Dreaming of exploring the world but worried about your bank account? Many aspiring travelers struggle to fund their wanderlust while maintaining a steady income. Side hustles offer a flexible solution, allowing you to earn money and travel simultaneously.
Fortunately, the digital age has opened up numerous opportunities for location-independent work.
From freelance writing to virtual assistance, there’s no shortage of ways to make money on the go.
In this article, we’ll explore nine of the best side hustles for travelers, giving you the tools to turn your globetrotting dreams into reality.
1) Pet-sitting via TrustedHousesitters
TrustedHousesitters offers a unique opportunity for travelers to combine their love for pets with free accommodation.
As a pet sitter, you can stay in homes worldwide while caring for furry friends.
The platform connects pet owners with trusted sitters, creating a win-win situation.
You get to explore new places without spending money on lodging, while pet owners find reliable care for their beloved animals.
To get started, you’ll need to sign up for a sitter subscription.
The annual fee ranges from $129 to $259, depending on the plan you choose.
While this may seem costly at first, it can quickly pay for itself with just a few nights of free accommodation.
TrustedHousesitters operates in over 50 countries, giving you plenty of options for your next adventure.
Whether you’re looking to stay in a cozy apartment or a luxurious home, there’s likely a pet-sitting opportunity that fits your travel goals.
As a sitter, your main responsibility is to care for the pets and maintain the home.
This can include feeding, walking, and providing companionship to animals.
You’ll also need to keep the house tidy and follow any specific instructions from the homeowners.
To increase your chances of securing sits, create a detailed profile highlighting your experience with pets and any relevant skills.
Positive reviews from previous sits can also boost your credibility on the platform.
Remember that while this side hustle provides free accommodation, it does come with responsibilities.
You’ll need to be reliable, caring, and respectful of the homeowners’ property and pets.
2) Freelance writing on Upwork
Upwork offers a great platform for travelers to earn money through freelance writing.
You can find various writing gigs that suit your expertise and schedule.
To get started, create a compelling Upwork profile highlighting your writing skills and experience.
Include samples of your best work to attract potential clients.
When applying for jobs, tailor your proposals to each client’s specific needs.
Showcase how your unique perspective as a traveler can add value to their projects.
As a beginner, consider starting with lower-paying jobs to build your reputation and gather positive reviews.
These will help you land higher-paying gigs in the future.
Upwork allows you to work remotely from anywhere in the world, making it ideal for travelers.
You can take on short-term or long-term projects depending on your travel plans.
Keep in mind that Upwork takes a percentage of your earnings as a service fee.
However, this reduces as you build long-term relationships with clients.
To succeed on Upwork, maintain clear communication with clients and deliver high-quality work on time.
This will lead to repeat business and positive reviews, boosting your profile visibility.
Remember to diversify your writing skills.
Offer services like blog posts, articles, product descriptions, or even travel-related content to attract a wider range of clients.
3) Tour guide with ToursByLocals
ToursByLocals offers a unique opportunity to share your passion for your city with travelers from around the world.
As a local guide, you can create and lead personalized tours showcasing the best your area has to offer.
Getting started is straightforward.
You’ll need to apply and go through their vetting process to ensure you meet their quality standards.
Once approved, you can set up your profile and start creating tour offerings.
One of the best aspects of ToursByLocals is the flexibility it provides.
You can design your own tours based on your interests and expertise.
Whether it’s food, history, art, or off-the-beaten-path experiences, you have the freedom to craft unique experiences for visitors.
Pricing is another area where you have control.
You set your own rates for tours, allowing you to determine how much you earn.
Keep in mind that ToursByLocals does take a commission from your bookings, typically around 20-25%.
The platform handles the booking process and payments, making it easy for you to focus on delivering great tours.
They also provide marketing support, helping you reach potential customers from across the globe.
As a traveler yourself, this side hustle offers the perfect blend of earning money while indulging your love for exploration and meeting new people.
It’s an excellent way to supplement your income between your own adventures.
4) Virtual assistant tasks on Belay
Belay offers a fantastic opportunity for travelers looking to earn money while exploring the world.
As a virtual assistant on this platform, you can take on various tasks that fit your schedule and skills.
Belay specializes in matching businesses with remote professionals.
You might find yourself handling email management, scheduling appointments, or organizing digital files for clients.
Data entry and basic bookkeeping are common tasks you could tackle.
Some clients may need help with social media management or content creation, allowing you to flex your creative muscles.
Customer service is another area where your skills could shine.
You might answer inquiries, manage support tickets, or handle client communications on behalf of businesses.
Research tasks are often available, giving you the chance to dive into different topics and industries.
This can be especially engaging if you enjoy learning new things while you travel.
Belay emphasizes quality and professionalism, so you’ll need to be reliable and detail-oriented.
The platform provides training and support to help you succeed in your role.
Working with Belay allows you to set your own hours, making it ideal for fitting work around your travel plans.
You can choose projects that interest you and align with your skillset.
Remember, as a virtual assistant on Belay, you’re not just completing tasks—you’re helping businesses grow and thrive.
This can be incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.
5) Teaching English on VIPKid
VIPKid offers a flexible side hustle for travelers who want to teach English online.
You can earn between $14 and $22 per hour, working from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
To get started, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any field and some teaching experience.
The application process involves submitting your credentials and completing an interview with a demo lesson.
Once accepted, you’ll teach Chinese students aged 4-12 in one-on-one classes.
VIPKid provides the lesson plans, so you don’t need to create your own materials.
Classes are typically 25 minutes long and can be scheduled at your convenience.
Many teachers find the peak hours to be early mornings and weekends due to the time difference with China.
You can boost your earnings through incentives and bonuses.
For example, you might earn extra for teaching a certain number of classes each month or maintaining a high rating from students and parents.
The platform allows you to set your own schedule, making it ideal for travelers.
You can teach as much or as little as you want, fitting lessons around your travel plans.
Remember to factor in the need for a quiet space and reliable internet when considering this option.
With dedication and positive reviews, you could potentially earn $1,000 to $2,000 or more per month teaching on VIPKid.
6) Airbnb experiences hosting
Have you ever thought about sharing your passion or expertise with travelers? Airbnb Experiences offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that while earning extra income on the side.
As an Airbnb Experience host, you can create unique activities that showcase your local area or special skills.
This could be anything from leading food tours to teaching craft workshops or guiding outdoor adventures.
You don’t need to own property to participate in this side hustle.
It’s all about offering memorable experiences to visitors seeking authentic, local activities beyond typical tourist attractions.
To get started, think about what makes your city or region special.
Consider your own talents, hobbies, or insider knowledge that could appeal to travelers.
Then, design an experience that highlights these unique aspects.
When creating your listing, use high-quality photos and provide detailed descriptions to attract potential guests.
Set fair prices that reflect the value of your experience while remaining competitive in your local market.
Remember to put your own spin on popular destinations or activities.
This personal touch can help your experience stand out and earn five-star reviews from satisfied guests.
Hosting Airbnb Experiences can be a flexible side hustle.
You can schedule tours or activities around your existing commitments, making it ideal for travelers or those with varying schedules.
7) Selling photography on Shutterstock
Shutterstock offers a great opportunity for travelers to monetize their photography skills.
As you explore new destinations, you can capture unique images and upload them to the platform.
Creating a Shutterstock contributor account is simple and free.
You can upload any content you like, from landscapes to portraits to street scenes.
The key is to focus on high-quality, marketable images that potential buyers might need.
Keywords are crucial for selling your photos.
Make sure to tag your images accurately and thoroughly to increase their visibility.
Consider what buyers might search for when looking for images like yours.
Traveling can provide fresh inspiration and variety for your portfolio.
Each new location offers countless photo opportunities that can appeal to different markets and customers.
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to succeed on Shutterstock.
Even casual snapshots from your travels can sell if they’re well-composed and meet technical requirements.
Remember to diversify your portfolio.
Try capturing a mix of subjects, styles, and locations to appeal to a broader range of buyers.
This approach can help increase your chances of making sales.
Selling stock photography can become a steady source of passive income.
Once you’ve uploaded your images, they can continue to generate revenue over time without additional effort on your part.
8) Handmade crafts on Etsy
Etsy provides a fantastic platform for travelers to turn their crafting skills into a lucrative side hustle.
With over 45 million active buyers, you have access to a vast audience eager for unique, handmade items.
As you explore new destinations, you can draw inspiration from local cultures and materials to create one-of-a-kind products.
Handmade soaps, digital prints, and pottery are among the most profitable items on Etsy.
Personalized gifts are particularly popular, as buyers are willing to pay more for customized creations.
You can offer anything from knitted accessories to hand-painted souvenirs, reflecting the places you’ve visited.
Etsy’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up and manage your shop, even while on the move.
You can upload product photos, manage orders, and communicate with customers from anywhere with an internet connection.
To stand out in the competitive Etsy marketplace, focus on creating high-quality, unique items that showcase your travels and experiences.
Consider offering digital products like craft patterns or travel-inspired artwork, which require no shipping and can be instantly delivered to customers.
Remember to price your items competitively while ensuring a good profit margin.
With dedication and creativity, your Etsy shop can become a successful side hustle that not only supplements your travel funds but also allows you to share your adventures with others through your crafts.
9) Video editing for creators
Video editing is a fantastic side hustle for travelers.
With just a laptop and some software, you can work from anywhere in the world.
Many content creators need help polishing their footage into engaging videos.
You can find clients on freelance platforms or by reaching out directly to YouTubers, social media influencers, and businesses.
Rates vary widely, but you might earn $50 to $250 per video depending on complexity and your experience level.
To get started, familiarize yourself with popular editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Build a portfolio showcasing your best work to attract potential clients.
You can even create sample edits using publicly available footage to demonstrate your skills.
As you travel, you’ll gain unique perspectives that can enhance your editing creativity.
Different cultures and landscapes can inspire fresh ideas for transitions, effects, and storytelling techniques.
Remember to invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones for editing on the go.
They’ll help you focus in noisy environments like cafes or coworking spaces.
Also, consider upgrading your laptop to handle resource-intensive editing tasks efficiently.
With dedication and practice, video editing can become a lucrative and flexible side hustle.
It allows you to blend your passion for travel with your creative skills, all while earning income from stunning locations around the globe.
Why Consider a Side Hustle While Traveling?
Embracing a side hustle while traveling can transform your journey from a temporary escape to a sustainable lifestyle.
It offers you the chance to extend your adventures while maintaining financial stability.
Flexibility and Freedom
A travel-friendly side hustle grants you unprecedented flexibility.
You can work from anywhere – a beachside café, a mountain lodge, or a bustling city center.
This freedom allows you to set your own schedule and balance work with exploration.
You’re not tied to a specific location or time zone.
Want to spend an extra week in Bali? No problem.
Feel like taking a spontaneous road trip? Go for it.
Your side hustle moves with you, adapting to your travel whims and desires.
Many travel-related gigs, like freelance writing or virtual assisting, let you choose your projects and workload.
This means you can ramp up work when funds are low or scale back when you want more time to sightsee.
Financial Benefits
A side hustle can significantly extend your travel budget.
Instead of watching your savings dwindle, you’ll have a steady income stream to fund your adventures.
This financial cushion allows you to travel longer and more comfortably.
You might even discover opportunities to turn your travels into profit.
Starting a travel blog, for example, could lead to sponsored trips or partnerships with travel brands.
Teaching English online or working as a digital nomad can provide a stable income while you explore new cultures.
Some side hustles, like house sitting or tour guiding, can directly reduce your travel costs.
You’ll save on accommodation or earn money by sharing your knowledge of a destination you love.
Balancing Travel and Work
Juggling your wanderlust with work responsibilities can be challenging, but it’s essential for successful travel side hustles.
Proper planning and self-discipline are key to making the most of your adventures while staying productive.
Time Management Tips
Start by creating a flexible schedule that aligns with your travel plans.
Set specific work hours and stick to them, even when exploring new destinations.
Use productivity tools like time-tracking apps to stay focused and accountable.
Break your workday into manageable chunks.
This allows you to enjoy shorter bursts of exploration between work sessions.
Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
Tackle high-priority items during your peak energy hours.
Plan your workload around your travel itinerary.
Complete crucial tasks before arriving at a new destination or during less exciting parts of your journey.
Maintaining a Work-Life Balance
Set clear boundaries between work and leisure time.
Dedicate specific areas in your accommodation for work to create a mental separation.
Take regular breaks to recharge and enjoy your surroundings.
Short walks or quick sightseeing trips can boost productivity when you return to work.
Practice self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising.
These habits will help you stay energized for both work and travel.
Connect with loved ones back home regularly.
This can help combat loneliness and provide a sense of stability amidst your travels.
Be flexible and adjust your expectations.
Some days may require more work, while others allow for more exploration.
Embrace the ebb and flow of travel life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travelers have many options to earn money while exploring the world.
From online gigs to location-based opportunities, there’s a side hustle for every wanderlust-filled adventurer.
What are some popular online side hustles for folks who love to travel?
Freelance writing on platforms like Upwork is a great option.
You can write about your travel experiences or take on various writing projects.
Virtual assistant work through companies like Belay allows you to handle tasks remotely.
Teaching English online via VIPKid lets you connect with students from anywhere with internet access.
How can I earn while I’m constantly on the move?
Pet-sitting through TrustedHousesitters offers free accommodation plus potential earnings.
You can explore new places while caring for pets.
Tour guiding with ToursByLocals lets you share your knowledge of different destinations.
These gigs often fit well with a nomadic lifestyle.
What are the top remote jobs that fund full-time travel?
Content creation, such as travel blogging or vlogging, can generate income through ads and sponsorships.
Digital marketing roles often allow for remote work.
Web development and graphic design are skills you can leverage from anywhere in the world.
Are there any lucrative gigs for someone in their 30s traveling the world?
Consulting in your area of expertise can be highly profitable.
You can offer your services online to clients globally.
Photography or videography, especially if you specialize in travel content, can be lucrative.
Destination wedding planning combines your travel knowledge with event organization skills.
Can you really make good money as a part-time travel agent?
Yes, you can earn a decent income as a part-time travel agent.
Many agencies offer flexible, remote positions.
You’ll earn commissions on bookings, which can add up quickly with luxury or group travel.
Your personal travel experiences can be a valuable asset in this role.
What’s the deal with travel-related side jobs that can pull in an extra $2000 a month?
Travel writing for magazines or websites can reach this income level with consistent work.
Social media management for travel brands often pays well.
Creating and selling travel-themed products online, like photography prints or travel guides, can generate substantial income.
