Travel is a great career choice for people who love to see the world while getting paid to do it. Even if you don't want to travel on a regular basis yourself, there are plenty of travel jobs available where you can work from an office or even the comfort of your own home. While some travel jobs may require degrees, most travel jobs only require a high school diploma or suitable experience.
Travel Agent
A travel agent works with clients to help plan and book travel arrangements. This may include booking flights, hotel stays, cruises, rental cars or tours. Most travel agents have access to deals that their clients do not; However, with the introduction of online travel websites, many travelers can book the same deals themselves online. Luckily, many travelers still prefer the personal service and security that comes with booking travel through a travel agent rather than through an Internet discount travel website. A travel agent can expect to make a yearly salary of between $31,064 and $55,679.
Cruise Staff
Cruise ship jobs can either be on board the vessel itself or on land. Land jobs include corporate and management jobs as well as reservation agents. On-board careers include marine crew and command jobs, cruise directors, youth directors, restaurant managers and staff, housekeeping and pursers. Cruise ships can also provide career paths for entertainment professionals with jobs for singers, dancers musicians and directors, as well as technical professionals in stage management, lighting and sound. Cruise staff can expect to make between $24,000 and $75,000 a year. Cruise staff also have their room and board covered while on board the vessel.
Tour Operator
Tour companies hire tour planners and tour operators as well as support and management staff. For tour planning and operation jobs, most tour companies require extensive knowledge of the areas being covered on the tour as well as the ability to speak the native languages of stops on the tour. Tour operators can expect to make between $24,000 and $35,000 a year.
Airline Staff
Airline careers can include pilots, flight attendants, gate staff, mechanics, ticket staff and baggage staff. Airline careers can also be found at hub offices with careers in management, reservations and human resources. Airline careers vary in salary. Flight attendants can expect to make $40,906 to $73,693 a year. Pilots can expect between $90,000 to $145,000. All other airline support staff can expect to make between $12,000 and $65,000 with higher salaries being reserved for skilled trades.
Travel Writer
Travel writers can be either staff or freelance workers who submit their work to magazines, journals and newspapers. Travel writers visit hotels, resorts, spas and other interesting locations and write about their experiences. Travel writers may plan independent travel or may be invited to join specific tours and travel opportunities provided by promotional staff of resorts, spas throughout the world. A staff writer is often a salaried employee. The exact salary amount varies greatly, depending on the size and readership of the magazine or newspaper. A freelance writer negotiates specific prices for each accepted article submission.
References
Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism Career Guide
Travel Salary Information