35 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WHILE TRAVELING

Discover 35 proven ways to make money while traveling, from remote work and teaching to freelance gigs, content creation, and short-term resort jobs; we share the best options to choose from.

For some people, travel is what we live for. The 21 days holiday isn’t enough to quench your thirst to travel and explore the world. That is when you may wish to reassess and plan a new lifestyle that allows you to travel and live elsewhere in the world. Or become ‘location independent’.

It can be done and you can get a much better lifestyle elsewhere in the world, depending on where you want to live and how you want to spend your days. Here are some of the best jobs you can pursue to become location independent and travel the world whilst you earn.

Contents hide How to make money while traveling 1) Teaching 2) TEFL 3) Virtual Assistant 4) Online Business 5) Short-Term & Gig Work 6) Photography 7) Group tours 8) Creating Content (Blogging, Vlogging, eBooks, Courses, etc.) 9) Freelance writing and ebooks 10) Vlogging 11) PeaceCorps 12) Remote work 13) Run a course 14) WWOOF 15) Volunteer Abroad 16) Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) 17) Hostel to hostel 18) Au Pair 19) Resort Work 20) Online Sales 21) Working Holiday Visa 22) Sports and Scuba diving instructor 23) Freelance translator 24) Tour Escort 25) Fitness/Yoga instructor 26) Cooperate World 27) Massage Therapists 28) Selling Goods / Online Sales / E-commerce / Digital Products 29) Stock market 30) Festival and event staff 31) Flight Attendant 32) Travel Nurse 33) Design clothing 34) Job Search 35) Gigwalk Important Practical Considerations — Visa, Tax, Stability, Backup Funds Earn money whilst traveling FAQ Stay Creative!

How to make money while traveling

1) Teaching

This is our route. I love working with children and decided primary teaching was the best route for my career, so I could teach and make money while traveling. Once qualified, I used my degree and teaching qualification to get a job at an International School in Tianjin, China and now I am working in Bangkok, Thailand.

There are hundreds of international schools that are dotted all around the world, so this is one great way to make money while traveling; read about these teaching abroad experiences for more ideas. Contracts are generally 2 years, so we can move from one country or even continent to another every 2 years.

Plus, with teaching, you get a lot of school holidays that give you the time to explore the nearby countries whilst the wage at international schools is fairly high and jobs often include accommodation or accommodation allowances; meaning you have more cash to explore.

This is definitely one of the ways to make money while traveling but you are restricted to traveling in the school holidays; teaching English in Taiwan is becoming more and more popular for example.

Helpful resources: TES Jobs, Teach Away, COBIS

TIP: Demand for English-speaking teachers remains high in many countries, but ensure you have valid certifications (or a recognized teaching degree) and verify contract details carefully (salary, accommodation, visa terms, benefits).

2) TEFL

Again, if you enjoy working with children then this is a great choice; we have a full guide about Online English Teaching here. Similar to qualified teachers, you can take an online TEFL course and use this to get jobs all over the world.

The pay is reasonable and contracts can vary from 3 months to a year; meaning you can travel and teach TEFL in different locations if and when you choose. If you are a couple, you may both need to teach in order to support yourselves comfortably and save for travel trips.

There are two options for English teaching; you could choose to find English teaching jobs in one destination and explore that country during your time off, or you can make money while traveling by finding online teaching jobs.

Helpful resources: I took a course here, a great way to make money while traveling.

Online teaching companies include:

• Preply
• Teachaway
• QKids

Tip: Reliable income depends on demand and your availability. Ensure you have stable internet and schedule carefully (especially across time zones). Keep documentation of your certification for legitimacy.

3) Virtual Assistant

There are lots of different websites that connect organized, computer-savvy workers to companies who need bits of work being done, which can be another popular make money while traveling. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection and you can work from anywhere in the world and make money while traveling.

As a Virtual Assistant, you can leverage your skills and remote work opportunities to make money while traveling.

Consider allocating a portion of your earnings towards building a savings fund with the help of top national banks, which offer reliable financial solutions and competitive interest rates to help you grow your savings while enjoying the freedom of a location-independent lifestyle.

If you are particularly good at a certain administration skill, you could offer these skills on websites such as PeoplePerHour or Upwork.

Other useful websites:

• VANetWorking
• WAHM
• Zirtual
• Hire My Mom
• The VA Handbook
• Society of Virtual Assistants

Tip: This tends to be entry-level and accessible even without specialized training. As you build experience, clients/responsibilities can increase — but always be transparent and professional (treat it like traditional employment).

4) Online Business

Growing your own online business is perhaps the hardest but the best option for those wanting to build a long-term lifestyle and make money while traveling. Whatever your passion is, you can create an online business from it.

Blogging is one option (look below for more options) but you can also create a service to offer others – whether it is content writing, social media management, accounting, and the list goes on. If you are particularly good with computer software, you may wish to teach yourself and offer mobile app work, and web or graph design.

Begin small and take the time to grow your online business, remembering the sky’s the limit! Think big to achieve big and earn big.

Tip: To maximize income and long-term viability, treat freelancing like small-business management: build a portfolio, collect testimonials, price your services appropriately, and plan for inconsistent workloads.

5) Short-Term & Gig Work

For travelers willing to work on-site for a period (rather than fully remote), there are multiple possibilities: working on cruise ships, hostels, resorts, doing tour escorting, fitness/yoga instruction, diving instruction (with relevant certification), resort hospitality roles, or seasonal/short-term gigs.

Many love cruise ships to travel and explore whilst you make money while traveling. From a performer to the bartender, children’s entertainment to welcome host; cruise ships are always looking for young, fresh faces throughout the year, with 3-6 month contracts available.

You get whisked around the world and get paid for it, whilst meeting new people and saving money to continue traveling on your time off between contracts. This is a great position for those with no ties at home and for those looking to see the world; get yourself a decent job with your chosen company and work your way up the ranks if you love the role.

Tips: These roles can provide accommodation and meals (or allowances), which reduces living costs — but they’re often temporary and might come with demanding schedules. Research visa and local labor laws if working abroad.

Helpful resources: All Cruise Jobs, How to get a job.

6) Photography

For those with a creative flair and a decent DSLR camera, try stock photography to make money while traveling. You can upload pictures of anything to some of the more popular websites (as long as they are good quality) and earn money every time someone buys the image for their own website or advertisement.

This means you can photograph the world, upload pictures, and earn from where ever you are in the world. istockphoto.com is the best website to get you started.

Even if you are not great at photography, you can take affordable courses on websites such as Udemy or look at websites such as Envato, which pay when your photo is downloaded.

7) Group tours

For those more confident travelers out there, why not set up group tours? Save up some money and head to your chosen destination, get to know the local area, and set up tours for fellow travelers and tourists. Speak to local hostels and smaller guesthouses to see if you can form a partnership where they can recommend you.

Every few months, when you have saved enough and want to move on then you can just catch a flight and start over in a new place.

8) Creating Content (Blogging, Vlogging, eBooks, Courses, etc.)

If you enjoy storytelling or sharing your travel experiences, you can build income streams online to make money while traveling:

• Travel blogging (with niche focus) + SEO + monetization through ads or affiliate marketing.
• Travel vlogging / video content (e.g. for YouTube), monetized through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate deals.
• Writing eBooks or guides (travel guides, how-tos, niche advice) and selling them online.
• Creating online courses teaching skills you have (language, photography, remote-work skills, etc.).

This is the long game though – don’t expect to earn thousands straight away but just know it is possible!

My best advice for starting up a blog is;

1. Find your niche – Choose a topic you love to write about and niche down; Travel? Beauty? Tech? Gaming? Whatever the choice, stick to that niche and find a name that reflects this.
2. Get your own domain – this will help you rank better on Google and really helps you build your brand.
3. Write consistently and well – Everyone tells you that it is quality over quantity, which is true BUT you also need to find a balance. You should begin to aim for a blog post or two every week and make sure you are consistent.
4. Learn SEO – Invest in courses or use the wonderful Google to learn about SEO optimization. Join Facebook blogging groups to learn tips from others and invest in Keysearch to help you find the best keywords for your blogs.
5. Aim for 50K page views – This number doesn’t happen overnight, but it is a great target! Once your site hits 50K page views a month, you can sign up to Mediavine (an advertising company) and start earning some serious ad revenue.
6. KEEP GOING!

Tip: These methods often take time to build and require consistency and quality. For blogging or content creation: select a clear niche, build a professional site, learn SEO, and consistently publish valuable content. For ebooks or courses — research demand, ensure quality, and treat the work like a small business rather than a hobby.

9) Freelance writing and ebooks

Another great way to make money while traveling is to write. If you do find that you are a natural writer, then perhaps try your hand at ebook writing or freelance writing. Freelance jobs often come to you but it may be worth keeping an eye out for opportunities on smaller online websites. Focus on writing for your blog and freelance jobs may come to you in time. This is less sustainable and should be done alongside other options.

Websites like PeoplePerHour.com may be a good place to start and practice your freelance writing skills whilst bloggingpro.com and journalismjobs.com offer some better-paid work.

10) Vlogging

Youtube has taken over the world and has quickly become a way to make money while traveling.

Film your days of travel and make money on youtube by monetizing your videos. What better way to remember your trip and share your experience with your family whilst earning? Make money whilst traveling by filming, editing, and sharing your experience as you go.

Don’t fancy filming your travels? There are so many different types of youtube channels you could create – stock footage is available to help add interest to videos but using the camera on your iPhone and sharing your knowledge and passion is a great start.

11) PeaceCorps

So this is an unusual way to make money while traveling but incredibly rewarding. Although it is a 2-year Volunteer program, your travel to and from the country of service is paid for, as is a monthly living and housing allowance, full medical and dental coverage, and a ‘re-adjustment allowance at the end of your contract.

12) Remote work

There is a selection of websites that offer remote jobs and careers that are worth taking a look at. They are often related to programming or marketing as well as customer service and support roles. Best websites to look at: weworkremotely.com, http://jobs.remotive.io, https://remoteok.io

13) Run a course

What skills do you have? Could you offer a course for it? There are numerous websites that can help you create your online course as well as advertise it; a great way to make money while traveling.

This is a great way to get creative, share your skills with others, and earn money while your travel. This does take some time to create, market, and build an audience for but it is worthwhile putting the time in if you are serious about building passive income.

14) WWOOF

For those that love a bit of countryside, head to WWOOF and sign up for their network. Simply put, you work 4-6 hours a day on an organic farm in exchange for accommodation and food. Not the most glamorous choice but good for those who want to escape from their office jobs.

15) Volunteer Abroad

There are lots of different ways you can volunteer abroad and make money while traveling.

You aren’t earning money most of the time but you are given free accommodation and food in return for your time. Websites like GoOverseas, GoOverseas, and WorkAway offer various opportunities for volunteering positions in all areas of the world.

16) Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)

Similar to PeaceCorps, this is another organization that covers the travel and living expenses for volunteers. They also offer a Youth Volunteering program for those younger people with less experience but all routes offer free travel and a chance to experience and live in a new country and culture whilst making a difference.

17) Hostel to hostel

Some hostels around the world offer free nights in exchange for shift work at the reception, bar, or as a cleaner. It is not always reliable but if you have any experience behind a bar or reception desk then perhaps ping a few emails to hostels in your chosen destination and get a few nights or even up to a month of free accommodation.

18) Au Pair

For those who want to get away and love children, have a look at Au Pair opportunities. You get accommodation and food included as well as days off and pay. A friend of mine snagged herself a year lengthy job in Washington and was able to explore North America during her time there.

You can find jobs all over the world on Great Au Pair.

19) Resort Work

There are hotel resorts all over the world and they are often looking for staff who can speak English well and clearly. Whether it is a front desk role, waitress, bar staff, or children’s entertainer, resort jobs are ideal for those looking for some sun, sea, and sand whilst saving some money.

20) Online Sales

This could be your own items that you create, a collection of things you buy or find on your travels, or cheap-priced wholesale items. There is a lot of money to be made by selling things on websites such as eBay and Etsy.

21) Working Holiday Visa

Some countries including Singapore, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland offer a working holiday visa; which allows you to stay in the country for up to a year and allows you to apply for jobs whilst you’re there. This is where any bartending experience and customer service skills come in useful.

22) Sports and Scuba diving instructor

Get yourself a PADI qualification and find a job as a Scuba Diving instructor. Particularly good at water sports, then you can teach it to tourists and families across the world. There are some great opportunities with locals or with hotel resorts who wish to offer sessions.

23) Freelance translator

If you know two languages or are even just excellent at English, translating menus, posters, and adverts for local bars, restaurants, and hotels can earn you quite a bit.

If you know more than one language, translation work (menus, content, documents) can be a flexible income — either online or by offering services locally in the places you travel.

Tip: Quality and professionalism matter — clients expect accurate, fluent work. It’s helpful to build a small portfolio of translation samples.

24) Tour Escort

International tour operators offer tours around the world and hire tour escorts to accompany the group. Budget companies such as indochina.com and cosmos courts and cruises offer 1-2 year contracts and finance your trip. However, the pay is fairly low but the experience is worth it.

25) Fitness/Yoga instructor

Fitness instructors are in high demand all over the world, particularly in top resorts and beach towns. You can travel and run personal training classes or small classes or snag a job at a 5 star resort if you are looking for a longer stay somewhere.

26) Cooperate World

If you have a career or years of experience in a chosen cooperate sector, there is nothing stopping you from applying for international roles abroad. China and Hong Kong often have numerous cooperate positions available whilst the Middle East and Singapore are popular choices for those looking to expand their career abroad.

27) Massage Therapists

For those with training in massage therapy, you are also in high demand at many five-star resorts and hotels across the world, as well as airport lounges. Find short-term contracts, contact resorts in your chosen destination, or set up your own business.

28) Selling Goods / Online Sales / E-commerce / Digital Products

If you have handmade items, craft skills, digital products, or access to goods that travel well, you can run an online shop — either selling directly (through marketplaces) or via drop-shipping/e-commerce models.

Tip: Running an online business remotely requires discipline, marketing, and logistical planning. Factor in shipping costs, customer service, and returns. For drop-shipping or online sales, do proper research to avoid scams or unreliable suppliers.

29) Stock market

For those who have an understanding and knowledge of stock markets, or for those who are good with numbers, try out stock market betting. Start small and build your knowledge of it over time before heading out traveling the world. Not a risk-free option but a choice some choose to go with.

30) Festival and event staff

You may not be a rockstar but you can still work for and tour the world with festival groups or tour and event companies. Festivals always bring staff with them, including side-stage acts, backstage teams, installations, food vendors, and event organizers and staff. For a long-term position and career route, this can be a good option for those festivals and outdoor lovers.

31) Flight Attendant

That well-known choice – a flight attendant. It goes without saying, make sure you don’t mind moving about on flights and bag yourself a job at a decent airline. Check airline companies’ policies and schedules before accepting a position, if you want to travel it may be best to go with long-haul flights.

There are some airlines that provide overnight stays at hotels across the world whilst other companies will send you to and from somewhere with just a few hours in between. The plus side is that you also get massive discounts on flights to use in your time off.

32) Travel Nurse

A harder route, but if you have a degree and are a registered nurse, you can apply for a role as a temporary travel nurse, with jobs lasting up to 3 months depending on the assignment. Sometimes you may get a tax-free income or free housing and a rental car, it all depends on the job.

33) Design clothing

So this is something Calum loves to do as he can use his creativity, imagination, and graphic design skills to design clothing that not only we would love to wear but others would love to wear too. Websites such as Zazzle, Dizinga, or Bonfire Fun offer simple options for you to upload your designs and take a commission on sales.

34) Job Search

If you love the idea of moving abroad and staying somewhere for some time then look for roles in anything you are good at. Use http://www.overseasjobs.com, http://www.workaway.info, and http://www.anyworkanywhere.com for lists of jobs available around the world.

35) Gigwalk

Perfect for those who have saved to travel but want to earn a bit extra, Gigwalk is an app that allows you to search for quick jobs available in your area with payment being made into PayPal. It is currently only available in the US but is promised to be expanding. Similar websites include Task Rabbit or Craigslist.

Important Practical Considerations — Visa, Tax, Stability, Backup Funds

• Visas and legal status: If you work remotely from a country — especially as a foreign visitor — check visa regulations. Tourist visas might not permit “work” so check this before you make money while traveling.
• Taxes and reporting: Income earned remotely or in multiple countries may come with tax obligations depending on your home country and local laws. Keep records, report properly if required.
• Backup fund / emergency savings: Travel (unexpected expenses, medical issues, delays) is unpredictable — having savings before embarking is crucial. Many advice-guides recommend a cushion before quitting full time work.
• Reliable internet & equipment: For remote-working, teaching, content creation, or freelancing — stable internet, good hardware (laptop, camera, microphone) and backup solutions matter, especially when traveling to remote areas.
• Sustainability & burnout risk: Freelancing and content creation often mean uneven workloads, deadlines, and irregular income — be ready to treat your work as your own business, with discipline, time-management, and realistic expectations.
• Cheap Travel: Another way to make your money stretch whilst traveling is to visit the budget-friendly spots, such as the cheap destinations in Asia.

Earn money whilst traveling FAQ

How can I make a lot of money while traveling?

There are various ways you can earn money while traveling, including freelancing, teaching online, teaching abroad, creating digital products to sell, writing ebooks, creating courses and taking on seasonal work.

Can you make a living while traveling?

There are ways to make a living while traveling but like all good things, it can take time to build. Building an online business or brand like blogging, YouTube or social media can take many hours and effort, so don’t expect to make a lot of money online quickly. But, it can be done!

What is the highest-paying traveling job?

High-earning traveling jobs include airline pilots, hotel managers, and geologist roles as well as marine biologists.

What jobs allow you to travel a lot?

Popular jobs that include travel are traveling teachers, cruise shop staff, train conductors, flight attendants, those that teach English abroad, travel nurses, and bloggers.

These are some options you may wish to look into to get traveling. Some jobs pay enough straight away to get you abroad asap whilst others may take some time. We find that my teaching wage abroad is enough to live off comfortably and supports both of us.

However, we choose to do a few of these to earn extra cash whilst traveling but also to make our blog as interesting and varied as possible. There are very very few travel jobs that are easy, most require quite a bit of work and are highly competitive but are so worth it!

How do you fund your travels?! Share your tips and suggestions in the comments below!

Stay Creative!

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