These days, workers in remote corporate roles may feel more tethered to their desks than ever. That’s because, of the 21.6% of U.S. workers who work remotely, less than half spend their work hours away from the office, according to a recent Founder Reports article. More companies are asking workers to spend all their time in the office. By the end of 2025, the report estimates that 27% of companies will have returned to an entirely in-person model. More rigid return-to-office mandates are making it harder for workers who value the flexibility of “work from anywhere” jobs to juggle family obligations, education, or even exercise.
Why “Work from Anywhere” Jobs are Trending
More than ever, workers desire flexibility, and for different reasons, depending on their age and values. Many remote workers surveyed said they enjoyed not having to commute, spent less time in meetings, and were able to spend more time with family and friends. Remote workers say they like their lifestyle so much that 14% of employees in a recent survey reported they will not go back to working on-site if their employers require it.
A significant number of Americans not only want to work from home–they’d prefer to work from anywhere. While the shift to “Return to Office” (RTO) has ordered more workers back to their cubicles, 11% of all American employees consider themselves to be digital nomads, according to The MBO Partners 2024 State of Independence report. This term refers to workers who perform their work remotely while traveling or living in different states or abroad, rather than being tied to a single office or residence. Not surprisingly, Millennials make up the largest share of this population, at 38%. However, the generation beneath them, Gen Z, makes up 26%. Yet, mature workers are also drawn to the flexibility of working from anywhere, with 1 in 7 Americans over the age of 55 working as digital nomads, the report states.
Best Aspects of Work from Anywhere
A 2024 FlexJobs survey found that the top motivators for seeking a work-from-anywhere role included work-life balance, cost savings, and the geographic flexibility to move or travel. People drawn to the digital nomad lifestyle often include:
- Frequent travelers who want to earn income while exploring
- Empty nesters and retirees looking for flexible, supplemental income
- Career changers who desire more control over their work hours
- Caregivers who need to balance work with family obligations
- Military spouses who need a portable career
- Students or gap-year workers who want to earn money while studying or traveling.
While digital nomads work in a wide variety of fields, they must be able to reliably and securely connect to the internet. This is more possible than ever, as internet connectivity has strengthened employees’ ability to work from anywhere. For example, 5G networks offer far faster speeds, significantly lower latency, and greater device capacity compared to 4G. And Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is now available in remote countries on cruise ships, delivering high-speed access to underserved regions around the world.
Top Jobs for Working from Anywhere
FlexJobs recently released its new 2025 Digital Nomad Guide, which outlines the 10 top companies, 10 best career categories, and 10 most in-demand job titles for work-from-anywhere jobs. The top professions conducive to work from anywhere include information technology, creative services, education and training, sales, marketing, finance and accounting, and consulting, coaching, and research. One profession that may seem an obvious one but is not listed in the report: travel agent. If you don’t want to be tied to a brick-and-mortar location and want the freedom to be your own boss while you travel the world, you might thrive as a travel agent living the digital nomad life.
In a recent webinar hosted by Franchise Business Review, Cruise Planners franchise owner Adam Martindale shared how he loves being able to “work from anywhere while traveling the world and growing his business.” The former food and beverage director spent years working for cruise ship companies, hotels, and event centers before buying a Cruise Planners franchise in 2009. As he built up his client base, he discovered that the job gave him more freedom than ever to earn money while he explored the world. By 2014, Cruise Planners became a full-time business, and he credits the company for making it easy for agents to serve their customers from anywhere.
“Everything is on their mobile app, so you can be anywhere and do your business,” Martindale said. “I love the fact that I can work from anywhere. I’m rarely home. This year I was in Antarctica, Tahiti, the Arctic, Europe, and Japan. I spent a lot of time escorting groups, while at the same time making money. It’s a nice way to work and make money, traveling around the world.”
Consider Becoming a Travel Agent
Working as a travel agent can be an excellent fit for someone looking to become a digital nomad, especially if they choose a model that’s fully remote and technology-driven. It’s also a job that’s growing in demand. While many people research and book their own travel, an increasing number of travelers desire experienced agents to help create customized trips and get them the best value for their dollar. If you’re looking for the perfect digital nomad job as a travel agent, now might be a great time to take the plunge. Phocuswright’s U.S. Travel Agency Landscape estimates the travel agency share of the total travel market will rise to 26% in 2026, up from 21% in 2022.
Travel agents help clients book flights, hotels, and cruises, but they also advise them on what locations and resorts may best suit their tastes. They can help find clients special deals and unique excursions, but they can also help them navigate trip delays, refunds, and any challenges they may encounter during their vacations.
Agents can choose who they work for and what types of trips they want to offer their clients. It’s critical to evaluate if you wish to work independently or through an agency, as your decision will ultimately impact your training, the technology available to you, profitability, and flexibility.
The right business model can make being a travel agent a good fit for the digital nomad lifestyle.
- You can research, book, and manage trips from anywhere with Wi-Fi.
- You set your own schedule, accommodating different time zones.
- You gain access to familiarization trips offered by cruise lines, resorts, and tour operators, enabling you to better serve a diverse customer base.
- If you join certain organizations, you’ll get access to CRM software, booking tools, suppliers, and online training—allowing you to access vendors and customers from anywhere.
Travel Agent Vs. Going Solo
If you want to work as a travel agent, you can choose to start your own business from the ground up, join a hosting agency, or invest in a franchise. No matter what path you choose, to sell travel and earn commissions, you must obtain an IATA number, a globally recognized ID that credits you whenever you book a hotel, cruise, or other travel-related product on behalf of a client. Individuals can apply for an IATA number, but it requires time and money. That’s why many new agents prefer to sign on with a hosting agency or invest in a travel franchise.
Consider the following:
- Independent travel agents must pay for their training and certifications. They must also create and maintain their own website, invest in travel booking systems, and pay for insurance. As an independent agent, you’ll have to generate all your leads and manage all business operations, all of which could make living a digital nomad lifestyle more challenging.
- Many new agents prefer to sign on with a hosting agency, an umbrella organization that offers commissions, access to travel suppliers, and marketing and technology tools. Some hosting agencies only sell specific types of travel or niche experiences, making it more difficult for you to serve the kind of customers you’d prefer to support. It’s critical to evaluate your options by checking out Host Agency Reviews.
- Investing in a travel franchise might be the best option for digital nomads looking to build a career as a travel agent. Although joining a franchise requires paying a franchise fee and funding other start-up costs, it can provide instant brand recognition, access to proven marketing and lead generation programs, and technologically advanced booking and payments systems. Best of all, joining the right franchise can support digital nomads who want a turnkey, low-hassle launch experience.
If you’re looking to launch your business and work from anywhere immediately, Cruise Planners can give you the support and brand recognition you need to successfully begin your career as a travel agent.
Being An Agent with Cruise Planners —What’s So Great About It?
Anoop Mittra spent most of his career working in IT and telecommunications at major corporations, never imagining he would start a travel agency and become a digital nomad. However, before he was ultimately laid off from his seemingly stable job, he looked at his options. He began working as a Cruise Planners agent part-time. Eventually, Mittra grew his business and left the corporate world for good. Today, his sales are well over $1 million annually, and he’s embraced a work-from-anywhere approach that allows him to make his own schedule.
“In my corporate life, I was in a nine-to-five routine, and I answered to a boss,” Mittra said. “Now, there’s a lot of flexibility. I can travel all over the world. Recently, I was on a safari in Africa, and I didn’t miss a single opportunity. I was booking business while I was on the trip.”
About Cruise Planners
Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 by Michelle Fee and two other travel industry veterans in Coral Springs, Florida. The company offers cruises, guided land tours, and all-inclusive resort vacations to customers throughout the United States. Its nationwide network of more than 3,000 home-based travel agents enjoy open territories and can sell travel to anyone in the United States. They can also work from anywhere, thanks to advanced technology and mobile tools designed to support agents on the go.
Here are some other benefits of joining a Cruise Planners franchise:
- Low upfront cost: As of 2025, Cruise Planners franchise fee is as low as $10,995, with discounts for veterans.
- Robust support: Powerful CRM and booking tools, award-winning marketing, social media assistance, mobile apps, and lead generation support keep agents connected to their business at all times.
- Industry recognition: Just in 2025, made the following Franchise Business Review lists: Culture100 (Best Franchise Culture), Top Franchises for Women, Top Low-Cost Franchises, and Top 200 Franchises.
- Training advantage: A recent Franchise Business Review webinar highlights the company’s on-site, six-day STAR University training, anytime online training, and ongoing coaching effectively empower franchisee success—ideal for new agents looking to learn the business, build new relationships, and grow their businesses starting on day one.
- Unlimited earning opportunity: Agents earn money by helping clients plan and book cruises, hotels, car rentals, passport services, insurance and more. They can sell anywhere in the United States. Commissions are paid to you by the travel provider after your client completes their vacation. Clients do not have to pay a fee to use your services. Franchise owners do pay a royalty to Cruise Planners, ranging from 1.5%-3% of gross commissionable sales, according to the company’s Franchise Disclosure Document.
Start Traveling! The World is Your Office
Curious how affordable and remote-friendly Cruise Planners can be for new agents? Visit the Cruise Planners Development Site to find out more. You can see how other franchise owners rate their experience with Cruise Planners by downloading the free Cruise Planners Franchisee Satisfaction Report.
