21 Proven Methods to Earn Money While Traveling

Get Paid to Travel the World

Yes, you can travel the world and get paid! We are living proof that making money while traveling is indeed possible. Through our experience over the past 11 years, we have learned valuable insights into how to generate income through travel. In this article, we will explore not only how we make money while traveling but also various other avenues available to you.

Get Paid to Travel the World

As professional travel bloggers, we’ve gained a wealth of experience regarding what works in the travel industry. However, it’s important to note that working in travel is not a “get rich quick” scheme. Building a successful travel-focused business and brand requires dedication, effort, and a solid strategy.

  • For those eager to dive into travel blogging, we mention several resources that can help you get started.

How We Fund Our Travels

Initially, when we embarked on our journey cycling through the continent of Africa, we relied on a travel fund of $20,000 from our previous work. This helped us sustain ourselves during the first year of travel.

We established a base in India to maximize our budget while enhancing our travel expertise. By constantly exploring new destinations on a budget, we enriched our social media channels and increased blog traffic.

Once our travel budget was running low, we managed to secure our first advertisement through consistent updates and engagement on social media, thereby extending our journey further.

Currently, we often have our travels funded by tourism boards, tour operators, and various brands aiming to promote their offerings. As a result, our travel expenses, including accommodation, food, flights, and activities, are often covered.

Ways We Make Money Traveling

Despite the challenges posed during 2020, we maintained a six-figure income through multiple income streams. This diversification proved critical in ensuring our financial stability, even in tough times.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing has significantly contributed to our income, and anyone can start this. Successful affiliate marketing relies on a dedicated audience and consistent web traffic.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

When you click through our links to recommended products or services and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations may include travel booking websites, Amazon products, or car rentals.

Income: Our monthly affiliate income generally ranges from $20,000 to $40,000.

2. Display Advertising

If you are starting out, Google Adsense is a good entry point for display advertising. Display ads consist of visual advertisements shown on our website, generating income whenever a user interacts with them.

Income: Display advertising typically yields between $30,000 to $35,000 monthly.

3. Destination Campaigns

We participate in destination campaigns where various regions invite us to promote their attractions, covering all our expenses.

A compensation fee is typically involved as we create engaging content and share it through blogs and social media.

Income: Destination campaigns range from $10,000 to $20,000.

4. Brand Partnerships

Long-term collaborations with brands who fit our ethos are vital for us. Each partnership can encompass various services from social media promotions to content creation.

Income: Brand partnerships can bring in anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on deliverables.

5. Photography Sales

We license our photography to various platforms and organizations for advertising and editorial content. Additionally, we sell prints through gallery shows and online platforms.

Income: Print sales can generate up to $10,000 annually, while licensing can vary between $300 to $10,000.

6. Public Speaking

Speaking engagements at conferences not only establish authority but also provide travel opportunities. Many conferences welcome diverse expertise which allows for various speaking topics.

Income: This can amount to $10,000 per year, ranging from $300 to $3,000 per engagement.

7. Digital Products

We create and sell digital products, including downloadable travel guides. These act as a continual source of passive income, requiring minimal yearly updates.

Income: Our travel guides generate $300 to $500 each month.

8. YouTube and Travel Videos

Our travel videos contribute to our income through platforms like YouTube. As our audience grows, opportunities for video licensing and sponsorships increase.

  • YouTube: $1,600 – $2,000 monthly.
  • ROKU: $200 – $400 monthly.

9. Freelance Writing and Photography

Freelancing remains an effective avenue for us. Many publications seek contributions from experienced writers and photographers.

Income: Freelance writing earns around $5,000 to $10,000 per year, while photography can bring in about $10,000.

Other Travel Jobs to Pay You to Travel

The methods outlined above represent only a fraction of the ways to make money traveling. Many travelers engage in unconventional roles that can diversify their income.

10. Teach English Online

Many full-time travelers supplement their journeys by teaching English online, earning $15-$20 hourly.

Consider platforms like QKids and VIPKID.

11. Teach English Overseas

Teaching English abroad presents another lucrative opportunity, especially for those with a college degree. This path often intertwines work with exploration.

Look into the TEFL program to get started.

12. Work on a Cruise Ship

Working on a cruise ship allows individuals to earn while traveling. Job opportunities range from hospitality roles to entertainment.

13. Work at a Resort or International Hotel

By securing a job at a resort or hotel, you can leverage your skills internationally. The travel industry constantly seeks skilled staff around the world.

14. Spa Staff

Massage therapy and wellness services yield numerous job opportunities, particularly in resorts and cruise ships.

15. Creating and Running Your Own Tours

Many travel bloggers organize their own tours, providing a unique income source while sharing their expertise.

16. Yoga Instructor

Becoming a certified yoga instructor can lead to traveling opportunities, especially at retreats around the world.

Unique Ways to Get Paid to Travel

17. Travel Nurse

If you have medical expertise, consider taking your talent abroad as a travel nurse.

18. Social Media Assistant

Utilize your social media skills as a consultant or assistant; many businesses seek assistance via these channels.

19. Website Developer and Maintenance

Offering web development services can help businesses improve their online presence, providing you with travel flexibility.

20. Deliver Cars or Boats

Become a car delivery driver or boat captain, offering services that facilitate relocations while enjoying road trips.

21. Work on a Private Yacht

Working as staff on a private yacht can be financially rewarding while offering travel opportunities. Consider gaining experience in this unique industry.

Do you have any other ideas on making money while traveling? Share your thoughts with us!

Disclaimer: We earn a commission from affiliate referrals at no extra cost to you.

Back To Top