Many of us have always dreamed of jobs that would allow us to travel extensively and find jobs in nearly any part of the world. What many people do not realise however is that these jobs are out there and for some, travel jobs are an ultimately rewarding career choice.
For a number of years jobs within the travel industry have been viewed with disdain as a career choice that will lead to little and simply look to prospective employers as a period of working in unchallenging jobs. This is fast being forgotten however as employers are increasingly seeing a period of working abroad as a worthwhile element on any CV. Appearing to be well travelled and spending a considerable amount of time in travel jobs abroad shows that candidates are able to cope with life on their own and have a great deal of responsibility. After all, many employers are looking for employees with initiative and the ability to act independently.
There are all manner of jobs in the travel and tourism industry open to candidates who wish to have the pleasures of working abroad. If in the hospitality trade already the transition to working abroad is easy. If you have bar experience you will be able to travel and find work readily. For those who have worked in hotels there is a wide variety of opportunities open to you. Hotels abroad are crying out for workers who will be able to put visitors at ease; welcome them in a friendly manner and deal with any problems that may occur. Having experience before you head abroad is strongly advisable if looking a hotel jobs in holiday resorts.
We have all seen those television programmes of holiday reps rolling around drunk and partying hard in what many would consider ideal jobs. In reality however the travel industry frowns upon such activities and would far prefer candidates who are responsible and trustworthy. Being a holiday rep requires a large amount of responsibility; you are in charge of a large group of people and must ensure that first and foremost they are safe, but just as importantly, ensure they have a good time while they are on holiday. You must also represent the holiday company at all times and all of the principles it stands for; providing good customer service is a large part of this job role.
Specialist skills are largely needed in the travel industry for all manner of jobs. Instructors in fields such as diving, horse riding and golf are usually required in many resorts. These types of jobs could well be considered the jackpot. Workers are able to do the things they love in the sun. Golf tutors are especially needed in the Spanish resorts where golf is increasingly becoming a part of many holidays. The value of an instructor who can speak English and teach tourists along lines they will recognise cannot be underestimated.
To make yourself even more eligible for travel jobs it is worth learning another language. Being bi-lingual or even possessing more than two languages is a skill in high demand. This means you can converse not only with tourists from your own country, but with tourists from other nations and the locals. It may take some time to become fluent in a variety of languages but the rewards are ultimately worthwhile, the jobs open to a multi-lingual candidate are extremely diverse.
Travel jobs really are the dream for many and if you have skills that the travel industry requires it is well worth investigating the options open to you. Future employers will see a couple of years spent working abroad as a valuable asset that adds to a rounded candidate. Working abroad will allow you to enjoy all the pleasures of being on holiday without the need to come home. If you think you can manage the long periods away from your friends and family, working within the various sectors of the travel and tourism industry may well be your ideal career path.
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My experiences with working abroad or working whilst on holiday are unfortunately very limited. What I do know about travel jobs is that you are paid to travel and represent your company. They can pay good rates but do demand a lot of confidence, excellent people skills and an even better attitude to working hard. These types of jobs are directed towards those wanting to work as a Travel Business Consultant or hospitality. Other types of jobs abroad can differ greatly.
Recruiters looking for potential employers for their company, value those who have taken on travel jobs, as they are perceived as more dynamic, motivated and studious people, and usually have made plenty of contact whilst abroad. Taking a gap year before, in between or after studying for a university degree is extremely common these days, so travelling when you have the chance and the money is highly recommended.
I knew of someone who had spent a year travelling around the globe to places such as Thailand, Cambodia, Lao, Vietnam, India, South America and Australia. Although he did not need to work abroad, he decided to take on a part-time bar work in Thailand. He had heard many a gruesome tale about working in bars and taking on travel jobs but decided to experience it himself. The result was plenty of mad evenings taking orders from tourists, most of whom did not speak the same language but all of them displaying good manners and no major catastrophes regarding drunken behaviour.
Many people have different experiences with working abroad. Some keep in close contact with the people they had met, others decided to extend their visa or choose to continue residing in their country of work on a permanent basis. It is always best to have researched the job you want to work for, the area you will be staying at and the agency/company you are signing the contract with before you embark upon this type of adventure.
Travel recruitment agencies have also played a major role in finding young graduates or students work abroad, tailor-made to their skills. Some recruitment agencies can be specialised in schemes, which require candidates to work with young people on campsites in America, South America, Europe or Australia. The role can vary consisting of activity organisation or basic general maintenance work e.g. Cooking, cleaning etc. These types of agencies approach the younger generation usually aged between 18 – 21 years.
Charity organisations offer voluntary work in developing countries. This can be very useful to those who are keen to use their skills and knowledge to help others. However, this does come with a price, often applicants are advised to save enough money to live on for up to 6 weeks (depending on the length of travel) or apply for sponsorship in advance. Voluntary work is extremely beneficial for those wanting to bump-up their CV; though it is unpaid, many organisations can provide cooked meals and lodging facilities.
Other travel recruitment agencies offer work in admin, hospitality, internships or specialised work such as teaching or nursing. The pay structure works similarly to an ordinary recruitment agency; this does depend upon the candidates’ contract (temporary or permanent) though if in doubt discuss it with the recruiter. Knowing which agency to approach is always a plus, try talking to people who have had travel jobs via an agency, or log onto the website of a specific agency and research forums on the internet, this will help you decide what the best path is for you.
Ever thought of finding a job that would let you travel around the world (or at least a region!) and get paid for it?
Sounds great, right?
In theory, sure. But in reality, holding a traditional ‘travel job’ is oftentimes more frustrating and annoying than holding a ‘regular job.’
Here’s why:
You typically can’t experience the culture, activities, or people of the places you visit… because you’re busy working (and the work usually sucks)!
Even if you could do these things, you’d be hard-pressed to because you get paid pennies for your hard work.
Even if you made money, you can’t go to the places you want to. You go where you’re assigned or you get fired.
So, if you want to work like crazy and not even get to ‘travel,’ be my guest. Get a travel job.
However, if you WANT to earn a healthy income as you travel on your own pace and schedule, consider becoming a ‘traveling entrepreneur.’
No, you’re not selling snake oil or anything ridiculous like that. This is a simple method of using modern Internet technology to market products on the web… and get paid for doing so.
The products can be in ANY market you choose. A simple visit to Clickbank or Comission Junction will show you how many thousands of products are out there that you can get paid to promote.
Once you’ve found your high-payoff product, you simply promote the heck out of the product for a few hours a day (or per week!) online with some simple techniques like blogging, utilizing facebook, myspace, twitter, and other methods. It’s very easy to learn and simply takes your commitment.
If you get turned off by selling to your friends or multilevel, pyramid scheme marketing (MLM), then becoming an internet entrepreneur could be the perfect solution for you.
So, if you are OK with being told where to go, when to go there, what you do when you get there, and when you leave, then be my guest and get a travel job.
However, if you’ve ever thought about working from an internet café or from your laptop while anywhere in the world, you may want to consider joining the growing community of underground marketers who make money while they travel by utilizing the internet.
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