Traveling is an incredible experience. It is also incredibly expensive. Luckily, you can earn cash as you travel. You may even get enough dough to fund your entire trip. Here are five ways to make money while traveling.
1. Freelance
Freelancing can be done anywhere. Whether you are backpacking through Europe or enjoying a western Caribbean cruise, you can use a laptop or tablet to do work during downtime. Websites such as Upwork list freelancing opportunities from clients all over the world. While starting out as a freelancer can be tough, your job offers should increase once you start getting positive feedback from your initial clients.
There are many types of freelance gigs available, so you just have to pick the ones that best fit your skillset. If you are a creative type, you could look for jobs as a writer, photographer, social media manager or graphic designer. Some of the most lucrative freelance fields include data entry, translation and web development.
2. Perform on the Street
If you are comfortable in front of a crowd and have a great personality, try setting up a busking station on the street. Just make sure you choose a location that is public and safe. You should also research local regulations so you do not end up with a ticket.
While most people picture musicians when they think of street performers, you do not have to be a good singer or play an instrument to earn money as a busker. You could dance, juggle or even recite a poem.
3. Work at a Hostel
Hostels provide many different employment opportunities. Depending on your skillset, you could offer to cook, give massages or teach yoga. Best of all, hostels often offer free rooms for their staff, giving you one less expense to worry about during your trip. You may even get free meals, as well.
4. Teach English
Many countries offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for residents. You can tutor ESL during a short trip abroad. You could also sign up for a long-term job as an ESL teacher. This will give you a chance to get paid as you explore a new country.
Some places even let you teach English courses completely online. This is a great option for those who do not plan to stay in one location for an extended period of time. You may need a degree in order to obtain a teaching job overseas, however.
5. Rent Your Home and Car
Instead of letting your home remain empty while you are gone, list it on Airbnb or a similar website. You could earn up to thousands of dollars, depending on the duration of your trip. Young adults, in particular, prefer staying at Airbnb rentals when traveling, so if your home is in a tourist-friendly area there should be lots of potential customers.
Before you rent your house or apartment, make sure you are up-to-date on the latest Airbnb policies. You should also have a reliable friend or family member stay near your home. This trusted individual can answer the guests’ questions and deal with any issues that arise so you can enjoy your trip.
Your home is not your only property that you can rent to others while you are away. If you are flying overseas or going on a cruise, you will not be using your car for several days or weeks. There are websites that let you loan your car to an individual while you are away. Just make sure the site you use includes insurance that will pay for any damage to your vehicle. You could also try renting your parking space or storage unit.
Whether you are looking for a long-term job that lets you travel the world, or you just want to make a few extra bucks during your vacation, there are plenty of ways to earn money during a trip. You may even have a bit of fun in the process!
