11 Travel Jobs That Come With Free Housing

Looking for a way to travel the world without spending a ton of money on rent?

Travel jobs that come with free housing can be an amazing way to see new places, save money, and enjoy unforgettable experiences – all while earning a paycheck.

Over the years, I’ve met so many people who work in jobs that provide both housing and travel opportunities. Some live on cruise ships, others hop between seasonal resort towns, and a few even live in employer-provided cabins out in nature. These jobs aren’t just for recent grads or backpackers – many of them are great for people of all ages.

And, personally, I have been offered jobs (as well as my husband) that would pay for housing. They’ve all been very tempting and we think about them often!

Today, I want to share a list of real jobs that come with free housing (there are great ways to live rent free!), including how much they pay, where to find them, and what it’s really like.

11 Travel Jobs That Include Free Housing

Before we get started, let’s talk about why some jobs pay for travel and housing. There are a few main reasons why employers include free housing with a job:

• Remote locations – Some jobs are in areas where housing is hard to find, like national parks or remote islands.
• Staffing needs – Providing housing helps employers attract workers, especially for seasonal or temporary roles. In many touristy areas, housing is too expensive, so giving housing with a job can make the job more realistic for a worker to work at.
• Retention – When housing is included, workers tend to stay longer and are less likely to leave mid-season.
• Convenience – It can also just make life easier. You don’t have to worry about rent, furniture, or commuting.

And for you as a worker, free housing can mean lower living costs and less stress.

Below are some of the best travel jobs that come with free housing. These are real, legit jobs that pay you to work and live somewhere new.

Recommended reading: How To Get Paid To Travel The World (18 Realistic Ideas!)

1. Cruise ship worker

If you want to see the world while living at sea, cruise ship jobs can be a great option. These jobs include free room and board, meaning your meals and housing are completely covered during your contract.

There are tons of roles available on cruise ships – everything from housekeeping and food service to photography, entertainment, spa services, and even IT.

We went on an around the world cruise (around 4 months long and to nearly 30 countries) about 2 years ago, and loved every minute of it. We met many workers and made many friends on the cruise ship, and many were so excited to be on a world cruise and to get the chance to see so many different places.

What to know:

• Pay: Depends on the position. Entry-level jobs may earn $1,000 to $2,500 per month, while more specialized positions can earn more.
• Perks: Travel to multiple countries, meet people from around the world, free food and lodging, and low personal expenses.
• How to apply: Check out cruise line websites like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Princess Cruises.

Pro tip: Contracts are usually 4 to 9 months long. It can be hard and long work (for many jobs on cruise ships, you are literally working every single day), but you may also get time off in port to explore.

Recommended reading: 18 Best Cruise Ship Jobs To Travel the World and Make Money

2. Resort or hotel staff (seasonal work)

Many hotels and resorts in tourist areas (like ski towns, national parks, or tropical islands) have seasonal jobs with free or subsidized housing.

Common jobs at resorts and hotels are front desk staff, housekeepers, kitchen staff, bartenders, and activities coordinators.

What to know:

• Pay: Around $10 to $25 per hour, depending on location and the tasks you do, and some earn tips too.
• Perks: Free or low-cost shared housing, meals, access to resort amenities (pools, gyms, and ski passes).
• Where to find jobs: Sites like CoolWorks.com, VailResortsCareers.com, or directly through resort websites.

Pro tip: Apply early! These jobs fill up fast, especially for winter ski towns and resorts in popular summer destinations.

3. Travel nurse or healthcare worker

If you’re a nurse or healthcare provider, travel nursing can be a very lucrative career. Assignments are usually 8 to 13 weeks long, and many agencies pay for fully furnished housing or give you a housing stipend.

You’ll work in hospitals across the U.S., usually in areas with high demand. It’s a great way to see the country. I have met many travel nurses over the years, and I also have friends who did a few travel nursing jobs in different states.

What to know:

• Pay: Often $2,000 to $4,000 per week (yes, per week), depending on specialty and location
• Perks: Free private housing or generous stipend, travel reimbursements, and health benefits
• How to apply: Through travel nursing agencies like Aya Healthcare

Pro tip: Nurses with in-demand specialties (like ICU or ER) many times earn the highest rates. But, nursing, in general, is in demand in many places.

4. Construction jobs with free housing

This might surprise you, but there are construction jobs that pay for travel and housing, such as in remote areas like Alaska, oil fields, or industrial sites.

I also recently had someone work on my home who said that they were from another state. Their company was paying for them to spend the summer in our town (a summer vacation destination, so they were happy!), and their housing was paid for along with a rental car.

What to know:

• Pay: This can vary widely, and laborers might earn $18 to $30 per hour, while skilled trades (electricians, welders, carpenters) can earn $70,000+ per year.
• Perks: Free housing, daily per diem for meals, overtime pay, travel reimbursement.
• Where to find jobs: Look on sites like Indeed (search “construction + housing provided”), Tradesmen International, or simply ask around in Facebook groups.

Pro tip: Certifications and experience can help you get higher-paying jobs.

5. Au pair or nanny abroad

Want to live in a foreign country and learn all about a new culture? Becoming an au pair can be a great way to do it, and you’ll usually get your own room and meals with a host family.

In exchange, you’ll care for the family’s children and help with light household tasks (like cleaning up after play time, prepping dinner, or taking the kids to school).

My sister was an au pair in Italy for a little bit, so this is definitely a real job!

What to know:

• Pay: Depends on the country, but most au pairs earn a small stipend of around $80 to $300 per week.
• Perks: Free private room, meals, cultural immersion, and language learning opportunities.
• How to apply: Agencies like AuPairWorld can help you find placements. There are also Facebook groups dedicated to finding au pairs that you can join.

Pro tip: Some countries require a visa or set age limits for au pairs, so check the rules before applying.

Recommended reading: How To Become An Au Pair

6. Hostel worker or manager

Hostels around the world sometimes hire travelers to help out in exchange for free housing, and sometimes a small income as well. You might work at the front desk, clean rooms, or organize events for guests.

This can be a great gig if you are looking for jobs with housing included but you don’t have a lot of experience.

These jobs are common in Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia (places where there are lots of hostels).

What to know:

• Pay: Usually free housing and sometimes food; some roles pay a small salary.
• Perks: Live in fun cities, meet fellow travelers, and work flexible hours.
• Where to look: You may be able to reach out directly to hostels, and even while you’re on a trip (maybe you’re currently staying at a hostel and like it a lot – you can ask them if they’re hiring!).

Pro tip: Some hostels have private rooms, while others provide a bunk in a shared dorm, so you’ll want to ask before accepting a job offer.

7. Campground host or RV park worker

Working at a campground or RV park is great if you love the outdoors. Many campgrounds give a free RV site with full hookups in exchange for part-time or full-time work (full-time work typically comes with a paid hourly rate or salary as well).

The work may include checking campers in, cleaning up campsites, selling firewood, cleaning bathrooms, and making sure everyone is following the rules.

You don’t need to own an RV either, some campgrounds provide staff housing too, such as in a tiny home or a travel trailer that is on the property.

I RVed full-time for around 5 years, and I met many, many campground hosts over the years. I have also seen campground host job listings in some of the most beautiful places, such as right on the beach in the Pacific Northwest coast, in Maine, in the mountains in Colorado, and more. I’ve always thought this would be a fun job for someone who wants to travel to new places and do more of a “slow travel,” as gigs are typically a few months long.

What to know:

• Pay: Usually volunteer with free RV site and utilities; some pay hourly pay or stipends for full-time positions.
• Perks: Live in beautiful natural areas, quiet lifestyle, and minimal expenses.
• Where to find jobs: CoolWorks, National Park Service, Workamper.com. I’ve also seen many campground host jobs listed in Facebook groups as well as in bulletin boards at campgrounds that I’ve personally visited.

Pro tip: These jobs are especially popular with retirees or digital nomads who already live in RVs.

Recommended reading: How To Make Money While RVing

8. Volunteer or work exchange (WWOOF, HelpX, Workaway)

These programs are where you trade your time and skills for free room and board. You might help on an organic farm or do construction work.

It’s not a “job” in the traditional sense, but it’s a great way to travel on a tight budget.

I have met several people who have WWOOFed over the years, and while they’ve said it’s usually hard work, they did enjoy it.

What to know:

• Pay: Usually no cash, but you’ll get housing and meals.
• Perks: Cultural exchange, hands-on experience, education about farming, and short-term stays.
• Popular platforms: WWOOF is one of the most popular sites.

Pro tip: I highly recommend that you read reviews from other volunteers and clarify expectations before committing. Also, try to learn more about the person you will be volunteering with (such as by searching their name in Facebook groups or Reddit) to make sure they are a good person – I have heard some stories over the years about not-so-nice situations, unfortunately. I don’t think that’s the norm, but it’s good to be safe!

9. Yacht crew or sailing jobs

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the world, working on a yacht could be the way. Jobs range from steward/stewardess roles to deckhands, captains, chefs, or even massage therapists.

You live on board, and all food and accommodations are included.

I personally lived full-time and traveled on a sailboat for around 5 years, so I know many, many people who are yacht crew, and it looks like a great job. Yes, it’s hard work, but it can also be a great lifestyle full of travel (and great pay).

What to know:

• Pay: It varies – entry-level crew may earn $2,000 to $3,000 per month plus tips. Captains, chefs, and engineers typically make much more, sometimes over $10,000 per month.
• Perks: Travel on the ocean, free lodging and meals, great networking.
• Where to find jobs: You can find jobs on CrewSeekers, FindACrew, or in boating Facebook groups.

Pro tip: Yacht jobs require professionalism, flexibility (things go wrong or break on boats all the time, so you need to be creative and flexible!), and usually long hours.

10. English teacher abroad

Teaching English abroad can be a stable, well-paying job, and in many countries, housing is included.

South Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, and the UAE are especially known for having job contracts with free apartments or housing stipends.

What to know:

• Pay: $1,200 to $3,500 per month, depending on the country.
• Perks: Free housing and getting to really learn about a different culture.
• How to qualify: A bachelor’s degree is usually required, and a TEFL certification is highly recommended.

Pro tip: Companies like Teach Away and Dave’s ESL Cafe are usually good starting points.

Recommended reading: How We Made Over $100,000 Teaching Overseas

11. Remote lodge, ranch, or nature preserve jobs

Jobs at wilderness lodges, ranches, and fishing guide companies usually come with housing since they’re in remote areas. You could work in guiding, hospitality, maintenance, or customer service.

My husband loves to fish and has come across several companies that give you free housing for being a fishing guide with them. We have been very tempted over the years to try one of these and may actually do it one day!

What to know:

• Pay: Usually $15 to $20 per hour plus tips or bonus pay. Guides typically earn more than this.
• Perks: Housing, meals, and outdoor adventures in your backyard.
• Where to find jobs: CoolWorks, company websites, Facebook groups.

Pro tip: These can be seasonal or year-round roles, and some people return year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about how to find travel jobs that come with free housing.

What are the best travel jobs that offer free housing?

Cruise ship jobs, resort staff, English teachers abroad, and campground or national park jobs are some of the most popular options.

Can you really live for free while traveling?

Yes! If your job includes housing and meals, your monthly expenses can be extremely low.

Are travel jobs with free housing safe and legit?

Most are, but always do your research. I recommend that you stick to well-known job boards, ask lots of questions, and trust your gut. If something sounds too good to be true, then it may be best to skip it.

Do you still get paid for these jobs, or is it just room and board?

Yes, most jobs pay you on top of housing. Some, like work exchanges on a farm, may be unpaid but give you food and a place to sleep.

What are good tips for getting a job that pays for travel and housing?

Finding a travel job that pays for housing does take some work. I recommend that you start your job search early because the good jobs typically fill up fast, many times months in advance. I also recommend that you avoid scams or bad situations, so that may mean making sure that you do your own research on the company, as well as using trusted job boards and finding reviews, if you can, about the job and company. Lastly, make sure that you ask questions, such as about if the housing is shared or private, what the job tasks entail, etc.

How do I find cruise ship, au pair, or seasonal resort jobs?

Look on niche job boards like AllCruiseJobs, AuPairWorld, and CoolWorks. You can also apply directly through company websites, like Princess Cruises or Vail Resorts.

What are the best construction jobs that pay for travel and housing?

Remote jobs on oil rigs, pipelines, and industrial projects sometimes include housing and daily per diem.

What are the pros and cons of travel jobs with free housing?

These jobs are great because you can save money on rent and utilities, travel more often, and meet new people along the way. Many also include meals, so your living expenses are super low. Just keep in mind that housing is sometimes shared, the work can be physical (with long hours), and contracts are usually short-term or in remote areas.

Best Travel Jobs That Come With Free Housing – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my article about the best travel jobs that come with free housing.

If you’re wanting adventure and want to cut back on your living expenses, a travel job with free housing can be a good move. You can work, explore, and save – all at the same time.

There are even more jobs that pay for housing that aren’t included on the list above, such as national park rangers, personal chefs, live-in nannies (I personally know someone who is a live-in nanny for a family, and she has traveled all over the world with them), and travel blogging (such as by getting free stays for reviews or for taking pictures).

Would you take a job that came with free housing? What would you try on this list?

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