Five Ways to Make Money While Traveling Abroad

Do you ever wonder how so many people can afford to travel and visit far off lands?

Traveling is a great way to recharge your batteries; relax, take in the scenery, and soak up the sunshine and fresh air. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the travel expenses and they miss out on some grand sites to behold.

Well, there is an option for cash-strapped travelers. How would you like to make some money while traveling?

You likely won’t need any extra travel items to make this happen. It could be a laptop and internet connection or willingness to work a little bit and that getaway is much more affordable.

Below are some unique ideas to help earn a few extra dollars and pay for your expenditures.

For those of you who are savvy with the computer, you may want to give these ideas a try:

Video Calling

Programs like Skype work perfectly for people who are trying to maintain a job while abroad.

Traveling teachers can use the technology to give lessons. Anyone who needs to attend business meetings can set up a connection and call in.

Teletherapy is also a growing trend for therapists and doctors. They can provide counseling and consultation to clients from thousands of miles away with just a laptop.

Freelance Work

Another perk of the digital age.

Sites like Upwork can help find freelance work throughout the world. This can be a solution to find paying short-term jobs in various professional fields.

Looking for something a bit less official?

Apps like EasyShift and TaskRabbit help find side jobs within the area. While it may not have the same high pay or benefits of something more professional, it’s an easy way to make quick cash while running errands.

Physical Work

The tech-based jobs may not be for everyone. Some travelers may want to make cash while getting to know the locals or working outside. These jobs might also offer the perks of a free meal or housing in exchange for the hard work.

Travelers to Burundi, Nepal and Tanzania shouldn’t have trouble finding farming jobs. According to the World Bank, these three countries have some of the highest percentages of farming jobs in the world.

Some destinations do well in guaranteeing fair conditions for their working force. Uruguay, South Africa and Barbados offer legislation to protect local labor-workers.

House Sitting

Consider this a cross between work and Airbnb.

Many sites offer a professional community for travelers that want to watch over a person’s house while they’re traveling. It can be a great way to offset the expense of a hotel.

These opportunities rarely pay, but do offer free room and board, a kitchen, and a chance to play with animals if the owner has pets. It may not be money in your pocket, but it’s an excellent option to save on hotels.

Street Performing

Do you like to sing, play a musical instrument or have some other weird talent? Busking or street performing may not pay for the whole trip, but can put some much-needed money in your pocket.

This is obviously less of an option for shy travelers and more for the outgoing bunch. But, it could just require your guitar, flexibility or charisma to make money.

Just make sure to pick your location correctly. While many love the joy of street performers, some countries are more fit for busking than others. Destinations like Germany, France, Morocco and India have earned reputations for excellent street performing.

Are you in need of a passport? Taking a trip soon and unsure which documents are required? Passport Health offers passport and visa services to fulfill all your travel document needs.

Written for Passport Health by Sabrina Cortes. Sabrina is a freelance writer with a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgian Court University. She currently lives in the Smokey Mountains of western North Carolina.