It’s been said that you can’t earn money at the same time you are spending it. Apply this to travelling and it would stand to reason that there’s no chance of earning an income while gallivanting across the globe, right?
Wrong!
There are countless ways to earn a living while also fulfilling your wanderlust. For those willing to work on the go, travelling the world and earning money at the same time don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Just make sure you keep the appropriate records to fill out your tax returns for the year. These types of jobs can get tricky as far as that is concerned.
Work on a Sailing Boat or Cruise Ship
Probably one of the most dreamt of travel/work arrangements is to work as a deckhand or cook on a sailing yacht around the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Working on a cruise ship is another popular option and typically offers better earning potential than private yachts, as well the chance to network and meet people from around the world. From activity coordinators, photographers, hospitality staff, and housekeeping staff, hundreds of staff make the many services available to passengers and help to make cruise liners function smoothly.
Hostel Work
Most of the staff in hostels are made up of travellers who are passing through as part of their own extended trips abroad. If you work with one of the main hostel networks in Europe or the USA through companies like Hostelling International, it can mean you can arrange a job in a hostel before you arrive in your next destination. Some hostels may not provide much in the way of a paycheque, but they will provide free accommodation and food, which can be almost as good for travellers.
Work Online
A reliable internet connection creates much potential to work remotely from wherever in the world you may be. Whether freelancing through sites like oDesk or working for other clients around the world completing many outsourced tasks, online work allows the flexibility for travellers to schedule their work as they need it and take on as much or as little as they desire. It’s also possible to earn money on the financial markets by trading currencies. There are several reputable companies like Learn To Trade that offer training courses so individuals can arm themselves with the knowledge they need to invest in the foreign exchange market. With the right strategy, there are many secondary income streams that require little more than a computer and internet connection.
Seasonal Work
For those chasing the snow or the sun, fruit picking, farm work, and working in a ski resort all offer the option of short-term work in varied locations across the globe. Many seasonal positions are also a great way to get off the beaten path – something many travellers are striving for. Just remember: the work ends when the season changes, and even though this suits many travellers, it’s always a good idea to have a plan beyond the season.
Teach English or Tutor
Teaching English abroad is one of the most common jobs taken by those who want to live and work abroad. For those who have skills in maths or science, or can play a musical instrument, tutoring or offering private lessons is also a popular option. If you teach via online video link or Skype, it’s possible to tutor people from anywhere in the world.
Of course, this is just a glimpse of the many ways travellers can earn money while on the road. There are always sales, café, and retail positions for travellers to earn money in cities and towns worldwide. If you know any other ways to earn an income while globetrotting, help a fellow traveller out and share your tips below.
