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9 Freelance Careers That Allow You to Travel

Most people with limited time and resources only dream of traveling. Luckily, several freelance jobs empower you to go from place to place. These arrangements are perfect if you want to stay on your feet and explore a new environment.

1. Writer

You can do freelance writing projects remotely. Most people in this field usually work at home, but you can also form a travel niche. Create your own blog and post guides.

Travel publications and media also need content, so they pay writers to go explore and write a feature. Remember to focus on factual accuracy and specific details as you write.

2. Makeup Artist

Wedding makeup artists are usually flown out to do bridal makeup. There are also celebrity makeup artists who do events and interviews with stars. Of course, being a movie makeup artist means going to media production companies.

Makeup artistry is a very fulfilling career, but employment opportunities are limited. Nevertheless, the job market is expected to increase by 6.5% between 2022 and 2032. It’s important to work on your expertise in this field to stand out.

3. Photographer

Freelance photographers travel a great deal as well. You can partner up with studios and travel to those sets. Some people work independently, funding their travels by selling snapshots on stock libraries and prints at physical events.

You can also work as a freelance wedding photographer. There are many scenic venues nationwide, and couples tying the knot want to capture the moment. Create a portfolio with your portraits to market yourself.

4. Travel Blogger

As a travel blogger, you can have complete freedom to choose where you go. You can truly be your own boss and share the amazing experiences you’ll have during your adventures. As a travel blogger (or vlogger), you can decide what platform you want to use, whether it be a traditional website or social media, like Instagram or TikTok. 

You can start small by exploring destinations close to your home. State parks and wildlife centers are full of Instagram-worthy photo opps, so do some research to see what hidden gems you can visit to kick off your travel career.  

5. Tour Guide

If you want to connect more with people while traveling, become a freelance tour guide. Scout different locations and create detailed trips. You can post them on Airbnb Experiences or seek clients on other social media networking sites. Converse with tourists, recommend restaurants, and take them to attractions and souvenir shops.

Remember to get the right license and certifications for credibility and legalities. Each state may have specific tests you need to pass. It also helps to build a portfolio of tour guide work or preparation you’ve done in the past.

6. Event Coordinator

Event coordinators have a tough job working closely with clients and bringing gatherings to life. That said, the end product is rewarding, from people making friendships at networking events to families coming together at weddings.

Freelance event planning also means you get to travel a lot. You get to talk to many vendors regarding supplies. Visiting venues can also take a lot of movement and time, but it’s a key part of the job to ensure your client’s vision comes to life.

7. Taskworker

Taskworkers, like freelance handymen, create their businesses and manage clients, traveling the country as they please. Most people in this profession charge by the hour, as most of their working day is consumed by travel time and material acquisition.

For less technical skills, join freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr. Describe what tasks and projects you can fulfill for your clients, from crochet works to voiceovers. While it may involve less traveling, you’ll get more free time and resources to schedule it yourself.

8. Tutor

Being a freelance tutor involves much flexibility. They often specialize in subjects like math or science, but you can also offer language lessons. Host online classes through different video meetings or create digital courses. Prep these while at home or traveling.

Give clients the option to fly you out for in-person teaching sessions, as some people learn better with this method. Just remember to check for any residence restrictions and secure your license before setting out on those journeys.

9. Nurse

Becoming a travel nurse is also a viable freelance career path. Instead of staying at one hospital, you can fill in temporary nursing positions nationwide to help health care facilities deal with shortages.

Being a travel nurse takes skills and qualifications. However, the benefits of traveling and freedom have garnered plenty of attention from many health care professionals, with about 13% of registered nurses planning to shift into the niche.

Explore Travel Jobs

Flexibility is often viewed as the top benefit behind freelancing. You get to have control over when and how much you work. Choosing the right career also means having a say in where you’ll work. Consider the options above and travel the world.

Cora Gold Cora Gold is a freelance writer and editor of women's lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She writes about career advice for freelancers for publications including Wrkfrce and Mediabistro.