How to Get Paid For Travel

Travel is one of the most enjoyable pastimes. Discovering other places, and sometimes other cultures, is one of the best ways to learn and grow as a person. It's also one of the most expensive. The wonderful news is that there are ways that you can travel for free. Better yet, there are ways that you can get paid to travel.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Job hunt. In your career search, look for jobs that require travel. If you need to travel for work-related purposes, companies not only pay for your room and board, but other travel expenses as well. You can party on the company dollar in your down time and this is well within your rights.

2. Apply to write freelance for a travel magazine. Many pay for expenses of travel and location for articles. Target the destinations that you most desire to see and research the kinds of articles you could write about the spot. Make sure they are unique and that nobody has done that sort of feature on the destination. Submit articles to as many magazines as possible to increase the odds of acceptance. Be sure to put in the proper preparation to the proposal.

3. Ask to be an intern at a travel agency. Some allow this, while others do not. Get to know people at the company, and always represent yourself well to everybody you speak to within the company. Learning the ins and outs of the travel industry through an internship will be a great plus, and you may be allowed free travel perks for the internship.

4. Find out what the requirements are in your state for becoming a travel agent. Every state is different, with many requiring no license. Technically you don't have to go to school or take classes to become a travel agent.

5. Seek a personal assistant job if you don't have a lot of experience in the work force and want to travel. You are often allowed, or required, to accompany your boss on trips around the globe. This can be a great way of getting paid to see the world.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an eye on the classifieds. You can often find travel jobs there. Just make sure they are legit and never pay someone for starting a job with them.
• Don't misrepresent your intentions. If you want a job because travel is important to you, let your boss know that part of the job is alluring to you. This will ensure that you aren't excused from travel if they think it may be an inconvenience to you and it will keep you in mind for travel assignments.