Sick of hearing "live for the moments; not for the money"? Ever feel like it’s entirely possible to do both at the same time? Making money while backpacking overseas has long been a dream of adventurers and digital nomads alike. There’s something entirely new and exciting about being able to travel while also earning enough on the trip to get by.
Whether you’re an experienced world traveler or someone hoping to leave home for their first overseas adventure, everyone can benefit from learning how to fund their getaways. In today’s post, we’re going to dive into 10 creative ways to make money while backpacking overseas and open up a whole new world of exploration possibilities!
Backpackers can make money while traveling by teaching English abroad, working seasonal jobs, house-sitting, or freelancing online. You can also consider taking on odd jobs such as being a tour guide or selling handcrafted items at local markets.
Ready to make money backpacking overseas? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Exploring Different Jobs for Backpackers
Exploring different job opportunities while backpacking is an excellent way to fund your adventure. Taking on jobs that can be done remotely like web design, writing, or working as a virtual assistant can provide you the flexibility to work from almost any place in the world. Additionally, short-term jobs catering to backpackers are abundant and give travelers the chance to interact with locals and dive deep into their host country's culture.
On the other hand, relying too much on volunteering or taking up odd jobs while backpacking can have its risks. It could strain your budget if the pay isn't sufficient or conditions aren't as advertised. It is essential to research extensively before taking up any such jobs or volunteering positions and be wary of scams or exploitation that are unfortunately common in this field of work.
Exploring different job opportunities while backpacking can prove to be immensely rewarding if the right precautions are taken. Regardless of what job you choose for yourself, contributing to your host country’s economy by taking up skillful employment can help make a positive impact on the local community and serve as a great source of income.
Moving along from exploring employment options while backpacking, there is another option just as popular amongst backpackers: hospitality work. No matter where you go during your travels, hospitality sectors such as restaurants, bars, and hotels, are always bustling with activity; all needing good workers who will not only do a good job but will also stay for more than just a few weeks or months.
That makes hospitality businesses enticing employers for backpackers who come equipped with skills and mobility - both attractive qualities sought within this industry.
Working in Hospitality
Getting a job in hospitality is a great way for backpackers to generate money on their trips, as well as gain skills related to the industry. This can be anything from waitressing in restaurants to greeting customers at shops, to working as an activity or tour guide. Many of these jobs are easy to get and don’t require much experience or qualifications.
However, it’s important to note that while some people have enjoyed working in hospitality while backpacking—particularly those who are friendly and outgoing—others may find the long hours and repetitive nature of the job tiring and monotonous. Plus, this type of work typically doesn’t pay very well, so it might not be the best option for those who are looking to make enough money to support themselves fully.
Whether hospitality is right for you will depend on your individual personality and financial needs. If you’re willing to work hard and enjoy interacting with people, then it could be a great way to both make money and learn new skills. But if you need more substantial income or aren’t comfortable in customer-facing roles, then exploring other options may be a better idea.
Whether it's hospitality or another job that turns out to be best for you, advice from other travelers who have already been through similar experiences can help give insight into what works best for backpackers – the next section will look at such tips from experienced travelers.
Tips from Travelers
When it comes to advise from travelers, traditional wisdom may surprise you. Although taking a job in hospitality is one of the most popular ways to fund a backpacking adventure and many travelers have found success this way, others insist they’ve had much better luck taking on side projects that don’t require them to be tied down to a obligation or place.
For example, many independent digital nomads are living off the income they make streaming on Twitch, freelancing through sites like Fiverr, or running online stores with dropshipping models. They often claim that these side projects allow them much more freedom with their travel plans and the ability to earn money without having to commit long term to a specific location or job.
On the other hand, those who take jobs in hospitality often say that it’s the fastest and easiest way to get money when you’re traveling as it usually requires no particular skill set and doesn’t depend on internet access or any kind of technical knowledge.
Though many travelers find that by taking on remote side projects with flexible hours and working at night or early morning when their job in hospitality wraps up, they can have their cake and eat it too – maximizing income while still having the flexibility of free-flowing travel plans.
At the end of the day, everyone’s experience is unique - there is no right answer beyond what works best for you personally. That said, there's a world full of opportunity out there for today's independent traveler and a great chance to strike gold by being creative in your approach to financing your travels.
From exploring new income sources to working in hospitality, transitioning into the next segment will explore another viable option for tapping into existing employment opportunities: working at hostels.
The traditional way to fund a backpacking adventure is by taking a job in hospitality. However, other travelers have found more success with side projects such as streaming on Twitch or running online stores. Some claim that these remote side projects offer more freedom and opportunities to maximize income. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so travelers should explore existing options such as working at hostels to find what works best for them.
Working at Hostels
There are a number of ways you can make money through work while backpacking, one of which is working at hostels. Exchange free board and lodging in return for duties such as cleaning, reception duties and administrative tasks around the hostel. This can be a great option for those wanting to stay in a particular city for a little longer to explore, offering an invaluable chance to learn about a certain place, and experience the culture from a local perspective.
In considering this option, bear in mind that it is typically restricted to stays of no more than 1-2 weeks; although if you have the right skill set or qualifications this might be extended. That said if your primary objective of backpacking is to travel far, then not having the income opportunity of long-term employment might not work in your favor. Depending on what’s required, you may also find yourself working night shifts which could end up being taxing on your body with little-to-no time for leisure.
An alternate approach could be to gain skills/qualifications while backpacking before approaching local hostels directly and demonstrating your value. For example, taking a course in hospitality management could open up more job opportunities in the hospitality industry that aren’t just limited to hostels.
It’s easy to get caught up in making money on the road but having both short- and long-term plans for your travels will help you focus on the aspects of backpacking that most appeal to you. With an entrepreneurial spirit and mindset, finding creative sources of income can broaden your horizons when it comes to serving your financial needs on the road.
Traveling with an Entrepreneurial Spirit
Traveling with an entrepreneurial spirit is something that should be considered by the creative, wanderlust-filled backpacker. Taking a step back and looking around for business opportunities within the local market- whether it’s a craft or something you can provide to other travelers, tapping into this goldmine of ideas which can simultaneously fund your continued explorations and enrich the experience of others is a great way to make money while on the road.
At the same time, one must not overlook the enormous risk and responsibility of being an entrepreneur at any level. This can mean giving up some of the spontaneity of backpacking and becoming more business focused with constantly building clientele in local areas which may ensure a steady income but can also chip away at overall feelings of adventure.
Whether to invest and dedicate oneself to an entrepreneurial effort or simply benefit from one-off projects or jobs can depend on individual preferences and risk tolerance. But no matter what method a backpacker chooses, using an open-minded “business mindset” such as keeping a lookout for unique needs, services, and solutions from locals and travelers alike all throughout their journey—and aspiring to fill, exhaust, or even create these gaps—can often be paid off in unexpected ways.
Having just discussed two different approaches for making money while backpacking, we now turn our focus towards coming up with new activities that you can use to make money while traveling–allowing your creativity and curiosity to guide you through brand new experiences along your journey.
Starting Up New Activities
Starting up new activities can be an exciting way to make money while backpacking. While some prefer to get involved with traditional job opportunities abroad, others find far more success in initiating their own endeavors. Whether you’re teaching English classes or promoting art galleries, running a small business abroad can be an incredibly rewarding experience both professionally and financially.
However, there are certain risks involved with this kind of entrepreneurial dream. You have to have a clear plan of action, including where you are setting up, who is your target customer base, and accounting for the costs involved in conducting business in another country.
On the other hand, taking control of your own career and smashing cultural barriers can be extremely rewarding; some might even say they have even created a life-changing experience. Investing in a business abroad gives you the opportunity to expand your skills and develop new connections. Having an entrepreneurial spirit is just as valuable as having a secure job and with enough research (as well as trial and error), it’s possible to make money and live comfortably by having your very own professional venture overseas.
Further evidence suggests that most backpackers tend to favor more creative pursuits such as distributing handmade souvenirs or developing crafty businesses when traveling abroad. For example, one Australian woman was able to make extra cash giving yoga classes at her hostel in India simply because she was passionate about it—and because there wasn't much competition. Her story serves as proof that sometimes you can turn simple ideas into profitable ventures as long as you are ready to take the plunge!
Ultimately, striking out on your own accord may seem daunting but if done correctly can be a very rewarding endeavor while backpacking. Now let's move on to the third method of generating revenue: making money with tips and tricks! If you are willing to think outside the box and get creative there is no limit to what you can achieve on your adventure.
Making Money with Tips and Tricks
Making money while backpacking is no easy feat; it requires creativity, hustle, and determination. As you travel, there are many fun and unique ways to help supplement your income or fund your adventure. One of these methods is making money with tips and tricks. Here are ten creative ways to bring in extra cash:
- Teaching English: English has become a widely spoken language all over the world, making teaching English an ever-growing opportunity for travelers. Companies like TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) offer certified courses that teach best practices for teaching the language. You can also use online platforms like Verbling or TutorMe to earn money teaching over video chat.
- Freelance Writing: If you have a knack for writing, there are plenty of freelance opportunities available on websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Guru. These companies connect writers to clients who need content written on a variety of topics from technical writing to reviews or articles.
- Becoming a Social Media Influencer: Social media influencers make money by leveraging their large followings on social platforms to promote products or services in exchange for payment or free products. It’s an increasingly popular career path among young digital nomads and requires around-the-clock marketing efforts and engagement with large audiences.
- Selling Handmade Goods: Whether you create beautiful art or handcraft jewelry or clothes, you can sell your handmade items on sites like Etsy or AmazonHandmade while backpacking through different countries. Many vendors determine times throughout the year when they focus their profits on travel as well as some creative strategies to increase their sales while they're gone.
- Give Tours: Tour guides are always in high demand in busy tourist spots! Share your knowledge by giving tours of attractions, local hotspots, historic spots, or nature walks in exchange for a donation or fee for your time- either per person or per group tour you give.
- Sell Photos Online: If you have a passion for photography or have some nice photos from your travels that deserve to be shared with others, consider selling your images online through stock photo agencies such as Adobe Stock and iStockphoto. Every time someone downloads a photo of yours, you get paid without having to even lift a finger!
- Create Online Courses/Webinars: Build upon your professional skills by creating educational courses that people can access online from anywhere in the world at any time! These could range from virtual yoga classes and cooking lessons to webinars about specific topics like business and leadership development.
- Become an Airbnb Host: With Airbnb taking off over the past few years, rent out an extra room in your house (or if you’re backpack traveling with friends, rent out an entire place together!) Or if camping isn’t your thing (or just not feasible), consider becoming an Airbnb host and renting out any available spaces in whatever city you are staying in at the moment!
- Blogging/Vlogging: Creating content - whether videos vlogs or blog posts - is one way travelers have been able to find ways to monetize their experiences while abroad, whether it's through sponsored content collaborations with brands or affiliate marketing links scattered throughout social media accounts and websites.
- Investing Money Wisely: Lastly, one way of making money smartly during your travels is investing wisely in stocks while abroad! Global investment firms allow investors all over the world to invest even when they don’t live in the same country! Even if the investments don't work out right away on the first try it's still important to remember - betting against the market means buying low and selling high - so investing in stocks is definitely an option worth considering before embarking on long-term backpacking trips!
The talks surrounding making money through tips and tricks largely centers around which strategies will yield sustainable results over time versus those which might provide quick cash but come with hidden risks that outweigh any potential benefit gained from them.
For instance, making investments wisely using global investments firms comes with some risk of volatility due to external factors that could cause drastic changes in markets overnight – such as natural disasters or political unrest – which could leave someone without much padding when situations arise unexpectedly that require quick cash influxes should their investments sour quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tips for making money while traveling?
The best tips for making money while traveling are to take advantage of the resources available to you in the destinations you visit. Consider offering services such as language tutoring, pet-sitting, or online freelance work that can be done remotely.
Additionally, travel blogger networks can be great resources to find local jobs and gigs that will help you fund your adventure. You could also participate in market research surveys and focus groups which offer cash payouts for your time.
Lastly, look for gigs that pay for tickets like mystery shopping, flight attendant recruitment, or short-term acting/modeling contracts. With creativity and a bit of effort, you can make money while enjoying your travels!
What are the best online jobs for backpackers?
Online jobs for backpackers are an excellent way to supplement their travels. Freelance work such as virtual assistant roles, writing services, and data entry are great options due to the flexibility they offer. These roles allow people to complete tasks while on the go, with tasks ranging from taking surveys, and providing customer service to managing social media platforms.
For those looking for more permanent income and/or skills-based jobs, there are numerous websites that list openings in web development, programming, and software engineering. Additionally, there are opportunities in online marketing and advertising through popular job boards and marketplaces like Upwork and Freelancer.
By joining forums or discussion groups related to their craft, backpackers can meet others who have already created successful online businesses, such as affiliate marketing, eCommerce stores, and online tutoring.
Further, if backpackers own a blog or website, they can monetize it by selling ads or products, promoting a company’s product or service as an affiliate marketer, applying for sponsored posts (such as YouTube videos), and/or creating digital products (such as software development) with their expertise. As of late 2019, Airbnb Experiences is also an option for backpackers who want to share their talents with the world while gaining some extra money - so don't forget to check it out!
There is no shortage of ways for backpackers to make money while traveling. They just need to find the right combination of skills and passion to get started!
What are the best ways to save money as a backpacker?
When it comes to saving money as a backpacker, there are many different techniques that can be employed. Here are some of the best ways to save money while backpacking:
- Research prices: Before committing to a purchase, take the time to research prices online and compare them against in-person quotes. This will help you find the best deals and avoid overpaying.
- Use public transport: Be sure to take full advantage of local public transit systems wherever possible when traveling between cities or even sightseeing within an area, as these can often be more cost-effective than private taxi rides or car rental fees.
- Take advantage of rewards programs: Many stores (particularly global chains) offer discount cards and membership privileges that can lead to considerable cost savings if used correctly. Make sure you are always taking full advantage of any such programs available.
- Buy in bulk: When stocking up on food for upcoming trips or meals for extended stays, buying items in bulk can provide significantly discounted prices that also guarantee much longer shelf lives than pre-packaged items or snacks from restaurants or cafes.
- Limit eating out: Eating out can be expensive, especially at popular tourist attractions or while exploring city centers with large concentrations of eateries. To save money, try cooking your own meals and sticking with less popular restaurants or eateries located further away from heavily trafficked areas.
Overall, staying organized and disciplined is essential to getting the most out of your cash while you travel abroad by backpacking - so plan ahead and keep count of your expenses!