8 jobs you can do while travelling

Ever dreamed of working by Langkawi’s beaches, or road-tripping across Europe? 

The flexibility in today’s job market, spurred by the remote working revolution, has opened doors globally, allowing people to blend work with travel.  

From backpackers to middle-aged professionals and semi-retirees, there's never been more people wanting to make money on the road, says Mary Savova, Team Leader at People2People.  

“Lots of people want to go overseas, whether it's for three months or longer term. We're seeing people resign from roles to pursue other things that they've always wanted to do. For many people, that's travelling abroad. And many of them want to work while they do it. And why not?" she adds.  

Nowadays, you no longer have to be anchored to a single location to be productive and successful. 

So, what jobs can be done while travelling?  

If you’re looking to continue in your current profession, networking to find flexible or remote opportunities is key. "We see engineers and accountants find roles globally through their contacts," Savova advises.  

Others might seek a complete career pivot, exploring jobs in teaching, hospitality or virtual assistance. It’s important to research and prepare well for a career change. While some roles can accommodate transferable skills, others require specific skills, experience, and qualifications. 

Here are some jobs that mix well with travelling  

1. Hospitality  

From receptionist, chef, and waiter to event planner and marketer, there's no end of opportunities in hospitality.  
 
"This industry relies on people who are travelling to step into those roles during peak periods," Savova says.  

2. Virtual assistant (VA) 

Providing administrative, technical, or creative assistance remotely is ideal for those seeking to be self-employed on the road.  
 
⁠"Most people have done aspects of VA tasks in their roles already," says Savova. "And being in a different timezone to the person you're assisting can be beneficial because you can work on tasks during their overnight."   

3. English-as a-second-language teacher  

Many Malaysians have strong English proficiency, which is a golden skill to have in the global workforce, Savova says.  
 
⁠Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English as a Secondary Overseas Language (TESOL) courses can be completed in 180 hours or less, though some English teaching work requires no qualification at all.  

4. Translator  

Translating is often more specialised than English teaching. Whether you’re adapting English for different audiences or translating between Malay, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, or other languages, Savova says there’s plenty of ad-hoc work available that requires no formal qualifications.

5. Au-pair or nanny  

With many families requiring two incomes, the demand for au pairs and nannies is growing globally. Many families overseas welcome au pairs to care for children, assist with daily routines, share their culture, and support language learning. 
 
Beyond visa requirements, you may need specific qualifications or documentation, Savova advises.  
 
"Working-with-children checks plus local or global police checks can take time to organise, so plan ahead."   

6. Social media manager  

Managing a person or brand's PR (public relations) and publicity can easily be done on the road.  
 
"Many small businesses need someone to look over their content or post periodically. This is something you can do outside of core business hours, so you can get out and about during the day and log on in the evening," Savova says.  
 
But the sector is more sophisticated than it used to be, she warns.  
 
"You'll want to be savvy with different platforms and have some sort of experience."    

7. Freelance creative  

A freelance creative role, such as content writer, SEO (search engine optimisation) specialist, graphic designer or photographer, is ideal for a flexible lifestyle, Savova says.  
 
"Some companies require ad-hoc assistance or help with fixed-term projects, which can also be done outside of standard working hours."    

8. Flight attendant  

"This is the perfect opportunity to see the world and get paid for it," Savova says, though she adds there are some physical tests people must undergo during the recruitment process. Entry is highly competitive in Malaysia, so preparation and persistence are key. 
 
"Then when you're ready to settle in a place for a while, you would have banked lots of transferable skills in organisation, logistics and customer service."  

Research before you travel  

When exploring which roles align with your interests and lifestyle, you also need to consider visas and local employment laws, Savova advises.

Some countries restrict foreigners from undertaking roles that locals can fulfil, while some outright prohibit it.

"In Bali, for example, you can't just rock up and start work as a wedding photographer. You'll need to purchase a work permit, and these aren't always easy to obtain," Savova warns.

If you’re working abroad, your Malaysian tax, social security, and retirement obligations may still apply depending on your Malaysian tax residency and where your income is earned. If you’re employed by a Malaysian company, you may need to continue contributing to agencies like LHDN (Inland Revenue Board Malaysia), PERKESO/SOCSO (Social Security Organisation), and EPF (Employees Provident Fund).

If you’re working for a foreign employer, you’ll generally be subject to local taxes instead. Because the rules depend on residency and income remittance, it’s best to check with your employer, get advice from a tax professional, and consult Malaysian embassy resources. 

Recruitment agencies, especially those with foreign branches, can be helpful in seeking out opportunities, while online communities, jobs boards and forums can offer fantastic firsthand insight into local job markets, Savova adds.  

"Doing your homework on the local scene is essential. This gives you a very good sense of what you're stepping into."