It takes a lot of planning and preparation for long term travel. Whether you take a sabbatical from work or quit a job completely, it is a big deal. You would have saved enough money to maximize your traveling experience. But if you could keep making a little bit of extra pocket money while you're on the road, it would just be an icing on the cake. For example, remote working is a popular option that benefits both businesses and employees. Employers can save the cost of resources such as office while the arrangement gives employees more flexibility.
There is a wide range of remote working opportunities; programming, designing, bookkeeping, data entry, virtual assistant, or any type of consultancy work.
There are a few things you can do to earn money while traveling, so that you can use it to make your journey a little more luxurious than you initially planned.
1. Take a Camera with You
Your photography skills may not be up to scratch as a professional photographer, but you will have chances to capture breathtaking moments that others don't normally have, particularly you are visiting somewhere exotic. African safaris, for example. There are demands for good, unusual digital images and you may be able to monetize your experience by selling licenses on stock photo sites. Here are some sites that you may want to try;
- Adobe Stock
- Getty Images via Flickr
- Shutterstock
- Alarmy
- PhotoShelter
- Etsy
- TourPhotos
- Fotomoto
- Crestock
- Snapped4u
- 500px
While phone photography may be anathema to some photographers, using your smartphone to capture images and instantly upload them to social media is a fantastic way of increasing your audience. Any photographer worth their salt today will have a presence on social media so that they can easily share their best photos with as wide an audience as possible.
You never know when you are going to come across that killer image - the one that everyone else wants to use as well. All it takes is one such image and you can earn yourself a nice pay check.
2. Start Blogging
Blogging is not as hard as you think, and you can make money by blogging as an affiliate. Two of the most popular ways that travel bloggers do to make money are by;
- Placing advertisements such as Google Adsense and get paid by PPC (pay per click) or PPM (pay per 1,000 impressions) and,
- Placing Amazon Native ads and recommend products that are related to your blog contents.
If you are still at a planning stage of your travel, you should start blogging now because you can only improve the whole experience by trying and testing over time. You cannot start blogging and make money overnight.
Your blog doesn't have to be about traveling. In fact, it's better to write about what you know best. For example, a friend of mine is a DIY electronics geek and wrote about engineering while traveling around the world, the niche of which is totally unrelated to his travel experience.
3. Get A Job At A Gas Station
You might be wondering, "Why work at a gas station?" Well, gas stations are almost everywhere, and they often need people to help out. They let you use their bathroom. Some of them even have shower rooms for travelers for free. And some of them let you work for a short-to-medium term.
Some friends of mine who travel around the world stay at motels, work online in the morning and work at gas station in the afternoon, so they can always have a double stream of income.
The Basics: What Do You Do?
If you've never worked at a gas station before, here's a quick rundown. You might be pumping gas, working the cash register, stocking items, or keeping the place clean. It's a job that keeps you on your toes, but it's not too hard to learn.
Legal Stuff: Work Permits and Visas
Before you get too excited, there's some paperwork to think about. In most countries, you'll need a work permit or a specific visa to work legally. Check out the country's rules and make sure you get the right paperwork in order. No one wants unexpected surprises or problems with the law!
Getting the Job: Tips and Tricks
Okay, so you've decided you want to give it a go. Here are a few steps to help you land that job:
- Ask Around: Sometimes, just asking locals or fellow travelers can point you in the right direction.
- Dress the Part: Look clean and presentable when you ask about a job or hand in your resume.
- Learn Basic Terms: If you're in a country where you don't speak the language, learn a few words related to the job. It shows you're eager and willing to learn.
The Perks: More than Just Money
Sure, a paycheck is great, but there's more to the job than just money. Here are a few cool things you might experience:
- Meeting Locals: You'll meet a lot of people every day. It's a great way to understand local culture and maybe even pick up some of the language.
- Flexible Hours: Many gas stations are open long hours, so there's a chance you can pick shifts that work for your travel plans.
- Learn New Skills: Handling money, providing customer service, and working in a fast-paced environment are all skills that can be handy in the future.
Challenges to Consider
Of course, no job is without its challenges. Here are a few things to think about:
- Language Barrier: If you're not fluent in the local language, there might be some misunderstandings. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right?
- Different Work Culture: Every place has its way of doing things. Be open-minded and adaptable.
- Physical Work: Standing for long hours or lifting heavy things might be part of the job. Make sure you're up for it!
Working at a gas station abroad might not be the first job that comes to mind, but it can be a cool experience. It offers a chance to earn, learn, and immerse yourself in a new culture. So, if you're open to trying something different, why not give it a shot? Safe travels and happy working!
Making Money While You Travel
Long term travel broadens your mind and enriches your life experience. It will change the way you look at things. But if the opportunity never seems feasible for you because of money, there are always ways to earn money while traveling without stressing yourself out. Think about it, there may be more important things in life than spending the majority of waking hours at work.
