Best Remote Jobs for Retirees Who Like to Travel: 9 Opportunities

Retirement is the perfect time to fire up the RV or backpack in Europe and visit all the places you’ve always wanted to visit…but of course, there’s that pesky question of how you’re going to pay for it all. 

If you're retired and have a passion for travel, remote jobs could be the perfect way to combine work and your love for exploring new places.

Basic digital skills can open a world of opportunities for tech-savvy retirees to work from anywhere. You can take on gigs like virtual travel agent roles, online travel consultant positions, or self-publishing on Amazon. 

Keep reading for a roundup of different opportunities and our best travel tips for seniors!

See why more and more retirees are turning to self-publishing to get paid to ENJOY their golden years. Come see how it all works at our totally free publishing training!

Advantages of Retirement Travel Jobs 

There are tons of advantages of retirement travel jobs.

Working remotely as a retiree gives you the freedom to better manage your time, save money, and stay active doing what you love! 

Flexibility and Freedom

Remote work for seniors lets you set your schedule, which means you can plan your work around your travel, not the other way around. If you want to explore a new city in the morning, you can do your work later in the day, or vice versa. 

Having control over your time also lets you balance work and leisure. You can decide to take a few days off without having to ask for permission. These flexible work hours mean you can enjoy your travels more fully and actually immerse yourself in the culture and new experiences.

When you have more control over your work-life balance and when you can work at your own pace and from any location, it's been scientifically proven that stress levels go way down (no surprise there).

Our co-founders, The Mikkelsen Twins, took some time off in Asia once upon a time, and it's still one of the best things they've ever done for their mental and physical health.

Saving on Commuting Costs

By working remotely, you also eliminate the daily commute. Let’s be real, gas, public transportation fees, and car maintenance costs can add up pretty quickly.

Instead of spending an hour or more commuting, you can put that time towards something more enjoyable, like sightseeing or spending time with loved ones.

And without the need to commute, you can choose to live or travel to more affordable places. This added financial freedom can make your retirement savings last way longer and allow you to travel even more.

Hayley, one of our amazing coaches, recently made the big move from Ireland to Greece. Listening to her rave about spending time with her family, catching up with friends, and enjoying the incredible quality of life there is truly inspiring!

Opportunities for Continuous Learning

Remote work often offers opportunities to learn new skills through team training, online courses, or virtual conferences, which can help you keep expanding your horizons along with all the new experiences and new people you meet on your travels. 

Resources for Self-Paced Learning

• Coursera 
• Udemy 
• Masterclass 

Popular Remote Jobs for Retirees

Whether you're inclined towards creative tasks or more structured roles, there's something for everyone. 

Here are some popular options:

Self-Publishing

A common misconception about self-publishing is that you have to enjoy writing and have a story or guide to share. That might have been true under the traditional model decades ago, but these days, you get to control exactly how involved you want to be in the process. 

A lot of people prefer to take on more of a project management role and hand over the writing duties to either a ghostwriter, contractor, or self-publishing agency—and that’s perfectly fine! 

Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing are legit and make it easy to publish your own books online.

Benefits

• Creative control over your work.
• Earn royalties from each sale.
• Opportunities to write about travel, hobbies, personal experiences, or hot topics that already have proven demand.
• Potential for recurring income.

It will all make more sense after watching our free webinar!

Consulting

Consulting lets you use your expertise in a specific field to offer advice to businesses or individuals from anywhere in the world.

Benefits

• Flexible hours and rates.
• High demand for knowledgeable consultants.
• Opportunities in fields like finance, marketing, and human resources.

Article Writer

As an article writer, you’ll create content for websites, magazines, or blogs on various topics.

Benefits

• Control over workload with pay per article or project.
• Diverse topics to explore (e.g., travel, health, personal finance).
• Work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Digital Marketing

This role is ideal if you're tech-savvy and have marketing experience.

You’ll mostly help promote and grow brands through online channels like search engines and social media. 

Benefits

• Freelance or company positions available.
• Tasks include managing social media, creating content, and running ad campaigns.
• Growing field with numerous remote opportunities.

Tech Support

These jobs mainly focus on assisting customers with technical issues or other complaints by phone, email, or chat.

Benefits

• Steady work is often available part-time.
• Requires patience and clear communication skills.
• Many companies offer remote tech support roles.

Transcriptionist

As a transcriptionist, you’ll listen to audio recordings and type them out. 

Benefits

• Flexible hours, work at your own pace.
• Fields include legal, medical, and media.
• Quiet, focused work environment.

Project Manager

As a project manager, you’ll oversee projects from start to finish, coordinating tasks and managing timelines.

Benefits

• Strong organizational skills are needed.
• Tools like Trello or Asana help manage tasks.
• Remote positions are available in various industries.

National Parks

Remote jobs with national parks can range from administrative work to online educational programs.

Benefits

• Contribute to conservation and education efforts.
• Tasks might include creating virtual tours or managing social media.
• Requires specific knowledge about the environment and wildlife.

Customer Service Representative

As a customer service rep, you’ll handle customer inquiries and issues via calls, emails, or chat. 

Benefits

• A stable job with consistent hours.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills are required.
• Training provided for specific company procedures and products.

Remote Job Search Resources

Job Boards

• Remote.co: A hub for jobs across various industries.
• We Work Remotely: Great for tech and creative jobs.
• FlexJobs: Offers a wide range of remote jobs using a subscription model.

Networking Tips

• LinkedIn Groups: Find and join groups related to your field.
• Virtual Meetups: Sites like Meetup.com host online networking events.
• Webinars: Attend industry webinars and connect with other attendees virtually.

Resume and Cover Letter Tips

• Highlight Remote Skills: Emphasize your ability to work independently and handle tech tools (even if you're not an expert).
• Customize Applications: Tailor each resume and cover letter to the job description.
• Professional Formatting: Keep your documents clean and easy to read using software like Microsoft Word or Canva.

Making the Most of Local Experiences

• Cultural Immersion
  • Local Festivals: Check out local events and festivals.
  • Museums and Historical Sites: Explore the history of your new location.
  • Community Events: Participate in local activities and meet new people.
• Local Cuisine
  • Street Food: Taste the authentic dishes of each new location.
  • Local Restaurants: Dine where the locals eat.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional dishes.
• Language Learning
  • Language Classes: Enroll in local language schools.
  • Language Exchange Meetups: Practice with locals and other learners.
  • Language Apps: Use Duolingo or Babbel to keep practicing your language skills.

Tools and Resources for Retired Digital Nomads

• Travel Planning Apps:
  • TripIt: Organize your travel plans in one place.
  • Rome2Rio: Find the best routes and transportation options.
• Productivity Software:
  • Evernote: Keep all your notes and ideas in one place.
  • Slack: Communicate with teams or clients on the go.
  • Google Workspace: Collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Local Services:
  • Yelp: Find and review local businesses.
  • Google Maps: Locate services and get directions.
  • Zocdoc: Find local doctors and healthcare providers.

If you are just starting out, here's a guide on how to be a digital nomad with no experience.

Travel Tips for Seniors

Planning to hit the road soon? These tips can help your trips be smooth, safe, and memorable.

Choosing the Right Destinations

• Top Picks
  • Scenic National Parks: Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon offer stunning views and easy access.
  • Relaxing Beach Towns: Myrtle Beach or Key West for some sun and sand.
  • Historic Cities: Wander through Charleston, Boston, or Edinburgh and soak up the history.
• What to Look For
  • Accessibility: Make sure the attractions are easy to get to with ramps and smooth paths.
  • Healthcare: Check if there are good medical facilities nearby, just in case.

Manage Medications

• Packing Tips
  • Original Containers: Keep meds in their original bottles to avoid any confusion.
  • Pill Organizer: Keep track of your daily doses.
  • Carry-On Bag: Always have your meds with you in your carry-on if you're flying in case your checked luggage gets lost.
• Pro Tip: Write down your meds and dosages and keep the list handy.

Make Copies of Important Documents

• Document Handling
  • Separate Locations: Store copies of files away from the originals.
  • Digital Backups: Save digital versions on a secure cloud.
  • Share: Leave a set with a trusted friend or family member.

Staying Active and Healthy

• Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water, especially on flights and long road trips.
• Stretch It Out: Do some light stretches during long journeys.
• Healthy Snacks: Pack some nuts, fruits, and granola bars.
• Reminder Apps: Use your phone to remind you to take your meds.

Consider Travel Insurance

• What to Look For
  • Medical Coverage: Make sure you'll be covered in emergencies.
  • Trip Cancellations: Protect your bookings.
  • Lost Luggage: Get reimbursed for lost bags.
• Senior-Friendly Plans: Find policies with extra coverage for seniors.

Travel Off-Season

• Why It’s Great
  • Less Crowded: Enjoy more space and peace.
  • Cheaper: Score deals on flights and hotels.
  • Better Weather: Avoid extreme temperatures.
• When to Go: Look up the specific off-peak times for your chosen destination.

Stay Connected to the Internet

• Phone Plan: Check if your phone plan covers international roaming.
• Local SIM: Buy a local SIM card for better rates.
• Chat Apps: Use WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime to stay in touch.
• Portable Wi-Fi: Bring a portable Wi-Fi device for a reliable connection.

Stay Connected to the Community

• Joining Local Groups: Use apps like Meetup to find groups with similar interests.
• Volunteering: Engage with local communities through volunteer opportunities.
• Online Communities: Stay connected with friends, family, and fellow travelers via social media and online forums.

Essential Tech for Remote Work

• Reliable Laptop: Lightweight, durable, and with good battery life.
• Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot: Stay connected anywhere.
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Block out distractions and focus on work.
• Work Management Apps: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Slack to stay organized.

Reasons for Traveling

Reconnecting with Family

Travel is the perfect excuse to gather the whole clan! Whether it's a multi-generational trip or a visit to see distant relatives, traveling brings everyone closer. Imagine creating lasting memories at a cozy mountain cabin or exploring new cities with your grandchildren. The stories you'll share and the bonds you'll strengthen are priceless.

Family Tips

• ‍Multi-Generational Vacations: Rent a big house by the beach or a cabin in the mountains.‍
• Visiting Relatives: Take the time to reconnect with family you haven't seen in a while.‍
• Group Tours: Join a guided tour that caters to all ages.

Exploration and Adventure

Got a bucket list? Now's the time to start ticking it off! Whether it's exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, hiking through national parks, or sailing the Caribbean, you can make every trip an unforgettable experience.

Adventure Ideas

• Cultural Tours: Explore historical sites and participate in local traditions.
• Nature Escapes: Go on a safari, hike scenic trails, or visit breathtaking national parks.
• Cruises: Set sail on a cruise to multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking.

Relaxation and Wellness

Sometimes, you just need to unwind and focus on yourself. Picture yourself at a serene spa retreat, lounging on a sunny beach, or enjoying the tranquility of a countryside escape. Prioritizing your wellness while exploring new destinations can refresh your body and your mind.

Relaxation Ideas

• Spa Retreats: Indulge in massages, facials, and wellness treatments.
• Beach Vacations: Soak up the sun, read a good book, and let the waves wash your worries away.
• Countryside Getaways: Stay in a quaint bed-and-breakfast and enjoy the peace and quiet of rural life.

What Percentage of Older People Travel?

An AARP survey shows that nearly 65% of Americans over 50 are excited to travel in 2024.

Most will be exploring the U.S. (63%), while 37% plan to jet off on international adventures.

This year, older adults are also ready to splurge, spending about $6,659 on vacations.

Plus, half of them are planning to spend even more on their trips in 2024 than they did in 2023!

How Much Do I Need in Retirement to Travel?

Want to know how much you need to travel in retirement? Let’s break it down!

Estimate Your Travel Budget

Here’s a simple example:

• Flights: $2,000
• Accommodation: $3,000
• Meals and Entertainment: $1,500
• Miscellaneous: $500
• Total: $7,000 per year

Plan Your Retirement Budget

Next, think about your overall retirement budget.

A common rule is the 50/30/20 rule:

• Needs (50%): Basic living expenses
• Wants (30%): Travel and leisure
• Savings (20%): Guard against unexpected costs

According to Investopedia, retirees typically allocate 5% to 10% of their retirement budget to travel.

Your exact number might vary, but this gives you a good starting point.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Travel in Retirement?

Traveling on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing fun or comfort. 

With these tips, you can enjoy amazing adventures without breaking the bank:

Consider House Sitting

• Why?: Free accommodation.
• How?: Use websites like TrustedHousesitters to find homeowners looking for reliable sitters.

Volunteer Vacations

• Why?: Free room and board in exchange for your time.
• How?: Look for organizations that offer volunteer opportunities where you can help out and get free lodging.

Leverage Loyalty Programs and Travel Rewards

• Why?: Score discounts or even free flights.
• How?: Sign up for loyalty programs and use travel rewards credit cards to accumulate points.

Book Last-Minute Deals

• Why?: Save up to 50% on flights and hotels.
• How?: Keep an eye on travel deal websites and apps for last-minute offers.

Try Camping or RV Travel

• Why?: It's budget-friendly and adventurous.
• How?: Explore national parks and campgrounds, which are often cheaper than hotels.

Eat Like a Local

• Why?: Street food and local markets are cheap and delicious.
• How?: Skip the touristy restaurants and dine where the locals do.

Look for Free Activities

• Why?: Free fun is the best kind!
• How?: Many cities offer free walking tours, museums, and parks.

Inspiring Stories from Traveling 

Sailing isn’t exactly a cheap hobby...Just ask Jeff!

Listen to him talk about overcoming business challenges and the freedom that self-publishing has made possible in his life: 

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James went from working a boring banking job for almost a decade to publishing and traveling full-time in just two years: 

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Marco is an Italian publisher who was also able to leave his full-time job and start living life completely on his own terms thanks to self-publishing: 

Self-Publishing Makes Travel Dreams Come True 

Imagine earning royalties while lounging on a beach or exploring a new city. It’s easier than you think, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Why Self-Publishing?

• Earn While You Travel: Generate income from book sales.
• Share Your Adventures: Write and publish your travel stories.
• Flexible Schedule: Work from anywhere at any time.

Discover how self-publishing can fit into your travel lifestyle with our free webinar!