Travelling the world is a rite of passage for many young people, before they settle down into further education or a life of their own. World travel can expose you to a great variety of new sights and experiences, but can also cost a serious amount of money – with the unfortunate effect of pricing many out of the opportunity.
But travel should not be discounted simply due to a smaller initial budget. Indeed, there are many ways the enterprising traveller can make their own money while travelling, to extend their trip and make the most of the experience.
Teaching English
One of the foremost methods backpackers and long-term travellers use to extend their trip is to teach English. This is an especially useful path to go down if you are spending extended lengths of time in certain countries or areas. There are programmes specifically designed to facilitate travel to other countries, with TEFL programmes placing applicants in schools around the world for months or even years at a time.
For the traveller looking to be a bit freer and easier with their movements, offering services as an independent freelancer can be a simple and easy way to make quick money before moving on. Of course, teaching English effectively is a skill, and you should ensure you have the right training and knowledge before attempting to do so.
Making Money Online
We live in a world more connected than ever before – a godsend for travellers when it comes to keeping in contact with family and friends while experiencing new things on the other side of the world. This connectivity can also be indispensable for subsidising your travels, and even earning a full-time salary on the move.
A new breed of worker has emerged in this regard, in the form of the ‘digital nomad’. Digital nomads work either as remote employees or freelancers, able to carry out their work responsibilities wherever they choose to stay. Countries are catching on to the phenomenon, and introducing new laws to enable international visitors to make money online while travelling.
For those travelling without a freelance or remote career to generate income from, there are other ways to grow wealth on your terms – and even from your hobbies. If you enjoy interacting with stock and forex markets, you might engage in spread betting; if you enjoy photography, you might create a social media account for your artwork and seek sponsorship for your work.
Working Hospitality
Lastly, an evergreen option for the travelling tourist is to seek hospitality work wherever you land. Hostels are popular spots for travellers owing to their low cost and proximity to attractions and landmarks; they also often employ travellers on short-term bases in exchange for room and board, or sometimes for an hourly wage.
For longer stays, you may be able to find gainful employment in one of the many bars and restaurants of your destination city. Securing a longer-term contract can give you key financial security, and ensure you can continue your travels without worry.
