How to Become a Paid Travel Companion in 2024

Published in the late 1930s, the novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier describes the exciting story of a socialite’s paid travel companion who meets and marries a rich man in Monaco and then must unravel the secrets hidden at his estate. 

When it wasn’t considered proper for women to travel alone, paid traveling companions were common. Although times have changed, some people still work as travel companions, either through an agency or as a freelancer. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a paid travel companion. 

Types of Travel Companions

The largest market for travel companions today comes from individuals who physically can’t travel on their own. This includes elderly seniors, disabled individuals, and people who require medical assistance during travel. Hired companions are different from medical caregivers, who usually have higher training. However, having nursing or medical experience would make you more appealing.

Some people may hire travel companions because they have extreme anxiety while flying. A travel companion can take care of any potential stressors during transit through the airport. They can also help individuals stay calm and distracted from their anxiety while on the plane. They also often help their employers get to and from the airport. 

Another common service people seek is childcare for travel. Parents may need extra support to travel safely with their children. They might also want someone to supervise the kids during the trip, whether they are traveling for work or just want to enjoy some quiet adult time. Some parents might need specific assistance for children with physical disabilities or behavioral conditions.

Makeup artists, translators and personal assistants are also hired to travel with their employers and assist them over the duration of their trip. If you have a certain skillset or corporate background, you can seek out opportunities to accompany business trips, especially if you speak another language or have lived in another country.

Some travelers may also hire personal chefs to join them. This is typically in cases where the individual has food allergies or health conditions that require a strict diet.

Depending on your role as a travel companion, you may or may not have free time to explore. If you’re accompanying a family or individual traveler, you will be able to see anything they see. In a more professional role, like a translator, you might have less time to sightsee on your own.

Qualifications and Placement 

Travel companions need different qualifications depending on the type of companion they wish to become. If you are contracting with a travel agency, they may require education, references and a background check, just like any other interview and hiring process. When applying, make sure to highlight both soft skills and specific proficiences that would be relevant, such as:

• Language prociencies
• Technical skills
• Organization
• Collaboration
• Travel experience
• Flexibility
• Past work in relevant fields (childcare, receptionist, personal assistant, translator, transcriber, bookkeeper, customer service, nursing, medicine, elder care)
• Volunteer experience (nursing homes, hospitals, schools, mission trips)

Different companies require different skills and education. Some agencies may prefer a bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience. You will also need a passport to travel abroad and potentially a Visa depending on the circumstances.

You are an asset as a travel companion because of your primary skillset. Medical experience, a teaching degree or strong bilingual skills set you apart as someone who can support your employer during their travels. To become a travel companion, your first step is to develop these skills.

Although many travel companions work as freelancers, there are some risks to this approach. If you freelance, you’ll have to take care of the business side of work – finding and booking engagements, running background checks and reporting back to yourself as both boss and the employee. 

If you join an agency, you can avoid the possibility of being hired under false pretenses – for instance, as an escort service. However, agencies are extremely competitive and require you to have an impressive array of education, skills and experience to beat other applicants. If you can get through the hiring process, however, working as a travel companion is much easier through an agency. 

You can also find travel jobs on sites like Indeed or LinkedIn and apply to work for a specific company or senior care service.

Compensation for Travel Companions

According to ZipRecruiter, the average rate for travel companions in the U.S. is $16 an hour. However, this number is entirely dependent on how much you or your agency charges per booking and how many bookings you get in a year.

Some travel medical travel companion companies charge from $7,000 a booking in addition to ticket costs and other travel expenses. If you work 15 trips at $7,000 each, you could earn around $105,000 a year before taxes and agency fees. However, you may not have demand for 15 trips, depending on the year. 

If you work with an agency, they’ll take some of your pay for running the business side of your role. However, you’ll have more consistent work, and you won’t always have to worry about finding your next engagement. You’re effectively paying them to help you out. 

Travel companions who work as freelancers can often get work through word of mouth. However, some employers will want to pay your travel expenses and nothing else, especially if they know you personally. Because there could be some drama, working for family and friends isn’t a wise way to build your income.

In some cases, you may have a client recommend you to other people they know. For example, if you nanny for one family during their trip, they may be able to connect you with other families. To become a nanny, you can apply through Care.com and connect with local families.

Travel Companion FAQs

If you’re considering becoming a paid travel companion, use these questions to determine if it’s right for you.

What qualifications do I need to become a paid travel companion?

The required qualifications depend on the role. If you’re applying to work for an agency, ask about their criteria for education and experience. Individuals may seek different qualifications based on what they need, such as medical assistance, childcare, translation or personal assistant services.

How much do travel companions make?

On average, paid travel companions make $16 an hour. Your yearly income will depend on how many jobs you book and how long the trips are.

What do travel companions do?

As a companion, you may be expected to make the travel arrangements, provide physical or mental support to your employer, book hotels or reservations, supervise children or pets, drive your employer around, keep track of expenses or provide professional services like cooking, translation, makeup or styling, bookkeeping, errands and more. The type of work you do will depend on what your client is looking for.

Should I join an agency or be a freelancer?

If you want consistent year-round work, it’s wise to join a travel agency that can handle bookings and payment. If you want to handle your own bookings and finances, you can freelance and find work on your own. Keep in mind you will need to conduct background checks and vet clients to avoid scams or shady situations.

How do I get started as a travel companion?

If you’re on the fence about becoming a travel companion, try finding a one-time job to try it out. You can find a family seeking a travel nanny or ask around with family or friends for possible opportunities. You may also ask your current boss if there are any opportunities to work as a travel assistant within your company.

Love to Travel?

If you enjoy traveling and have experience in a valued field, becoming a paid travel companion may be a good career for you. While there are many challenges to this career, good planning and the right set of circumstances can make work as a travel companion very rewarding.

Traveling jobs have changed a lot from the early 1900s, and you probably aren’t going to meet a mysterious estate owner with a dark secret during your travels. However, working as a travel companion will enable you to use your skills to care for others while being paid to travel the world. 

Originally published 6/30/2023. Updated 7/11/2024