

Requirements- Relevant skills and qualifications for the post (e.g. hairdressing qualification)

The Deckhand is responsible for maintenance/cleaning of the interior/exterior of the cruise ship. The deckhand will also assist with bridge watch/navigation, perform hourly security patrols including nightly engine room inspections, and will assist with general boat operations.

Requirements- Mechanical skills

Cabin stewards/ stewardesses are responsible for keeping passengers’ cabins clean and tidy. Duties include vacuuming, changing sheets, washing windows, cleaning bathrooms etc.

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that involve retail. Onboard a cruise ship there will be a range of shops that will need staff- from retail assistants to retail managers.

Requirements- retail experience, good customer service skills

Jobs in travel and tourism- Hospitality

Whilst the hospitality industry is an industry in itself, many of the jobs that are classified as being hospitality can also be in the travel and tourism industry- tourists need to eat, sleep and be entertained after all! So here are some of the major jobs in travel and tourism that come under the hospitality umbrella-

Housekeepers are responsible for cleaning and reporting any safety hazards to the person in charge. They will undertake duties such as hoovering, polishing, emptying bins, changing bed sheets etc.

Requirements- None

Salary range- £12,000- £15,000 per annum

There are several jobs in travel and tourism that are related to the nightlife scene- this includes DJs, Bar Staff, Glass Collectors, Cleaners, General Manager etc. All of these members of staff will have their own individual responsibilities.

Salary range- £12,00+ per annum depending on experience

Casinos are popular places for tourists to visit, especially in destinations such as Las Vegas or Monaco. There are a number of jobs that workers can do within a casino, including people who help to run and operate the games/machines, security guards, customer service representatives, cashiers and cleaners.

Salary range- £12,000+ per annum depending on experience

A Front Desk Operative is a person who is the first point of contact for all customers of a business. Their responsibilities will general include greeting and welcoming guests, receiving and delivering all incoming and outgoing mail and packages, answering all calls and directing as needed, scheduling meetings, and coordinating office activities.

A Receptionist is usually the first person that you will meet when entering a business, for example a hotel. Their main responsibilities include greeting visitors, answering telephones, taking messages, scheduling appointments, filing and maintaining documents, providing information to various people, making travel arrangements, running errands and performing various administrative tasks.

Salary range- £15,000- £20,000 per annum

If you are working in food and beverage, you have one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism…. because we all need to eat! There are plenty of jobs related to food and drink, from Waiters and Bar Staff to Chefs and General Managers.

Requirements- Customer service skills, specialist skills e.g. culinary

Airbnb isn’t just a place for tourists to stay, it is a travel and tourism business for property owners! Many people have bought properties in recent years with the intention of renting them out to tourists for a profit. This can be a great way to make money and to run your own business. There are also jobs in cleaning Airbnb properties, managing Airbnb properties and marketing Airbnb properties. There are also a range of alternatives to Airbnb that work on the same or similar business models.

Requirements- Must have the initial capital to purchase a property

Salary range- Varies depending on how many Airbnb properties you have and where they are located

Useful resource- Airbnb

A Chef is in charge of organising and preparing food in the kitchen. This includes studying recipes, setting up menus and preparing dishes.

Requirements- Culinary skills

Salary range- £18,000+ per annum depending on quality of the restaurant

Useful resource- Chef jobs

A Guest Relations Manager is responsible for facilitating open lines of communication between staff and guests. They will oversee other team members including receptionists, concierges, housekeepers, and wait staff.

Requirements- Managerial experience and training

A Concierge is a person who works for a building or hotel undertaking receptionist duties and assisting guests with checking in and moving luggage etc. They will also provide information and deal with guest queries.

Jobs in travel and tourism- Tourism development

There are many jobs in travel and tourism that focus on tourism development. Tourism development is very important- we need to make sure that tourism is planned in a way that will make money for local businesses, whilst not having a negative impact on the environment, economy and society. Jobs in travel and tourism in this sector will usually play a key role in ensuring sustainable tourism .

A Tourism Consultant is a person who will provide expert guidance and advice. they are very knowledgeable in their field and can command high salaries as a result. Tourism Consultants may work for Governments or for specific organisations.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in the relevant field

Useful resource- Acorn Tourism

Many jobs in travel and tourism are related to various projects, and each project will require a manager! This could be managing the opening of a new restaurant, managing team training and development or managing the development of a new resort to give a few examples.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in specific field, management experience

Conservation is one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism, this is because if we do not protect the things that we are going to see (the beach, the mountain, the animals etc) then there will be no tourism in that destination in the future! Conservation Specialists will have expert knowledge in the environmental impacts of tourism and will usually have a specific focus e.g. turtle conservation or sloth rehabilitation.

Requirements- Expert knowledge of conservation, degree or higher

Salary range- £35,000- £50,000 per annnum

Useful resource- Responsible Travel

Every industry needs economists, and travel and tourism is no different! The duties of a Tourism Economist is varied, but some common tasks include researching economic issues related to the tourism industry; conducting surveys and collecting data; analysing data using mathematical models, statistical techniques, and software; presenting research results in reports, tables, and charts; interpreting and forecasting market trends and advising businesses and governments.

Requirements- Expert in economics, degree or above

Salary range- £40,000- £80,000 per annum

Useful resource- Economist

Conducting research is another one of the most important jobs in travel and tourism that often goes unnoticed. In order to make sure that the tourism industry is built on a strong platform and that it will be sustainable, it is imperative that Researchers are employed. Tourism Researchers may focus on specific niches or they may conduct more general research. Some Researchers will work in the field and other may work in academia.

Requirements- Excellent research skills, higher level degree or PhD

Salary range- £35,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- TTRA

There is also the need for Legal Consultants and representatives in travel and tourism in just the same way that these are needed in any other industry. This will include consultancy roles as well as legal professions such as lawyers and solicitors.

Requirements- Legal training and qualifications

Salary range- £40,000- £60,000 per annum

Useful resource- The Lawyer

There is also the need to have staff who specialise in policy. Travel and tourism businesses have to abide by policies and laws of the destinations in which they are located as well as the destinations in which they operate (e.g. a hotel business may be based in the UK but have hotels all over Europe).

Requirements- Expert in policy. Degree or above.

Useful resource- The Johnson Group

As I explain in my article about the biggest jobs in travel and tourism in 2022 and beyond , smart tourism is an integral part of our tourism industry and it is set to grow. Smart tourism is when we use technology to enhance productivity and to enhance the tourist experience. If technology is your thing, then this job in travel and tourism is set to boom in the coming years!

Requirements- Skilled in IT and technology, degree

Salary range- £25,000- £45,000 per annum

Useful resource- Tourism Teacher

A Corporate Social Responsibility Officer is responsible for planning and implementing business strategy. This may often has a specific focus on social responsibility- the concept that a business has a responsibility to do good. It could involve putting together and implementing practices such as environmental impact reports, liaising with and working with members of the local community and developing an overall responsible business.

Requirements- Knowledge of CSR, business degree or equivalent

Useful resource- Guardian

We all need to learn! Therefore Teachers and Trainers are some of the most important jobs in travel and tourism! This could include a classroom Teacher or Lecturer who teaches students about sustainable tourism management or somebody who provides practical workplace training, such as a Cabin Crew trainer.

Requirements- Teaching/ training qualification

A Tourism Development Officer if responsible for ensuring that tourism development takes place in an appropriate way. They will review relevant policy and regulation, ensure the correct documentation and procedures are followed and plan for the most appropriate way to develop tourism provision in a given area.

Requirements- Expert knowledge in tourism development, a degree

Useful resource- UNWTO

Jobs in travel and tourism- Back office jobs

Last but not least, we must not forget about the behind-the-scenes jobs in travel and tourism! Here are some of the most common-

Members of the Human Resources team are responsible for the daily administrative and HR duties of an organisation. They assist with recruitment and record maintenance for payroll processing as well as provide clerical support to all employees.

Requirements- Administrative Capabilities

Whilst recruitment may be undertaken by the HR team in smaller organisations, many large travel and tourism organisations will employ staff members to work specifically with recruitment, for example airlines. A Recruitment Manager will oversee all of the recruitment process, contracts and onboarding process for new staff.

Requirements- Managerial experience

Salary range- £35,000- £55,000 per annum

Useful resource- Aero Professional

As I mentioned earlier in this article, marketing is big business in travel and tourism and there are many jobs in this field. Many people will start off as a Marketing Assistant, preparing and managing marketing material and conducting analysis on marketing campaigns, and they will progress on to become a Marketing Manager.

Requirements- Marketing experience/ degree

Salary range- £18,000+ per annum depending on position

There are many administrative jobs in travel and tourism. These have traditionally been office-based jobs, whereby staff will undertake various tasks such as taking notes, recording information, completing spreadsheets etc. However, recent years have seen a number of administrative positions that are undertaken remotely arise, often referred as as a Virtual Assistant.

Requirements- Ability to conduct administrative tasks

Useful resource- Upwork

All business have books that they need to manage and many businesses will hire staff especially to do that. Finance or Account Managers are responsible for monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring that all finances are adequately recorded. They will also undertake/facilitate annual tax returns and any other relevant documentation.

Requirements- Financial knowledge/ qualifications

It is inevitable that travel and tourism businesses will have to create and sign relevant contracts and it some cases it is necessary to employ a Contracts Manager to do this. They are responsible for administering and managing contracts and ensuring that contracts move quickly and smoothly from creation to negotiation to execution.

Requirements- Contracting knowledge

Now that you have seen all of the jobs in travel and tourism that are available to you, it’s time to brush up on your subject knowledge and employability skills! Here are some articles that you may find helpful-

• Where to find a job in travel and tourism
• 10 jobs in travel and tourism that will BOOM in the coming years
• Digital nomad jobs- A complete list
• How to earn £30,000 per month as an influencer

• Contact  

• Work, Study + Play Whitsundays
• Flight Centre Travel Consultant Program
• Tourism Pathway
• Our Partners
• Student Support
• Events & Student Life
• Career Success Stories
• How to get a Job

Blog  

Contact 

The 12 Most Popular Travel Industry Careers

by Ashden Walker on 21-Aug-2017 06:00:00

Being a travel agent isn't your only career option when looking to change into the travel industry.

There are loads more career paths out there for you to choose! From managing a travel agency to writing about your travel experiences; we've got the 12 most popular travel industry roles (in no particular order), starting with...

1. A Flight Attendant

Also know as cabin crew, stewards, air hosts or cabin attendants. Employed by airlines as part of the aircrew to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers onboard commercial flights.

2. Airport Check-In Officer

Airlines employ check-in officers to assist passengers. They organise the boarding pass, check baggage and select or confirm the seating on the aircraft.

3. Wholesale Consultant

A wholesale consultant is the middle man between travel agents and wholesale providers, like Infinity Holidays. When a customer enters a retail store, they may ask the travel agent for a unique holiday package that does not exist. A wholesale consultant is then responsible for creating this unique holiday package and sending it back to the travel agent, who then shares it with the client and books it in!

4. Cruise Consultant

A cruise consultant is known to be a specialist when it comes to cruising. They help book dream cruising holidays for the everyday cruise travel-lover.

5. Ticketing Agent

A Ticketing Agent is someone with high attention to detail. They are responsible for manually issuing tickets and making ticket reservations between airlines and travel agencies.  

6. Training

Trainers in the travel industry have a wealth of previous industry experience —  they need to know the ins-and-outs of all aspects of the travel industry before they can teach the ins-and-outs!

7. Recruitment

Working in recruitment within the travel industry means that you are a specialist in recruiting candidates for roles within the industry; like some of these! The selection criteria will be different to other industries.

8. Travel Agent

A travel agent, or what we call a travel consultant, assists clients by making travel arrangements for business or holiday purposes. Read this blog to see what a day in the life of a travel agent entails...

9. Team Leaders

Head up a team of travel agents in a Team Leader role for a travel agency. A Team Leader is required to drive the performance and ensure their employees are meeting their KPIs for business success. Without Team Leaders, travel agencies would not be as successful!

10. Tour Guide

A tour guide is a clients best friend. They help make their travel dreams a reality by exploring iconic landmarks, telling the history of different destinations and introducing them to new cultures.

11. Travel Writer

A career as a travel writer is exactly as you see it; you travel and you write. Write about the places you have visited and the experiences you have had while travelling and publish your work on blogs or sell your pieces to different publications.

12. Travel Blogger 

Similar to a travel writer, a travel blogger travels and writes, but only publishes their work on blogs. 

So now you've seen the 12 most popular travel career options! Which one will you choose?

• Travel Inspiration (75)
• Student Stories (68)
• travel careers (66)
• Career Advice (53)
• travel industry jobs (52)
• Study Advice (37)
• Our Courses (35)
• travel jobs (24)
• Travel News (15)
• online learning (14)
• Advice (13)
• job preparation (13)
• Travel Hacks (12)
• Guest Bloggers (8)
• Meet the Trainers (8)
• bachelor (8)
• diploma (8)
• resumes (8)
• travel blog (8)
• Flight Centre (7)
• Culture (6)
• Leisure Travel & Retail (6)
• job interview (6)
• #jobprep (3)
• Airlines (3)
• Meet the Team (3)
• Career Progression (2)
• grooming (2)
• Testimonials (1)
• Travel Consultant Program (1)
• career change (1)
• hospitality jobs (1)
• June 2024 (1)
• May 2024 (2)
• February 2024 (2)
• December 2023 (1)
• November 2023 (1)
• August 2023 (3)
• June 2023 (1)
• May 2023 (1)
• April 2023 (1)
• January 2023 (1)
• November 2022 (1)
• September 2022 (1)
• June 2022 (1)
• February 2022 (1)
• December 2021 (1)
• September 2021 (1)
• July 2021 (1)
• June 2021 (2)
• May 2021 (1)
• April 2021 (1)
• February 2021 (2)
• December 2020 (4)
• November 2020 (4)
• October 2020 (2)
• September 2020 (1)
• August 2020 (2)
• January 2020 (1)
• December 2019 (1)
• November 2019 (1)
• October 2019 (1)
• June 2019 (1)
• May 2019 (2)
• April 2019 (1)
• March 2019 (1)
• February 2019 (1)
• January 2019 (2)
• December 2018 (3)
• November 2018 (4)
• October 2018 (2)
• September 2018 (4)
• August 2018 (6)
• July 2018 (3)
• June 2018 (1)
• May 2018 (3)
• April 2018 (3)
• March 2018 (4)
• February 2018 (4)
• January 2018 (3)
• December 2017 (1)
• November 2017 (4)
• October 2017 (6)
• September 2017 (5)
• August 2017 (4)
• July 2017 (6)
• June 2017 (4)
• May 2017 (6)
• April 2017 (4)
• March 2017 (4)
• February 2017 (4)
• January 2017 (3)
• December 2016 (5)
• November 2016 (4)
• October 2016 (5)
• September 2016 (4)
• August 2016 (5)
• July 2016 (6)
• June 2016 (4)
• May 2016 (4)
• April 2016 (3)
• March 2016 (4)
• February 2016 (4)
• January 2016 (3)
• December 2015 (4)
• November 2015 (3)
• October 2015 (1)
• September 2015 (3)
• March 2015 (4)
• February 2015 (1)
• January 2015 (2)
• October 2014 (4)
• September 2014 (2)

Subscribe by email

10 Best Jobs That Allow You to Travel

These best travel jobs allow you to build a fulfilling career while traveling domestically or internationally.

Getty Images |

Satisfy your wanderlust with these travel jobs.

Getting a 9-to-5 job doesn't mean you have to put your dream of traveling the world on hold. Many professions nowadays not only provide financial stability but offer the exciting perk of frequent travel. Let's explore some of the best jobs that allow you to build a fulfilling career while satiating your wanderlust.

We've taken the top travel jobs from the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs rankings. These jobs are described by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as having a travel component.

10. Cartographer

Median salary: $71,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Cartographers collect data to create detailed geographic maps. They use advanced tools like geographic information systems, or GIS, for spatial analysis, ensuring accuracy in representing terrain, features and other information. Although cartographers spend much of their time in offices, specific jobs may require extensive travel to locations that are being mapped.

Learn more about cartographers .

(Caiaimage | Paul Bradbury

9. Public Relations Specialist

Median salary: $67,440 Expected job growth by 2032: 6%

Public relations specialists' main job is to generate positive publicity for their clients and help them maintain a good reputation. They can work in various industries, including corporate, government, nonprofit or agency settings. As a public relations specialist, you may travel often to engage with the media, attend events and build relationships with stakeholders.

Learn more about public relations specialists .

8. Construction Manager

Median salary: $101,480 Expected job growth by 2032: 5%

Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, collaborating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure projects adhere to budgets, timelines and quality standards. Since construction managers often manage several projects simultaneously, they may need to frequently travel among sites.

Learn more about construction managers .

7. Sports Coach

Median salary: $44,890 Expected job growth by 2032: 9%

Sports coaches help athletes develop to their full potential and reach maximum performance. The travel frequency for sports coaches, especially in major leagues like the NFL and NBA, is high. These coaches often accompany their teams to away games in different states, which means they spend lots of time on the road.

Learn more about sports coaches .

6. Flight Attendant

Median salary: $63,760 Expected job growth by 2032: 11%

Flight attendants travel wherever an aircraft goes, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. They also communicate with pilots regarding flight details and cabin conditions.

Flight attendants' travel frequency depends on factors such as their seniority and the airline's scheduling policies. Junior flight attendants often have less control over their schedules and may work more weekends and holidays.

Learn more about flight attendants .

(Getty Images) |

5. Sales Manager

Median salary: $130,600 Expected job growth by 2032: 4%

Sales managers are responsible for directing an organization’s sales team. Some of their duties may include setting sales goals, analyzing data, developing training programs for sales representative and addressing any changes necessary to meet customer needs. Depending on the company, sales managers may have to travel to national, regional or local offices and attend in-person customer meetings.

Learn more about sales managers .

4. Operations Research Analyst

Median salary: $85,720 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Operations research analysts use advanced techniques, such as data mining and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help organizations operate more efficiently. They help businesses solve a wide range of problems, including supply chain optimization, production planning and inventory management.

Although operations research analysts typically spend their time in offices, they may travel occasionally to meet with clients.

Learn more about operations research analysts .

3. Management Analyst

Median salary: $95,290 Expected job growth by 2032: 10%

Management analysts, also known as management consultants, are experts who specialize in helping companies improve efficiency and increase profits. How often management analysts travel depends on the company they work for and their current projects. However, those who pursue a career in management consulting can expect to travel quite frequently to meet with clients.

Learn more about management analysts .

2. Marketing Manager

Median salary: $140,040 Expected job growth by 2032: 7%

Marketing managers gauge the demand for a product and help develop a marketing strategy that fits. Depending on their company’s needs, marketing managers may travel throughout the country or worldwide to meet with clients and attend conferences.

Learn more about marketing managers .

Median salary: $113,990 Expected job growth by 2032: 23%

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks using mathematical and statistical models. They often work in industries such as insurance, finance and retirement planning, determining the likelihood of events and their financial impacts.

Travel frequency for actuaries varies depending on the employer and their specific job role, but some may travel occasionally to attend meetings or meet with clients.

Learn more about actuaries .

RECOMMENDED

You May Also Like

What not to say in an interview.

Robin Madell Aug. 14, 2024

How Much Will Salaries Increase in 2025?

Jamela Adam Aug. 13, 2024

How to Answer 'Tell Me About Yourself'

Jamela Adam Aug. 9, 2024

Is Job Hopping a Good Idea?

Robin Madell July 31, 2024

What to Know About Your First Job

Jamela Adam July 26, 2024

6 Best Jobs Working Outside

Jamela Adam July 24, 2024

How to Be More Assertive at Work

Jamela Adam July 19, 2024

7 Benefits of Working From Home

Robin Madell July 16, 2024

How to Quit a Job You Just Started

Jamela Adam and Robin Reshwan July 15, 2024

20 Best Questions to Ask an Interviewer

Geoff Williams July 12, 2024

Write a Goodbye Email to Co-Workers

Hallie Crawford July 10, 2024

3 Ways to Use AI to Find Your Next Job

Hallie Crawford July 8, 2024

Is Finance a Good Career Path for You?

Maryalene LaPonsie July 3, 2024

7 Things Interviewers Notice First

Robin Madell and Jada A. Graves July 2, 2024

Work-Life Balance Tips From CEOs

Robin Madell June 28, 2024

How to Write a Short Professional Bio

Jamela Adam and Hallie Crawford June 26, 2024

How to Choose a Career

Jamela Adam and Janica Ingram June 21, 2024

Best Food Delivery Apps to Make Money

Maryalene LaPonsie June 20, 2024

What to Wear to Work

Hallie Crawford June 18, 2024

15 Good Reasons to Quit Your Job

Jamela Adam June 18, 2024

What next for travel and tourism? Here's what the experts say

In many countries, more than 80% of travel and tourism spending actually comes from the domestic market. Image:  Unsplash/Surface

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Julie Masiga

.chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} Explore and monitor how .chakra .wef-15eoq1r{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;color:#F7DB5E;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-15eoq1r{font-size:1.125rem;}} Mobility is affecting economies, industries and global issues

.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

Stay up to date:.

• In 2020 alone, the travel and tourism sector lost $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs globally.
• But as the world recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and tourism can bounce back as an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sector.
• Two experts highlight some of the key transformations in the sector going forward during the World Economic Forum's Our World in Transformation series.

The Travel & Tourism sector was one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving not only companies but also tourism-driven economies severely affected by shutdowns, travel restrictions and the disappearance of international travel.

In 2020 alone, the sector lost $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs, impacting the living standards and well-being of communities across the globe. Moreover, the halt in international travel gave both leisure and business travellers the chance to consider the impact of their choices on the climate and environment.

Amid shifting demand dynamics and future opportunities and risks, a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient travel and tourism sector can be - and needs to be - built.

The World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021 finds that embedding inclusivity, sustainability and resilience into the travel and tourism sector as it recovers, will ensure it can continue to be a driver of global connectivity, peace and economic and social progress.

We spoke to Sandra Carvao , Chief of Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Liz Ortiguera , CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Thailand (PATA), and asked them to highlight some of the key areas of risk and opportunity in the sector during an episode of the World Economic Forum's Our World in Transformation series.

Have you read?

Travel & tourism development index 2021: rebuilding for a sustainable and resilient future, towards resilience and sustainability: travel and tourism development recovery, how can we really achieve sustainability in the travel sector, what are some of the top global trends you're witnessing currently in the travel and tourism sector.

Liz Ortiguera: Given the extended lockdown that we had on travel with the pandemic, vacation for friends and relatives (VFR) is now a high priority for people who haven’t been in touch for a long time thanks to the pandemic. So, people are reconnecting. And that kind of links to the second trend, which is multi-purpose or blended travel. Never before, particularly now that we can connect digitally through Zoom, has the ability to work from anywhere enabled travellers to cover multiple purposes, like visits with friends and multiple business trips. So, we'll find that the duration of travel and the length of stay is longer. And third is the continued high focus on safety and wellness which is top of mind for travellers due to the pandemic. All travel is wellness-related now.

Sandra Carvao: I think there is a bigger concern with sustainability, which is very welcome in our industry. Consumers, particularly the younger generation, are much more aware of the impact they have, not only on the environment but also socially and on the communities they live in. We've also seen an increase in expenditure per trip, so I think people are very eager to go outside, and they're staying longer. And on the other side, I think there are some challenges: we’re seeing a rise in late bookings because restrictions can change at short notice and that’s having an impact on the decisions of travellers. This is putting pressure on the industry in terms of planning and anticipating fluctuations in demand.

Social media surveys have shown that travellers who have immersive experiences are more likely to post about them, which is good for the industry.

What is community-based tourism and why is it important?

Sandra Carvao: One of the positive impacts of the pandemic is that people are looking for local experiences and are spending more time with communities. So, the concept of community-based tourism is obviously one that puts the community at the core of every development, ensuring that it's engaged and empowered and that it benefits. At the UNWTO, we worked with the G20 and the Saudi presidency back in 2020 and produced a framework for tourism development in communities, which states that communities need to be part of the planning and management of tourism activities. We need to go beyond traditional definitions of community to a point where the industry leans on partnerships between the public and private sectors and communities.

Liz Ortiguera: In July 2022, PATA is hosting a destination-marketing forum and one of the key themes is community-based tourism. The purpose is really to put the community and authenticity-in-culture activities at the heart of the travel experience. There are benefits for all stakeholders. One is that travellers can have an authentic experience. They're not in overcrowded, touristic locations and they experience something new and unique within the community. These experiences are designed in partnership with communities who get the benefit of financial inclusion, and if activities are designed properly, the reinforcement of their cultural heritage. Governments also engage in economic development more broadly across countries. Another interesting trend is creative tourism, which means you create an experience for tourists to participate in, like a dance lesson, or a cooking lesson. Social media surveys have shown that travellers who have these kinds of immersive experiences are more likely to post about them online and that's good for the industry.

It is important to emphasize that virtual experiences, while they are a fun tool, can never replace visiting a destination.

How is technology and innovation helping to leverage cultural resources?

Sandra Carvao: One interesting trend we’re seeing is that more and more people are booking trips directly, so communities need to be supported to digitize their systems. Education and upskilling of communities are important so that they can leverage digital platforms to market themselves. From the tourists’ perspective, it is important to emphasize that virtual experiences, while they are a fun tool, can never replace visiting a destination.

Liz Ortiguera: People have been living virtually for more than two years. Amazing innovations have emerged, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, and all kinds of applications and tools. But the important thing is the experience. The destination. Real-world experiences need to remain front and centre. Technology tools should be viewed as enablers and not the core experience. And when it comes to staff, technology can really democratize education. There’s an opportunity to mobilize a mobile-first approach for those who are on the frontlines, or out in the field, and can’t easily access computers, but need to get real-time information.

How is the sector dealing with labour shortages and re-employment of the workforce?

Liz Ortiguera: Labour shortages are much more dynamic in North America and in Europe. But it’s having a knock-on effect on Asia. If, for example, their air carriers are limited by staff and they have to cancel flights, which we're very much seeing out of Europe, seating capacity then becomes a limiting factor in the recovery of Asia Pacific. That's the main constraint right now. And compounding that is the rising price of fuel. But people in the Asia Pacific are keen to get reemployed.

Sandra Carvao: Labour shortages are a priority for the sector in countries around the world. Many workers left the sector during the pandemic and the uncertainty that surrounded the measures taken to contain it left many people unsure of whether the sector would recover. It is time to address things like conditions, scheduling, and work/life balance, all things which have been top of mind for workers during the pandemic. As the sector recovers, we need time to bring new hires on board and to train them to take over where those who switched jobs left off.

Are we seeing a growing trend towards domestic tourism?

Sandra Carvao: We’re talking about 9 billion people travelling within their own countries. And in many countries, for example in Germany, more than 80% of the tourism spending actually comes from the domestic market, similarly in countries like Spain and even smaller economies. Whenever it's possible to travel again, domestic markets tend to be more resilient. They kick off first mostly due to perceptions of safety and security issues. As the world economy recovers from the pandemic, there is a good opportunity for nations to rethink their strategy, look at the domestic market in a different way, and leverage different products for domestic tourists.

When it comes to sustainable tourism, how quickly could we mainstream eco-friendly modes of transportation?

Sandra Carvao: Transport is one of the key contributors to energy impacts and tourism. But it's also important that we look at the whole value chain. The UNWTO together with the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme just launched the Glasgow Declaration, which includes green commitments from destinations and companies. We’re seeing a strong movement in the airline industry to reduce emissions. But I think, obviously, technological developments will be very important. But it's also very important to look at market shifts. And we can't forget small islands and developing states that rely on long-haul air travel. It’s important to make sure that we invest in making the problem much less impactful.

Liz Ortiguera: 'Travel and tourism' is such a broad encompassing term that it’s not fair to call it an industry: it is actually a sector of many industries. The pandemic taught us how broad the impact of the sector is in terms of sustainability. There's a big movement in terms of destination resilience, which is the foundation for achieving sustainability in the journey to net-zero. We now have standards to mitigate that impact including meetings-and-events (MIE) standards and standards for tour operators. There are multiple areas within our industry where progress is being made. And I'm really encouraged by the fact that there is such a focus not just within the sector but also among consumers.

This interview was first done at the World Economic Forum's studios in Geneva as part of 'Our World in Transformation' - a live interactive event series for our digital members. To watch all the episodes and join future sessions, please subscribe here .

Don't miss any update on this topic

Create a free account and access your personalized content collection with our latest publications and analyses.

License and Republishing

World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

Related topics:

The agenda .chakra .wef-n7bacu{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-weight:400;} weekly.

A weekly update of the most important issues driving the global agenda

.chakra .wef-1dtnjt5{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;} More on Industries in Depth .chakra .wef-17xejub{-webkit-flex:1;-ms-flex:1;flex:1;justify-self:stretch;-webkit-align-self:stretch;-ms-flex-item-align:stretch;align-self:stretch;} .chakra .wef-nr1rr4{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;white-space:normal;vertical-align:middle;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:0.75rem;border-radius:0.25rem;font-weight:700;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;line-height:1.2;-webkit-letter-spacing:1.25px;-moz-letter-spacing:1.25px;-ms-letter-spacing:1.25px;letter-spacing:1.25px;background:none;padding:0px;color:#B3B3B3;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;}@media screen and (min-width:37.5rem){.chakra .wef-nr1rr4{font-size:0.875rem;}}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-nr1rr4{font-size:1rem;}} See all

From source to stomach: How blockchain tracks food across the supply chain and saves lives

Matthew Van Niekerk

August 12, 2024

From blocked views to free food: How holiday destinations in Japan, Denmark and more are tackling overtourism

Gabi Thesing, Ian Shine and David Elliott

July 25, 2024

How these 5 steel producers are taking action to decarbonize steel production

Mandy Chan and Daniel Boero Vargas

June 25, 2024

How we can best empower the future of business in APAC with GenAI

John Lombard

June 24, 2024

AMNC24: What you need to know about industry transformation

Pooja Chhabria

June 23, 2024

This fashion show was created out of a huge clothing dump in Chile

• Meet the Team
• Our Manifesto
• Work with Us
• Budget Travel
• Personal Development
• Work & Travel
• United Kingdom
• More of Europe
• Philippines
• More of Southeast Asia
• More of South America
• More of Central America
• South Korea
• More of Asia
• More of North America
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands
• More of Oceania
• South Africa
• More of Africa
• More of the Middle East
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Gear

Home » Work and Travel » 35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

35 BEST Travel Jobs to Make Money While Travelling

Do you wish you could travel more but don’t have enough money?

Then this guide is for you! It will tell you all about the types of epic travel jobs that you can do. Ultimately, this post will help you find work and travel the world… FOREVER.

There are a surprising number of jobs that involve travelling, a few canny ways to make money travelling abroad, and even some jobs where you actually get paid to travel… (The best kind!)

From freelancing to affiliate marketing, travel blogging, tending the bar at a hip hostel–there are seriously all kinds of awesome – and some terrible – travel jobs you can get to make ends meet and prolong your travels.

The life of a working traveller is varied and complex: there are countless tools in your arsenal! In today’s post, I’m giving you the lowdown on some of the best travel jobs for backpackers, expats, and aspiring digital nomads. And realistically, for nearly all of them, you don’t need no tertiary education.

Ditch your desk, amigos: the world is waiting and the only thing you need to SUCCEED is  grit.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

• Making Money Travelling the World:Types of Travel Work

The 35 Best Travel Jobs in 2024

Did you find your dream travel job, making money travelling the world: types of travel work.

There are lots of different types of travel jobs out there, and they can roughly be broken down into three categories. Let’s take a look at them before we delve into the jobs themselves…

There are some jobs that will pay you to travel the world. This might sound very glamorous at first, but you have to bear in mind you may not get as much of a chance to actually explore as you will be working. These could be travel jobs or potentially even travel careers , but they still generally require the level of input from you that any regular ol’ boring job would.

Jobs that require travel and pay well, such as being an airline pilot or foreign service travel jobs, will offer you a chance to save up mega-cashola and to hopefully see parts of the world during your downtime. But to be honest (and in my opinion) these travel careers don’t have the same kind of freedom as being a digital nomad.

Personally, I’m a big believer in making money through a digital nomad job as these jobs allow you to work from literally anywhere in the world, on your own schedule, and often as your own boss.

It takes time to set up a career as a digital nomad career… But it’s easy to get started now and to begin your journey!

All you need is a laptop plus a few other of the digital nomad essentials , and idea of WHAT you want to do, and a place in the world that you’re content to get some work done from. Well, that and playlist that gets you in the zone!

Beccoming a digital nomad changes how you travel , so for backpackers that want to retain their backpacker-roots, you need a job for backpacker. These travel jobs are job-jobs.

They could be wicked jobs, they could be shitkicker jobs. They could, potentially, also progress into careers, but they wouldn’t be travel careers. You’d just be an expat with a regular ol’ job.

Many of the best travelling jobs for backpackers are super casual affairs – seasonal work or temporary labour gigs. I’ve found paying work on goat farms, behind bars, in hostels, on construction sites, on beaches, and in many other places whilst backpacking around the world. It’s usually very easy to find some casual work as a backpacker.

All you need is a good smile, good work ethic, and maybe the willingess to be paid under the table for less than minimum wage! (Oops, did I say that? You do you.) 😉

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Let’s look at how to work and travel like a BOSS (or self-employed hustler). Ideas range from online trading to teaching yoga to consulting. Don’t Work Another Day ; we have something for every CV!

1. Make Money Blogging

Starting a blog is one of the best travel jobs out there. You can travel whenever you want and make money out of your adventures to keep you going! However, blogging is not easy and it’s not one of those jobs to make money quickly.

Blogging offers a great introduction to many different digital nomad careers. You’ll learn more about SEO, copywriting, web design, social media management, marketing and PR… the list goes on! All you need to get started is a decent laptop for travel blogging and loads of patience!

If you want to get a taste of blogging before launching your own, you can look into becoming a virtual assistant or if writing is more your thing becoming a freelance service provider , like Sofie Couwenbergh is also a viable option. Working for a blogger is the best way to learn the tricks of the trade!

Full disclosure: The travel blogging industry is competitive, cutthroat, and, honestly, oversaturated. DO expect a long road to the top.

How Much Can You Earn?

• From $0 – $50,000 per month!

Finding a work-friendly atmosphere is important – check out Tribal Bali …

Having a job is one thing, but being able to sit down and get some work in is a whole other story. Luckily there are amazing coworking spaces all over the globe. But what if you could combine working and a place to live? Say no more…

Introducing the best Coworking Hostel in the World – Tribal Bali!

A unique coworking and co-living hostel for those that want to travel the world while working from their laptops. Make use of the massive open-air coworking spaces and sip on delicious coffee. If you need a quick screen break, just take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or grab a drink at the bar. Need more work inspiration?

Staying at a digital nomad-friendly hostel is a really smart way to get more done whilst still enjoying the social life of travelling… Mingle, share ideas, brainstorm, make connections and find your tribe at Tribal Bali!

2. Teach English Abroad

For backpackers looking to settle somewhere for a year or more to save up some serious cash, teaching English abroad is one of the best jobs for nomads.

These days, you can teach English in most countries in the world while seeing all the goods they got to offer at the same time! This is probably one of the best travel careers out there: there’s a low barrier to entry and most native speakers can get a travel job teaching English.

Being a native speaker gives you an obvious advantage, but it’s also possible for non-native speakers to get work teaching English too.  You don’t even really need a degree to teach English in many countries, however, nabbing a TEFL certificate through an online course first will help you hit the ground running. (And hopefully will mean you won’t be a crap teacher too ?)

It’s a small investment that will help you score more gigs AND better-paying gigs in the long run. Plus, think of the children! Won’t somebody think of the children!?!?

• $1500 – $3000 depending on the country.

3. Teach English Online

Thanks to the power of the internet, the world of teaching English online has opened doors to English speakers everywhere! You can work from anywhere! (Provided you have a solid internet connection.)

What’s the best part? Depending on the company you work for, you can choose your own schedule and commitment level. Whatever works for you!

Teaching English online is fast becoming one of the best ways for backpackers to make money online without a doubt. Online teaching platforms connect prospective teachers with keen students. Set your pricing, choose your hours, and market yourself to potential clients.

The money isn’t impressive, particularly in the early days, but this is a job that you can grow and literally do anywhere. Nothing beats a location independent gig!

• About $1500 per month.

4. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is when you ship products to customers, usually in Europe or the USA, from somewhere cheap (usually China). Essentially, you manage the online storefront while a third party handles the logistics of storing and shipping products. Why stay in Boston ?

Now, dropshipping CAN be profitable. It can also be a major headache: you have been warned.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is very simple. It means that you recommend a product or service to your audience, and if someone on your website uses or buys that product or service, you get a commission!

Affiliate marketing is basically being a middle man and is one of the most popular, proven, and sustainable ways to create income online.

If you are interested in online jobs travellers can easily utilise, learning effective affiliate marketing strategies is the holy grail. Passive income is fucking POWERFUL.

• Oodles but you need the traffic to earn it. But then, it all flows in passively. 😉

6. Crytocurrency and Day Trading

The exciting world of cryptocurrency investment has come a long way. You can HODL, stake, mine, generate interest (yup – totally a thing now!), and, of course, trade.

Day trading is a really exciting – but very nerve-wracking – way to make money while travelling. I have no experience trading stocks, but a lot of people I know have been trading cryptocurrency for a while now and have seen rather delectables return on their investments (with some losses along the way).

If you have money that you can afford to lose (seriously, this shit carries risk), then day trading is one of the most exciting travel jobs out there right now.

• The sky’s the limit!

7. Volunteering

Okiedoke – volunteering! Now, clearly, volunteering ISN’T a travel job, however, it’s functionally the same. You work (hard), you greatly reduce your travel costs, plus you’ll have some life-changing experiences while you’re at it. So it fits the bill!

Now, while voluntourism has received some flak over the years (and the trade has only become stickier in the COVID-times ), volunteering still remains one of the most meaningful ways to travel. A free feed and bed is certainly a win, but it’s the experience and the knowledge that you’re actually making a difference is what makes it, honestly, one of the best travel jobs for backpackers.

You have a lot of good options for volunteering abroad:

• WWOOF – An organisation primarily concerned with connecting working travellers with volunteering gigs on organic farms and agricultural projects.
• Workaway (and its numerous alternatives ) – As well as agricultural projects, these guys tend to also connect you to volunteering gigs around the board. Hostel work, translation and copywriting, building skate ramps, building backyard dunnies: it’s a wide net.
• Worldpackers – Our personal fave platform for this bizz.

Worldpackers is a smashing organisation. They’ve got more of a community focus than many of the alternatives and they run a tight ship too!

We sent one of our tried and true broke backpackers on a volunteering mission to Vietnam and the results were stellar. So stellar, in fact, that we happily partnered with them to bring Broke Backpacker readers a discount on the signup fee!

Just enter the code BROKEBACKPACKER at the checkout when signing up or do the clicky-click below!

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

We’ve also got a review of Workaway you can peruse if Worldpackers doesn’t float your boat. They’re a bit more stuffy (a natural caveat for being the lead of the pack), but they have volunteering gigs coming out of the ears!

And as one brief little sidenote, it’s worth noting the skills you pick up volunteering can go a LONG way to aiding you in your career as a working traveller. The more you know, the more backpacker jobs open up to you.

8. Become A Freelance Travel Photographer

If you love taking pictures, why don’t you make the most of your skills and be paid for it? Breaking into freelance photography is no easy, feat but it’s totally possible if you have perseverance and work at honing your craft every day.

You can travel the world forever by snapping away… If you get really good at your craft, you can even land a job that pays you to travel as a professional photographer for either the media or, the dream, National Geographic.

• $0 – $5000
• BEST Cameras for Travellers
• GoPro Alternatives to Make You  Whoah
• Top Camera Bags – Buyer’s Guide!
• Essential Camera Accessories You NEED

9. Teach Yoga

Yoga continues to grow in popularity around the world, and yoga instructors are in high demand. While not the highest paying job for travellers, finding work as a yoga instructor is one of the more assured ways to work and travel.

Travellers love yoga and are keen on lessons just about anywhere in the world. Combine that with hostels, cafes, and community centres (among a million other venues) always being on the lookout

Getting a yoga certification CERTAINLY helps you stand out from the crowd but it necessarily isn’t needed. Talk to other guests at your hostel, or people around any beach, hippy, or traveller town and see what you can rustle up. Start off with a sesh at a world-class yoga retreat to learn a few Asanas and limber up first and the rest will be easy.

Alternatively, head over to Yoga Travel Jobs Directory and see if there are any worthwhile postings. The beauty of this one is that the informality allows you to find work on the road in most places without the added red tape.

• $5/hour or even less in developing nations. Bounce on over to the northern beaches of Sydney though, and activewear soccer mums eat that shit up for $50+ a pop!

10. Fitness Instructor

Similar to yoga, if you’re in shape and know how to break a sweat, you can get paid to help others do the same! I love finding creative ways to stay in shape while travelling and you’ll find plenty of other travellers who will share this interest.

See if your hostel wants to organise any activities or events which you can market by word of mouth or by putting a flyer up. Head to a park or the beach and BOOM! You’re a certified fitness instructor… sort of.

Certifications are for losers without glorious, rippling muscles.

11. Tour Director

Directors accompany a tour group for the entirety of the itinerary and basically make sure people are having a good time. If it’s a twenty-one-day culture tour through Central America, the tour director is there the entire time, leading the group, answering questions, communicating with the bus driver, and, most importantly, creating solutions when shit goes wrong.

This is one of the travel industry careers that require the most work, but if you think you possess the qualities, there are thousands of amazing adventure tour companies looking for new leaders worldwide.

This industry is very competitive, but once you get your foot in the door you’ll be offered work left and right. I’ve got some experience leading adventure tours myself and this is a solid choice of job that involves travelling… You just need to have endless amounts of energy.

These are maybe the best jobs for travel and adventure for those that seek the high life and the pay ain’t too shabby either!.

• $1000 – $3000

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

12. Travel Tour Guide

As opposed to a tour director, a tour guide usually does shorter tours (think three-hour walking tours). Ideally, tour guides are experts in their niche, but sometimes just a bit more knowledge than the average Joe will suffice

If you have experience or certification, getting tour guide work will be easy. If you travelling in the EU , you can also find tour guide work within Europe relatively easy (free walking tours, etc.) without certification.

Otherwise, there are lots of people on the web tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit and starting their own tour jobs while on the road.

• $500 – $1500

13. Work on A Boat

Unfortunately, the days of being a pirate are kinda over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still work and live on a boat!

A traveller’s job on a boat is certainly easier to get with experience, but sometimes it’s as easy as just walking onto a dock and asking around. Teach yourself to tie knots first and you’ll be golden.

Want to significantly increase your chances of getting hired on a superyacht or boat? Consider taking a course at the Super Yacht School – an online training company that educates people on everything they need to know regarding how to land a job on a superyacht as a crew member.

Alternatively, become a cruise ship worker and live the party-working-travelling-life on the high seas. Drugs, booze, and nights of wanton hedonism – excellent!

• $1200 – $2500

14. Boat Delivery

More boats! This one is a bit difficult to get into as a newbie, but if you have some experience working on the high seas, boat delivery has some serious work and travel potential. Typically the pay won’t be very high (if at all) but you’ll get your experience up and get to sail the seven seas for free!

Getting into this travel career could lead to more lucrative gigs in the future too, so it’s worth considering if the goal is simply finding jobs that let you travel.

Head over to Crewseekers.net or cruisersforum.com for some killer job leads!

15. Making and Selling Jewellery

Screw travel jobs – be a travel entrepreneur! While you can make and sell anything, jewellery is certainly the backpacker artisans staple, and I’ve met lots of people who make and sell jewellery whilst travelling .

Some critics of budget backpacking might have a go at you for – ahem – “begpacking” , but to those critics I say… get a job, ya hippy! If you’re wheeling, dealing, and hustling on the road, you are the literal opposite of a begpacker. It’s fun too!

The materials can be cheap and light to carry, it’s an artsy and fun thing to do, and you can set up shop (busking-style) in most places in the world that are kind to street merchants (i.e. not Malaysia). Selling handmade jewellery on the street isn’t the path to becoming a billionaire, but if you can make a decent product, it’s a great way to bring in enough to cover a day of gallivanting.

It isn’t strictly one of the easiest travel jobs out there if you genuinely care about your craft. Sourcing ethical materials, making the jewellery, and haggling for a fair price can all be a real battle. But damn you’ll have some ten-outta-ten adventures along the way!

• $300 – $1000 per month

16. Importing Stuff to Sell

A personal favourite of mine, this is what I sometimes refer to as the ‘ stuff your backpack’ method. It’s an easy w ay to make some money back after quitting your job to travel .

When in exotic countries, you will find awesome trinkets and doodads that people back home will go crazy over! Think hippy stuff: chillums, trousers, jewellery, festival belts, etc. These items will be authentic and dirt cheap.

Then, when you are outside that country and back in the good ol’ inflationary West, you can sell the authentic handcrafted Indian peace pipe that you paid $.75 cents for in Mumbai for $15 at festivals or online! It’s a great way to make 1,000% or more on your investments.

To make the most money though, you’ll have to frequently hit the road and stuff your backpack (a big hiking backpack is good for this) as well as have a good eye for stuff to take back home. If you can somehow inject something about chakras into the marketing spiel you’ll give to sell it, it’s a winner.

• $500 – $2000 per month

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

17. Busking

Another of the world’s oldest professions that now catches some flak from the world’s newest crybabies: busking. If you have a talent, you can flaunt it for some cash in the street AND – better yet – make a bunch of people smile too!

You doen’t have to be a wandering musician with a travel-sized guitar either; magic, acrobatics, juggling, flow, dance – anything that’s impressive enough to score a tip is worth the shot, and you can score some mean tips! (Believe it or not.)

If the artisti di strada chooses the right location and is talented (or smiley) enough, there’s a pretty good chance they are making some dough! Enough to cover a day’s cost at least… You just need to know how to busk !

Also, if you are a musician, you should look into giving lessons for work while travelling or even playing some low-key gigs at bars or hostels. It’s a good way to score a feed, and it’s certainly not a bad payoff for a few hours of jammin’!

The resident in-house dirtbag busker on The Broke Backpacker team had this to say:

“I’ve had $5/hour days, I’ve had $50/hour days; busking is large part luck, however, there is a hidden art and science to the craft.”

18. Scuba Diving Instructor

Get paid for adventure. Underwater adventures no less!

Becoming a certified scuba diver and instructor takes a bit of investment, but it can be one of the most fun ways to work and travel the world simultaneously. You need a handful of courses and certifications, as well as having logged in a certain amount of hours underwater yourself, and then the world is your… oyster. (Huehuehue.)

If you are already certified, get excited! If you aren’t, you can do it at home, or take advantage of many (significantly cheaper) programs that exist in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. Hands down this is one of the best ways to get paid to travel PLUS you can pick up paying work in lots of different countries around the world.

Plus, y’know, dive for a living. Not bad, ‘ey?

• $1000 – $4000 per month.

19. Surf Instructor

Similar to a scuba instructor but without all of the need for certifications. You just need to be a badass surfer! Surfing instructors can do well for themselves by travelling, surfing, meeting people who are interested and want to learn, and then offering their services.

Plus, let’s be real… you’ll get laid. A lot.

You won’t earn as much as a scuba instructor, but you’ll be getting paid to surf and travel at the same time which is probably the coolest thing ever! I’m a big fan of surfing and hoping to spend a year or two getting a hell of a lot better in the future. If you are looking for cool jobs you can do while travelling, this may be for you.

There are lots of resources for finding potential gigs. Surf Travel Jobs is an excellent starting point.

• $500 – $1500 per month.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

20. Buy A Place and Rent It

If you have been working for a while, you may have some savings. Rather than blowing it all on a couple of fast-paced years of travel, invest it into buying a property at home and renting it out whilst you travel (thus living off the rent money).

You can advertise your place on lots of different websites including Airbnb or one of the many excellent sites like Airbnb , and it can very easily turn into big bucks! Pretty soon, you’ll be making money while travelling; so much so that some of my friends don’t even stay at their own place when they return to their hometown.

• $600 – $2000 per month.

21. Housesitting

Sort of a work-exchange-meets-job, housesitting while travelling is HAWT right now. Typically you pet-sit for an extended amount of time, and in return, you are given free rein over an entire house. Housesitting gigs rarely pay, but you can’t really complain as their still jobs that allow you to travel near-indefinitely.

You’ll be getting free accommodation, a big ass kitchen, and the privacy of your own house! This is one of the best ways to travel!

As with all good things, it’s challenging to crack into, but once you gain experience and a resume, you’ll have your choice of gigs. As far as travel work goes, this one comes highly recommended – it barely counts as working!

• A free house!

22. Work as an Au Pair

Au-pairing is one of the oldest travel careers around and is still a great option to save some money and see the world. Personally, kids ain’t for me, but if you are bubbly, happy, smiley and don’t mind cleaning up the misdirected poopoos, then there are plenty of little ones who need a lovely person like you to help take care of them.

It doesn’t always pay… and if it does pay it’s not always much. But you can earn up to 5k a month if you’re happy to travel for work (which, you should be) to teach in some more far-flung lands.

You’ll get free lodging and food and likely some pocket change for the weekend if you’re volunteering in Europe. Being an au-pair is a pretty solid way to get paid to travel and live in a new country.

• $0 – $5000 per month.

23. Hostel Work

Hostel work is one of the best-kept not-so-secret-secrets of the budget backpacking trade . Once upon a time, it was hush-hush, but now not so much. So let me tell you – finding hostel gigs is SUPER simple and hostel work is one of the best travel jobs for backpackers.

Hostel work is one of the easiest travel jobs to get – just ask the hostels you are staying at if they are looking for any help. They will know exactly what this means. “Help” means manning the front desk graveyard shift, sweeping the floors, or most likely minding the bar, all in exchange for free accommodation.

If they are looking for any “help” , they miiight pay a bit of cash, but more likely, you’ll get a free bed and some food out of it. Hostels are one of the staples for travel work and are a phenomenal way to save money while travelling – not to mention free entry into the hostel life shenanigans is a pretty sweet dealer for a lone ranger looking for some buds.

…And bud. 😉

• Volunteering at a hostel usually means just a free stay. Maybe some weed money (or weed) if you’re lucky.

24. Bar Work

Similar to hostel work, bar jobs have kept the backpacker going since basically the dawn of time. Often the bar work will be in a hostel bar (mentioned above) but just as legit is finding work at standalone bars.

This is particularly true in seasonal European cities (but I’ve seen it in South America, Australia, Asia… basically everywhere). Alcoholics are everywhere and they need a charming face with a winning smile to pour their drinks dammit!

The best way to find a bar job is just to walk around and ask if the bars are looking for any help. Or, if you’re having a pint somewhere, strike up a conversation with the bartender and get the scoop. A simple inquisition can lead to a lot of opportunities.

Full disclosure though: the booze and babes of the graveyard shift are fun for a while, but a few too many staffies a few too many months later and you’ll find yourself stuck right in a classic backpacker trap. And hungover.

• $800 – $2000 per month

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

25. Become a Party Promoter/Brand Ambassador

If you are a fun-loving party animal with some social media/writing/promoting skills, then you could be a candidate to score a job as a brand ambassador for a tour business specializing in party-based tours. I’ve met someone who did this for a period; while the money wasn’t always hella tight, the nights of debauchery sure were!

A good option to break into this field is Stoke Travel . Every year, Stoke Travel gives 100+ regular travellers the opportunity to work and travel by volunteering at events or doing internships in their Barcelona and Byron Bay Office.

That’s right. Three square meals per day and unlimited booze. You’re basically travelling for free !

For the right individual, this job promises to be helluva of a lot of fun. (Possibly, too much fun…? )

• Free drinks – $1200

26. Seasonal Jobs

This is a large category that encompasses many different travel jobs. Restaurants, construction, hotels, cruise ship jobs, ski resorts, mining, deep-sea Alaskan fishing gigs, the list goes on! While a lot of these jobs are covered elsewhere in this post, seasonal jobs are worth noting.

You can literally travel the world working, chasing the season (which by the way usually equates to amazingly beautiful weather) and making money when jobs are in demand and at their highest paying…

Depending on the industry, you can end up both in some pretty off the beaten path destinations as well as touristed ones. Or both! The ski resorts in the summer trekking season is usually a much more peaceful vibe once all the loquacious Aussies have packed up shop.

• $1000 – $5000 per month

27. Construction

You can find construction work basically anywhere in the world, however, the right destinations (eg. Australia and New Zealand) pay a mean wage. If you’re operating above board that is.

Otherwise, asking around for something more informal is usually the way to go. If you have construction experience, jump on those work exchange platforms for some cheap volunteering gigs .

Many hostels, farms, and everything in between will advertise their needs in hopes of finding a qualified working traveller. You’ll get food, lodging, and (depending on the project) a bit of money as well. It’ll get you networked too – word of mouth carries!

If you have experience as a plumber or electrician, you can make bank and even land a job where you are paid to travel to and from different world projects. Also, insider tip: traffic controllers Down Under get paid an ungodly amount for literally doing nothing. They usually pick the cutest girl to man the stop sign though – yay, sexism!

• $1200 – $3000 per month but hugely variable depending on your trade and skillset,

28. Transport a Car or RV

Car and RV dealerships or car rental companies sometimes hire people to drive cars to different destinations. Rental companies often find themselves with too many cars in one destination and want to move them to an area where rentals are more in demand. Car dealerships may need a specific car, with specific options or colours, that they arrange to get from another dealer.

While most companies work with full-time professional drivers, there may be some opportunities for one-time trips. The trick with these jobs is getting a car that’s going where you want to go at the right time. You’ll need a clean driver’s license and may need a specialty license to drive RVs, but it’s worth it for a free and rocking RV road trip !

Some transport companies that you may be able to score some delivery gigs with include:

• Imoova is one of the biggest search platforms for relocations.
• Jucy has some nice opportunities on RVs.
• Cars Arrive Auto Relocation is USA based and has some good options.
• HitTheRoad.ca is a well-known Canadian company that offers mostly long-distance, one way, one trip driving contracts for cars.
• A free road trip!

29. Professional Chef

If you have some cooking abilities or some legitimate kitchen experience, you can find a job by asking around at kitchens in hotels, cruise ships, boats, or retreats. Also, take a look into Worldpackers and Workaway as you can certainly find some cook-work opportunities for a free place to stay.

The downside is that you’ll have to work in close proximity to chefs. Chefs are primadonnas. Get in and out of the hospo industry as quick as possible, amigos.

If thou gaze too long into an abyss…

• $1500 – $3000 per month

30. Travel Nurse

Stop right now and listen to me. If you are a nurse, or if you are thinking about becoming a nurse, becoming a travel nurse is one of the single most amazing careers you can get into.

Travelling nurses are usually hired for thirteen to twenty-six weeks in whatever location they choose and all of your travel expenses are usually paid. Housing is usually covered, and due to the high demand and urgency, travelling nurses are paid more than regular nurses. It’s one of the best ways to travel, work and save a stupid amount of money.

Plus, you know, saving lives and all that jazz.

• $1500 – $4000 per month.

31. Flight Attendant

An oldie but a goodie, being a flight attendant isn’t as glamorous as it once was, but in terms of travel friendly jobs , this is a fantastic travel career. It’s really the OG travel job (right after busker AKA a wandering minstrel).

Free flights, long stopovers to explore, and the ability to tweak your schedule to have a few weeks off a month – there’s a lot to like! This is one of the best careers that involve travelling, and if you get hired by a quality airline, this is a job that not only requires travel but can also pay well.

• $1800 – $2500 per month

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

32. New Zealand/Australia Work Visa

Not strictly a top travel job so much as a top place to find a job. Yes, the rumours you’ve heard are true: Australia does have an obscenely high minimum wage (as does New Zealand, albeit not as high).

Depending on where you are from and if you are able, New Zealand and Australia are two excellent countries to get work visas for. The visa allows you to be employed in most industries, but you’ll most likely find jobs in the hospitality, tourism, and agricultural fields. Come Down Under where you can travel and work for a year or maybe two!

However, both New Zealand and Australia’s cost of living is high, so finding a job that provides you with both a room and food will net you some huge savings. The more remote you go, the better you will earn too. (Sheep shearers make BANK… and then blow it all on cocaine and meth…)

Watch out though: not all Ozzies and Kiwis subscribe to the “mateship and fair go for all” mentality they’re known for. It’s not uncommon to get paid a fraction of that obscenely high minimum wage.

• $1800 – $3500 per month
• Backpacking Australia Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Australia
• Backpacking New Zealand Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in New Zealand

33. Ski Resort Jobs

While I mentioned resorts and seasonal gigs before, skiing deserves its own holler(back girl). Ski resorts are notorious for hiring travellers and often under the table. Ski resort gigs can be the best seasonal jobs for travelling.

As an “unofficial” ski resort worker, you won’t get paid much (and you will likely be overworked), but it’s a great way to work hard, play hard, and make some travel friends along the way! Plus, there will always be the skiing/snowboarding perks which are obviously EPIC.

You don’t have to be an instructor though. Many seasonal jobs in lodges or working the lifts are widely available. Oh, and the snowbum life is pretty hedonistic – it’s basically working, partying, and picking up Insta-brand vacayers between your shifts.

• $1000 – $2000 per month.

34. Tattoo Artist

Backpackers love to get tattoos on the road , so there is always a demand for talented artists. And I’ve met some amazing tattoo artists travelling the world and paying their way through freelance work in hostels and backpacker hangouts. Talk about a creative travel job!

The better you get at your craft, the more doors that will open up to you. You don’t even need a gun! I’ve met and befriended some phenomenal stick-and-poke artists who earn money working while they travel.

Plus getting paid by people to inflict large amounts of bodily harm on them really isn’t too bad either!

• $500 – $15000 per month (be prepared to adjust your rates to reflect the country you’re in – ain’t nobody stupid enough to pay $100+ an hour in Mexico).

35. Join the Peace Corps

This is certainly one of the noblest travel jobs on this list and it deserves a mention! Providing a different work and travel experience, the Peace Corps is no joke and essentially makes you an international aid worker in a foreign country.

It’s a two-year commitment, you have very little influence on where you are stationed, and you only get two days off per month.

You don’t get paid much but, hell, you will be earning and you will get paid to travel to somewhere new. And what’s more, is relevant work experience can take the place of a college degree.

Check out:  This Peace Corps volunteer’s blog all about her experiences volunteering in Vanuatu.

Do You Need Insurance as a Working Traveller?

If you are going to be living and working outside of your home country, you really do need to think about getting health insurance. If you have an accident or get sick, then those hospital bills are going to completely nullify any money you’ve earned and saved.

For long term cover, we recommend SafetyWing . They specialise in covering digital nomads and those working outside of their home country. It’s basically a subscription model – month to month payments – on international health insurance without the need to provide an itinerary.

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to work! Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are so many ways to work and travel; sometimes you just gotta get a bit creative! As long as you are cutting the costs of travel and picking up a job where and when needed, you’ll find a way.

Not every traveling job needs to be a career. Covering your living costs is a fantastic start, and all the skills and confidence will take you soooo much further in life than one simple job ever could.

Taking a leap of faith on a new vocation on the road is fantastic. It’s a step outside of your comfort zone and right into the growth of travel. In many ways, that’s what it means to BE a broke backpacker .

You don’t have to be broke to be a broke backpacker. Nay, being resourceful, willing, and kind-hearted with a good work ethic – that makes you more of a broke backpacker than holes in your undies and lack of consistent showering ever will.

So get out there and work on the road! Start with a shit-kicker job. Then once you’ve levelled up appropriately (and with some ingenuity), you’ll find a job that involves travelling and where you get paid to travel and live in a new country. Maybe you’ll even live in a mini-campervan conversion and start rockin’ the super nomad life. Then, you’re not just hunting for the best travel jobs anymore.

No, that’s a travel career: a whole new adventure!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Elina Mattila

Share or save this post

• Stand Up for Free Enterprise

The State of the Travel Industry in 2023: Current Trends and Future Outlook

How the country can fight organized retail crime, kentucky chamber ceo: we must protect the free enterprise system, how franchising can help fuel the american dream, microsoft president: responsible ai development can drive innovation, suzanne clark's 2024 state of american business remarks.

January 12, 2023

Featured Guest

Tony Capuano CEO, Marriott International, Inc.

Chip Rogers President & CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

As COVID-19 restrictions have continued to ease, the travel and hospitality industries have seen a resurgence in customers. Companies like Marriott have seen percentage increases in revenue and rate, even topping pre-pandemic levels.

During the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 State of American Business event, Chip Rogers, President and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association , and Tony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, Inc. , sat down for a fireside chat. Read on for their insights on the post-COVID state of the travel industry, a shifting customer base, and the outlook for 2023 and beyond.

2022 Demonstrated the Power and Resilience of Travel

After declines amid the pandemic, 2022 brought about a positive recovery for the travel industry.

“[2022] reminded us of the power and resilience of travel,” said Capuano. “If you look at the forward bookings through the holiday season, [you’ll see] really strong and compelling numbers … so we’re really encouraged.”

“The only caveat I would give you about that optimism is, as you know, the booking windows are much shorter than we’ve seen them in a pre-pandemic world,” he added. “So those trends can change more quickly than we’re accustomed to."

The ‘Regular’ Customer Segments Are Shifting

At the start of pandemic recovery, industry leaders believed leisure travel would lead travel recovery, with business travel closely behind and group travel at a distant third, according to Capuano. While some of those predictions have held, others have shifted.

“Leisure [travel] continues to be exceedingly strong, and group [travel] has surprised to the upside,” he explained. “Business travel is perhaps the tortoise in this ‘Tortoise and the Hare,’ slow-and-steady recovery.”

However, Capuano noted customer segments are becoming less and less strictly defined.

“[There’s] this trend we've seen emerge over the pandemic of blended trip purpose … [where] more and more folks are combining leisure and business travel,” he said. “If this has staying power, I think it’s absolutely a game changer, as we get back to normal business travel and hopefully maintain that leisure travel.”

To accommodate this shifting demand, Marriott has focused on expanding offerings to accommodate both the business and leisure sides of travelers’ trips.

“[We’ve had] a very big focus on [expanding bandwidth], so that if [we’ve] got 300 rooms full of guests on Zoom calls simultaneously, we’ve got the bandwidth to cover it,” Capuano added. “[We’re also] being more thoughtful about fitness, leisure, and food and beverage offerings — and having the flexibility to pivot those offerings as somebody sheds their business suit on Thursday and changes into shorts and flip flops for the weekend.”

2023 Offers Hope for Continued Growth in the Travel and Hospitality Sectors

As the travel and hospitality sectors continue to grow and shift in the post-pandemic era, Capuano shared reasons for optimism in 2023.

“Number one, it's our people,” he emphasized. “When you see their passion, their enthusiasm, their resilience, their creativity, and just how joyful they are to have their hotels full again … it's hard not to be filled with optimism.”

“If you look at how far the industry has come over the last few years,” Capuano continued, “any lingering doubts folks may have had about the resilience of travel — and about the passion that the general public has to explore cities and countries — it's hard not to be excited about the future of our industry.”

• Post-Pandemic Work

From the Series

State of American Business

View this online

US Travel Header Utility Menu

• Future of Travel Mobility
• Travel Action Network
• Commission on Seamless & Secure Travel
• Travel Works
• Journey to Clean

Header Utility Social Links

• Follow us on FOLLOW US
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Facebook

User account menu

An update on economic conditions for travelers and the travel industry.

August 07, 2024 By Joshua Friedlander, Vice President, Research

The volatility of markets over the last few days has raised important questions about economic health globally, for the U.S. and for the travel industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released employment figures for July that showed fewer new jobs created than prior months, and an increased unemployment rate of 4.3%.

Despite these challenges, the data continues to reflect a resilient and responsive travel industry—an encouraging sign given travel’s essential role in our nation’s economic success and global competitiveness. While many travel indicators have remained positive, we recognize that the industry is not immune to overall economic trends.

Travel Industry Jobs Continue to Increase

• The travel industry, along with related sectors, has added 18,000 jobs over the most recent two reported months.
• The July jobs report shows the Leisure and Hospitality (L&H) sector now employs nearly 17 million people, up almost 300,000 year-over-year.
• With strong demand for travel, at least 1 million jobs remain open, bolstering the case for an expanded H-2B guest worker program to support small and seasonal businesses.

Strong Desire for Travel

• Demand for domestic leisure travel through the summer and into fall remains strong, with 92% of American travelers planning trips within the next six months.
• Travel volume up 5.9% for June and July compared to last year.
• Summer travel has resulted in at least seven record-setting days.
• International visits continue to recover towards pre-COVID levels, with year-to-date international inbound visitors up 18% in 2024.

Travel-Related Goods Had Lower Inflation

• Based on U.S. Travel’s TPI as well as BLS economic data, inflation has cooled, and travel prices have not risen as fast as prices overall.

As the leading advocate for the $1.3 trillion travel industry, U.S. Travel will continue to analyze and communicate the impact of these economic trends on travelers, the travel experience and the industry as a whole. 

In This The Itinerary

U.S. Travel Association

For more information about this blog, please contact us at:

202.408.8422

US Travel Association Reports on Economic Conditions in the Travel Industry

T he U.S. Travel Association released a report highlighting current economic conditions of the travel and tourism industry within the United States, with an emphasis on growth and stability despite recent and broader economic swings. 

While international travel remains stronger and more popular, 92 percent of Americans are planning trips within the next six months, and TSA passenger counts continue setting records . International visitors have been increasing, with inbound visitors up 18 percent this year. 

The travel industry itself has added 18,000 jobs over the past two months. In July, the leisure and hospitality sector alone now employs just under 17 million people, an increase of almost 300,000 from last July. 

While all of these are good signs, the U.S. Travel Association still recommends expanding the H-2B guest worker program to help fill the one million jobs that remain open within the travel industry.

We’ve reported on recent data and asked travel advisors if they’ve been seeing less travelers using their services this summer due to economic restraints: some travelers have been choosing, due to the election and inflation, not to travel as much as before, though others haven’t given a thought to the higher airfare and travel costs. 

And Disney predicted a downturn in visitors to its domestic parks the rest of the year, as travelers become increasingly more focused on saving money. In July, the parks reduced ticket prices and some food options to try and encourage more travelers to visit.

Legislators work to pass bill meant to increase transparency in travel industry

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Legislators are working together to pass a bill that would require the final price of a hotel room or short-term rental to be advertised before travelers are trapped with an expensive receipt.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) says he recently joined Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to introduce the bipartisan Hotels Fees Transparency Act , which unanimously passed the Senate Commerce Committee.

Moran indicated that the legislation is meant to improve transparency for consumers. It would require anyone who advertises a hotel room or short-term rental to clearly show the final price a customer will pay to book the room up front.

“The Hotel Fees Transparency Act gives customers the transparency they deserve while booking travel and planning expenses,” Moran said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Sen. Klobuchar on this legislation and its clearance through the Commerce Committee and encourage Sen. Schumer to quickly consider this bill so that individuals across the nation can make informed travel decisions.”

The Senator also noted that Representative Young Kim (R-CA) led companion legislation, the No Hidden FEES Act of 2023, in the House of Representatives in July.

“Too often, Americans making reservations online are being met with hidden fees that make it difficult to compare prices and understand the true cost of an overnight stay,” Klobuchar added. “The Senate passed my bipartisan legislation to improve transparency so that travelers can make informed decisions.”

The Senators said the bill is supported by Consumer Reports , the Travel Tech Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association . To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE .

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.

3 dead, 6 injured after 16-year-old crashes stolen Kia carrying 7 passengers

Area Clear: Overland Park shopping plaza declared safe after threat of explosive device

AMBER Alert canceled after 9-month-old found safe, mother taken into custody in Ruskin area

Kansas City vandals behead Virgin Mary statue, desecrate church’s prayer garden

Shooting leaves 1 dead at apartment complex in Hyde Park area, another in custody

Tonganoxie police asking residents for help locating ‘pint-sized sharpshooters’

Investigators search for missing man whose car was found near KC college

Beloved ‘Donk Donk’ statue returns to Olathe after June vandal attack

Latest news.

Bill's Weekend Picks: August 16 - 18

Kansas jail inmate threatens attorney in graphic detail, prison sentence added to jail time

Lawsuit settlement calls for change to Kansas City’s 911 communication center

Chiefs honor Armed Forces members on Military Appreciation Day

Celebrations and deals throughout Kansas City celebrating the 816 area code

Man receives 12 years in prison for drug trafficking through Kansas City

Man sentenced for trafficking meth

The Best Work Boots of 2024

Manual labor can be hard on the feet , but a good pair of work boots can keep them comfortable and well-protected. We’ve narrowed down the best work boots to help you tread carefully in dangerous work environments, and also stand comfortably on hard surfaces for hours at a time.

Like any tool, there’s a right boot for the job. While most of us will sacrifice comfort for safety and function, bulky and stiff work boots can lead to chronic pain. Overall, the best work boots should balance the competing priorities of comfort and utility.

Even if you’re careful, heavy materials can unexpectedly fall and crush a foot. When that happens, the only thing that sits between you and workmen’s comp is a work boot. Finding the proper footwear is a step toward a long and healthy career.

Based in the Gunnison Valley of Colorado, lead author and boot tester Constance Mahoney was raised as a fifth-generation hunter and rancher. Mahoney and her husband live a life that demands a lot from footwear. They manage property, work seasonal jobs, hunt, fly fish, and frequently venture out into the mud and snow. Every boot on this list has been submitted to careful examination and real-world scrutiny.

We’ve categorized boots into steel-toe, safety-toe, and soft-toe varieties. To better evaluate each boot’s utility, we rated each on a “utility scale,” measuring a boot’s casual wearability against its utility.

From weekend chore masters to heavy-duty diesel drivers, here are the best work boots of 2024. To help you find the best work boot for your needs, we’ve included a buyer’s guide , a frequently asked questions section, and a comparison chart .

Editor’s Note: Heading into Fall, the days are getting shorter, but the workdays are just as long, so we updated this guide on August 12, 2024, to include a few more models to keep you safe and comfortable on your feet. The Classic Blundstone #172 is our new favorite pull-on boot, the Wolverine Reforce Energybound 6” Carbonmax makes for a roomy steel-toed option, and the CAT Invader Mecha Composite Toe Work Shoe is a good choice for those looking for a low top with the safety features of a boot.

• Best Overall Work Boots: Caterpillar Alaska 2.0
• Best Budget Work Boots: Caterpillar Second Shift
• Best Soft-Toe Work Boots: Thorogood American Heritage 6-Inch Moc Toe
• Best Total Foot Protection Work Boots: Danner Steel Yard
• Most Comfortable Work Boots: BOGS Bedrock II 6″ WP
• Best Insulated Work Boots: Muck Arctic Pro Steel Toe Boot
• Best Pull-On Work Boots: Blundstone #172
• Best Work Shoe: CAT Invader Mecha Composite Toe Work Shoe

Caterpillar Alaska 2.0

• Utility-scale 85% utility, 15% casual; best for outdoor-heavy use, but nimble enough for indoor work as well
• Waterproof Yes
• Steel toe Yes
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications ASTM F2892-18 rated to protect against open circuits up to 600 V in dry conditions
• Weight per boot 2 lbs., 3.1 oz. (size 12)

• Comfortable
• Durable outsole and upper
• Accurate sizing
• Low-quality included laces

From machinery to workwear, Caterpillar is a staple in the work industry. The Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot ($140) stands out as our top overall work boot thanks to its unique features. With a short break-in period, they offer a rare combination of comfort and durability. These boots are also built with a Goodyear welt, a feature that sets them apart as they can be repaired repeatedly. Designed for the rigors of work, these boots are a smart investment for daily use.

With the price under $150, we weren’t sure how the Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot would hold up. They looked good, but could they actually keep up with long days in the shop or outside in the elements? Turns out they are the best of both worlds: affordable and comfortable. The waterproof full-grain leather upper keeps your feet dry even on muddy, wet days, and the mesh liner helps the boot breathe so your feet don’t get stuffy. 

The rounded steel toe is the main safety feature, but Caterpillar included other thoughtful details in the design. The ankle and tongue have an additional cushion, and the heel counter is made of a flexible yet durable material that protects your Achilles. For extra safety, they double-stitched a reflective piece on the back of the heel, making for a nice visibility feature.

The cushioned footbed is comfortable and made for a short break-in period, a bonus when you need a boot to be comfortable right away. Our tester works both on concrete floors and outside in uneven terrain, and the boot keeps up nicely. He didn’t notice his feet fatiguing during long 14-hour work days, whether inside or outside.

The boot is agile enough to hop in and out of skid steers and climb up and down tall potato trucks. The trade-off of a steel toe boot is the rigidity of the toebox, but the leather toe vamp allows for enough bend that climbing up and down isn’t too restrictive.  

The footbed itself is wide and might not fit those with narrow feet well. Our tester found the toebox wide enough for his toes to spread out, but the heel cup is a little too wide for his streamlined heel. The laces stretch, something we’re not crazy about, and it’s difficult to get the toebox to cinch down tight. It may be hard to get a precise fit if your feet are already swimming in these boots. The eyelet hooks are well-built, and the laces never budged when tied. 

Overall, the Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot is ideal for daily work. It is comfortable for long days and protects feet from the elements and potential work accidents. The CAT Alaska 2.0 boots come in 6-inch steel-toe (tested), 6-inch standard-toe, and 8-inch steel-toe insulated varieties.

Caterpillar Second Shift

• Utility scale 80% utility, 20% casual
• Electrical Hazard protection and other safety certifications Yes, this boot protects the wearer against open circuits up to 600 V in dry conditions (ASTM F2413-18)
• Weight per boot 2 lbs., 2.5 oz. (size 12)

• Great value
• Durable, high quality leather upper
• Solid breathability and comfort
• Advertised as waterproof, but tend to soak through easily

We understand that not everyone can afford the best on the market, especially when you’re just starting out. I recall my first construction job and the boss saying, “Don’t show up if you don’t have steel-toe work boots on.”

The Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boot ($115) fits the needs of someone looking for a great boot at a lower price. The Second Shift is comfortable enough right out of the box to wear for a full day’s work with no blistering or hot spots. As you wear them, the thick, oiled leather uppers break into a really comfortable fit that forms to your foot. It has a padded cuff to prevent chafing and a mesh liner that allows your feet to breathe.

These boots can handle water exposure decently well; they’re water resistant but not waterproof. We found that on a long day in the slush of a Minnesota spring, the leather was soaked, leading to damp and clammy feet. Because of this, we would say these are best suited for dry location work with occasional water exposure.

Keeping the leather oiled helps keep the water out in the occasional deep puddle or on really wet days. The slip-resistant tread is shaped in a way that sheds dirt and rocks very well while still providing great traction. Sole and mid-foot flexibility is great as well, allowing for all-day comfort.

If you’re shopping for work boots on a budget, the Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boots are a great buy.

Thorogood American Heritage 6-Inch Moc Toe

• Utility-scale 50% utility, 50% casual; best for indoor warehouse work or carpentry
• Waterproof No
• Steel toe No
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications Electric shock-resisting soles and heels capable of withstanding an application of 18,000 V
• Weight per boot 1 lb. 12 oz. (size 12)

• Sleek vintage look
• Comfortable after long periods on your feet
• Not waterproof
• Not the most protective

If you gave a child a crayon and asked them to draw a work boot, chances are they would push back a sketch similar to the Thorogood American Heritage Moc Toe ($250). With a simple 6-inch shaft, bold, reinforced stitching, and a moccasin-style cap sewn over a wedge sole — it’s an American classic that defines the early work boot.

Many companies sell a wedge-style moc toe, but nobody owns the market like Thorogood. The American Heritage 6-inch remains the brand’s bellwether boot.

The American Heritage style has worked its way into the closets of the fashion-forward. But make no mistake — this is a hardworking boot that’s entirely capable of an honest day’s work. The 2.2mm, oil-tanned leather upper is unlined, triple-stitched for durability, and anchored to the MAXwear wedge sole with a Goodyear storm welt.

People who stand on hard surfaces all day swear by them for comfort. Why? Instead of putting pressure on a heel and the ball of the foot, the flat outsole disperses your weight across the entire sole. The tread is too shallow for reliable traction outside, but this boot excels on the hard, smooth, slick surfaces you find in warehouses.

One of the best parts of owning a pair of American Heritage boots is Thorogood’s restoration program. After you’ve put some abusive miles on them, you can box them up and send them back to Thorogood, where the brand will rebuild your boots by hand to a “like new” condition for $90-125.

Not every job requires the protective heft of the safety toe, and that’s why we love the flexibility and comfort of this classic soft-toe moc. It has the durability most weekend workers will ever need and provides the unassuming confidence to walk through life’s lighter tasks.

If you need more protection, the American Heritage 6-inch Moc Toe is available in a steel-toe model ($255).

Danner Steel Yard

• Utility-scale 100% utility indoor/outdoor work, heavy-duty work where total foot protection is necessary
• Steel toe Yes, with metatarsal guard
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications Yes, ASTM F2413-18 I/75 C/75 Mt/75 EH
• Weight per boot 2.25 lbs. (size 12)

• Top-notch protection
• Metatarsal shield protects against top-of-the-foot impacts
• Limited flexibility

Since 1932, Danner has been renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship and making durable boots for tradesmen and women. The Danner Steel Yard ($200) is part of the brand’s most popular work boot family. But with the addition of the metatarsal guard paired with a steel toe, you’ve got the best total protection for your foot.

The upper full-grain leather has been tested six times to ensure it is the strongest and most durable leather. The Goodyear welt construction attaches the outsole to the upper and creates a stable and long-lasting connection. The outsole uses an oil-and-slip-resistant rubber with angled lugs and a defined heel for versatile traction. It is also Electrical Hazard Certified. These are made to keep you safe.

Safety is crucial, but comfort is a bonus. The inside has a mesh lining to help with airflow, a patent-pending plush, dual-density footbed, and underfoot venting for airflow. The heel is slightly narrow, but it opens up in the toebox. 

Our tester noted that while the footbed is comfortable, the steel plate over the metatarsals does limit flexibility. However, it is a small price to pay for the safety the Danner Steel Yard provides.

BOGS Bedrock II 6″ WP

• Utility-scale 75% utility / 25% casual; outdoor work, all-around work
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications Yes, F2413-11 / M I/75 C/75
• Weight per boot 2 lbs. (size 12)

• Uncommonly comfortable
• Minimal break-in required
• Perfect for wide feet
• Not the most supportive around the ankle joint

Although BOGS is best known for its neoprene pull-on “farm” boots, the brand’s work boots are worth a look. Available in a variety of protection types, BOGS’ Bedrock series is a lightweight boot that wears like a hiker. We particularly like the 6-Inch Bedrock II ($170).

At the core of the boot is the bouncy midsole. The soft boot truly feels like a hiker and can be worn straight out of the box. This is what we’d expect from a boot with a cemented outsole, which generally provides a wonderfully comfortable fit.

The pebbled insole is a nice touch, too. Slide your feet into the boots, and the insole massages your feet. It’s super comfortable and wakes up the feet in the early morning.

The entire boot is wrapped with lightweight but protective “action” leather. This “shell” leather is reputed to be 10 times more durable than traditional leather and (true to all BOGS) is 100% waterproof.

With a 6-inch shaft, the boot has the potential to be very supportive. We just wished it offered a little more, as we found more ankle support in some of the other 6-inch boots we tested.

The BOGS Bedrock 6-Inch WP runs slightly wide, and it looks like it. With a large profile, we’d recommend sizing down a half size for a more precise fit.

Overall, the combination of supple materials and a wonderfully comfortable midsole made this boot the most comfortable work boot we stepped into this year.

Blundstone #172

• Utility-scale 70% utility, 30% casual; indoor/outdoor work, all-around work
• Waterproof Leather is waterproof but elastic stretch panels are not
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications ASTM F2413-18 M I C EH
• Weight per boot 1.3 lbs per boot

• Easy on/off
• Protective toe kick guard
• Not ideal for outdoor use in winter

The Blundstone #172 ($205) is a great choice for folks looking for a slip-on work boot with robust construction and a timeless design. Featuring a premium leather upper and a protective toe kick guard, this boot is stylish and built to withstand the rigors of both work environments and everyday use. 

The elastic side panels make it easy to put on and take off. Furthermore, the lack of laces simplifies the process. The pull tab is robust and is large enough to pull while wearing work gloves. The boot’s durable leather is complemented by a heat-resistant TPU outsole, providing traction and stability on various surfaces. Our tester found it worked well when things got slippery on the worksite, or there was an oil spill on the shop floor. The treads provided the security she needed to continue working without second-guessing her steps.

The boot has a cushioned midsole and a convenient removable footbed if you want to swap out insoles. At first, the steel toe restricted mobility, but after a month of break-in, our tester found it comfortable for all-day wear. She also noted that the Blundstone website has advice on the best way to break in the boots. She followed the instructions and had little issues breaking them in. 

Overall, these are best for those looking for a slip-on with a contemporary look that still offers protection while working. Just be sure to schedule some break-in time before you use them for daily use.   

CAT Invader Mecha Composite Toe Work Shoe

• Utility-scale 85% utility, 15% casual; best for long days on your feet
• Steel toe No, composite toe
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications ASTM F2413-18,
• Weight per boot 1.11 lbs per shoe size 12

• Lightweight
• Doesn’t breathe well with high output activity
• May not meet jobsite "boot" requirements

Sometimes, it’s nice to have a work shoe when a full-size boot isn’t necessary. Cat’s Men’s Invader Mecha Composite Toe Work Shoe ($145) stands out by blending durability with the modern comfort of a shoe and the safety features found in work boots.

Designed with a composite toe, these shoes protect against impact and compression without the added weight of traditional steel toes. This makes them an excellent choice for those who need a lightweight yet protective option for their work environments. 

Comfort is a key highlight of the Invader Mecha Work Shoe. Its cushioned insole and shock-absorbing midsole work together to minimize foot fatigue, even during long hours on hard surfaces. Our tester appreciated the comfort of a shoe when his work days didn’t need a full boot. The moisture-wicking lining kept our tester’s feet dry.

However, he did notice his feet heating up when he was on the move. When he was working in the shop and not hustling around, his feet stayed comfortable, but when he was actively working outside, he found they weren’t as breathable as he would like a shoe to be. 

Performance-wise, the Invader Mecha has both versatility and traction. The slip-resistant outsole provides grip on a variety of surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, the shoe’s design incorporates features like reinforced toecaps and durable stitching, ensuring longevity and resilience in harsh working conditions.

While some users might find the shoe’s appearance a bit more casual compared to traditional work boots, the blend of functionality and comfort makes it a solid choice for those seeking reliable and stylish low-top work footwear.

Muck Arctic Pro Steel Toe Boot

• Utility Scale 80% utility, 20% casual; best for heavy-duty winter work
• Electric hazard protection and other safety certifications Yes, F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH
• Weight per boot 2.2 lbs. (size 12)

• Ideal for cold conditions and deep snow
• Good traction in snow and muck
• Only available in whole sizes

For really cold, snowy, wet conditions, we reach for a simple pull-on neoprene boot. They’re super easy to work with and provide bombproof weather protection. Muck’s Arctic Pro ST ($215) is the go-to boot for contractors in Idaho’s ever-expanding mountain towns, and for good reason. They are easy to use, warm the legs, and allow you to work in deep drifts without ingressing snow, which hampers progress.

The 17.5-inch shafts are made from a thick, 8mm neoprene and lined with a soft fleece. The lower boot is protected by a rubber layup, adding complete waterproofing. A 2mm thermal foam footbed rides over the EVA midsole. It’s comfortable and prevents valuable heat from seeping out of the sole.

The boots are anchored to a Bob Tracker outsole. It’s not an aggressive hiker grip and doesn’t sport the ice-gripping rubber found on the Arctic Ice. Overall, it’s more suitable for snow and “muck.”

A comprehensive package brings these boots’ comfort range all the way down to -60 degrees Fahrenheit. We haven’t tested these ratings, and we hope you don’t have to either. But know that you’ll be comfortable working through any wet, wintry task.

Muck’s Arctic boot line is available in mid and tall models. But for serious work, we recommend the Pro version , which is the warmest in the fleet and sports a steel toe and shank for protection.

The Muck Arctic Pro ST fits true to size with a minimal sock. Keep in mind, Muck Boots are only available in whole sizes. If you prefer a thicker sock, we’d recommend sizing up.

Carhartt Waterproof 6″ MOC Steel Toe Wedge

• Utility-scale 80% utility, 20% casual; best for indoor work that needs additional toe protection
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety considerations Secondary protection against incidental contact with electrical circuits of 18,000 volts or less under dry conditions; Meets ASTM F2413-18 EH standards
• Weight per boot 1.7 lbs., (size 8)

• Long break-in period
• Lugs are not aggressive

The Carhartt Waterproof 6″ MOC Steel Toe Wedge ($175) is a top-notch safety workboot, a testament to Carhartt’s commitment to quality. Crafted with oil-tanned leather, a steel toe, and a dual-density rubber outsole with Goodyear welt construction, these boots are not only waterproof and durable, but they’re also a stylish addition to your work gear.

The wedge adds over an inch in height but always feels stable. The extra cushioned tongue provides protection and helps relieve any pressure when the laces need to be locked down tight. The laces are long, round, and a little stiff. They do come untied in the beginning and, like the shoe, have a bit of a breaking-in period. 

Our testers were on their feet all day shipping out seed potatoes, which included a mix of manual labor and standing next to a conveyor belt. The boots did a good job keeping the dust out and the feet dry. They are not the most comfortable climbing in and out of tall trucks, but as they break in, the leather continues to soften. The sole is stiff, and the outsole offers oil and slip-resistant lugs.

The lugs are not aggressive and are best used indoors or outside on flat terrain where extra grip is not needed. The boot includes a Storm Defender waterproof breathable membrane that keeps moisture out while allowing sweaty feet to breathe. The FastDry technology lining wicks away sweat and keeps your feet dry.

The Carhartt Waterproof 6″ MOC Steel Toe Wedge is a reliable choice for those looking for a stylish steel toe boot, especially for indoor use. However, it’s important to note that these boots do require a breaking-in period before they can provide optimal comfort. So, if you’re planning on using them for long workdays, be sure to allow for this initial period of adjustment.

Wolverine Reforce Energybound 6” Carbonmax

• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications ASTM F2413-18 M/I/C EH
• Weight per boot 1.88 lbs per boot based on 6” safety-toe style

• Short break-in time
• Don't breathe well

The Wolverine Reforce EnergyBound 6″ CarbonMAX Work Boot ($170) is a solid choice for workers seeking a blend of comfort, protection, and durability. The combination of CarbonMAX technology for lightweight safety, EnergyBound midsole for superior cushioning, and rugged construction make these boots well-suited for demanding jobs. 

These boots feature Wolverine’s CarbonMAX safety toe technology, which is made of lightweight carbon fiber for protection against impact and compression hazards. Our tester used these on concrete floors, navigating construction sites, and working in adverse weather conditions, these boots delivered. He appreciated the lightness of the composite toe and the short break-in period. 

The 6-inch height provides ankle support with minimum restriction and provides a bit of height that’s beneficial for walking through worksites on rainy days. The boots are also equipped with slip-resistant rubber lugs, which worked well when our tester was working outside during a rainy spring season in the Colorado Rockies. He was confident in his step when he transitioned from a muddy outside into a concrete floor workspace. They aren’t the most breathable, however, and his feet did get hot working long days outside mid-summer. 

The Wolverine Men’s Reforce EnergyBound 6″ CarbonMAX Work Boot is recommended for those who prioritize comfort and safety without compromising on quality and don’t want to pay over $200. They are slightly roomier compared to traditional steel toes, which can be beneficial for those with wider feet or those who prefer a bit more toe wiggle room. These would be best to try on first. For more height options, they come in 6”, 8”, and 10” with a composite toe as well as a 6” soft toe. 

Kodiak McKinney

• Utility scale 70% utility, 30% casual; indoor/outdoor work, all-around work
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certification Yes, F2413 I/75 C/75 EH PR

• Nice-looking
• More work-capable than most other Chelsea-style boots
• Not ideal for wet conditions or deep snow

The pull-on ankle boot is one of our favorite boot styles. They fit over the foot with ease and quickly kick off after a long day of work. Our Blundstone 566 is one of our favorite winter boots and is great for more desk-bound office work. But they aren’t suitable for hard labor.

Kodiak’s McKinney Chelsea ($180) is an interpretation of the pull-on through the lens of the work boot. All seams on the 6-inch boot are double-stitched, which locks all the high-stress points. The composite safety toe rides unobtrusively inside the boot. The silhouette is slightly stouter than a non-safety-toe boot, but the Chelsea styling hides it well.

The McKinney Chelsea runs about a size too large. We’d recommend buying a full size down from your normal size. But once the fit is dialed, you get a boot that provides all-day comfort with wearable protection. The composite toe is very light and provides full coverage for the first four toes. The pinky toe rides just outside the toebox.

Kodiak’s McKinney has a fat chevron tread. The traction is blocky, but the spacing is tight and prone to collecting debris. A 1.5cm heel gives the boot a middle-of-the-line lift that, in our minds, splits the difference between what we look for in an indoor and outdoor boot, making this boot a good all-rounder.

The leather on the McKinney Chelsea is waterproof. Unfortunately, the elastic stretch panels are not. Step into anything deeper than 4 inches, and your feet will get wet.

We also wished the boots had a front pull-on strap to pair with the back. Of course, that sort of detailing starts to tread into the look and feel of a stylish pull-on style boot, so we’ll let it slide. This is a capable boot considering its casual vibes, though we liked the Blundstone #172 even more thanks to its dual pull-tabs and steel toe.

Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST

• Utility-scale 80% utility, 20% casual; best for heavy-duty work, though light enough for moderate work
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications Yes, ASTM F2412-11 and ASTM F2413-11 impact, compression and electrical hazard safety standards
• Weight per boot 1.9 lbs.

• Excellent ankle support
• Ideal for mud, snow, and loose outdoor surfaces
• Requires some break-in

The Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots ($470) are built to withstand tough conditions. They have double and triple stitching in high wear areas, 2.8mm thick full-grain leather uppers, and 7mm nylon midsoles for extra support.  There are no seams down the tongue for abrasion resistance and to beef up its waterproofness. 

At 7” tall, these boots provide excellent ankle support, crucial for navigating uneven or rocky landscapes. The Lightweight K-Talon outsole and protective rubber sole guard give you confidence on slippery or loose surfaces. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, or working in demanding environments, the boots offer solid footing.

The Windtex waterproof capabilities are outstanding, keeping your feet dry even in wet and muddy conditions. This feature saved our tester’s feet as he packed out his elk in wintery weather in a canoe.  

The Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots are an excellent choice for individuals who demand performance and durability in challenging outdoor environments. With top-notch waterproofing, traction, and support, these boots excel in various conditions. While there might be a brief break-in period, they are not insulated, and with a noticeably higher price point, the long-term reliability and comfort make them a solid investment for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Timberland PRO Boondock 6-Inch Comp Toe

• Electrical hazard protection and other safety considerations Yes, electrical hazard protection meets F2412-11, F2413-11, and F2892-11
• Weight per boot 2.2 lbs.

• Plentiful structural support
• Quite warm for a non-insulated work boot
• On the heavier side, especially for a boot without a steel toe

Timberland’s PRO line offers boots for serious work, but keeps comfort in mind. The Boondocks boots ($200) are protected with soft, waterproof leather and a robust rubber-toe bumper, all sewn together with double, triple, and quadruple stitching. These boots exude quality in look and feel.

Despite tipping the scales at 35 ounces (per boot), these hardwearing boots are deceptively light on the feet. Under the hood, the toes are protected by a composite safety toe. A fiberglass shank lightens the load while providing structural support. The midsole is made from dual-density foams, simultaneously subtracting weight and adding flexibility and comfort.

The Boondocks have a hybrid outsole. The front three-quarters of the boot is fastened to the upper with a Goodyear welt, but the heel is cemented. Underfoot, the traction has a distinct hiker-style tread that sheds muck and is resistant to slipping, oil, and abrasions.

The combination of a welted and cemented sole allows for durability, stability, and a very comfortable boot that breaks in quickly. These are the most comfortable Goodyear welt* boots on the list. We use an asterisk because, unfortunately, the three-quarter welt is not resoleable.

A fully waterproof bootie sits under the waterproof leather, extending into the gusseted tongue. We typically find this level of weather protection in winter hiking boots but rarely in work boots. Bonus: This also protects against bloodborne critters.

Though the Boondock is not insulated, we found the waterproof membrane adds to the warmth. Our boots tested to be comfortable down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Two speed hooks allow you to lace up to the top of the boot, and the hooks have integrated eyelets so, should you prefer, you can lace the boot entirely through eyelets.

If your 9-to-5 runs closer to 7-to-7, the Boondock shouldn’t be overlooked — these are supremely comfortable boots. Keep in mind, the Boondocks boots run about a half-size big and also wide, especially in the toebox.

If your dogs sit squarely in E, these will feel great. Otherwise, we’d recommend sizing down a half size. And if you still have questions, Timberland allows returns within 30 days — with a full refund.

Danner Vicious

• Utility-scale 80% utility, 20% casual; indoor/outdoor work, all-around work
• Steel toe No, options include plain, composite, or floating PU metatarsal guard
• Electrical hazard protection and other safety certifications Yes, ASTM F2892-1
• Weight per boot Varies based on options; 1.2 to 2.2 lbs.

• Effective waterproofing
• On the pricey side

The Danner Vicious boot ($220-270) is comfortable right out of the box. The dual-density EVA midsole allows for comfort on those extra-long work days or when carrying heavy loads. It’s a relatively lightweight work boot, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t built to be used. The full-grain leather upper, Vibram outsole, and composite toe option make it durable and ready to work. 

The lining is waterproof with a GORE-TEX liner, which our tester put to the ultimate test by packing out an elk with several creek and snow crossings. Her feet stayed dry and she appreciated the heel cup and wider toebox. Her feet didn’t slip inside the boot and never had any blisters.

The 90-degree heel adds more lugs and grooves to help maintain balance on uneven terrain but has a low enough profile that transitions from shop to outdoor work easily. Which came in handy when she wore the same boots standing on a concrete floor to process the elk she helped pack out.  

This boot is a top-tier option for those in need of reliable and durable footwear. The combination of comfort, traction, and waterproofing makes them versatile for various activities and environments. Despite a higher price point, the long-term durability and performance make them well worth the investment.

The Danner Vicious comes in many different options. For women, there is a 4” plain toe or composite toe version. For men, there is a 4.5 ”, 6” , and 8” option with plain, composite, or composite with a floating PU metatarsal guard. They even have an 8” insulated version.

Red Wing Iron Ranger — Men’s & Women’s

• Utility-scale 25% utility, 75% casual; capable of light-duty shop work, but lack of safety toe makes this better off the shop floor
• Electrical hazard protection (and other safety certifications) N/A
• Weight per boot 1.8 lbs.

• Top-notch build quality
• Made in America
• Elegant styling
• Doubles as a dress boot
• Not ideal for heavy duty work

Heritage boots are defined as classic leather boots, often made in America. The style exudes a vintage aesthetic, traditional materials, and heirloom quality. Perhaps no boot brand better exemplifies heritage footwear better than Red Wing. At the tip of the feather of Red Wing’s Heritage line is its iconic Iron Ranger ($350)

The Iron Rangers are named after Minnesota’s Iron Range mountains, where miners still trolly taconite ore out of the hills to produce iron. The boot’s 2mm full-grain leather is triple-stitched and patched with an extra protective leather cap over the toes. Polished nickel eyes and hooks ride up the 6-inch shaft to close the boot around the ankle.

A Vibram 430 Mini Lug outsole sits under a cork midsole and is sewn to the boot by way of a Goodyear welt. It’s a negligible lug, providing just enough bite on sloppy sidewalks or in the back end of the restaurant.

The Iron Rangers are at the other end of our utility scale, wearing far more casual than utilitarian — which shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, this is the boot Bradley Cooper pairs with a two-piece suit. But that doesn’t mean they can’t pull a swing shift.

Our friend Tim Reeve, who sits at the helm of our favorite knife company — Chris Reeve Knives — has two everyday carries: his Sebenza 31 knife and his Iron Rangers.

The boots list for $330, but our reviewer bought his on eBay for $125. In addition to the price break, the boots were already broken in and perfectly faded.

If you’re upping your game from sneakers or desert boots, we highly recommend stepping into a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers. With comfort, looks, and the “handmade in America” stamp, you really can’t go wrong with the Rangers.

Best Work Boots Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Work Boots

The GearJunkie team does not shy away from manual work. Our crew is used to being on their feet for hours in all different weather and working conditions. Safety is a priority, and work boots are critical.

Boots that are ill-fitting or not made to a certain standard can be dangerous and put your feet and sometimes your life in danger. That is why it is so important for us to list all of the safety ratings for the boots in this guide.

Lead author Constance Mahoney grew up on a cattle ranch in Montana. She is no stranger to long days on her feet in all weather conditions. She understands the importance of having the right boot for the job and thinks work boots are just as important as the tools she works with. Quality matters.

Constance’s husband, Taylor, has been working in the trades since 2006, and is on-site 5 days a week putting the gear he’s wearing to the real test. He is also a licensed chiropractor trained in biomechanics, gait, and orthotics, giving him a unique perspective on how work boots should support, fit, and flex.

Some of the boots in our selection are versatile enough to hike in, but if you’re looking to get into the woods after you’ve clocked out, check out GearJunkie’s guide to the best hiking boots and the best boots for hunting.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Work Boot s

Of course, a work boot should protect your feet, but the unsung task of the work boot is to enable you to work hour after hour, day after day.

If the boot isn’t working, your legs, hips, back, and neck will compensate and eventually take the brunt (and do so with less grace). Above all else, a work boot’s task is to address stress at the ground level. A comfortable boot is arguably a safer boot. You’ll be more sure-footed and focused on the task at hand in a comfortable boot.

The outsole is where the rubber meets the road. Riding over the cushiony midsole and in direct contact with the ground, the outsole is about grip and protection.

Many boots use special formulas of urethane compounds that strike a balance of flexibility, durability, and increased traction on slick surfaces. If you work in shops where oils occasionally spill on the floor, look for shoes that specifically indicate oil and slip resistance. The best of the best are certified to meet SRC slip-resistance standards.

For standing all day on concrete, we prefer the simple wedge-shaped sole. Unlike a heeled boot, the sole has full contact with the ground. This helps absorb the shock with every step and disperses forces equally across the sole. A full-contact outsole also adds a little extra traction and, hence, is often a preferred sole for those working on slick surfaces.

When you think of the wedge sole, you immediately think of the classic moc-toe boot. We listed Thorogood’s American Heritage 6-inch moc toe MAXwear Wedge as our preferred soft-toe boot. But if your shoes are resoleable, a wedge sole can be added to any work boot regardless of the toe type.

If you’re standing all day on cement, like working the floor at Costco, a wedge-shaped sole should be on your list. Or, if your work brings you outside, look for a hiker-like tread that provides more traction in dirt and mud.

Sitting opposite the wedge sole is the heeled boot. The raised cowboy-style heel shifts your center of gravity slightly forward. These boots can be extremely durable and stable. But that gap between the heel and under the ball of the foot doesn’t give the foot full contact with the ground.

Because of this, they can feel a little squirrelly on slick ground. But they seat well with climbing spurs and have added ankle stability while climbing. Hence, you’ll often find taller heels on logger-style boots.

Soles can be cemented or welted to the boot. Cemented boots are lighter, more flexible, and arguably more comfortable out of the box. But once the sole wears out, shoes with cemented outsoles are irreparable.

A Goodyear welt can be resoled several times, increasing the life of your purchase. The outsole welt is sewn to the bottom of the shoe, enabling boots to be sewn and re-sewn multiple times. The shoe won’t be as comfortable underfoot as a boot cemented to an EVA midsole, but the durability and support are reasonable trade-offs. Over time, slipping into a Goodyear-welted boot will feel wonderfully comfortable.

Need more support? Consider an aftermarket insole. Available in a variety of thicknesses and cushion levels, Superfeet orthotics add a touch of personalized support to your boot. We particularly recommend an aftermarket insole for boots that lack a midsole.

Weatherproof

Dry feet are warm feet. If you’re working in truly wet conditions — like pulling crab pots off the Aleutian Islands — look for 100% waterproof boots. If it’s both wet and cold, upgrade to a thicker neoprene shell like Muck Boot’s fleece-lined Arctic Pro . It’s both 100% waterproof and rated down to -60 degrees F.

Other boots, like the BOGS Bedrock , use waterproof leather. In addition to waterproof leather, Timberland’s Boondocks and Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST boots add a waterproof-breathable membrane to keep moisture out. These membranes allow boots to be both waterproof and breathable.

Cold-weather boots include a thermal footbed and insulation in the shaft. The insulation is listed in the fabric’s weight per yard in grams. The higher the gram count, the warmer the boot is.

For cold job sites, we recommend boots with no less than 200 g of insulation in the liner (with 400 g the preferred winter standard). Muck Boot’s Arctic Pro has a fat neoprene outer lined with fleece.

If winter work boots have a safety toe, look for boots with insulation around the cap (or composite cap). This reduces the conductive effects of heat transfer from the toes to the safety toe.

High-vis accents are also great, especially if your work starts and ends in the dark or if you’re working roadside.

Toe Protection

When he was younger, our lead tester’s dad worked on a farm that still plowed the fields with steel-wheeled tractors. Long story short, he now has nine toes. The importance of protective boots can’t be overlooked.

“Safety boots” are boots that have a protective cap that covers the phalanges (your actual toes). The cap resists compression, puncture, and impact forces.

Steel toe versus safety toe: What’s the difference? All steel-toe boots are considered safety-toe boots. Safety-toe boots are available in composites, alloys, Kevlar, and hard plastics. Steel is more durable and is considered the gold standard on many job sites. But they can conduct cold, heat, and electricity. Our top pick for a steel-toe boot is the Caterpillar Alaska 2.0 steel-toe boot . The Caterpillar (CAT) Second Shift steel-toe work boot is a great budget-friendly option.

Composites still meet the compression and impact safety standards, but they may only be able to sustain one of these impacts. On the flip side, composite-toe boots are lighter and won’t conduct currents. If you need toe protection on cold-weather job sites or work with high-voltage equipment, consider buying a non-metallic safety toe boot like the Perkins boot . Or if you are looking for an office boot with a composite toe, check out Kodiak’s McKinney Chelsea .

Nineteen of the foot’s 26 bones sit under the tongue and vamp of a shoe. The five bones that connect the toes to the ankle and form the arch of the foot are your metatarsals. Some boots like the Danner Steel Yard come with an additional protective “met-guard” that lies over the laces, protecting the metatarsals.

ASTM Safety Standards

Protection is what elevates a boot from a supportive hiker to an industry heavy-hitter. Standards provide confidence in the boot’s ability to perform under specific stressors.

If you poke around work boots enough, you’ll likely come across safety ratings set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These are international standards that identify the minimal requirements for protective footwear on the job site. They rate everything from viral penetration to puncture resistance to compression ratings.

ASTM-F2413 standards rate boots specifically for compression, impact, metatarsal, conductive properties, electrical hazards, static dissipation, and puncture. Here are some typical ASTM abbreviations:

• I for Impact
• C for Compression
• Mt for Metatarsal
• Cd for Conductive
• EH for Electrical Hazard
• SD for Static Dissipating
• PR for Puncture Resistant
• CS Chain Saw cut resistance
• DI for Dielectric insulation — insulation from circuits or conductors

Each is followed by a number. To find how your prospective boot rates, the ASTM standards are outlined in four lines:

• Line 1: Compliance and year
• Line 2: Gender/impact/compression/metatarsal resistance
• Line 3-4: Specific hazards the boot protects against

So if we interpret the Timberland Boondock, we get the following:

• ASTM F2413-11 : Complies with the performance requirement of F2413, issued in 2011
• M/I/75C/75: A men’s boot that complies with the impact and compression requirements of a 50-pound weight dropped from 18 inches, delivering 75 foot-pounds of force on the toe, and can endure 2,500 pounds of rolling force over the toe

EH: Outsole is made from non-conductive materials that are shock-resistant

Buying Your Work Boots

Which boot is best for you? If you’re puttering around the house on weekends, choose a comfortable boot with appropriate protection for your daily tasks.

Unless you’re Clark Griswold, you probably don’t need a heavy-duty, steel-toe boot to hang Christmas lights. You’d be better served with a comfortable, supportive boot with traction like the Danner Vicious . If you want something more stylish that pairs well with suites and shop work, look at the American-made Red Wing’s Iron Ranger . However, if you’re splitting wood or mowing the lawn, it’s not a bad idea to consider a safety toe for protection.

Many jobs will explicitly share which footwear meets required ASTM standards before you can step foot on the site. Neglecting to follow them can incur large fines from OSHA. Getting injured while deciding not to wear protective boots on the job can affect your workmen’s comp and insurance. If you’re unsure, ask your boss what standards your boots need to comply with.

You can buy any of these boots online. And some manufacturers, like White’s, will only build a boot off of your mailed measurements. But for most boots, it’s best to try them on at a local shop. A boot’s last can be different than your street shoe. A shop can measure your feet and ensure you’re stepping into a proper-fitting boot.

Try boots on at the end of the day, preferably after work. Your feet swell over a day’s work, and trying on shoes after your shift will provide a better gauge of a proper fit.

When you try on ski boots, you bring ski socks . The same goes for work boots. Bring a pair of socks you intend to wear with the boots. Better yet, buy yourself a new pair of socks; they wear out quicker than you think. Plus, nobody wants to try on shoes with socks pulled from the shop’s community bin.

Take care of your boots. Invest in a good horsehair brush to regularly dust off dirt and grime. Clean your boots with warm water. Leather is like your skin and needs moisturizing. Condition your leather boots after every wash.

Your boots are tools, so periodically check them for wear and tear. Treat the safety toe like a helmet. If a composite toe has taken a hit, it’s probably best to retire the boots. If the boot has a Goodyear welt, uneven wear on the sole’s heel, or any splitting from the boot, it’s a good indication it’s time to resole.

Work boots can be expensive, but they’re part and parcel of your health and wage. Buy wisely, and they should serve you well for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

We found that the BOGS Bedrock II 6″ WP is the most comfortable work boot on the market for most foot shapes. However, if possible, go to a store after your shift is done and try on different boots to see what feels more comfortable to you.

The best work boot you can buy will be the one that matches the safety ratings you need and one that you can wear repeatedly for hours on end. Everyone’s specifics will differ, but the   Caterpillar Alaska 2.0   and the Kenetrek Hardscrabble ST were two of the best overall boots we tested.

A MOC toe is a style of boot that has a seam running around the top edge of the toe. The Thorogood American Heritage 6-inch moc toe is a prime example of this.

Work boots that hurt your feet generally do not provide the correct support, or they do not fit correctly. Finding the correct boots for your feet is important, and generally, the more money you spend on a work boot, the more comfort and support you will get. Follow our buyer’s guide above to help make a comfortable choice.

Everyone’s feet are different, so finding the correct boot for your feet is important. Here are some tips to lead you to the right boot when you go out boot shopping. If you need more info on how to choose the right boot, check out GearJunkie’s boot-buying tips.

• Decide what features you are looking for to help guide you to a specific style of boot. Some examples of boot features are as follows: waterproof, steel or safety toe, electrical shock-resistant, slip-on versus lace-up, boot height, etc.
• Test the boots for length and width. Not every company sizes its boots the same. Some are longer or shorter, and boot width can vary significantly, especially when it comes to safety/steel-toe boots. We have found discrepancies of up to a full boot size between different brands we tried, so you can’t always rely on the size that’s on the tag. Make sure to try them on before buying them, or if ordering online, make sure you can return them if the fit is incorrect.
• Make sure that the boots flex well and in the right location. Boots should flex at the ball of your foot, not at your arch. If the boot flexes too far back it will lead to foot fatigue due to lack of support. Looking for boots that say they have a “shank“ can help, as this adds support and only allows the boot to flex where it should flex.
• Make sure that the laces hold your foot in place. If you cannot get the boot to the correct tightness, it will allow your foot to move too much, causing blistering or irritation.
• Wear the same socks you wear on the job while trying on boots. Wool/synthetic blends will keep your feet more comfortable than cotton during a long workday.

Try on boots at the end of the workday. Your feet change shape throughout the day so trying on boots at the end of the day when your feet have swollen, widened, and flattened will allow for a much better fit that won’t have your feet hurting at the end of a long day.

The Best Work Pants of 2024

Work pants provide functional utility for carpentry, construction, ranch work, or DIY home projects. These are the best work pants we have found.

The Best Work Pants for Women of 2024

For women with tough and demanding gigs, here are the workwear pants that hold up.

Taylor is a Minnesota-based outdoor adventure nut who spends most weekends cycling, running, camping, canoeing, and enjoying the outdoors. When he is not contributing to GearJunkie, he’s playing outside or building houses. Taylor has been working in the trades since 2006 and is on-site 5 days a week, putting the gear he’s wearing to the real test.

Constance Mahoney is a gear tester and reviewer for GearJunkie. Mahoney has been writing about hiking, trail running, and outdoor gear for several years. She’s the chapter founder of Trails Sisters Crested Butte. Based in Colorado, Mahoney is an avid angler, trail runner, photographer, and all-around family adventurer.  

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Gear Top Stories Deals

Meet The World’s Best Management Consulting Firms 2024

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Accenture consultants work in the Chicago office overlooking the city's skyline

It’s often been said that the only constant in life—and in business—is change. And while this can be unsettling for companies, change has consistently led to growth for the management consulting industry. Whether companies are seeking to downsize, expand, rebrand or enhance AI capabilities, businesses often need help from external advisors, particularly those with highly technical skills or niche expertise. As a result, consultants have never been busier.

Alicia Pittman, managing director, senior partner and global people chair at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), says that many businesses coming out of turbulent times post pandemic are seeking large-scale change. “A lot of clients are looking soup to nuts, and asking, ‘How do we accelerate this company to the next chapter?’”

The answer, according to Pittman, is to join forces with the right consulting team. In the case of BCG, when their consultants take on a project, they don’t just drop in, make some fixes and leave. Rather, the consultants take time listening to the needs of their clients, customizing strategies together, and guiding executives and staff on how to implement them. BCG’s philosophy, says Pittman: “We don’t work on clients, we work with clients.”

This approach has apparently served BCG well; for the third straight year it ranked as one of the most recommended firms in our list of the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms . The ranking, created in partnership with market research firm Statista , is based on three national surveys of consultants (partners and managers at consulting firms) and clients (executives) in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany; as well as a global survey of 8,500 consultants and clients in 29 countries across all continents.

Survey respondents were asked which consulting firms they would recommend within 13 industries (such as construction and healthcare) and 14 functional areas (such as digital transformation and organization management), for a total of 27 categories; those with the most recommendations were included in our list and awarded a star rating. Firms in the top 10% (very frequently recommended) received 5 stars, firms between the top 10% and 40% (frequently recommended) received 4 stars, and all others with a sufficient number of recommendations received 3 stars.

In addition to the consulting firms, survey respondents were also able to recommend consulting networks, which aggregate large numbers of independent consultants and facilitate their connection with potential clients. Consulting networks were rated using the same method used to rate consulting firms.

Ultimately, a total of 224 management consulting firms and nine consulting networks made this third annual list. (For more on the methodology, see below.)

Eight firms on our list earned stars in all 27 categories, and they were the same top performers as last year. But this year, Accenture led that pack—bumping McKinsey & Company from the head of the list—with Accenture receiving 26 5-star ratings and one 4-star rating, while McKinsey received 24 5-star ratings and three 4-star ratings. For the second year in a row, Deloitte earned 25 5-star ratings and two 4-star ratings. The other five firms that received stars in all 27 categories (specifically, 4- and 5-star ratings) were Boston Consulting Group (BCG) , Bain & Company , KPMG , PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and EY .

One of the top priorities for clients across every industry this year, says Muqsit Ashraf, group chief executive of Accenture Strategy, is to reinvent their organization’s generative AI, “impacting everyone from the C-suite to frontline workers.” To do this, Accenture teams advise companies on “building a digital core, transforming processes end to end, rethinking talent strategies, embedding responsible AI principles, and developing change management capabilities,” he says.

Deloitte's global headquarters in London, England

Another major focus for businesses around the world is sustainability, says Tamzen Isacsson, CEO of the Management Consultancies Association , a trade organization in the UK. Thus, consulting firms are not only guiding clients on sustainable strategies for their businesses, the consultants themselves are also walking the (carbon-free) walk. “The consulting industry previously had a big carbon footprint in terms of travel,” says Isacsson. Post pandemic, however, consultants have radically revamped the way they work with clients, often traveling much less and instead offering a blend of remote time and face-to-face time.

New norms for remote and digital work arrangements have also made it easier for businesses to work with expert consultants in any country—and there are a growing number of consulting networks facilitating these connections. One such network, Malt —which received high marks in our rankings—has built an online community of more than 500,000 freelance consultants and more than 70,000 clients. The AI-powered platform serves as a matchmaker of sorts, allowing consultants to find projects that suit their skills and interests while offering clients the ability to find consultants with the specific expertise needed.

Malt , which operates in eight countries in Europe and the United Arab Emirates, vets the freelancers, makes sure they are compliant with tax regulations and certified to work where the client is located, and provides tools that help both consultants and clients find matches. Pascal Schäfer, Malt’s head of freelance community and project partnering, says that clients usually come to the platform knowing exactly what they are looking for, and it’s often a consultant with very specific expertise that most companies would not employ on staff. “We can help them to find someone with exactly that skillset or that combination of experience in the country they need,” he says.

“The platform suggests potential candidates based on their experience and hard skills but then we add the human touch,” says Schäfer, noting that Malt proposes three to five candidates to the client—also considering interpersonal skills and price—and the client can choose which candidates they’d like to meet. Malt arranges a call for both parties to talk on their own or with a Malt advisor. When a match is made, clients then hire and pay the consultant through the platform, providing security and stability for all involved.

For executives in search of their own great match—whether through a consulting network, a boutique consulting company or a multinational firm— click here for the full list of the World’s Best Consulting Firms .

Methodology

The World’s Best Consulting Firms 2024, created in partnership with market research firm Statista , is based on three national surveys of consultants (partners and managers at consulting firms) and clients (executives) in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany; as well as a global survey of 8,500 consultants and clients in 29 countries across all continents. Survey respondents were asked which consulting firms they would recommend; firms were eligible if they had active offices in at least three of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America.

The firms were recommended within 13 industries (such as technology, financial services and healthcare) and 14 functional areas (such as M&A, marketing and sustainability); those with the most recommendations were included in our list and awarded a star rating. Firms in the top 10% (very frequently recommended) received 5 stars, firms between the top 10% and 40% (frequently recommended) received 4 stars, and all others with a sufficient number of recommendations received 3 stars.

In addition to the consulting firms, survey respondents were also able to recommend consulting networks, which aggregate large numbers of independent consultants and facilitate their connection with potential clients. The networks enable consultants to match with projects that suit their skills and interests, while affording clients the ability to match with consultants offering the specific expertise needed. For this list, the method used to rate consulting firms was also used to rate consulting networks.

Ultimately, a total of 224 management consulting firms and nine consulting networks made the list.

As with all Forbes lists, companies pay no fee to participate or be selected. To read more about how we make these lists , click here. For questions about this list, please email listdesk [at] forbes.com.

Forbes/Statista

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

• Arts and Culture
• Business and Labour
• Environment
• Southern Canada
• Feature Stories
• Nunatsiaq@50
• Free Subscription

Editorials    Aug 10, 2024 – 9:30 am EDT

Travel Nunavut has its work cut out with $1B plan

New president takes over as world reconsiders what sustainable travel looks like

Nunavut appears ready for the next step in an ambitious plan to turn its travel sector into a billion-dollar-a-year industry, but it comes at a time when the world is reconsidering the environmental impact of tourism.

Travel Nunavut — the territory’s travel industry association — announced last week that Alex Stubbing will become its next president. He’s replacing Kevin Kelly, who held the job since 2015 but recently moved to Pinnguaq.

Stubbing’s job is to lead the organization toward its goal of making Nunavut’s travel sector generate $1 billion a year in revenue by 2030 — just five years from now. The plan is also to have the travel sector account for 5,000 jobs.

It raised some eyebrows when Travel Nunavut announced that goal last November. Like Nunavut 3000 — the Government of Nunavut’s plan to build 3,000 homes between 2021 and 2030 — it’s another ambitious target that, if met, could transform the territory.

The goal would essentially double the impact of the travel sector from its pre-COVID-19-pandemic levels of $400 million in annual revenue and 3,000 jobs in 2019.

Wouldn’t it be nice if Nunavut could boost its economy by playing host to the world? A diversified economy would create more jobs and a wider variety of opportunities for Nunavummiut. Right now, a lot of the territory’s eggs are either in the government or mining baskets.

Excellent article. An important part of the dialogue in the travel industry. SUSTAINABILITY is a key element of the travel industry in Nunavut. In fact, sustainability of communities in Nunavut is dependent on a growing and successful travel industry. They are mutually interdependent. This article highlights leisure travel – a small segment of Nunavut’s travel industry. The majority of businesses in Nunavut’s travel industry do not rely solely on leisure travellers.

The travel industry in Nunavut will likely grow to $1 billion of revenue within the next 5 to 7 years just to facilitate the economic, social, recreation, education, health, and government needs of a youthful population spread across 25 communities in a vast land that makes up 21% of Canada’s land mass. Leisure travel will be an important part of that growth but a relatively small part of it.

Nunavut’s travel industry is critical to day-to-day sustainability of life in Nunavut with passenger and freight services by air and sea. It is basic to the provision of government services; supply of food and household goods; construction of residences, commercial and government buildings, community and recreation facilities, and infrastructure; mining; hunting and fishing; sports and cultural events and activities; health care; education and training; military activities; short term accommodation and food services; getaways and vacations for Nunavummiut; and so on.

There is an overwhelming need for Nunavut’s travel industry to grow in capacity, technology, management, training, and sophistication to meet the basic travel needs of Nunavummiut never mind accommodating the needs of travellers from around the world. Although leisure travellers from around the world make up a relatively small segment of Nunavut’s travel industry, their needs will help drive the sophistication and training required for a successful travel industry for Nunavummiut.

There is a great responsibility and need to effectively manage the use and access to the Arctic environs recognizing that there is a delicate balance and capacity to the environment and the communities to handle not only leisure travellers but all types of travellers.

Nunavut’s travel industry will undergo vast changes to manage double digit growth each year over the next 5 to 10 years. It requires coordinated efforts and significant resources of industry, government, and NGOs to bring about the investment, planning, management, training, and education needed to accommodate this growth. There will be a lot of pushing and pulling along the way. It will be important to facilitate, accommodate, and provide the right structure and resources for rapid managed growth. It will be almost impossible to stand in the way of it. All involved will need to embrace and facilitate rapid change. And yes, some communities may decide that they have limited capacity for more leisure travellers. Their decisions must be respected.

It sounds like you’re referring to transportation infrastructure and the need for significant federal funding to not only support the travel industry but all industries in Nunavut, existing and burgeoning. Agreed.

Join the Conversation Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Supported by

Britain’s Violent Riots: What We Know

Officials had braced for more unrest on Wednesday, but the night’s anti-immigration protests were smaller, with counterprotesters dominating the streets instead.

• Share full article

By Lynsey Chutel

After days of violent rioting set off by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage, the authorities in Britain had been bracing for more unrest on Wednesday. But by nightfall, large-scale anti-immigration demonstrations had not materialized, and only a few arrests had been made nationwide.

Instead, streets in cities across the country were filled with thousands of antiracism protesters, including in Liverpool, where by late evening, the counterdemonstration had taken on an almost celebratory tone.

Over the weekend, the anti-immigration protests, organized by far-right groups, had devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities. And with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.

With tensions running high, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government. Some 6,000 specialist public-order police officers were mobilized nationwide to respond to any disorder, and the authorities in several cities and towns stepped up patrols.

Wednesday was not trouble-free, however.

In Bristol, the police said there was one arrest after a brick was thrown at a police vehicle and a bottle was thrown. In the southern city of Portsmouth, police officers dispersed a small group of anti-immigration protesters who had blocked a roadway. And in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where there have been at least four nights of unrest, disorder continued, and the police service said it would bring in additional officers.

But overall, many expressed relief that the fears of wide-scale violence had not been realized.

Here’s what we know about the turmoil in Britain.

Where has the unrest taken place?

Protesters over the weekend took to the streets of a dozen cities across Britain, most of them in England. Trouble broke out from Aldershot in the south to Sunderland in the north and Liverpool in the west. Belfast, in Northern Ireland, was also drawn into the fray.

In some cases, the protesters were merely unruly, but in others the violence was more pronounced.

Where arrests have been reported

On Sunday, rioters set upon a hotel that was housing asylum seekers in the town of Rotherham, in northern England, breaking windows before surging inside as the police struggled to control them. No guests were injured in the melee, the police said.

In Middlesbrough, a group of rioters, some masked, hurled bottles and rocks at officers. Cars were set on fire, and at least nine people were arrested. On Saturday, a library and a food bank were set ablaze in Liverpool as groups damaged and looted businesses, and in Hull, fires were set and storefronts smashed in the city center.

Dozens of police officers were injured, including some who required trips to the hospital.

What set off the protests?

The unrest began after a teenager wielding a knife attacked a children’s dance class early last week in the seaside town of Southport, which is near Liverpool. Three children were killed, and eight were wounded.

The suspect was born and raised in Britain, but online rumors soon circulated that he was an undocumented immigrant. To counter those false claims, the authorities took the unusual step of publicly identifying him. The BBC has reported that the suspect’s parents are from Rwanda. The police have not disclosed a motive for the stabbing attack.

But with migration a flashpoint issue in Britain, especially on the far right, the rumors were all it took to set off violence.

Extremist groups urged their followers to take to the streets, and on the day after the stabbings, they began to do so, starting in Southport.

How have the authorities responded?

The weekend riots prompted a heavy police response. Nearly 4,000 additional officers were deployed, a law enforcement association said. And a government order gave officers in some places special powers to disperse any gatherings or “antisocial behavior,” the police said in a statement .

More than 400 people have been arrested, and about 100 have been charged, Mr. Starmer said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday — the second in two days.

The prime minister, who has characterized the riots as “far-right thuggery,” encouraged prosecutors to name and shame those convicted to dissuade others from joining the violent rampages.

“I’m now expecting substantive sentencing before the end of the week,” Mr. Starmer said. “That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week and that nobody, but nobody, should involve themselves in this disorder.”

BJ Harrington, the head of public order for Britain’s National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that online disinformation had been “a huge driver of this appalling violence.”

Intelligence teams, detectives and neighborhood officers, Mr. Harrington said, were working to identify the people fomenting the violence.

“They won’t win,” he said.

How are the authorities handling online incitement?

Social media has acted as an accelerant throughout the protests, with disinformation fueling far-right and anti-immigrant groups . Britain and other democracies have found that policing the internet is legally murky terrain, with individual rights and free speech protections balanced against a desire to block harmful material .

In his remarks on Tuesday, Mr. Starmer said that some arrests involved people accused of inciting violence online.

The first person to be convicted over online posts since the riots, according to the Crown Prosecution Service , was a 28-year-old man from Leeds who posted messages on Facebook about attacking a hotel that housed asylum seekers. It said that the man, Jordan Parlour, had pleaded guilty and been convicted of using threatening words or behavior to stir up racial hatred.

Mr. Starmer has called out social media companies over misinformation on their platforms, but holding them accountable could be tricky. Britain adopted a law last year that requires social media companies to introduce protections for child safety and to prevent and quickly remove illegal content like terrorism propaganda and revenge pornography. The law is less clear about how companies must treat misinformation and incendiary language.

What are the political implications?

The riots are the first political crisis for Mr. Starmer, who took office a month ago after his Labour Party defeated the Conservatives, who had been in government for 14 years.

While in power, the Conservatives tried to capitalize on public unhappiness over immigration, vowing to reduce it (though failing to do so). But in recent days they joined Labour in condemning the violent protests.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, now the opposition leader, said the unrest had “nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport.” The police, he said, have “our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly.”

Megan Specia contributed reporting.

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel