Because we gotta find a way to fund that next trip...
Traveling the world, immersing yourself in different cultures, trying new foods and checking off your bucket list. It sounds amazing, right? Yeah, amazing and expensive.
When traveling the world on a limited budget, the idea of earning money while traveling is constantly on my mind. Having some income while I'm traversing the French Alps or road-tripping across Iceland would give me the opportunity to travel longer and experience more things along the way! So, you know I had to find a few ways to make that happen...
With access to the Internet almost everywhere, it has become easier for travelers to earn money while also seeing the world -- without having to quit your full-time job or become a Digital Nomad. Depending on your skills and how much time you are willing to give, it's totally possible to fund your travel expenses!
As someone who graduated in the midst of the pandemic, I was worried that there wouldn't be many job prospects for my chosen creative field of writing for television. So, while I got to searching, I found other ways to fund my second passion: travel.
I value budget and sustainable travel, and I've found ways to accomplish that preferred method of travel through some side-funding. I did my research, and went through multiple possibilities before deciding on two that worked for me: my travel booking and itinerary-creation business, and writing for other travel platforms!
Here are some ways you can make money while traveling!
Web Developer
Becoming a web developer is one of the easiest ways to earn online while traveling. These days, a lot of companies, both big and small, need websites and developer services. Especially with our latest generation of consumers, the ways we buy and consume information, products, etc is drastically changing. And companies need help to keep up! That's why this option is especially lucrative for savvy-minded, culturally-intuitive young folks.
Most companies prefer to hire freelancers online, as it is cheaper for them to do so. But that can work in your favor, especially if you plan to be out of office (*cough cough* traveling). And, for a developer, you can earn major bucks or trade your services for free hotel stays and travel tours!
Write for Travel Websites
This is a big one! Writing for travel sites is one of the fastest ways to earn money on the road. Doing this will also improve your writing skills and help you have a better perception of the countries you are traveling to. Travel sites get your expertise and great storytelling abilities, and you get published and writing practice -- it's a win-win!
Websites such as Matador Network, Seeker, or Go Overseas are willing to pay from $40 to $120 for an article depending on the quality and the number of words. I've found that in doing this, I get a lot more traffic on my personal blog as well, as people from these popular sites are reading my stuff and coming to me for more!
Become an Airbnb Host
Since you’re leaving your home or apartment to travel, you should consider listing the space on Airbnb and making some money to support your travels! Though this is only recommended if you don't have roommates.
Becoming an Airbnb host is simple and it can seriously pay off. Just check out this calculator to figure out how much you can earn. When you’re away, you can list your entire place to cover the cost of your own travel accommodation, and sometimes even more! Just make sure you clean the place up a bit before you head off on your adventure...
Graphic Designer
Businesses and brands around the world are always in need of logos, web design, or other design elements for their companies. If you've got graphic design skills, or are pretty handy with Photoshop and other Adobe Suite apps, this is a great side hustle and can be performed from anywhere in the world!
You could also create your own designs, templates, and prints, and list them for sale on sites like Etsy and Society6!
Run a Travel Blog
As of now, I don't get money from my blog, since I really just enjoy writing and sharing my travel experiences for fun! I may start to allow ads on my website to generate revenue, but in the meantime I don't consider my blog as a source of income. I do get revenue through my business of itinerary creation and travel booking, though, but more on that later!
Blogging is a great option for a source of income, even if it takes a lot of time and patience to gather an audience large enough to start making money. Unlike writing articles for other websites, starting your own website requires a bigger investment of both time and money.
But, if you are consistent and are able to grow your audience, you can earn an income! Many successful blogs get at least $1,000 on a monthly basis through ad revenue, sponsored content, and online sales. I'm jelly.
Open an Online Store
Yaaas to small business owners! I'd recommend opening your online store before you start traveling. Get the kinks worked out at home so that you're fully up and running when you hope on the plane. You don’t even need to make your own website to start selling! There are websites like Etsy and Society6 that you can use to create your own store and promote your products or digital downloads.
I have plenty of hesitations when it comes to putting a price-tag on our passions and hobbies, but if sharing your art, photos, advice, etc brings you joy, you can expand that into something that gets you some income. Think of all the art pages you see on Instagram that offer commissions! I market on Instagram as well, offering my travel expertise in the form of creating personalized itineraries and researching budget travel options for people. So all of those insta-worthy photos and reels I create are marketing for my business! Some of the other skills you can offer while traveling include hairstyling, massage, surfing, yoga, customer services, cooking, and so many others!
If you aren't keep on managing inventory while on the road, you can also consider affiliate sales on your own website (like your blog). Affiliate products are items sold by a third party that you earn a commission on for marketing. Most affiliate programs pay out between 4-12%, so you’ll need a large audience to earn a significant income.
Travel Photography & Videography
If you’re into photography or videography, imagine being able to shoot footage around the world! There are a lot of individuals and companies looking for talented photographers.
Consider offering your services for weddings, other travelers, and companies in the destinations you are traveling. Video can also bring in some major bucks if you are good at marketing yourself and securing clients. I'd suggest getting a website to advertise your portfolio, and don't neglect the power of using social media marketing!
You can also put up your photographs and video clips on stock websites like Shutterstock and get paid for every download. We love passive income.
Teach English
Probably the most popular and well-known way to earn abroad. So many of the friends I've met abroad went this route, from teaching in Madrid, Shang-hai and even Egypt! If you are fluent in English, this is a great opportunity to travel while earning money at the same time. There are a lot of cities and counties that are willing to pay a lot for teachers. One of the most popular places for this are China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan -- sometimes even the government itself will fund your transportation, housing, etc. If you're like my friend, you'll get all this plus a monthly income while getting to teach remotely.
To get started, the best thing you have to do is to get accredited with online resources. TEFLPros is an award-winning online certification course for English teachers abroad. It's also women-owned! TEFL certification is a requirement for most reputable schools, so you will need to pay for a course -- but the money is worth it.
This is more of a long-term option, but if you love teaching and kids, making it a career is also possible. Being a short-term tutor is also an option.
Final Tips on Earning Money while Traveling
Know what you want
The job needs to match your interests, talent, and abilities. Technology has made it possible to sit anywhere in the world while earning money. But there are also jobs that don’t require you to be connected all the time. Do you like being in the water? Work as a lifeguard. Do you like boats? Become a yacht stewardess. Do you like the party scene? Practice your bartending!
Fraud Alerts
With many options to earn money while traveling through online resources, ya gotta be careful of scams. For example, if you're into freelance writing, some of my favorite resources are Upwork, PeoplePerHour, and 99designs.
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