Travel is nothing short of magical. It feeds your soul, opens your eyes to new cultures, and leaves people wanting more. Wanderlust is far more than just a catchphrase 20-somethings use on Instagram. For some, it’s something they want to do full-time, or at last help others fulfill their travel bucket lists. If a career in travel and hospitality is something you always wanted to do, you’re in luck. There are plenty of routes you can take to work in this lucrative field. In this post, we’ll review some of the top business ideas, as well as educational requirements.
Initial Steps
Regardless of the profession you choose, there are certain steps you need to take to get started. If you’re looking to work in corporate or even open your own travel business, you need the right credentials. If you haven’t completed your studies, you’ll have to earn at least a BA to apply to corporate positions. There are several ways to pay your studies. You can apply for a private student loan to finance your education. The interest rates with these types of loans are usually lower when compared to federally backed loans.
Become a Glamping Host
When you think hear the word camping, you probably think of the roughing it out in the wild. You pitch a tent and eat hot dogs and beans cooked over the campfire. As fun as this sounds, it’s not for everyone. Some travelers have more refined tastes and want to kick things up a notch. Glamping is one step up from traditional camping. Think upgraded tents with luxurious finishes to make roughing it just a little more sophisticated. If you live in an area with beautiful scenery and a large backyard, you could create a glamping site. You can create a luxurious oasis where travelers get to enjoy the great outdoors in style. Just remember that every state has zoning and permit laws, so be sure to check which ones apply to you before you get started.
Hotel Management
If you enjoy working with the general public, then working in hospitality is another option. If you work in this role, you may be responsible for creating budgets, hiring staff, and organizing deliveries with multiple vendors. Most who work in upper management have a degree in business administration or hospitality, which requires a college education. You could also consider opening your own small B&B, which caters to a specific type of traveler.
Travel Blogger
Travel bloggers are now one of the leading sources for up-to-date travel information. Many of them make a full-time living by writing about their experiences, creating guides, and working with affiliates. The best part is, you don’t need anything but your laptop and phone to get started. You can set up a website and your social media channels and then use older content to build an audience. Over time, you can tailor your niche and focus on a specific group of travelers who will want to follow you on your adventures.
Tour Guide
If you live in a big city, you could become a tour guide. Places like New York are always looking for qualified guides to show visitors the sites. You might have to pass an exam and be licensed, so be sure to check with local authorities before applying. In addition, if you choose to work aboard, there are plenty of places to choose from. Paris, Italy, and Spain are three of the top tourist spots, so research which credentials you need to apply. If you plan on staying longer than three months, you will need a visa and a work permit.
Travel Photographer
As a photographer, you can sell your prints to the general public or to travel magazines. All you need is Instagram profile to show off your work and a high-quality camera or iPhone.
