{"id":11649,"date":"2018-08-13T09:00:01","date_gmt":"2018-08-13T13:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theprofessionalhobo.com\/?p=11649"},"modified":"2026-02-17T08:29:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T13:29:10","slug":"make-money-while-traveling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theprofessionalhobo.com\/make-money-while-traveling\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Money While Traveling (7 Surefire Ways)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In order to make full-time or long-term travel financially sustainable, you need a way to earn money as you travel. <\/span>There are <\/span>a ton of <\/span>ways to do this (<\/span>more each day, it seems)<\/span>, and each one offers its own pros and cons. It can be hard to know how to get started <\/span>down this road<\/span>, <\/span>which is why many people feel overwhelmed when they research how to make money while traveling<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, <\/span>I\u2019ll take you deep into a few <\/span>different ways to make money on the road; <\/span>the first three chapters are focused on freelance writing (and different ways to earn money from writing). The remainder of this guide explores other creative ways to make money while traveling.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally this guide will inspire you to <\/span>pick a method or two that <\/span>resonate <\/span>for you, <\/span>so you can launch <\/span>your <\/span>own<\/span> financially sustainable travel <\/span>plan<\/span>!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Table of Contents<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 1: How to Make Money on the Road as a Freelance Writer<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 2: 10 Rules for Earning Income as a Freelance Writer<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 3: The Skinny on Earning Money as a Travel Writer<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 4: How to Earn Money With Extra Luggage Space<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 5: Earning Income Abroad by Teaching English<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 6: How to Make Money on the Road with a Working Holiday Visa<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 7: How to Make Money While Traveling with Online Tutoring<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 8: How This Couple Lands Jobs Along the Way While Traveling<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter 9: How to Travel and Earn by Working on Boats<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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Chapter 1: How to Make Money on the Road as a Freelance Writer<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When I began my illustrious career as a freelance writer and blogger (in 2006), I had no idea where to begin. The internet was my school, along with a few websites I found early on that had informative articles and newsletters. <\/span>But on the whole, I felt like I was a pioneer in an emerging industry (which meant, I learned most things the hard way)! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make it easier for you than it was for me, here is a comprehensive introduction to help you become a freelance writer and support your travels. <\/span>
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Blogging vs Freelance Writing<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a moment to differentiate between blogging vs freelance writing. In some cases, there\u2019s no difference. In other cases, the way you structure your business will put you in one camp or the other.<\/span>
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Earning Money Blogging<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As a blogger, you probably have your own blog, and monetize it in a variety of ways<\/a>. In so doing, <\/span>as a blogger you\u2019re not only a writer, but also an editor, publisher, designer, marketer, and entrepreneur. <\/b>You might also be paid to write for other blogs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to learn the ropes of blogging from the ground up (and beyond), check out <\/span><\/i>this post<\/span><\/i><\/a>. <\/span><\/i>
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Earning Money Freelance Writing<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a freelance writer, you write for a variety of publications, and often different mediums (ie: print and online; this can include blogging).<\/span>
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Blogging is Writing<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get something right, before a hierarchical debate begins: blogging is writing. <\/span>Blogging is simply a medium for writing<\/b>, and one that commands its own style and voice. Writers who say there\u2019s a difference between blogging and writing tend to harp on the quality of online writing (blogging) \u2013 which admittedly is often substandard to print publications. But not all of it is. <\/span>Different mediums use different styles of writing, and the budding freelance writer needs to compensate for this.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you remove the \u201cis blogging considered writing\u201d debate, it\u2019s no longer a matter of blogging <\/span>vs.<\/span><\/i> freelance writing; it\u2019s a matter of making them work together. You can be a freelance blogger or a freelance writer or a blogger (for your own blog) or a writer (of your own book). Chances are, you\u2019re a bit of everything.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your freelance writing is also a great cross-promotion for your blog\/website, and vice versa.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your site is well-trafficked and you have a strong social media presence, <\/span>editors will favour you for your ability to promote the article to your followings and feature a link to the article on your site<\/b>. (These are actual points of negotiation with online publishers and <\/span>sponsors<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, articles you write for online publications often feature valuable links to your site, allowing you to tap into new and wider audiences.<\/span>

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Where to Find Freelance <\/span>Writing<\/span> Gigs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I was recently asked about this by a reader; I believe they were hoping for a website that lists places to get published. Although such lists exist, it\u2019s not quite that simple.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to develop a portfolio of writing samples and bylines<\/b> (articles that you\u2019ve written for other publications). It\u2019s relatively easy to get published online (in comparison to print); the money may not initially be grand, but at least you\u2019ll get something under your belt to pitch bigger publishers with.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is how I started \u2013 but it was also at a time when getting paid (well) for online writing was almost unheard of.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to find freelance writing gigs themselves, I\u2019ll assume you know what you want to write about (ie: genre and topic ranges that you can write with expertise on). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, <\/span>find the publication(s) you want to write for, look for their writers guidelines, and present a well-composed pitch<\/b> that reflects your writing style, the fact that you\u2019ve read the guidelines and the publication, and are pitching something complementary to their repertoire. <\/span>You\u2019ve only got a few sentences to wow an editor; a well-written pitch should take about as long to compose as the article you\u2019re hoping to get hired to write. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I found most of my initial freelance gigs by surfing around and hand-picking publications I wanted to pitch to. Remember: hand-picking doesn\u2019t mean being ultra-choosy \u2013 it\u2019s a numbers game. Ernest Hemingway plastered his bedroom with rejection slips before he ever got published. Chances of being published are higher since Hemmingway\u2019s days, but the principle still applies; <\/span>cast the net wide and expect rejections.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a great resource with the <\/i><\/span>24 Top Freelance Writing Sites to Find Jobs <\/i><\/span>in 2021<\/a>.

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Regular Columns vs One-Off Articles<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regular writing gigs are always the way to go if you can get them. You spend less time researching and pitching to editors, and more time getting published (and paid).<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to try and convert one-off articles into regular gigs; as your first article is being published, pitch another idea to the editor. If you work together well, the editor would rather hire writers they know and can set expectations for.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting Rates<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Three factors influence what you can charge: industry trends, medium, and experience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry Trends<\/b>: Going-rates are always changing; especially online rates, which have risen dramatically over the last few years. Concurrently, the print industry hasn\u2019t done as well, and in many cases has reduced pay and slashed staff.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medium<\/b>: Despite recent trends, print as a medium generally pays more than internet; however this gap appears to be narrowing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience<\/b>: As you establish credibility in your niche, you can charge rates accordingly. Editors will pay more money for articles from experienced writers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In approximate terms, a lucrative gig in print pays $1\/word, and a lucrative blogging gig pays about half that. <\/b>(These are very general ranges, based on my experience and research; compensation schemes and structures vary dramatically. If anybody has something different to contribute, please respond in the comments).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The above are rates to shoot for, rather than to expect.<\/b> When you\u2019re getting started, go for gigs that you feel will give you value \u2013 if not monetary, then a valuable credit to your portfolio and exposure to new readers. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A note about writing for free:<\/b> This is a touchy subject among writers. All writers want bylines and exposure, especially when getting started. Some publishers know this, and are willing to exploit it. Unfortunately, if too many writers are willing to write for free, as an industry, we are telling editors that our work doesn\u2019t have enough value to pay for. Inherently, writing for free dilutes rates paid to writers across the board. So please, even though a publication may promise exposure and perhaps backlinks too, consider how it affects the industry as a whole. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To cap off this chapter, remember that <\/span>developing a freelance writing\/blogging career takes time; don\u2019t get into it for the fame and fortune!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back to top ^<\/a>

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Chapter 2: 10 Rules for Earning Income as a Freelance Writer<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are 10 rules for earning an income as a freelance writer, inspired by the (discontinued) Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #1: If You Know it, You Can (Get Paid to) Write It<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Freelance writing isn\u2019t quite this simple, but it\u2019s not far off. If you have an area of expertise, chances are there\u2019s somebody out there who wants to read about it, and somebody else yet who will pay you to write about it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use your valuable knowledge to make a little extra money on the side, or make a full-time career of it. But remember \u2013 it\u2019s a job, and one that\u2019s not always so easy to land.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #2: Freelancing is a Mindset<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2026and that mindset is not for the weak of stomach. It can be a \u201cfeast or famine\u201d environment \u2013 one in which you are either inundated with too much work, or wondering what just happened to all the work. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #3: There\u2019s a Niche With Your Name on It<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m a big fan of \u201cthe niche\u201d, having combined my former-life expertise as a financial planner with my full-time travel lifestyle. Whamo: The art of financially sustainable travel. Outside the world of my niche-like website, I write about finance for travel publications, and travel for finance publications. Thus, I\u2019ve found footing in two industries that find my stuff unique and useful.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel writing is just one niche within the freelance writing genre; maybe you want to travel full-time, but your expertise is in widgets. Don\u2019t write about travel then (there are too many aspiring travel writers out there to compete with); instead, write about widgets! Widgets are a means to your lifestyle, which can include travel if you wish.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, blogging is just one modality of freelance writing. You don\u2019t have to be just a blogger, or a print journalist, or a copywriter \u2013 you can be a little of all three, and more! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #4: Pitches Are Paramount<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The world is not going to beat a path to your door to hire you as a freelance writer. (Not initially, at least). Thus, you must learn the art of pitching. In addition to pitches, you might consider writing Letters of Introduction, which introduce your expertise to trade magazines and certain publications in a more informal and open-ended manner than conventional pitches.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #5: The Art of Networking, Online and Otherwise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Given my ever-absent travel lifestyle, I never gave much thought to in-person networking with editors and people who might hire me. But in this digital world, we\u2019re all relegated to interacting with words, not people. Thus meeting a real live person stands to leave a deeper impression than the person behind yet-another-email. Those editors who I’ve met in person have become instrumental to my career, and have rehired me many times. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to in-person networking, I believe LinkedIn is the most useful yet underused social media platform for writers. Some my highest-paying gigs came out of the blue through LinkedIn.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #6: Get Regular<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instead of spending your time pitching to editor after editor, wouldn\u2019t it be nice to have a regular column that you write? (I can also attest to this \u2013 in spades). Always be angling towards a regular column; remember, it’s easier for editors to rehire writers they already work well with than to find new talent, so it’s a win-win.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #7: There\u2019s No Such Thing as Traditional Any More<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are in changing times. The print industry isn\u2019t going away by any stretch, but it is changing, especially with the advent of online media becoming more viable (and profitable). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #8: Rates are a Moving Target<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your rates will change as your freelance writing career evolves. Although you might see fit to accept a free or low-paying gig in the beginning to develop your portfolio, years on you wouldn\u2019t (or shouldn\u2019t) dream of it. Also consider some non-monetary forms of compensation a publication and provide you (such as backlinks), as well as ways you can command higher rates (such as promoting the content you write for them through your social networks). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #9: Get a Blog<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A blog can showcase your expertise, your writing style, and your published work. With this blog, editors will start to come to you for your voice and expertise \u2013 for which you can start to charge higher-than-market rates. (This has happened to me; I don\u2019t generally send out pitches any more).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rule #10: All Freelance Writers Are Hacks<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2026.or at least we all feel like we\u2019re hacks. Who would want to read my drivel about xyz? (Well, you\u2019re reading this article, so I guess that answers that).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some feel inadequate because they don\u2019t have a journalism degree, some feel inadequate because they\u2019ve never been published by a national magazine, some feel inadequate because they\u2019ve never published a book, some feel inadequate because their book never made the New York Times bestseller list, and some feel inadequate because their book only stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for six weeks. – Amber Adrian<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Back to top ^<\/a>

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Chapter 3: The Skinny on Earning Money as a Travel Writer<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to travel around the world, enjoying complimentary luxury and pampering at every turn, seeing and doing adventurous things in exotic places? And then commit your awesome experiences to paper and make wads of money doing it?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yeah, me too.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t get me wrong \u2013 I call myself a travel writer, and indeed I make money writing. But I write about more than just travel; I incorporate my personal finance expertise and lifestyle design experience to work in a niche that is less populated and therefore easier to get noticed in. (If you look at my <\/span>Writing & Publicity<\/span><\/a> page, you\u2019ll see lots of financial publications in there).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to sustain your travels with travel writing, far be it for me to stop you. But be sure to view it as a business, market yourself accordingly, and give yourself time to start generating (decent) income before you rely on it to keep your travels going.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a fabulous no-holds-barred resource to learn about what it is to become a travel writer, written by my friend and colleague Tim Leffel<\/a>: Travel Writing 2.0: Earning Money From Your Travels in the New Media Landscape<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Chapter 4: How to Earn Money With Extra Luggage Space<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Got some extra space in your luggage? With peer to peer shipping you can earn some extra money to support yourself while traveling. While it\u2019s an interesting idea, it\u2019s not perfect. Read on.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Peer to Peer Shipping?<\/span> (also called Crowdshipping)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever tried to order something from Amazon but they won\u2019t ship the item to the country where you are? Or are you stymied by the prices and unreliability of international shipping? Maybe you love a specific product from a place you once visited and you want more but they don\u2019t ship. You might be in the market for a private shipper through peer to peer shipping sites and forums.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelers: As a private shipper, it\u2019s your job to pick up the item that somebody wants but can\u2019t get and to deliver it to them<\/b> (sometimes buying it on behalf of the owner; other times just picking up an item that is paid for).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commonly Shipped Items<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Items that can\u2019t be shipped internationally are prime candidates for peer to peer shipping; for example, small electronics, spare parts, clothing, vitamins, phones, cameras, and food items.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you can get as creative as you want with peer-to-peer shipping: you could be hired to escort somebody\u2019s pet \u2013 or even grandmother \u2013 on a flight. It\u2019s all about supply and demand.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problems With Peer to Peer Shipping<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I started writing this chapter after being contacted by a representative from a company called ShipItSocial and becoming intrigued by the idea. Shortly thereafter I was (serendipitously) contacted by another peer-to-peer shipping startup called SpaceHitch.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then, ShipItSocial has gone under, and SpaceHitch still hasn\u2019t launched. I would presume this has to do with a few factors \u2013 problems with peer-to-peer shipping \u2013 that include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n