11 Travel Jobs that Come with Free Housing

Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Katie

If you want to travel without spending a lot on accommodation, certain jobs offer free housing as part of the package.

These roles let you explore new places while reducing your living expenses, making travel more affordable and practical.

Free housing with travel jobs can help you save money and experience the world in a unique way.

Whether you prefer seasonal work, hospitality, or specialised roles, options exist across different industries that fit various skills and interests.

For more options, check out these best digital nomad jobs for aspiring travellers.

Check Out These Freelance Travel Career Opportunities!

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Best Travel Jobs that Come with Free Housing

Do you want to become a digital nomad and work from anywhere?

This type of life is possible for anyone if you make the right preparation.

By securing one of the following travel jobs that come with free housing below, you can see the world and actually save some money!

Let’s dive in!

1: Cruise Ship Crew Member

Working as a cruise ship crew member lets you travel the world while living and working onboard a floating city.

I worked on cruise ships for 2.5 years, so I can say that it is an exciting way to see the world!

Your housing and meals are fully covered throughout your contract, which means no rent or utility bills.

The job offers the chance to visit multiple international ports during your time off.

There are many roles available on cruise ships, spanning hospitality, entertainment, technical, and service sectors.

You could work as a housekeeping staff member, casino dealer, bartender, photographer, entertainer, nurse, electrician, IT technician, or in spa services.

Most positions require no prior experience, though some specialized jobs need specific skills or certifications.

What to Know:

• Pay: Typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,000 per month depending on the role and experience.
• Perks: Free room and board, meals, uniform, laundry service, and the opportunity to see multiple countries.
• Where to Find Jobs: Check sites like Norwegian Cruise Line Careers and Indeed for open positions.

Pro Tip: Network with current crew members on social media or crew forums to learn the hiring process and increase your chance of landing a job.

2: English Teacher Abroad

Teaching English abroad is a popular travel job that often includes free housing as part of the employment package.

You can work in schools, language centers, or government programs across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Roles range from teaching young learners to adults, depending on the program.

Many positions require a TEFL or TESOL certification, and some offer visa sponsorship and flight reimbursement.

What to Know:

• Pay: Typically $1,200 to $4,000+ per month, varying by country and experience.
• Perks: Free or subsidized housing, visa support, paid vacation, and sometimes airfare coverage.
• Where to Find Jobs: Websites like GoAbroad.com, TEFL.com, and Dave’s ESL Cafe list openings worldwide.

Pro Tip: Always confirm housing details before accepting a job. Some employers provide on-site housing, while others offer a housing allowance.

Understanding this helps you budget and plan your stay more effectively.

Further reading: 10 platforms to teach English with no experience.

3: Travel Nurse

Travel nursing allows you to work short-term assignments at different healthcare facilities across the country.

You take on roles such as labor and delivery nurse, NICU nurse, ICU nurse, or general registered nurse, depending on your specialty and experience.

Assignments typically last 8 to 26 weeks and many travel nurse positions include free or subsidized housing.

Some agencies provide fully furnished accommodations, so you don’t have to worry about rent. This can significantly reduce your living expenses while you focus on your job.

What to Know:

• Pay: Travel nurses often earn higher hourly wages compared to permanent staff, typically ranging from $30 to $50+ per hour.
• Perks: Free housing or housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and flexible schedules.
• Where to Find Jobs: Websites like AMN Healthcare and Travel Nurse Housing list available assignments and accommodations.

Pro Tip: Always clarify housing details before accepting a job. Some agencies offer free housing, while others provide stipends that require you to find your own accommodation.

Choosing based on your preferences can improve your overall experience.

4: Ski Resort Worker

Working at a ski resort allows you to spend your season in a mountain setting while earning money and living rent-free.

Jobs vary from ski instructor and lift operator to hospitality roles like housekeeping or food service. Many resorts provide employee housing, reducing your living expenses significantly.

Seasonal work at ski resorts often starts in late fall or early winter and lasts through spring.

You’ll be part of a team supporting the resort’s daily operations and guest experience.

What to Know:

• Pay: Typically ranges from $15 to $52 per hour, depending on the role and resort.
• Perks: Free or subsidized housing, ski passes or discounts, and the chance to live in scenic locations.
• Where to Find Jobs: Websites like Indeed and pages like SkiJobs often list these openings. Consider applying early to secure housing options.

Pro Tip:
Apply well before the season starts to improve your chances of getting employee housing and preferred positions.

Early applicants are more likely to benefit from the best housing availability.

5: Hospitality Staff at Resorts

Working as hospitality staff at resorts lets you live and work in popular travel destinations.

These jobs often provide free or subsidized housing, making it easier for you to save money while exploring new places.

Common roles include front desk staff, housekeepers, kitchen workers, bartenders, and activities coordinators.

You’ll get hands-on experience in customer service and hospitality management.

These jobs tend to be seasonal, perfect if you want to explore different locations throughout the year.

Resorts are usually located in ski towns, tropical islands, and national parks.

What to Know:

• Pay: Typically ranges from minimum wage to moderate tips and bonuses, depending on the role and location.
• Perks: Free or reduced-cost housing, potential for meals, and opportunities to work in scenic places.
• Where to Find Jobs: Websites like Indeed, CoolWorks, and ResortJobs often list openings.

Pro Tip: Build strong communication skills and be flexible with shifts to improve your chances of securing long-term or repeat seasonal positions.

6: Au Pair

Working as an au pair lets you live with a host family in another country while providing childcare and light household help.

This role gives you an immersive cultural experience and a chance to travel without paying for housing.

Typical duties include supervising children, helping with homework, and assisting with daily routines.

Positions vary from full-time childcare providers to part-time helpers, often with flexible schedules.

You can find au pair jobs worldwide, especially in countries like the US, Germany, and Australia. Many programs require a basic understanding of the local language and childcare experience.

What to Know:

• Pay: Usually a weekly or monthly stipend, which varies by country.
• Perks: Free room and board, cultural exchange opportunities, and sometimes language classes.
• Where to Find Jobs: AuPairWorld.com, and AuPair.com.

Pro Tip:
Choose a reputable agency or platform and communicate clearly with families before accepting to ensure expectations align for both childcare duties and living arrangements.

7: National Park Ranger

As a national park ranger, you protect and preserve national parks while interacting with visitors.

Your duties may include patrolling park areas, conducting guided tours, enforcing rules, and assisting with conservation efforts.

Roles vary from law enforcement rangers to naturalists and interpretive guides.

Many positions provide free housing inside or near the parks, allowing you to live close to the natural areas you protect.

You’ll work in locations across the U.S., including well-known national parks and smaller state parks. Seasonal and full-time opportunities are common, often through the National Park Service.

What to Know:

• Pay: Typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
• Perks: Free or subsidized housing, outdoor work environment, health benefits, and opportunities for seasonal or year-round work.
• Where to Find Jobs: Visit National Park Service Careers or job sites like Indeed for listings.

Pro Tip: Focus on obtaining relevant outdoor skills and certifications like first aid or law enforcement training to increase your chances of securing a park ranger position.

8: Travel Photographer

As a travel photographer, you capture images of diverse locations, cultures, and events worldwide.

Your work may involve freelancing, working for magazines, travel websites, or tourism boards. Roles range from full-time assignments to part-time projects, depending on your client base.

Some travel photography positions include tour photography, event coverage, and commercial shoots.

You might also collaborate with brands or work for media outlets that provide travel and housing support during assignments.

What to Know:

• Pay: Varies widely; freelance photographers can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience and contracts.
• Perks: Opportunities to visit unique places, stay in provided accommodations, and build a creative portfolio.
• Where to Find Jobs: Use platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or specialized sites such as Travel Photographer Central and freelance websites like Upwork.

Pro Tip: Build a strong, diverse portfolio and network continuously.

Relationships with travel companies and media outlets increase your chances of landing assignments that include housing and travel benefits.

Further reading: 17 ways to get paid to take pictures with your phone.

9: Hostel Worker or Manager

Working as a hostel worker or manager lets you live and work in social, often international environments.

Your tasks might include reception, cleaning, guest services, event planning, or managing daily operations.

These roles can range from entry-level positions to more responsible management jobs.

Hostels often provide free or heavily discounted housing as part of the job. This makes it easier to travel while keeping accommodation costs low.

You’ll meet travelers from around the world and gain valuable experience in hospitality.

What to Know:

• Pay: Usually modest; some roles pay hourly wages, others a stipend or salary
• Perks: Free housing, potential meals, networking opportunities, often a lively social scene
• Where to Find Jobs: websites like TheHostelWoks, Workaway.info, and local hostel websites

Pro Tip: Build strong communication and organizational skills to move up quickly. Experience in customer service helps you stand out and succeed in hostel roles.

10: Flight Attendant

As a flight attendant, you travel regularly while ensuring passenger safety and comfort.

You work on various types of flights, from domestic routes to international long-hauls. Different airlines offer roles with varying schedules, responsibilities, and bases, giving you a chance to choose one that fits your lifestyle.

Flight attendants typically receive free hotel accommodations during layovers. This lodging is crucial for rest and recovery between flights.

It is not permanent housing, but covers stays when you are required to stay overnight away from your home base.

What to Know:

• Pay: Varies by airline and experience, but generally includes hourly wages plus per diem allowances.
• Perks: Free or heavily discounted flights for you and often your family or friends. Complimentary hotels during layovers. Flexible schedules with travel exposure.
• Where to Find Jobs: Check career pages of major airlines like Delta (delta.com/careers), United (united.com/careers), and Allegiant (allegiantair.com/careers).

Pro Tip: Build strong communication and customer service skills to stand out during the hiring process and manage the demands of the job effectively.

11: Tour Guide

Working as a tour guide lets you travel while sharing knowledge about destinations.

You get to lead groups in cities, national parks, or specialty tours like food or history. Many positions include free housing near tour sites to help you save money on the road.

Roles vary from local city guides to adventure and eco-tour guides. You might work for travel companies, outdoor resorts, or cultural institutions.

The job involves communication, customer service, and sometimes physical activity.

What to Know:

• Pay: Typically ranges from $12 to $25 per hour, depending on location and experience.
• Perks: Free or discounted housing, chances to explore new places, and flexible scheduling.
• Where to Find Jobs: Check websites like ExpatExplore, SeasonWorkers and regional tourism boards.

Pro Tip: Build strong public speaking skills and learn detailed information about your tour area to stand out as a knowledgeable and reliable guide.

How to Secure a Travel Job with Free Housing

To land a travel job that provides free housing, focus on presenting your qualifications clearly, understanding what employers require, and carefully reviewing job contracts.

Paying attention to these details improves your chances of securing a role that supports your travel lifestyle with housing included.

Application Tips

Start by tailoring your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills tied to the position you want.

Emphasize any previous travel, remote work, or adaptability in new environments. Use keywords from the job posting to pass applicant tracking systems.

Write a concise cover letter explaining why you’re fit for a job requiring travel and temporary housing.

Be specific about your willingness to relocate and handle housing logistics that come with the role.

Network through online job platforms and travel-specific sites. Applying early and following up professionally can set you apart from other candidates.

You might also like these 25 ways to get paid to stay in hotels.

Qualifications and Skills

Most travel jobs with free housing require flexibility, strong communication, and cultural adaptability.

Depending on the role, you may need specialized skills like teaching certification, healthcare licenses, or hospitality experience.

Basic technological proficiency and problem-solving abilities are valuable since you may live and work in remote or unfamiliar locations.

Employers often look for candidates who can manage independent living while maintaining high work standards.

Certifications such as CPR, language skills, or hospitality training can give you an edge in competitive fields.

Ensure you meet all the legal and health requirements specific to the job and location.

Contract Considerations

Carefully review the housing arrangements detailed in your contract.

Understand if accommodation is shared or private, the quality and location of housing, and what utilities or services are included.

Clarify how housing affects your salary or benefits. Some roles deduct fees for lodging, while others cover everything fully.

Also, check the length of contracts, renewal options, and any penalties for early termination.

Confirm what expenses, like travel costs or insurance, you are responsible for. Knowing the full scope of commitments helps avoid surprises and allows you to plan your stay effectively.

Final Thoughts on Travel Jobs with Free Housing

Travel jobs with free housing offer a practical way to explore new places without the burden of rent.

These opportunities allow you to earn income while living in diverse locations, from resorts to remote work sites.

Many jobs require adaptability, teamwork, and a positive attitude and you have options to work in hospitality, education, or seasonal industries, each with unique demands and benefits.

Take control of your travel plans and finances by choosing roles that align with your goals.

Free housing jobs are accessible to a wide range of experience levels and ages, making them a viable option for many.

New to the travel life?

Check out these essential survival tips for new digital nomads.

Summary

Article Name

11 Travel Jobs That Come With Free Housing Perfect for Adventurous Souls

Description

11 Travel Jobs That Come With Free Housing Perfect for Adventurous Souls.

Author

Katie Lamb

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Remote Work Rebels

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