I have been working as a UK based OBC for 6 months or so. I like it. So far I have had assignments to uk, US & Australia. I get paid a kick off fee, a day rate and an overnight rate. The company pay for flights (economy) and any expenses, eg if I need to hire a car, pay import taxes. I pay for food and hotel accommodation. Being self employed these are legit things to put on my tax return. For the overseas jobs I normally stay a couple of days before flying back. I earn air miles and have to be available at short notice eg able to fly today or tomorrow, and travel only with carry on luggage. Have to be able to think on feet and be able to switch on when very tired, and be a good communicator eg with immigration, customs etc. I always inspect what I am carrying, for safety etc. It's a job though and not like going on holidays. For time and cost reasons the flights may not be the most direct ones and I often get weird routing, but that means for air miles. I suspect my job is much like cabin crew - sounds glamorous and exciting but can be tiring and sometime you just look forward to getting home. Happy to answer any general question though not specifics as I am subject to contractual confidentiality agreement with my employer.