If you’re dreaming of traveling when you retire but not sure how you can afford it, there are jobs you can do that make it possible for you to plan trips and see the sites as you earn money.
The top 9 ways you can travel and make money are divided into physically demanding jobs and less physically demanding jobs.
Older women, that is women over 60, are often looking for less physically demanding jobs that they can do to make some extra money for traveling. On the other hand, there are those women who do not mind jobs that require more physical strength and endurance. I have included an overview of both and resources for you to evaluate further.
Physically Demanding Jobs
- Travel Companion
- Cruise Ship Worker
- Amazon Warehouse Worker
- Seasonal Worker
- Dog Walker
Less physically demanding jobs
- Language Teacher
- General Content Creator
- House Sitter
- Write for Travel Blogs
First let’s take a look at the requirements for each of these jobs and where you can locate and apply for them. If you are interested in one or two of the jobs, and they say there are no openings, go ahead and create a resume that will get you noticed and send it to the person who makes the hiring decisions. Be sure to follow up with a phone call. Remember you have nothing to lose but could gain the right job allowing you to travel.
Physically Demanding Jobs
1. Travel Companion
Job Description
A travel companion is someone who provides care and companionship for elderly people or children who love to travel. Whether going on a cruise, going to visit family, staying at a resort, attending a business meeting, or attending a special event, like a wedding, travel companions will accommodate their needs. They can help get them to the destination, help them get home, and even help throughout their entire stay. Travel companions can be an escort for someone who needs help traveling by air, land or sea.
Hiring Companies
Home Care Agencies
Travel Websites
Zip Recruiter (search travel companion jobs)
Personal Ads
Senior Centers
Job Requirements
Travel companion jobs may require that you have specific skills. If you’re accompanying an elderly person or someone who has medical challenges you may be required to help with medications, bathing, dressing, toileting and transferring tasks. Pushing a wheelchair up and down hills and for long periods will require strength and stamina.
A travel companion for children is required to be very alert and attentive. Keep the children safe and provide assistance with daily activities, including personal care. Entertaining the children may also be part of the job.
Summary
Some travel companion jobs require professionals, like Registered Nurses. I haven’t found any that specify if their license needs to be current or if they hire retired nurses.
This is a position that you may need to do ongoing searches for. Contact companies that hire for this position, place your Ad on bulletin boards in senior centers, assisted living facilities and churches. Also create an advertisement and place it on sites like Craigslist.
If you decide to become an independent contractor for this service, it is wise to start a business and have insurance that protects you and your clients.
2. Cruise Ship Worker
Job Description
There are a huge variety of jobs on cruise ships. I discovered All Cruise Jobs, a large job board specifically for the cruise line industry. They post the most current cruise ship job vacancies.
You can go ahead and search each cruise line separately for available positions, however All Cruise Jobs allows you to find cruise ship jobs that are posted directly by genuine recruiters and employers.
Hiring Companies
All Cruise Jobs
Individual Cruise Lines
Job Requirements
Each job requirement is also shared on All Cruise Jobs website. I encourage you to check out their listings if this interests you.
Summary
If you can, try to connect with people who have worked on cruise ships. Check Facebook for any groups to learn more about what it takes and the best ships to work on.
3. Amazon Warehouse Worker
There are many different jobs available at Amazon. The best way to learn which ones interests you is to check out their website for a complete listing. The job descriptions listed here are for the most common ones that they are usually always hiring for.
Pre-Plan Your Trip
Amazon is in every state and many countries. You may want to start working for them in your area first to see if you like the job and then apply for the area you will be traveling to. Also check with their hiring department to see if you can do transfers along your way.
Job Description
FULFILLMENT CENTERS– Work inside an Amazon warehouse, selecting, packing and shipping customer orders. If you like a fast-paced, physical position that gets you up and moving, then come help bring orders to life. Work a set, full-time schedule. Shift options include overnight and days, and usually at least one weekend day.
AMAZON FRESH WAREHOUSES – Amazon Fresh is our grocery delivery service. We offer fresh, frozen, and packaged groceries, so you’ll work in varying climates from room temperature to freezer environments. We will provide you with the right gear to stay warm during the colder parts of your shift. If you need flexibility in your schedule, this job allows you to choose from available shifts each week to create your own.* Flexible hours, a reliable pay rate, and no surprises!
Hiring Companies
Amazon
Job Requirements
- Good team player
- Excellent Communication
- Ability to work to tight deadlines
- Enthusiastic, can-do attitude
- Can follow written instructions
- Standing and/or walking for long periods of between 8 and 12 hours per shift (standard full-time shifts are 10 hours excluding overtime, flex and part-time shifts may vary)
- Lifting and moving products 50+ pounds in weight
- Lifting, bending, reaching above the head, kneeling, crouching, and/or stretching for 8 to 12 hours per shift (standard full-time shifts are 10 hours excluding overtime, flex and part-time shifts may vary)
- Pushing and pulling product 50+ pounds in weight for 8 to 12 hours per shift (standard full-time shifts are 10 hours excluding overtime, flex and part-time shifts may vary)
- Manual dexterity of both hands and wrists
- Working on a secure mezzanine at a height of between 9 to 12 meters (equivalent to a 3 or 4 storey building)
- Regularly climbing and descending four flights of stairs safely
Summary
Amazon jobs are very physically demanding jobs. I worked in the warehouse taking packages off the conveyor belt and placing them on palates that were destined for different areas. After a few months I decided it wasn’t for me due to having constant pain in my back, arms and upper body.
If you know it will require physical stamina and you are fine with this, the Amazon jobs pay quite well and you can work part-time.
4. Seasonal Jobs
Job Description
Seasonal jobs do not continue year-round. The positions are only available during certain times of the year and are temporary, and usually short-term.
Hiring Companies
Amazon – Holiday season
Lowes & Home Depot- Sales
Department Stores
DoorDash
Workamping Jobs
Beet Harvest – Oct 1-31
Even the IRS
CoolWorks
Job Requirements
Job requirements are specific to each seasonal job you are applying for. In any position most companies like to see some experience but that’s not always the case. As their busy season approaches they may be willing to look at experience that meets most of their requirements.
Summary
Seasonal jobs are often in the summer months, however if you like snow activities you can also apply for jobs in the mountains. Where I live in Washington state, Crystal mountain is one that hires for the season and they usually include a season pass for their employees. Great if you love skiing!
If you like traveling by car or RV, many of the camps and national forest areas hire seasonal workers. These jobs go quickly so be sure to apply ahead of their season.
5. Dog Walker / Pet Sitter
Walking dogs and caring for cats can be a very satisfying job if you have a love for animals. In order to earn a good income it’s important to be flexible and available. Consider all options available to you.There are many to choose from.
Job Description
Taking dogs for walks in the city, parks or other nearby areas. Most dog walks start at 30 minutes and go up to 1 hour.
Cats have different requirements. You will check in on them, provide food and water. Play time and cuddle time is great, if the cat will allow it. As you know cats can be pretty independent.
Hiring Companies
Fetch Pet Care
Indeed – check for openings in your area
Job Requirements
You must have a general knowledge of dogs or cats and know when they are in distress.
- Have a smartphone
- Pass a background check
- Are Flexible
- Like being outdoors
- Patient
- Able to lift 50+ pounds
Summary
If you are considering starting your own pet sitting business, a great way to get started and make money until it takes off, is to pet sit for a company. They usually have insurance that will cover you as their employee for unexpected events.
See how Fetch Pet Care takes care of their customers.
Less Physically Demanding Jobs
Now let’s take a look at some of the jobs that are less physically demanding.
6. Language Teacher
Job Description
Online language teaching opportunities are varied. You can work for companies who have the platform set up and will provide you with the curriculum to follow. Some companies will not provide the teaching material. You will either have to create it yourself or purchase it.
Hiring Companies
Dave’s ESL Cafe
VIPKid
iTalki
Verbalplanet
TEFL
Verbling
Job Requirements
There are online language teaching jobs that do not require teaching certificates or experience, while others do. You will be required to have fast internet connectivity and Zoom, Skype or other online live video connection.
Example: Verbling
Verbling is an online language-learning platform that connects language learners with qualified language teachers for private sessions through live video chat.
- What do I need to teach on Verbling?
You need a laptop or desktop computer with a camera and microphone, the Google Chrome browser, and a strong internet connection.
- How do I get students?
Verbling has built online tools to give you exposure to this community and immediately match you up with new students.
- Teaching Material
If you don’t develop your own content, you might want to consider paying an annual subscription for professional materials. It’s an investment and will save you time in preparation as well as prevent you from having copyright issues.
Summary
If becoming a language teacher is something you are serious about I suggest that you do thorough research first. Then select one or two platforms you like and sign up with them to get started. Most of them allow you to choose how often and when you are available to teach. Also you will get paid through their platform.
7. General Content Creator
Job Description
Content creators produce written content for corporations, organizations, small businesses and individuals. Basically, anyone who wishes to have an online presence needs content creation.
General Content Creators have a passion for writing and love exploring different topics. For example: personal development, business, pets, food, health, products, sales. The list is endless. You may also write advertising and marketing text that promotes the content on social media.
Company Jobs:
Glassdoor
Job Boards
Freelance Jobs:
Upwork
Fiverr
The Write Life
Make a Living Writing
Job Requirements
To be successful as a Content Creator, you should have a talent for writing and have digital marketing experience or be willing to learn.
Another job requirement may be that you will need to have great researching skills in order to produce quality, authentic content for the job.
Some companies may require you to also have graphic design abilities, SEO skills and social media experience. You can learn all this as you go.
Summary
Do not be discouraged as you embark on becoming a Content Creator. Start by selecting topics of interest and ones you feel confident writing about. Becoming a freelance writer is a good way to dip your toes into this field. If you do a good job, you may get lots of repeat business.
Once you have built your confidence, it may be time to apply for a Content Creator/Publisher job with a large company. That is if you’re looking for more regular work and possibly full time.
8. House Sitter
Job Description
Free Stay
This form of house sitting requires no payment from either party. The homeowner offers their home to a house sitter to stay for free. This is in exchange for basic house sitting responsibilities and very often includes caring for pets.
This “free stay” house sitting service allows you to sit for people in other countries and have free accommodations. Because you are not getting paid, you do not need to apply for a work visa.
Drop In
This service is for those who don’t require much in-home care. House sitters would drop by their home from time to time to provide services such as mail collection, plant watering, and property checks. It may also include feeding fish and cats.
The “drop in” service usually doesn’t pay as high a rate because the necessary tasks are generally minimal.
Pay to Stay
A very common method of house sitting is when a house sitter is paid in exchange for taking care of someone’s home & various necessities. The pay generally averages around $25 – $45 per day.
This method of house sitting is best for those who require more extensive home care, such as cleaning, pet care, and yard maintenance. This method may or may not require the house sitter to stay on your property during the owner’s time away, but generally requires multiple hours of work per day. (source)
Hiring Companies
Trusted Housesitters
House Sitter Jobs
Rover
Zip Recruiter
Job Requirements (source)
You will be responsible for taking care of all aspects of your client’s home. Your duties typically include everything from watering plants and caring for the garden to accepting deliveries.
You may also need to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the neighborhood and make sure the home’s security system is working. Some sitters’ responsibilities also include caring for pets. Employers often provide you with accommodation on the property. You can also find these positions at vacation homes.
Summary
House sitting can offer you an opportunity to either make money or save money as you travel the world. I recommend that you get started locally to find out if this will be something you’d love to start doing. This will allow you to get some experience and some reviews, setting you up to create a professional profile that gets you more opportunities.
9. Write for Travel Blogs
In my research I discovered that most travel blogs and magazines like to have articles written not only about destinations, events, sightseeing and accommodations. They also enjoy articles from writers who tell a good story.
Paint a picture for the reader about planning, traveling there and how the trip impacted your life, or how it could inspire your reader. There’s an example of this type of writing in Mariellen’s story you’ll find below.
Job Description
Write blog posts, travel articles about a specific type of travel or place. Some magazines will request specific geographic articles be written for their publication that encourage travelers to visit there.
Hiring Companies
Arizona Highways
DesertUSA
EscapeesRVClub
OregonCoastMagazine
SunsetMagazine
Tips & Advice for getting started
The Write Life
Job Requirements
Most will require good English and grammar. You are not writing a paper for college so keep in mind that writing for readers online should be concise with 2-3 sentences per paragraph. Include royalty free images, tables, lists and headings. If you cannot provide photos, the employer can pay for the image they would like to use in the article.
You may be given specific keywords to write for the title and to include within the text. What you write needs to be searched by many people as you provide the answer to their query. This is called SEO or search engine optimization. Some companies may require you to provide this for each article you write.
Summary
Combining passions like travel and writing can result in you finding exactly what lights your inner fire. You can search for employment opportunities as a travel writer or you can just get started writing your own story and submitting it to travel blogs and magazines for them to publish.
Mariellen Ward tells what happened to her when she was led to travel to India. I love her story that she wrote for Outpost Magazine. I hope it opens your eyes to possibilities that may not be in your thoughts right now. This led her to start her own travel blog, BreatheDreamGo.
When we travel the path set before us, a whole new world of experiences are waiting. The challenge is which way do I go?
Don’t linger, just take a step…
I hope this information is helpful to you and gives you some ideas of how you can make money while you travel. Next I’ll highlight how you can start your own online business . . . Sign up to be notified when it’s ready.