Seven careers that involve travelling for work: We speak to seven people who travel for a living
Canyon de Chelly national park Arizona. Photo: Alamy
Travelling for work sounds the perfect combination of labour and leisure … and in most cases it is, say those who travel for a living.
But talking to our pick of those who travel so often, you realise it does depend on the type of job, too. Foreign correspondent Hamish Macdonald and photojournalist Kate Geraghty most often visit places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and South Sudan, which, it’s safe to say, wouldn’t be most people’s dream destinations.
And for comedian Cal Wilson, it’s always a battle to remember everything she needs on her trip – including, one memorable time, her passport – while travel writer Cristian Bonetto returns home each time from a jaunt to the daunting task of writing 30,000 words.
Flight attendant Brooke Kendrick’s travel advice is “take lots of pictures”. Photo: Eddie Gerald / Alamy Stock Photo
Then the pleasure of seeing memorable places, including North Korea’s Pyongyang, is tempered for Matildas soccer coach Alen Stajcic by the results of his players, and for airline flight attendant Brooke Kendrick by how much time she gets to spend in a particular place. For everyone too, there is a downside. “I miss my family,” says businesswoman and Carnival Cruise Line’s vice-president Jennifer Vandekreeke, echoing all our frequent flyers’ pain. So, do we feel sorry for them? Um … not really …
HAMISH MACDONALD, 36, Foreign Correspondent and Ten’s The Sunday Project
IN A TYPICAL YEAR I’D BE TRAVELLING FOR MY JOB FOR …
Sometimes up to six months of the year.
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THE PLACES I TEND TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD …
Are wherever the big stories take me. In recent years that’s meant Iraq, Libya, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Afghanistan. I covered the Obama and Trump elections in America, hiked the mountains of Kashmir, trekked through Patagonia and took a boat up the Amazon in Peru. I’ve lived in London, Boston and Kuala Lumpur, and have done stints of study in both Indonesia and Yemen.
THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
I get to explore places and cultures I otherwise might never get to. I regularly get sent to all the places DFAT tells us to think twice about. And when I go to a new country I have a reason to go out and meet people and ask questions, calling up the President or the Prime Minister. You can bang on doors and satisfy your curiosity.
THE WORST THING ABOUT A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
I miss home. I miss my family. And I often miss my friends’ weddings. Being away means I’m not always around for crucial moments. It’s taken a real toll on some of my personal relationships, as well. That’s been difficult and disappointing, but I’m always learning and trying to do things better next time around.
MY BEST ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH JET LAG …
Is to keep fit. If you have a decent and regular fitness routine, there’s always something to do when you wake up early with jet lag. When I land back in Australia from a long trip, I go jogging or swimming.
THE ONE PLACE I’VE LOVED MOST FROM MY WORK TRAVELS IS …
Afghanistan. I worked on and off in Afghanistan for many years with Al Jazeera and have continued to go back since then with other TV networks. The country has always been at war whenever I’ve been there, but I am still completely captivated by Afghanistan’s rugged beauty. You can’t walk out the door without finding a story in Afghanistan, and the Afghan people can be charming and generous, the food exciting and the sugary tea wonderful. My single best piece of travel advice is … don’t pack too much. I only ever take carry-on luggage, no matter where I’m going or for how long. It makes the whole experience more fun if you’re not dragging around tonnes of luggage and you can always buy an extra rain coat, or warm clothes if you need them.
WHEN I TELL PEOPLE I TRAVEL FOR MY WORK THEY SAY …
“You must have heaps of frequent flyer points!” But I don’t. I’m terrible with that stuff.
CAL WILSON, 47, comedian, next appearing in the Sydney Comedy Festival on May 12-13
IN A TYPICAL YEAR I’D BE TRAVELLING FOR MY JOB FOR …
A couple of months (not at a time, usually broken up into snack-sized pieces).
THE PLACES I TEND TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD …
Comedy has taken me to the Edinburgh Fringe, Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, London, Los Angeles, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, all around Australia and New Zealand, out to sea, and to East Timor.
THE BEST THING ABOUT A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
You get to see amazing places, meet fascinating people, and claim it on tax. Also, I’ve been to places I never would have thought to go on holiday, and had the best time there. When we toured to Kununurra, we bought 28 pool noodles and had the most hilarious afternoon of my adult life. Would have been even more fun if we’d had a pool.
THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVE A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
I always forget something. It’s usually make-up, shoes or pyjamas … or my passport (that was only once. Boy, did that teach me a lesson). My best advice for dealing with jet-lag is…don’t drink alcohol on the plane, and stay up as long as you can if you get to your destination in the daytime. Conversely, only travel to places in the same time zone.
THE ONE PLACE I’VE LOVED MOST FROM MY WORK TRAVELS IS …
India. We did a four-city tour over two weeks, and it was incredible. Just a bombardment of glorious food, and unique venues, and amazing sights. I knew we’d been in India for a while when we saw a goat wearing a jumper with a raven sitting on its head, and no one even raised an eyebrow.
MY SINGLE BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE IS …
If you’re going overseas, don’t take lots of adaptors, just take one adaptor, and a powerboard. Plug everything into that. Also, take a couple of pegs for hotel curtains. They hardly ever close in the middle. And take a decent-sized mug. Hotels only ever give you a thimble with a handle.
WHEN I TELL PEOPLE I TRAVEL FOR MY WORK THEY SAY …
“Don’t forget your passport again!” (OK, so that’s mostly my husband).
ALEN STAJCIC, 44, head coach of the Australian women’s national football team, the Matildas
IN A TYPICAL YEAR I’D BE TRAVELLING FOR MY JOB FOR …
Probably three months on average.
THE PLACES I TEND TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD …
Are random, based on wherever the major tournaments are. The major ones in the last few years were Brazil for the Olympic Games, Canada for the Women’s World Cup, Japan for our Olympic Games qualifiers and presently we’re in Amman, Jordan for the Women’s Asian Cup. All up I’ve probably been to 25-30 countries for football reasons, of which North Korea was probably the most unique.
THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVE A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
Getting to experience different cultures, seeing how other people go about their business, the different ways cities operate, the uniqueness and yet the commonalities we all have. Those aspects make travel special but also make you appreciate the quality of life that we have in Australia.
THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVE A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
Missing out on quality family time and special moments with your family, like your kids’ birthdays.
MY BEST ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH JET LAG IS …
I try to get on the clock of my destination as soon as I can, even if that means staying up for 18-20-24 hours. It’s about putting in the hard yards early to hopefully get a benefit as quickly as I can.
THE ONE PLACE I’VE LOVED MOST FROM MY WORK TRAVELS IS …
St Petersburg in Russia, while the most unique has been Pyongyang in North Korea – two cities at opposite ends of the spectrum. One was picturesque and Venice-like, lots of beautiful canals and people out and about enjoying long days in the summer, whereas Pyongyang was very desolate and isolated.
MY SINGLE BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE IS …
Only drink bottled water throughout the majority of non-developed countries.
WHEN I TELL PEOPLE I TRAVEL FOR MY WORK THEY SAY …
They’re jealous, but living out of your suitcase isn’t as glamorous as it seems.
KATE GERAGHTY, 45, photojournalist for The Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age
IN A TYPICAL YEAR I’D BE TRAVELLING FOR MY JOB FOR …
On average four months a year depending on assignments and breaking news.
THE PLACES I TEND TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD …
Baghdad and Mosul in Iraq, Erbil in Kurdistan, Beirut and southern Lebanon, Istanbul in Turkey, South Sudan, Indonesia, Bangkok in Thailand, Manila and Mindanao island in the Philippines. I have also done assignments in East Ukraine, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Vietnam, Switzerland, Lesvos in Greece for the refugee crisis in 2015 and throughout Europe following refugees to Germany, PNG, Solomons, Fiji, Cambodia, Myanmar, Rwanda, Kenya, Jordan, Pakistan, India and The Netherlands.
THE BEST THING ABOUT A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
Travelling as a photojournalist, we have the unique experience of going to places that many people don’t have the opportunity to travel to. We speak and spend time with people in their homes, sharing meals and hearing their stories. We see traditions and customs as they naturally occur so it’s such a privilege.
THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVE A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
I love travelling so I see no negatives.
MY BEST ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH JET LAG IS …
Time your flights so you sync into the time zone of your destination. Also, exercise is a benefit in recovery.
THE ONE PLACE I’VE LOVED MOST FROM MY WORK TRAVELS IS …
Iraq. The people of Iraq have shown me so much hospitality over the years. Their traditions, bravery and love of life is inspirational. Their food and coffee is incredible.
MY SINGLE BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE IS …
Research and planning is essential, as is patience at checkpoints and border crossings as these can be time-consuming. And … take your own coffee.
WHEN I TELL PEOPLE I TRAVEL FOR MY WORK THEY SAY …
How lucky I am, which of course I agree with. I am incredibly lucky to be able to meet so many people from all walks of life and experience their culture and history.
JENNIFER VANDEKREEKE, Carnival Cruise Line’s vice-president and general manager Australia
IN A TYPICAL YEAR I’D BE TRAVELLING FOR MY JOB FOR …
Around three months a year.
THE PLACES I TEND TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD …
Are a combination of domestic travel around Australia, long haul trips to LA and Miami and then the occasional visit to New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Aside from that, I frequently sail on our ships to the South Pacific, Tasmania and Queensland.
THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
The world is full of fascinating people who teach me new things. This year I really enjoyed spending time with retail experts and customer experience gurus, while the Melanesians in the South Pacific have patiently taught me how to honour and respect the history, ecology and customs of their beautiful islands.
THE WORST THING ABOUT A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
I miss my family and my workout routine. However, running in a new place is the best way to become a local. I truly believe that travel has the ability to transform lives and bring people together, so I try not to complain when I’m away from home.
MY BEST ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH JET LAG IS …
Going outside for a run on the first morning you arrive. Endorphins and sunlight are a great way to reset your body’s clock. Nothing else compares to a run along the ocean in LA after an overnight flight.
THE ONE PLACE I’VE LOVED MOST FROM MY WORK TRAVELS IS …
I’m currently obsessed with the Island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu. The people are so warm and friendly and they are incredibly proud of the fascinating culture and history of their island. There are blue holes to dive in, crystal clear rivers to paddle on and perfect white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters.
MY SINGLE BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE IS …
We all have a story to share and everyone enjoys sharing the love of their hometown. You’d be amazed what you learn when you strike up a conversation with the taxi driver, the barista or the front desk clerk.
WHEN I TELL PEOPLE I TRAVEL FOR MY WORK THEY SAY …
“That’s not work!” Seriously, no one believes that my work travel is actually work. Everyone assumes I’m spending all my time drinking mojitos with my feet in the sand. Which is occasionally the case…but only after we’ve finished our work for the day.
CRISTIAN BONETTO, 42, travel writer for Lonely Planet
IN A TYPICAL YEAR I’D BE TRAVELLING FOR MY JOB FOR …
Five to eight months.
THE PLACES I TEND TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD …
Include Italy, Denmark, LA, New York and Singapore.
THE BEST THING ABOUT HAVING A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
Having a life that is incredibly varied. One month I’m exploring ancient catacombs in Naples, the next I’m tracking down hipster haunts in New York’s Bed-Stuy or LA’s Highland Park. Being exposed to different ways of living and thinking is incredibly insightful, not just about other cultures, but also my own. I also get to clock a lot of air miles.
THE WORST THING ABOUT A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
An unbalanced diet. I’m a self-confessed glutton but eating nothing but restaurant meals for two months in a row isn’t ideal. I also miss family and friends back home, not to mention Melbourne coffee, parks and laid-back friendliness. Having a relationship is also very difficult; few people want a nomad.
MY BEST ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH JET LAG IS …
Landing in your long-haul destination in the evening. I’m usually exhausted after a long flight so a shower, some Melatonin and a comfortable bed usually work wonders. If you arrive in the morning or afternoon, stay up until at least 9pm.
THE ONE PLACE I’VE LOVED MOST FROM MY WORK TRAVELS IS …
Los Angeles. People often dismiss the city as vacuous and soulless. In reality, it’s a cultural powerhouse and melting pot, with no shortage of extraordinary art, architecture and people.
MY SINGLE BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE IS …
Be open to new and unexpected experiences. A basic itinerary is great, but let yourself go with the flow. Some of the best memories are made by taking a wrong turn or simply getting lost in a place.
WHEN I TELL PEOPLE I TRAVEL FOR MY WORK THEY SAY …
I have a dream job. Some even ask how my “holiday” was. I politely remind them that those 30,000 words don’t write themselves.
BROOKE KENDRICK, 21, Air New Zealand Mid-Haul Flight Attendant
In a typical year I’d be travelling for my job for … 120 flying hours a month, which by my calculations is up to about 8.5 weeks a year of flying.
THE PLACES I TEND TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD …
Singapore, Bali, Perth, Houston, Japan, Vietnam, Rarotonga, Hawaii.
THE BEST THING ABOUT A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
Being able to see the world and take in different cultures. It’s amazing to see how others live and how their ‘normal day-to-day’ can be totally different to ours.
THE WORST THING ABOUT HAVE A JOB THAT ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL IS …
Coping with jet lag – it can take a toll on your body if you are travelling all the time.
MY BEST ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH JET LAG IS …
Stay in the time zone that you’re in. If it’s night time at home but morning in the place you have travelled to, then try your best to mentally remind yourself it is the morning. There’s nothing worse than sleeping the whole day and missing out on the action.
THE ONE PLACE I’VE LOVED MOST FROM MY WORK TRAVELS IS …
Japan. The culture is incredible, the people are so kind and accommodating and I always feel safe, even in a big city like Tokyo. And of course, the food is delicious.
MY SINGLE BEST PIECE OF TRAVEL ADVICE IS …
Take lots of pictures. I have so many photos of places I have been and it’s such a nice reminder to look back on.
WHEN I TELL PEOPLE I TRAVEL FOR MY WORK THEY SAY …
“Can we swap jobs?” I’m very lucky to be employed to travel the world and experience things some others cannot. However, heading to the airport for work at 11pm when everyone is sleeping does make me jealous sometimes!
1. A foreign correspondent – in most cases, it takes years of working as a journalist honing the craft, as well as an adventurous spirit. Hamish Macdonald studied in Australia, then worked in England for TV networks, winning Young Journalist of the Year, as well as in Malaysia for Al Jazeera before returning to work for the ABC and Ten back home.
2. A popular comedian – you have to be thick-skinned, determined and, oh yes, funny to survive. New Zealander Cal Wilson was part of the team to win the World Theatresports title in the US, and won stand-up awards in her homeland and then in Australia, as Best Newcomer at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
3. A national soccer coach – you might play yourself first before becoming a coach, and then your results speak for you. Alen Stajcic played in the NSW Premier League and was an Australian Youth Rep and coached a number of teams before the Matildas. He’s still the only Australian-born head coach to win a match at a FIFA World Cup.
4. A photojournalist – this often involves working at smaller newspapers first, then moving on to the bigger ones, and being fearless. Kate Geraghty joined Fairfax in 2001 with her first assignment to cover the Bali bombings of 2002. Since then, she’s won an astonishing five Walkleys, as well as a number of other awards. She always keeps an eye on developing news and has a grab bag ready at all times.
5. A successful business-person – rising to the top of a company often comes with plenty of overseas meetings and negotiations. It helps too if that company is the world’s largest cruise line. Jennifer Vandekreeke spearheaded the launch of Carnival’s first international commercial operations in Australia in 2011.
6. Become a travel writer – the route to travel-writing might come through a number of different avenues; playwright Cristian Bonetto’s came via script-writing on Home & Away and Neighbours. To date, he’s contributed to more than 30 Lonely Planet guides, and freelances for other publications.
7. Become a flight attendant – you need to love working with people, be a good team-player, and love flying. Most airlines, like Air New Zealand, ask for at least 18 months of some kind of customer service experience, physical fitness and problem-solving skills.