How to Make Money While Traveling Abroad (Without Selling Your Organs)

So, you want to gallivant across the globe and still afford guac on your tacos? Good news, you don’t have to become a travel influencer with a pet llama to make it work. Whether you’re a broke backpacker, a seasoned digital nomad, or someone who just wants to sip espresso in Italy while avoiding corporate Zoom calls—this guide is for you.

Why You Should Make Money While Traveling (Other Than the Obvious)

Yes, travel is magical, but running out of cash in a foreign country isn’t. Making money while traveling lets you:

Extend your trip beyond your savings account’s expiration date
Avoid awkward calls home asking your mom to Venmo you again
Actually enjoy the ride instead of stress-scrolling through your banking app

Let’s dive into the most creative, effective, and semi-responsible ways to fund your wanderlust.

1. Freelance Like a Boss (or Pretend to Be One)

If you can write, design, edit videos, manage social media, or organize spreadsheets like a wizard—congrats! You’re already ahead.

Top Freelance Sites:

Upwork: Like Tinder, but for jobs and with fewer shirtless mirror selfies.
Fiverr: Offer bite-sized services and upsell like a legend.
Toptal: For fancy people with serious skills.
LinkedIn: Build your profile and search for freelance opportunities right in your network.

Pro Tip: Create a niche. The internet loves specialists. Be the “vegan food copywriter” or “fitness funnel king.”

2. Teach English (Or Anything Else You Know More About Than a 6-Year-Old)

English is your golden ticket, and teaching it online is like getting paid to have coffee chats with adorable kids or awkward adults. Or maybe you want to teach other languages or skills!

Best Platforms:

Cambly: Chatty gig, no lesson planning.
Preply: Set your own rate. Cha-ching.
VIPKid: Structured, great pay—but only if you like early mornings and smiling a lot.
iTalki: A great option for teaching multiple languages.

Also great: teaching Spanish, guitar, or even how to do your taxes (you wild thing).

3. Start a Travel Blog (Because the World Needs More Opinions)

Blogging is the long game. It won’t make you rich overnight, but with consistency, it can become a money-making machine fueled by SEO, affiliate links, and your irresistible charm.

Make Money Blogging With:

Affiliate links (Amazon, Booking.com, gear you swear by)
Sponsored posts (when brands start sliding into your DMs)
Selling digital products (more on that soon)

Tools to Start: WordPress + Canva + ConvertKit = Blog world domination

4. Work Remotely (Like, With a Real Paycheck and Everything)

Not into hustling? Good. Plenty of companies now hire remote workers who don’t care if you work from Bali, Boise, or your grandma’s basement. If you can work from anywhere, consider these common roles:

Remote Jobs You Can Do:

Virtual Assistant
Content Writer
Web Designer
Data Analyst

Remote Job Boards That Don’t Suck:

FlexJobs: Curated listings that won’t steal your soul.
We Work Remotely: Tech, marketing, design—you name it.
Remote OK: Great if you want startup vibes and flexible hours.

Pro Tip: Look for “asynchronous” roles so you’re not up at 3 a.m. explaining KPIs.

5. Trade Your Labor for Shelter (AKA The Broke Nomad’s Life Hack)

Want to live in a treehouse in Costa Rica without selling your kidneys? Enter work exchanges. You can work for food, shelter, or even travel perks.

Awesome Platforms:

Worldpackers: Volunteer gigs with reviews.
Workaway: Jobs range from hostel check-ins to goat yoga.
WWOOF: Organic farms, dirt under your nails, wholesome vibes.
Au Pair: Work as a nanny, get free accommodation, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Cruise Ships: Enjoy free accommodation, food, and travel perks while working as a chef, bartender, or entertainer.

You get food, a bed, and unforgettable stories. Probably some blisters too.

6. Sell Digital Stuff (Because Passive Income Is Sexy)

Create it once, sell it forever. That’s the dream.

Digital Product Ideas:

Lightroom presets for people who travel but can’t use Photoshop
Travel itineraries, packing checklists, eBooks
Canva templates (because everyone’s a content creator now)

Where to Sell:

Gumroad
Etsy
Payhip

7. Be a Virtual Assistant or Social Media Sorcerer

If you’re organized, love a good color-coded planner, and don’t mind scheduling someone else’s dentist appointment—VA life is for you.

You Could Be:

A Pinterest manager
A customer support ninja
An email inbox whisperer

Where to Find Work:

Facebook groups (join, pitch, profit)
ph (great for beginners)

Belay (if you want structure and stability)

8. Monetize That Thing You’re Good At (Yes, Even Knitting)

Graphic design, tarot readings, writing breakup poems on Etsy—whatever your talent is, there’s probably a market.

Offer your services to:

Hostels
Tour companies
Local cafes that need Instagram-worthy menus

Photography: If you love snapping pics of sunsets or local food, you can sell those photos on stock photo websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock.

9. Invest, Trade, and Pretend You're on Wall Street (Optional)

Not for the faint of heart, but if you’re savvy with money, passive income from stocks, ETFs, or crypto can help extend your travels.

Platforms to Try:

Robinhood
Vanguard (for index funds)

eToro (for high-risk, high-reward daydreams)

Pro Tips From Someone Who’s Spilled Coffee on Their Laptop in 6 Countries

Always have backup income sources
Get a VPN. Seriously.
Budget like your Airbnb depends on it (it does)
Travel insurance = peace of mind + fewer GoFundMe campaigns
Don’t forget taxes. The IRS has Wi-Fi too.

Best Tools for Digital Nomad Glory

Notion – Your brain in digital form
Trello – Task management but make it aesthetic
Trail Wallet – Budgeting that doesn’t suck
Wise – Send money, save on fees

Clockify – Track your time so clients don’t ghost you

Final Thoughts (And a Not-So-Subtle Nudge)

Making money while traveling is 90% mindset, 10% strong Wi-Fi. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always worth it. Be scrappy, stay curious, and for the love of all things caffeinated—back up your files.

You don’t need a million followers or a trust fund. You just need guts, Google, and maybe a decent backpack.

Earning Money While Traveling