12 Ways to Make Money While You’re Traveling
Africa, Asia, Canada, Caribbean, Entrepreneurship, Europe, Featured, Mexico, Oceania, South Africa, South America, Travel, USA
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Everyone loves traveling. It can be one of the most enriching and exciting experiences. However, traveling can also be too expensive for most people. You probably spent quite a bit of time saving money before you started travelling in order to be ready for your adventures.
But have you ever thought about making money while travelling?
You will be able to do whatever you want to do, have no issues about your budget, and maybe even stay away longer if you earn some extra cash. There are a lot of ways to make some money before you start your journey and as soon as you land in your chosen destination! It’s all about being creative, finding ways to earn extra money, and using that additional cash towards your travels.
How to make money while traveling is one of the topics people are asking about the most. The desire to travel more has been around for ages. People have been dreaming about it for decades. One moment you’re at home, the next you’re in a totally new setting, meeting strangers, eating new foods and experiencing adventures!
When running a business, most people think you must be in the same place. It is not true nowadays. You can have your business running from anywhere in the world. Whether you are at home or traveling around the globe doesn’t matter.
In today post, I will cover 12 ways to make money while you’re traveling with your family or friends.
1. Start a dropshipping business
A dropshipping business is a simple way to run an online store without keeping products in stock. Instead of storing items yourself, when someone orders from your store, you buy the product from a supplier who ships it directly to your customer. This means you don’t need to handle or ship the products yourself.
Here’s why dropshipping is great:
- No Inventory Hassles: You don’t need to worry about stocking products or having leftover items.
- Low Startup Costs: Since you don’t need to buy products upfront, starting a dropshipping business is affordable.
- Offer Lots of Products: You can sell many different items without keeping them on hand.
- Work From Anywhere: All you need is the internet, and you can manage your business from wherever you are.
- Suppliers Do the Shipping: Your suppliers will handle shipping for you, but you’re still in charge of customer service and handling returns if needed.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is among the most promising strategies to get income while traveling. It’s a great way to monetize your blog or website, and it’s not as difficult as you might think!
First, join an affiliate network or program, recommend their items to your audience and then earn a commission for each item sold. You will be able to promote your affiliate marketing through your blog, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or other social media platforms. Commission will vary depending on the brand you’re affiliate with, but it usually falls between 2-50%.
How Do You Make Money with Affiliate Marketing?
The easiest way is by doing what I call “content marketing.” That means writing articles about things that interest you and then publishing these articles on your blog or another website known as guest posting. If someone clicks on an ad that leads them to an affiliate product page that converts into a sale, you get paid!
Here are few examples of affiliate marketing programs I’m using. Most brands may require you to have a blog before accepting you to join their program:
- Expedia (Pays up to 6% on CJ)
- Villiers Jets (Earn $1,000’s for every flight booked, along with 30% repeat commission)
- Jasper (Pays 30% recurring commission)
- Amazon (Pays 1% to 20%)
- SkyScanner (Pays 20%)
- Payhip (Pays 50%)
- Positive Parenting Solutions (25%)
3. Start a travel blog
Starting travel blog is great for travelers who want to make money on the road. It allows you to showcase your skills and knowledge about local attractions, restaurants, and hotels. Also, you may use your blog as a platform for advertising any goods or services you are able to provide readers.
Travel blogs can help you make money in several different ways. For instance, with advertising revenue, you get paid by advertisers when they display ads on your site. You may also increase your earnings while using affiliate marketing programs. For example, suppose your blog has a section dedicated to luxury hotels. In that case, hotel companies will pay you a commission every time someone clicks on their link and books a room. Although it is neither easy or quick, it could be a reliable source of income once you have a big following.
The tough part starts when you try to make a steady income from your blog. You must draw visitors to your blog in order to generate any cash, and in order to do this, you must extensively market and promote it. The more traffic you can generate, the more likely it is that businesses will notice you and visit your blog to place an ad.
I know starting a blog can be quite overwhelming and scary, especially if you’re new to the online world and don’t have much technical skills. But don’t worry! This course offered by Bluchic is specifically designed to help you in successfully launching your very own blog.
4. Sell digital products
I’m going, to be honest with you. Selling digital goods is a challenging task. It’s tough and time-consuming. You will need to work hours to get good at it and make sales.
But if you’ve got a lot of free time on your hands when traveling, you will have time to learn about creating digital products because it’s not that hard once you know how it works.
In addition, selling digital products is the type of income I consider “passive.” Once you’ve created it, all it needs is one annual update to keep making money. You can sell it on Etsy, your website, or perhaps both.
Here are some great examples of digital products:
Presets:
You can increase your revenue as a travel writer by selling photo filters created with Adobe Lightroom (Presets). You might use it as a passive income source by using your creativity and photo-editing skills.
Ebooks and courses:
You may create an online course or write an ebook on a particular subject. Or teach a skill set you’ve learned on your travels (this is a great way to make money from travel blogging). You may either use your website to sell these items directly to clients. Or you can sell them through an online retailer like Amazon, Teachable, or Etsy.
Printables:
Design printables like calendars, wall arts, planners or greeting cards that people can buy online or in stores. For those who want something special for their homes or businesses, you may also provide custom designs. Etsy is where these are mainly sold.
Curious about selling printables but don’t know where to start?
Discover the secrets of starting a successful Printables business in this free workshop! Ideal for those with limited time, experience, or funds, this side hustle can open new income streams. You will learn from experts who have helped students earn over $500,000 selling printables on Etsy. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your own venture by watching the workshop today!
5. Sell your pictures
You can sell your photos directly to stock photography websites like Shutterstock or iStockPhoto, and make a side income stream. Personally, I choose to use Wirestock because I can upload my photos just once, and they’re automatically sold on various well-known platforms including Shutterstock and Adobe, making it simpler to boost my earnings. Wirestock makes it convenient for me to sell my photos on multiple platforms at once with just a single upload.
However, the amount you can earn from selling your photos on these platforms will depend on various factors such as the quality of your photos, the demand for the type of photos you are offering, and the licensing options you choose.
It’s also important to note that while you can earn money from your photos being used multiple times, the amount you earn per use may vary, and it’s not guaranteed that your photos will be used frequently or generate a significant income stream.
Furthermore, the stock photography market is highly competitive, with millions of photos available for licensing on these platforms. Therefore, it’s important to have a strong portfolio of high-quality and unique photos to stand out and increase your chances of earning a steady income from selling your photos.
Selling your photos on stock photography websites can be a great way to earn some extra income from your photography hobby or profession, but it’s not a guaranteed source of income, and it requires effort and dedication to build a successful portfolio.
Transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary shots with these camera gears
The following 2 platforms are also amazing for selling digital products, and you can use them by connecting your store to an existing website or by using it as the main domain.:
- Payhip: From a simple and easy to use platform, you can easily sell digital downloads, courses, coaching, and more, from anywhere! There are 3 plans available you can choose from: Free forever, Plus and Pro. Click here to start selling on Payhip for free
- Sellfy: For creators looking to sell both physical and digital products as well as subscriptions and print-on-demand from a single storefront, Sellfy is an easy-to-use eCommerce solution. There are 4 plans available: Free, Starter, Business, and Premium. The Free plan allows you to only sell print on demand and physical products. Try Sellfy for 14 days free
6. Write Content for Brand Partnerships
If you consider yourself a writer, travel blogger, or Instagram influencer who wants to make money from your blog or social media, then one of the easiest way is to write content for brands. Companies actually pay writers to provide content for them. They want people to know about their brand, products, or services. Writing about a specific product or service can help them achieve this goal.
Writing blog posts with affiliate links to a brand’s products or services is a great strategy to keep generating passive income. You will get paid to write the content, and you will also get paid whenever someone clicks through your link and decides to buy something.
7. Make Youtube Videos
If you have a skill that you can use to make money while travelling, making YouTube videos could be a great idea. You don’t need expensive equipment or skills to make videos on YouTube. All you need is a smartphone and some free time.
It takes some time for YouTube to start paying you. However, if you have a lot of followers and a lot of views, you may be able to start making a good monthly income. On YouTube, brands will discover you and offer sponsorship, which may add up rapidly.
Did you know that many people have this kind of side hustle? They get paid per view or per click on their ads. They don’t necessarily rely on people subscribing or liking their videos. Since their channel is popular, they frequently get sponsorship opportunities.
Another way to make YouTube videos without showing your face is by using an app called InVideo AI. This app is helpful if you prefer to stay behind the scenes but still want to create content and earn money on YouTube. InVideo AI allows you to generate videos without needing to appear on camera yourself. It uses artificial intelligence to help you create engaging videos by providing various tools, templates, and resources. You can use this app to craft compelling content, add visuals, and edit videos without the need to show your face, opening up opportunities to create diverse and entertaining videos while keeping your privacy.
8. Virtual Freelance Work
Do you know that many freelancers who are on the move across the world work from their computers?
You can earn money by assisting individuals and companies with activities like data entry, research, customer support, and anything else you can think of.
There are many virtual freelancing jobs available that might be suitable for you. Below are some ideas of work you might want to try:
1. Virtual assistant
Your duties as a virtual assistant could be very different depending on the industry your employer operates in.
Given that it requires everything from data entry to appointment setting to writing and editing newsletters and website content, it is perfect for a multi-talented person with previous office experience.
2. Freelance writing
Freelancing is a very sought-after career due to the availability of a wide range of writing topics. To successfully perform this work from any location, it would be beneficial to have a good Wi-Fi connection.
3. Social media management
A social media presence is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses to engage with their audience and reach new clients. It has become common practice to delegate the responsibility of managing all social media networks to a qualified freelancer.
9. Teach Online Course
If you have a niche knowledge base or unique skill set, there’s probably someone out there who would pay to learn something new. Anything could be taught, such as improving one’s writing or photography skills. Teaching online courses through platforms like Teachable, Skillshare, Podia, LearnWorlds and Simplero will help you in building and advertising your online course.
When people enroll to courses they don’t get physical goods like books or CDs. They get access to all courses online that they can watch or read at their own pace and whenever they want. For bloggers who are skilled in a certain topic, this is a great way to make money online.
Teach English online:
It could be a fantastic alternative for making extra money while traveling if you have an ESL certification or degree. Many countries employ online tutors to teach English to kids online. There are so many websites you can apply to start teaching english online (VipKid, Let’s TEFL)
You can choose your work schedule and have a lot of flexibility when you teach online. Most teachers begin with at least 20 to 25 hours per week. But you can always work more or less, depending on how ambitious you feel.
10. Stock markets
Every individual who invests in the stock market does so with the intention of making a good living. The stock market gives better returns than other methods, making it one of the most lucrative ways to make money.
You may engage in day trading if you wish to profit daily. In day trading, stocks are bought and sold within the same day. Stocks are bought for profit-making purposes by capitalising on price fluctuations, not as a long term investment.
Day trading, as some say, is a very risky way to earn money but it can also be very lucrative. So before making any decisions, anyone interested in becoming involved should be aware of the risks.
A common misconception is that you need at least $1,000 to begin day trading, but you can actually get started with much less. With good strategy and execution, day trading can be started with as little as $500. You must, however, be aware of the risks and willing to lose your money. It is an integrated part of day trading and the stock market. Nevertheless, if you take the time to learn enough about the stock market and develop the necessary skills, generating a consistent income from it is not always difficult.
Remember, never invest more than you can afford to lose, and always do your own stock research.
11. Sell Products on Amazon
Selling products on Amazon is one of the best ways to earn money while traveling. It’s quick, simple, and easy for people starting to make money today. You don’t have to invest too much. You can start by testing out small orders and gaining experience.
There are many ways you can make money on Amazon. You can sell products through FBA, do affiliate marketing or even create low content books with KDP.
What is FBA?
Amazon is a place where businesses can outsource their order fulfillment through the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program. When a customer makes a purchase, Amazon fulfillment centers pack and ship the order that businesses have sent to them. They also handle returns for those orders as well as offer customer assistance.
Are you ready to unlock the secrets to Amazon success?
The Wholesale Formula course is your ultimate guide to thriving in the world of e-commerce. With proven strategies and insider knowledge, you will gain the confidence and skills needed to dominate the Amazon marketplace. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, this course will help you with the strategies and insights needed to reach a whole new level of profitability. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to a profitable future. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity – enroll now and take your Amazon business to new level!
What is KDP?
Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is a free self-service platform that lets you easily create your books and ebooks available to customers. When you publish directly through KDP, readers will easily be able to find and buy your products. With KDP you can easily reach millions of Amazon customers.
Are you ready to dive into the world of low content books and turn your passion into profit?
If you’ve ever dreamt of designing and selling your own unique journals, planners, or coloring books, this is the perfect opportunity for you. With expert guidance and easy-to-follow modules, you will learn the secrets of crafting eye-catching journals, coloring books, and planners that will captivate your audience. Join today and unleash your creativity!
12. Rent Your Home or Car While You’re Away
I strongly advise using the Airbnb or VRBO platform to let a stranger stay in your house. The main reason is that an insurance coverage of $1,000,000 is included with your listing.
Whether you’re just starting to dream about owning a vacation rental or already closed on a property and wondering “now what?”, this 20 step-by-step modules course offers valuable insights and skills to capitalize on the short-term rental boom and ensure that your investment is both financially and personally rewarding. Even if you’ve been in the business for a while and feel like it’s changing faster than you can keep up, this course will give you with the latest strategies to stay ahead and make the most of your existing investments.
Rent your car
I would never have thought about renting my car to a stranger a few months ago. I didn’t like the idea of having someone else drive it. But since, I work from home and hardly ever need to take my car anywhere, so I thought of renting out my car on Turo and making a few hundred dollars a month (I’ve made $6000 extra for the whole summer).
When people are looking for a car, why would you leave yours in your garage or, worse, at the airport parking lot? It’s easy to make a few hundred or a thousand dollars by doing nothing by renting out your car on Turo, the world’s largest car sharing marketplace. Your car is also covered for up to $1 million against damage and theft, and listing it is completely free!
Like house-sharing websites like Airbnb and VRBO, Turo is a car-sharing service with the most excellent service available. You can list for free, set your own prices and terms, and share with confidence!
As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can make money while on vacation. The majority of these earnings are easy to achieve and most of the time they don’t need much investment except your time and commitment.
What other methods do you use to support yourself when travelling? Please use the comment box below to share your thoughts.
Debbie
This is such a great and comprehensive list. I’m bookmarking it right now! Thanks for sharing!
Linhy Banh
You are welcome! Thank you for reading this post!
Amanda
These are great ideas!! Thank you for sharing!!
Linhy Banh
Thanks Amanda! Glad you liked this post!
Katherine
These are really good ideas! I never would have thought of some of these for when travelling/away from home! Like renting your car! Love this post!
Linhy Banh
Thank you for reading this post! Glad you found new ideas for making money while traveling!