Traveling is one of the most amazing experiences in the world, but it can get expensive. Even if you maintain a tight budget and seek out cheaper options, all those nights on the road and buses from one place to the next start to add up.
But the good news is that, in the modern age, there are plenty of ways for travelers to make some money on the side. With a little focus and determination, you can use these methods to pay for your trip while you take it.
Teaching English Online
If you are a native English speaker, you are fortunate to have a skill that millions of people around the world are willing to pay money to learn. There is a reason teaching English abroad has become such a common way for people to live abroad. But while working at an institute or school is an actual job with legitimate working hours, teaching online is a flexible part-time gig.
There are many online programs that hire certified teachers for up to twenty hours a week. To become a certified teacher, you must take some sort of course like TESOL or TEFL, which you can also do online.
Other companies offer less compensation but don’t require certification. They tend to provide more flexible hours, and often consist of one-on-one tutoring rather than regularly scheduled classes. These companies offer an excellent way to make some money while meeting people from around the world via the classes.
Freelance Writing
Writing articles or other content can be another great way to make money while on the road. There are many companies looking for talented writers to help produce content. This is an area where time and effort can go a long way toward building your profile and increasing the work you receive.
There are many content-creating platforms on the internet that match companies with writers and oversee the payment process. The topics are often wide-ranging, giving the writer the opportunity to seek out material that matches their interests or expertise.
Sometimes, writers can seek out more substantial projects, such as ghost-writing a book. This is a much more significant commitment, and might require some studying or brushing up on literary devices such as how internal and external conflicts differ, but may pay better and provide excellent experience in the field.
Work at a Hostel
While on the road, food and accommodations are almost always the biggest expenses. This is why working at a hostel can be such a great option. Many hostels around the world count on travelers working in exchange for a bed and a bit of food. This is a great thing for a traveler to take advantage of.
Most hostels offer very reasonable working hours. The operators know that this volunteer work is not a long-term job, and don’t ask for a full week of commitment. With that being said, you are expected to take the jobs you are given seriously and be responsible for your work.
Work as a Tour Guide
If you are in one spot for a long time and really get to know the place, giving tours to English speakers can be a great way to pick up some money. As well as the locals know the place, a foreigner like yourself might be just as good of a tour guide because of your language abilities and your understanding of the questions foreign tourists are likely to ask.
Rent Apartments With Airbnb
Even if you don’t own a house or apartment, you can take advantage of Airbnb to work in the rental industry. You can even complete an Airbnb course to help you understand the nuances of this opportunity. By renting properties and then listing them online, you can make a heap of cash during a stint in a city overseas. This simple exercise in flipping the properties can be incredibly lucrative for a computer-savvy traveler.
Working on the road is a great option for you if you’re dreaming of their next great adventure but don’t have enough in your account to pay for the whole trip. You can still go, and use these methods to pick up some money on the side. And the work will hardly feel like work when it is integrated into the heart and soul of a trip of a lifetime.