How to Get Paid to Travel in 2025? No Degree Needed

Chelsea Parker
Date: Apr 27, 2025

Ever wish you could quit your 9–5, pack your bags, and travel — without going broke? Here’s the truth: In 2025, you don’t need a fancy degree, years of experience, or thousands of Instagram followers to get paid to travel. There are real, easy-to-start jobs that let you explore the world while making money (or at least living rent-free). Let’s dive into the 5 best ways you can make it happen — starting this year.

5 Easiest Jobs to Get Paid to Travel (No Degree Needed)

If you’re ready to see the world without a degree, try one of these five super-accessible gigs: 

House-sitting & Pet-sitting lets you live rent-free in homes from Paris to Perth while earning an extra $500–$2,000 per month simply by looking after property and pets; 

Teach English Abroad (TEFL) requires only a short online certificate, pays $2,000–$5,000 (often with housing or flight stipends), and immerses you in a new culture;;

Cruise Ship Worker roles in hospitality or entertainment cover your room and board and pay $2,500–$6,000 as you hop between ports; 

Remote Customer Support Agent jobs let you earn $2,000–$4,000 from anywhere with Wi-Fi, handling emails and chats for global brands;  

Tour Guide positions (think city walks or nature treks) typically bring in $2,000–$4,000 plus generous tips while you share your passion for travel.

1. House Sitting + Pet Sitting: Travel the World for Free 

What You’ll Do: Stay in beautiful homes around the world while the owners are away. Sometimes you’ll also care for pets. 

What You’ll Need: Trustworthy references and a friendly attitude. 

Real Talk: You can literally live in cities like London, Sydney, or Cape Town — rent-free. Some gigs even pay you on top of free housing! Pro Tip: Start by signing up on trusted platforms like TrustedHousesitters or Nomador. Build your reviews with short local gigs first.


2. Teach English Abroad (TEFL) 

What You’ll Do: Teach basic English conversation and writing to students in countries like Japan, Thailand, or Spain. 

What You’ll Need: A TEFL certificate (easily done online in a few weeks, under $200). 

Real Talk: Jobs often include free flights, housing allowances, and vacation time — perfect for travel lovers. 

Pro Tip: Focus on countries offering bonus contracts like South Korea or Vietnam for higher pay and benefits.

Ps: You can make money by teaching English abroad or online, if you teach online, you can travel all over the world with house sitting, that's cool.

3. Cruise Ship Worker 

What You’ll Do: Work onboard cruise ships — from serving food to entertaining guests. 

What You’ll Need: Good customer service skills (no cruise experience needed for entry-level roles). 

Real Talk: Your accommodation, meals, and travel are covered. You'll visit multiple countries without paying a dime for transport. 

Pro Tip: Look for seasonal contracts if you want to dip your toes in first without committing a full year.

4. Remote Customer Support Agent 

What You’ll Do: Answer emails, live chats, and phone calls for companies — from anywhere with Wi-Fi. 

Related: Top 5 Cheapest Cities with Great WiFi in Asia for Digital Nomads

What You’ll Need: Typing skills, patience, and sometimes minimal training (companies often provide it). 

Real Talk: It’s not glamorous, but it’s stable remote work. And you can live anywhere — Bali, Lisbon, Mexico City — while earning USD. 

Pro Tip: Target companies that offer flexible hours so you can explore new cities during your work breaks.  

5. Tour Guide 

What You’ll Do: Lead tourists around cities, historical sites, or natural parks. 

What You’ll Need: Energy, good storytelling skills, and basic knowledge of the area (which you can quickly learn). 

Real Talk: Tips can double your pay. Plus, you meet travelers from all over the world every single day. 

Pro Tip: Look into freelance or seasonal guide gigs, especially in tourist hotspots like Greece, Italy, or Costa Rica.  

Bonus Earnings: Travel Photography & Videography

If you travel, you could also sell Your Adventures If you have a good eye for photography or videography, you can turn your travel shots into a source of income. Sell your photos and videos as stock images on platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images. 

You can also offer your services to tourism boards, hotels, or other travel-related businesses. Investing in good equipment and learning editing techniques will significantly improve your chances of success.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big 

You don’t have to be rich to travel the world. 

You just need a smart starting point. 

Whether it’s watching a golden retriever in Paris, teaching English in Tokyo, or leading hikes in Costa Rica — your adventure can start way sooner (and easier) than you think. 

Pick one easy path today, your dream life is on the way coming. 🌍✈️


About Chelsea Parker

Hi, I'm Chelsea Parker, a globetrotter, storyteller, and life enthusiast with a knack for turning everyday experiences into unforgettable lessons. From surviving $20-a-day adventures in Southeast Asia to mastering mindfulness in my daily routine, I share relatable and entertaining tales that inspire you all to explore, grow, and thrive. When i'm not writing, you may find me chasing sunsets, savoring street food, or dreaming up my next big adventure.

Privacy Policy User Agreement