Living abroad and exploring the world is a dream for many, but the idea of making a living while traveling is often a roadblock for most. But, nowadays, I believe there are many opportunities offering an ideal balance between earning and traveling, enabling you to fund your adventures while experiencing new countries and cultures.
So, is it possible to travel the world and make money? You can travel the world and make money. For example, you can start a blog, have an e-commerce business, teach English, perform freelancing jobs, provide consultations and even become a tour guide. Even though it may seem impossible to support yourself while living abroad, there are many opportunities to make money while exploring a new culture.
In this article, I will explore some of the easiest and most effective to make money while traveling and living abroad. You might also enjoy reading: 14 Best and Safest Countries for Digital Nomads to Move To.
1- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is one of the most popular ways to make money while living abroad. It is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture while sharing your language skills with others.
You do not need to be a certified teacher to teach abroad, but a TEFL certificate will make it easier for you to find jobs and increase your salary. Many TEFL jobs include free housing and flights, which will help you save money while working overseas.
2- Teach English Online
If you are a native English speaker, you can take advantage of the high demand for English teachers worldwide. Generally, countries such as Japan, Korea, and China offer lucrative salaries with various incentives such as paid accommodation and flights.
As an online English teacher, you can set your own schedule while traveling. The good news is that you can use online tutoring platforms, as they offer flexible schedules and can be done from anywhere worldwide.
The average salary for online English tutors is between USD 10 – USD 40 per hour, depending on your level of qualification and experience.
3- Freelance work
Freelance work is another great way to earn money while traveling. If you have a skill set that can be done remotely, you can work from anywhere in the world.
Generally, freelancing work options include graphic design, programming, web design, content writing, and digital marketing; these options also have high demand worldwide.
I encourage you to check out websites such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, as they are great platforms for finding freelance work opportunities that can be done remotely from anywhere in the world.
If you wonder how you can build a successful freelance career, I wrote a whole article that I encourage you to read.
4- Remote work
In recent years, remote work has become more popular than ever before. Many companies are offering remote work opportunities which allow employees to work from anywhere in the world.
If you have a specific job skill set, such as social media marketing, content creation, or web development, I encourage you to start looking for remote job opportunities through job search websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.
5- House Sitting
House sitting is a great way to earn free accommodation while exploring a new country. Many people who travel long-term use house sitting as a way to save money on accommodation.
You can find house sitting opportunities on websites such as TrustedHousesitters, HouseSitMatch, and MindMyHouse.
The good news is that house sitting opportunities typically last between a few weeks to a few months, giving you plenty of time to explore the local area.
6- YouTube and Vlogging
If you have a passion for writing or creating videos, you can make money through YouTube or vlogging.
Many travel bloggers and vloggers make money through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and advertisements on their YouTube channels, websites, and social media channels.
It takes time to build up an audience and start earning from your blog and Channel, but if done correctly, it can be a great way to make money while traveling. You might also enjoy reading: Blog Vs. YouTube: Which One Should You Start?
7- Blogging
Blogging is an excellent way to document your travel experiences, and it can also be a profitable venture. Typically, travel bloggers can earn money through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and advertising revenue.
In my experience, building a successful blog that generates income may take time, but with determined effort and consistency, it is possible to create a lucrative source of income.
If you are considering starting a blog, I invite you to explore the 11 blogging mistakes to avoid and Increase your success.
8- Work exchange
Work exchange programs such as WWOOF and Workaway offer travelers the opportunity to exchange their skills in exchange for food and accommodation.
Examples include working on farms, eco-tourism projects, and humanitarian work. This is an excellent way to experience the local culture while saving money on accommodation and food.
- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (AKA World Wide Organization of Organic Farms) is a network of national organizations facilitating homestays on organic farms. There are WWOOF hosts in 210 countries worldwide.
- Workaway is a platform allowing its members to organize homestays and cultural exchanges.
9- Au Pair/Nanny
Another option for earning while traveling is to work as an au pair or nanny. This type of job offers an all-inclusive package that includes meals, living quarters, and a salary. Platforms such as au pair world allow you to find jobs worldwide.
As an au pair, you will be placed with a host family and exchange childcare and housework assistance for food and accommodation. I believe that au pair can be an excellent way to make money while traveling abroad.
If you are interested, I encourage you to check out websites like AuPair.com or InterExchange to explore your overseas au pair opportunities.
10- Become a Tour Guide
If you enjoy history and architecture and are looking for more flexible hours, I believe that becoming a tour guide might be a good option for making money while traveling and living abroad.
If you are interested, I encourage you to check local tourism agencies, visitor centers, or groups like freetour.
11- Become a Digital Translator
Another option for making money while traveling and living abroad is by becoming a digital translator. You can make good money as a digital translator, particularly with past translation experience.
If you prefer working remotely, you can become a freelance translator or use services like ProZ to find work.
If, like most people, you are wondering whether being a translator is worth it? I invite you to explore the pros and cons.
12- Become a Virtual Assistant
You can work from your couch, a local coffee shop, or an outdoor cafe as a virtual assistant. Virtual assistant duties range from handling emails and arranging trip plans to bookkeeping and planning marketing initiatives.
If you wonder what a virtual assistant is, what they do, and how to become one, I wrote a whole article that I encourage you to read.
13- Start Your Own Business
Starting a business is one of the best ways to make money while traveling and living abroad. You can leverage your existing skills and passion for starting a new business, teaching, coaching, and mentoring.
If you wonder about traits you need to start a business in a foreign country, I wrote a whole article that I encourage you to read.
14- Work on a Cruise Ship
Working on a cruise ship is a fantastic way to make money while traveling, living abroad, gaining solid work experience, and networking with people worldwide.
While working on a cruise ship, you might be waiting staff, working as a bartender, tour guide, entertainer, youth counselor, and even customer service staff.
15- Do Volunteer Work
Even though you will not make money working as a volunteer, you will save money on room and board, keeping you on the road longer.
If you decide to travel as a volunteer, I recommend you conduct your due diligence to find a reputable organization and place to spend your time.
Check out GoEco, a leading eco-tourism company with a various selection of affordable, ethical volunteer projects abroad.
What to read next:
- Online Businesses You Can Start with No Money.
- 15 Best Online Business Ideas for Beginners (And how to get started!)
- Can You Make Good Money as a Translator? (7 factors to increase your earning!)
Wrapping Up
I believe that earning money while living and traveling abroad is possible by taking advantage of the numerous opportunities available today.
Whether it is teaching English, freelancing, working as an au pair, blogging, or even volunteering, it is entirely possible to fund your travels while experiencing new cultures and creating unforgettable memories.
However, I encourage you to research all available options and determine which one best aligns with your skills and preferences before embarking on your next adventure.