The travel industry is probably the closest occupation to making a vacation out of a job. Travel agents, flight attendants and hotel managers are exposed to a blend of cultures, languages and customs each day, and are tasked with imparting practical advice on a veritable world of travel possibilities.

According to a report by the U.S. Travel Industry Association (TIA), nearly 90,000 American jobs in the travel industry are expected to result from increases in leisure, business and international inbound travel in 2010.

As TIA estimates, international inbound travel will increase by nearly 3 percent next year, business travel by about 2.5 percent and leisure travel by 2 percent.

"Following a difficult 2009, businesses have a heightened focus on the value and bottom-line benefits of travel," said Suzanne Cook, senior vice president of research for TIA. "We expect to see a slight increase in business travel next year based in part on pent-up demand for face-to-face meetings that drive growth and productivity."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that many travel agencies prefer applicants who have a college degree and business or travel experience. Courses in computer science, geography, communication, foreign languages and world history are most relevant to the job.

Currently, the travel industry employs about 7.7 million Americans.