8 Creative Ways To Make Money While Traveling
[contributed] Traveling comes with many benefits, from seeing those scenic places to appreciating different cultures, learning new languages, and feeling fulfilled. This activity is no doubt exciting, and there are many reasons to travel more, but thinking about how much you’ll spend on each trip can be a buzzkill. A recent survey suggests that travel costs are high, making it prudent to find ways to make some cash to offset the expenses and probably extend your travel. Below are nine creative ways to do so.
- Become a digital nomad
If you have been thinking about becoming a digital nomad, then here’s some good news: it’s actually easier than you’d think. You can sign up for freelancing gigs on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. While these sites have a diverse range of gigs, the key is to show off your skills in something people are itching for. It can be tricky to land your first gig when you’re new, but once you’ve got a couple of jobs under your belt and some sweet feedback on your profile, you’re on track to score a steady flow of gigs. The digital nomad style is like turning your skills into a cash-making adventure.
- Be a brand ambassador
You can turn your love for travel into lucrative gigs as a brand ambassador. Companies are all about hiring travel enthusiasts like you to be their face in different parts of the world. As a brand ambassador, you show off cool products on social media and at events. In return, you’ll get some freebies like travel gear, hotel stays, and tours. It’s like being a travel influencer but with some serious perks that can go a long way to fund your adventures. Imagine flexing your influencer muscles and turning your travels into a brand-loving, freebie-filled journey.
- Sell your photos
What if you can turn your travel snaps into cash? When you’re out there on your adventure, those photos you’re taking could be gold. Aside from posting them on your social media pages and getting a lot of likes, you can go a step further to sell them, especially when you need a little extra cash in your pocket. People may actually pay for those awesome shots, especially when your pictures are useful for businesses. The good news is that you don’t need to go door-to-door to sell your shots. Instead, you can sign up on platforms where sellers and buyers hang out, like Envato Market, Shutterstock, and Fotolia. But before you do anything, make sure to check their rules. Some of these sites want high-res pictures, no famous faces, and might be picky about brands.
- Teach other people your skills
People aren't just into learning languages; they’re also about picking up new skills. So, if you have a unique skill up your sleeve, consider sharing the knowledge and making some extra cash. Just ask around or showcase your services on local notice boards and social media. Maybe you’re a music maestro or a wizard with photo editing – whatever your thing is, there’s probably someone eager to learn your skills. And if you’re a pro at creating lesson plans, it makes sense to consider selling teacher resources on Etsy to make some extra cash on your trips.
- Offer your services at hostels
Hostel life may laid back, but one thing most people don’t know is that it can be a goldmine for making cash. Those who usually stay in these hostels are always looking for new experiences and cool ideas, presenting the perfect opportunity to turn your talents into cash. You can start by selling your handmade crafts. Get creative, offer to spice things up by organizing events, giving yoga classes, cooking tasty meals, or even dishing out relaxing massages. Whatever skills you have, use them to your advantage and make some cash while you’re at it.
- Get in on seasonal gigs
If you’re gearing up for long-term travel and sticking around a spot for a good month or more, you can dive into some seasonal work. It’s like making cash while soaking in the vibes of a place. Think fruit picking, exploring the summer camp scene, teaching ski lessons in the winter, or becoming the dive pro in some tropical paradise. Also, selling cool items at Christmas markets is an option worth considering. It all depends on where you are and the time of the year it is. Some of these seasonal gigs might provide you with a place to crash and at least one good meal. So, not only are you making money, but you’re also saving significant cash.
- Surveys and market research
Surveys and market research can be a pocket money hack for your travels. Although they won’t likely make you a millionaire, it’s a sweet way to snag some extra money while you’re on the go. You may fill out surveys online, test out new products, and even score some free samples while you’re at it. While doing this, remember that not all websites are legit, so watch out for the shady ones. You want to stick to the more renowned ones like Swagbucks and Opinion Outpost. The best part is that these gigs require minimal effort, so you can get back to the real business – enjoying every bit of your travels.
- Work on a cruise ship
Have you ever thought about working on a cruise ship? It’s not just a job but a whole adventure. Cruise ship gigs let you travel and work at the same time, unlike flight crews, where you may be stuck to specific times and places. Imagine spending weeks cruising around, visiting different countries, and exploring cities with passengers, depending on your contract terms. You might be required to put in the hours while guests are sipping cocktails and basking in the sun. Some companies may not let you sneak into the pool or catch a movie during your break. Regardless, you’re getting paid to travel; some cruises pay over $3,000 a month, and you get to check out multiple countries in one go.