Travel jobs for introverts

Good Careers for Introverts Who Like to Travel | Work

By Michael Roennevig

There's nothing wrong with enjoying your own company, but a tendency to shy away from working in large groups or an aversion to public speaking could make certain jobs a bit of a struggle. If you're an introvert but want a job that lets you travel, pursue a career that will allow you to hit the road while avoiding too much overenthusiastic interaction with others.

Long-Haul Trucker

Apart from dealing with people when loading or unloading the goods they transport, long-haul truck drivers experience very little human interaction as part of their work. The fact that they often have to be on the road for days or weeks at a time means they get to spend a great deal of their working lives entirely in their own company. Many sleep in the cabs of their trucks while out on jobs, which further limits interaction with others. When they do want some company, drivers may strike up conversations with fellow truckers at diners along the routes they travel.

Travel Writer

Travel writers communicate with their editors and talk to some people in the places they visit. Once they're out on assignment, though, they can pretty much keep to themselves and get on with the job of writing, if they so wish. Staff travel writers often have their travel arrangements organized by administrative workers at publications they work for, so they don't even have to deal with booking accommodations or transportation.

Train Driver

Driving a train long distances for a living could be an ideal occupation for an introvert. Train drivers have to communicate with colleagues to make sure they're running on schedule and steering clear of potential accidents. But other than that, they can keep their eye on the track and get on with the job at hand. You'll need a high school diploma if you want to become a train driver, and will typically be given around three months of on-the-job training before you'll be able to operate an engine alone.

Linguistics

Introverts with foreign language skills may be able to find overseas jobs such as export marketer/translator, information officer or language translator, according to the UC Santa Cruz Career Center. If you have linguistic skills, you may be able to land work abroad with a private company or organizations such as the United Nations or the Agency for International Development, according to the University of Louisville. Freelance translators can work from anywhere they can get an Internet connection. They also have the opportunity to travel around the world to companies and organizations that want documents, websites and other information translated on site. As translators primarily work with copy and use translation software, their job involves minimal contact with other people.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Education-Portal.com: Freelance Travel Writer: Job Description and Salary
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Train Engineers and Operators
UC Santa Cruz Career Center: Linguistics

Writer Bio

Michael Roennevig has been a journalist since 2003. He has written on politics, the arts, travel and society for publications such as "The Big Issue" and "Which?" Roennevig holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the Surrey Institute and a postgraduate diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists at City College, Brighton.

Best Jobs for Travel Lovers

Several careers allow you the freedom to travel; we provide 25 paths to explore.
Travel jobs include diverse offerings in industries such as entertainment, sports and construction.
Traveling for work is perfect for people who thrive on visiting new locations, enjoy networking and (in some cases) are seeking remote positions.
This article is for professionals who are looking for travel-friendly career options.

Best jobs for travel lovers

Working eight hours every day behind a computer screen isn’t for everyone. Some people love to travel and want to use that passion to make a living.

If you’re constantly planning your next vacation, consider finding a career that fits your lifestyle. Instead of spending all your PTO and hard-earned money traveling once or twice a year, you could get paid while seeing the world. Here are 25 potential career paths to consider.

Disclaimer: The following items provide ideas and inspiration for potential career paths. These are not open job listings, and Business News Daily is not hiring or recruiting for these positions. We advise conducting your own research before pursuing any of these occupations.

1. Athletic recruiter

Colleges and professional sports organizations employ athletic recruiters to travel to schools and sporting events across the country to scout new talent. Of course, you’ll need to know the game inside and out, and the specific skills an athlete would require for certain team positions. If you’re an avid sports fan, though, this part of the job could be easy for you.

2. Au pair

Do you work well with children and know a second language? If so, becoming an au pair might be a good option for you. Au pairs live with a host family in a foreign country and provide child care services, such as babysitting and schoolwork assistance.

You’ll receive a small salary on top of your room and board, but you also get to immerse yourself in another culture as an extended member of the family. To learn more about becoming an au pair, visit InterExchange.

3. Construction manager

Construction managers not only make good money, but they also get to travel. Sometimes, they relocate to different areas and stay for several months to oversee a project.

Even if you don’t have the qualifications to be a project manager, construction companies are worth checking out – many hire support staff to relocate too.

4. Consultant

Companies hire consultants from a variety of fields to fix problems. Because their knowledge is so specialized, a consultant’s client base is often spread over the country – or even around the world.

Additionally, maintaining a positive relationship with clients requires regular on-site visits, making it a perfect job for people who love travel.

5. Cruise line worker

Working on a cruise ship is a travel lover’s dream gig. You make a living seeing the world while receiving free food and accommodations.

Whether you’re a restaurant server, a shop clerk or a performer in the cruise’s entertainment lineup, there are opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to work on one of these floating resorts. Websites like Job-Applications.com list employment openings with some top-rated companies when searching “cruise ship jobs.”

6. Engineer

For many industries, jobs are going remote and engineering is following suit. Consequently, you can work from virtually anywhere with a computer science or engineering degree.

Travel the world developing software or flexing your technical graphic design skills. There are currently over 12,000 remote engineering jobs available through LinkedIn alone.

7. ESL teacher

English as a second language (ESL) teachers are in high demand both at home and abroad. When you take a job as an ESL teacher in a foreign country, you’ll get to help students understand your native language while immersing yourself in that country’s culture.

You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree, ESL training and a special license to get hired. ESLteacherEDU.org offers a step-by-step guide to becoming an ESL teacher.

8. Event coordinator

Event coordinators might work on local events such as parties and weddings, but orchestrating large-scale events like festivals and trade shows could be the golden ticket for travel lovers.

In this position you would meet with potential vendors from across the country, then travel to the event location to oversee everything from setup to breakdown. A search for “trade show coordinator” on LinkedIn returns more than 20,000 jobs in various cities.

9. Flight attendant

It may be the most obvious travel-related job, but it’s also one of the most accessible. You don’t need a specialized degree to become a flight attendant, and most major airlines only require prior customer service experience and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The hours are frequently erratic and the work isn’t always easy, but you’ll get a glimpse of hundreds of cities across the globe during this career. A bonus perk? Free or discounted flights for you and your family.

10. Foreign Service worker

If you want to combine your love of travel with your love of your country, a career as a Foreign Service officer or specialist could be the right gig for you. The best-known Foreign Service job is a U.S. diplomat, but there are plenty of other career tracks that allow you to meet and interact with foreign governments.

The U.S. Department of State has details about these jobs listed on its website. With more than 250 embassies around the world, there are plenty of travel opportunities.

11. International aid worker

If you want to travel for a living while making a real difference in people’s lives, consider working for an international aid organization like USAID.

While working for USAID, you can visit struggling countries and help residents recover from dire situations, such as natural disasters and famine. You’ll need a background in a related field – such as health, agriculture or education – and a strong interest in social work.

12. International tour guide

Imagine spending your days guiding fellow travel lovers through a bustling European metropolis, or perhaps a small village is more your style. Wherever you want to go, popular travel destinations always need friendly, knowledgeable guides to lead tourists through city sights and cultural excursions.

This International Living article offers tips and inside knowledge for aspiring international tour guides.

13. Massage therapist

If you want to visit popular tourist destinations, you should consider gaining skills in massage therapy. You can work for hotel chains, spas, cruise lines or become self-employed.

Licensed massage therapists are always welcomed to soothe and de-stress travelers and locals alike. Although you may start at rookie rates, you can consistently raise them as your clientele and skills grow. Plus, massage therapists generally have a flexible schedule to work full or part time.

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) can help you find training programs, business tools and even discounts on supplies.

14. Peace Corps volunteer

As the title “volunteer” might indicate, you won’t exactly be making six figures working with the Peace Corps. But if you don’t mind living on a budget, you can become part of a worthwhile organization that lets you travel the world and make a difference in others’ lives at the same time.

Assignments typically last two years and involve advancing education, healthcare, and economic and agricultural development in a community abroad. The Peace Corps also provides housing and health benefits, not to mention an excellent resume talking point.

15. Photographer

If you’re skilled with a camera, consider becoming a travel photographer. While news organizations such as the Associated Press need staff photographers, you can also make a living by freelancing.

Travel photographers are needed at a variety of locations, including tourist attractions, local events and high-end resorts. Begin your journey by following the steps at Worldpackers or taking a Skillshare course.

16. Retail buyer

For the fashionista with wanderlust, a career in retail purchasing might be the ultimate dream job. In addition to monitoring in-store inventory, retail buyers attend vendor meetings, trade shows and conferences across the country – or even the globe, depending on where the company sources its products. The employee in this position identifies industry and consumer trends, and decides what products the company should sell.

Of course, it’s not just clothing stores that hire purchasing agents; most large retail companies employ buyers to help them select and negotiate merchandise deals across various categories.

17. Scuba diving instructor

There is a whole other world beneath the ocean’s surface, and you can live it by traveling and teaching the essentials of diving.

Scuba instructors have the opportunity to see parts of the globe that are often hidden. A great way to get started is with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), which offers training courses and diving guides.

18. Ski instructor

If you love snow sports and traveling, consider combining your passions to become a ski instructor. There are openings at ski resorts worldwide, including in the United States, France, Switzerland and Canada.

You can look for other seasonal work when the ski season ends; many places stay open throughout the warmer weather for outdoor activities and still need staff. Begin your search for ski instructor jobs at the Season Workers website.

19. Stagehand/roadie

Theater productions and musicians go on tour all the time – and they take busloads of roadies and stagehands with them. While theaters and venues may have their own stagehands, some still travel with each act.

You can begin your search for stagehand jobs on the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) website by finding your local union.

20. Translator

Are you fluent in multiple languages? If so, you could become a translator and travel the world, helping people communicate. Translators must speak at least two languages.

According to Day Translations, other useful expertise includes computer and business skills. While becoming a translator requires education, the job can offer the chance to visit many countries.

The countries with the most language service providers (LSPs) include the United States, Great Britain, France, China, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

FYI: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for translators is expected to increase by 24% between 2020 and 2030.

21. Travel agent

Some people may think that the professional travel agent is a dead career in the age of Google searches and travel price comparison websites. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a slow growth rate in this occupation over the next decade, it’s still a rewarding job for anyone who loves to travel.

Travel agents often visit popular destinations to get firsthand experience of the resorts and restaurants they recommend to offer honest, helpful advice to clientele. Whether your clients are business or leisure travelers, they’ll thank you for your insider insight into local sights and activities.

Plus, travel agents can increase their income by starting a YouTube channel, writing a blog, and building relationships with travel products and related brands.

Tip: The five highest-paying travel agent jobs are tour consultant, travel sales consultant, vacation sales advisor, corporate travel agent, and reservation clerk, according to ZipRecruiter.

22. Traveling nurse

Traveling nurses move around the country from hospital to hospital, bouncing from one temporary position to the next. You’ll be sent to areas where nurses are needed most, and your housing, travel expenses and benefits are often covered.

As with any nursing position, you’ll need credentials from a nursing program to become a registered nurse. Visit TravelNursing.org for more information.

23. Travel writer

It might not be the easiest way to make a living, but if you’ve got a knack for writing you can share your knowledge about popular travel destinations. Though full-time travel writing positions exist, most of the work you would get is freelance, as publications typically want individuals who can submit firsthand accounts of the location they’re writing about. You can search for and bid on freelance travel writing assignments on sites like Freelancer.com and Upwork.

You can also supplement your income by starting a YouTube channel or social media account like Instagram. Providing your travel-hungry fans with visuals can help you connect with your audience, and even build an email list to promote travel services or other products.

24. Truck driver

Long-haul trucking is an ideal job for those who prefer the open road to an office cubicle. Because of the extended time you’ll spend driving solo, it’s also a great career option for introverts.

You’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license to start working in this field, but once you have it, you’ll be able to see the country as you deliver shipments from one destination to the next.

25. Virtual assistant

As many companies move their business online and employ remote workers, virtual assistants are in high demand.

Becoming a virtual assistant is enticing because the job can offer a flexible schedule in various niche markets. Workers might even have multiple clients, which will increase spontaneity – and income – in their lives.

Did you know? Hiring a virtual assistant can decrease a company’s costs by 78%, because the position only requires the company to provide an hourly rate, not office space, equipment, or benefits. Plus, if you have work experience, you may not need a college degree to snag a VA career.

Virtual assistants can do an assortment of activities, including proofreading articles, providing content or social media strategy, and offering customer support. Some virtual assistants keep their clients organized by making appointments or travel arrangements, and even doing personal shopping.

Julie Thompson contributed to the writing and research in this article.

How to travel if you are an introvert: 8 important and entertaining things

Do you like to travel? It seems to everyone that you are a cheerful, easy-going and sociable person. But in fact, you prefer small companies. You are more comfortable traveling alone. Sometimes, it is even difficult for you to start a conversation and usually you are silent. You are an introvert! How to travel if you are an introvert? Dangerous business has highlighted 8 important and entertaining things about the introvert journey.

Material content

How to deal with travel difficulties if you are an introvert?

If it seems to you that an introvert is a person who has to sit at home alone and keep everything to himself, then this is not so. Introverts love to travel too. And these 8 moments will help introverts be more open to people and the world.

Maybe not all introverts, but most become nervous about situations that are completely normal for others. For example, ask about the road, go to a restaurant alone, speak a foreign language. These situations are silly and insignificant, but they cause stress for the introvert. nine0003

When you travel, you meet completely different people. Sometimes these people are local and want to show you all the beauty and charisma of their city or country. They impose their interests and their views on you. This is terribly annoying for an introvert. Another situation is travelers, like you, who cling to you and decide that the two of you should get to know this place. They take you to places of interest, organize excursions and plan your leisure time. And when you refuse, they say that it was you who ruined all the plans. Not everyone understands that an introvert needs "personal time". Or you just don't like parties, or noisy companies. But introverts need to try not to react to such people and not worry about what they think of you. nine0003 © nd3000/iStock

An introvert will often come up with reasons why he can't go there. But in fact, you need to force yourself and be more in society. This is what you need. Don't force yourself to visit places where you feel uncomfortable. But if there is an opportunity to gain experience or great impressions, why refuse? If you force yourself to do something social every day, you'll be surprised how much your day improves. How boring it would be if you just lay in bed with a laptop. nine0003

Good news! In addition to people who will annoy you, you will definitely meet people like you. And they will not have to persuade you to go somewhere, you will want to spend time together.

Group travel might not be for you. Changing places quickly and sharing an overnight stay with a bunch of people can be stressful for you. Many introverts travel on their own. So they can choose routes themselves and make stops as much as they want. Introverts are slow walkers and do things at their own pace. This will help you avoid stress. Traveling alone gives you the freedom to travel the way you want! You may be comfortable traveling in small groups or with a friend. In any case, you can always stay at home and enjoy your company and do what you want, when you want. nine0003 © vikialis/iStock

See also What to visit in Africa: 25 places that will not leave you indifferent

There is no specific guide that will suit all introverts. What is good for some may not be good for others. But, in the end, with experience, you will still highlight the main thing for yourself! For example, you may come to the conclusion that you are better off renting accommodation for overnight stays, rather than staying in hostels or hotels. Perhaps the only way you can fully relax and recover. Or, for example, you find out that walking around in public with headphones on is a great way to “protect” if you are not in the mood for communication. nine0003

Many people talk about the incredible power of travel. About how visiting different countries, cities and places opened them up and forced them to get out of the psychological "hideout". It is quite possible that travel will change you. But this is optional! And this is normal. Being an introvert is not bad and does not mean at all that you cannot have interesting and memorable trips!

Yes, you can move in the same spirit, if YOU are so comfortable! Even introverts can have fun on vacation or on a trip. You don't have to travel with a group if you don't want to - it will make you feel left out. When you travel, you will always have the opportunity to connect with the people you want - because technology does not stand still. nine0003

If the format of traveling alone is close to your liking - go for it! Traveling is an important event that allows you not only to take a break from work and life, but also to get closer to nature, get to know different cultures and, possibly, people. How to travel if you are an introvert? Just the way you want! Most importantly, travel!

How to live, work and relax if you are an introvert

When I tell unfamiliar people that I am an introvert, no one believes me. At first glance, it seems that my life is full of communications - I speak at conferences, conduct interviews, manage a team, act as a mentor for colleagues. nine0003

It is believed that the ability to communicate automatically makes a person the ringleader and the soul of the company, which does not at all fit with the image of an introvert in the minds of the majority. But I get tired of socializing like any other introvert. Just one day I realized that if you organize your own life not in spite of, but taking into account my temperament, you can restore your strength qualitatively and hardly notice any inconvenience.

There is one problem with the concept of "introvert" - everyone fills it with their own set of stereotypes. They say that introverts are unsociable, shy, do not know how to express their thoughts, do not like other people and generally prefer to sit in their lair and silently look at the computer. But if you remove all the stereotypical husks and get to the essence that its creator Carl Gustav Jung put into the concept of "introvert", it turns out that this is just a person with a focus on the inner world. nine0003

Interactions with the outside world are a burden for the introvert and require effort, sometimes quite serious. And in order to relax and gain strength for new interactions, he needs to be alone for a while and be silent.

Of course, there are differences between an introvert and an introvert. Introversion and extraversion is not a dichotomy, but rather a scale on which you are closer to either the center or one of the poles. Therefore, everyone needs a different time to rest - one half a day, the second is enough for half an hour. But in the 21st century, the world does not leave us alone for a minute. They call us, write to messengers, send notifications. If you do not set a framework for the world, you will never be able to rest. How can an introvert make life less tiring? nine0003

Schedule "silent hours"

We are used to scheduling meetings and other activities, and assume that the time for which nothing is scheduled is the default rest. But in fact, it turns out that the rest time is occupied by new things - we call our parents, play with children, go to the hairdresser and pick up clothes from the dry cleaners. And all these activities require communication with other people, which means that an introvert cannot fully relax behind them.

When I realized that the world did not stop talking to me, I reviewed my schedule and set aside an hour in the morning, before going to work, and a couple of hours in the evening before going to bed - for “silence”. Those who, like me, work in IT are often lucky with a free schedule - we can manage our time more flexibly. nine0003

The opportunity to sometimes work from home also helps a lot - whatever one may say, but in the office there are much more chances to start conversations with everyone in a row on any topic. It is very important to plan for "silence", and not to expect that the issue will somehow resolve itself. The world has no motivation to protect your boundaries, so there is only one way out: to defend them yourself.

Sometimes I schedule "quiet hours" even during working hours. I resort to this option when the day promises to be extremely busy: for example, I already have five meetings scheduled, and they can send requests for a couple more. Then I put a blank in the calendar and during this time I focus on work that does not require communication. During this interval, it is also better to turn off mail and messenger notifications - not only because they distract from work, but also because these micro-interactions take away your resource and you get more tired. nine0003

Take better care of your weekends

The culture of “success” on social media dictates that we spend weekends wildly and cheerfully. Whoever was not at the party, did not go to the concert, did not open or close the next season of something - that useless loser. I know people who drag themselves somewhere on the weekend, only to have something to tell their friends on Monday - however, then it turns out that on Monday they just want to lie, covered with a blanket over their heads, and not say a word to anyone. nine0003

In general, whether an introvert wants it or not, he will have to save his weekends. For example, think about how you can limit interaction with unfamiliar people - usually it is with them that it is most difficult to communicate, because you have to read intonations and non-verbal signals, process and adjust them on the go. This is exactly what the lion's share of resources is spent on.

I try to plan at least one quiet weekend - say, if I meet friends or go to an event on Saturday, I make sure to leave Sunday to read, watch movies and do household chores. If it turns out that you need to engage in active interaction both days, then I will definitely spend the next weekend at home - otherwise, by the beginning of the third week without rest from communication, my productivity will fall below the baseboard and my mood will be disgusting. nine0003

Find your resource activity

Resource activity is one that guarantees you rest and gain strength. Introvert Hint: You probably don't need to interact with other people for this activity. There are a lot of ways to have a good time alone: watch TV shows, listen to music, work in the garden or around the house, cook, glue models of planes and tanks, knit, put together a puzzle or draw.

Different types of activities are suitable for different people - for example, someone enjoys cooking, perceives this process as creativity, but for someone, on the contrary, it is a dull routine, every second of which he hates. Resource activity must necessarily bring pleasure, otherwise what kind of resource it is. Time for this activity usually flies unnoticed, and when you finish the job, you feel calm and full of energy. nine0003

My resource activity is reading. I read every day before bed and always carry an e-book with me so I can switch and relax during the day. The main task of resource activity is to let the psyche calm down.

Communication and interaction excite her, and in introverts she returns to a state of rest slowly, sometimes for several hours. At the same time, it is important to understand that sleep is not an activity (at least in the sense that interests us), therefore it cannot replace a resource occupation. Sometimes sleep is even disturbed due to excessive excitement of the psyche, so psychotherapists recommend devoting an hour or two to resource activity just before bedtime. nine0003

Turn on physical activity

Physical activity also has a good effect on the psyche - not just due to silence, but also at the neurochemical level. When you exercise your body, your brain releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, known as “joy hormones.”

For an introvert, it is better that the activity is not a team one, but a single one - a run or a swim does not require interaction with people, which means that the effect of it will be enhanced. Physical activity is not necessarily a sport. Walking or cycling can also have the desired effect. nine0003

I love yoga – I don't think there is a better way in the world to withdraw into yourself. Yoga teaches you to control your mind - first at the level of the body, when you simply can’t think about anything except your stretched muscle to the limit, and then at the mental level, when you start to follow your breath and meditate. The effect of classes in the evening is especially good - all the stress of the day goes away.

Advice, at first glance, counterintuitive, but it works in much the same way as sports training. To lift weights, you first need to build muscle, and to build communicative endurance, you have to talk to a couple of hundred people at the same time. nine0003

At first, this will require enormous mental costs. When I was just starting to speak, valerian was my constant companion, and after each report I wanted to lie down in bed for three days. But the more you train, the easier it is for you not only to perform, but also just to communicate with people.

After talking to dozens and even hundreds of people, one-on-one conversation is almost never tiring, and there is no need to recover after it.

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