Making a Living While You Travel

Those interested in learning how to travel permanently should begin by establishing reasonable goals. Believe us, we know what it's like

There is a less-than-glamorous side to full-time travel that few people talk about. If you want to know if full-time travel is right for you, you have to break through this mask.

Several factors are listed below.

Insights for those considering a nomadic lifestyle

It takes a strong person to uproot their lives and devote themselves to a life of constant travel. Don't uproot your entire life without reading these travel guidelines first.

First, you can't run from your responsibilities.

Work and savings are inevitable if you plan to make travel a permanent part of your life.

Financial planning, finding cheap lodging, and sticking to a strict budget are all essential parts of full-time travel and require a lot of forethought and preparation.  

Do yourself a favor and start saving early for your trip so you can feel confident about your financial stability while you're away. It can be difficult to find steady work and a reliable income while constantly on the move.

Loneliness is a problem that needs to be addressed.

People who can travel full-time and are comfortable with the idea of being alone while doing so are known as "digital nomads."

Full-time nomads and location independents, especially the more introverted and solitary among them, may struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness unless they actively seek companionship.  

You can expand your social circle by meeting people in different parts of the world, but you may find that you long for the close bonds you've forged back at home.  

Important Travel Gear for Women

Third, getting sick is difficult and sometimes fatal.

It's no picnic to get sick, and it's even worse if you don't have health insurance. When you're on your own, it can be terrifying to deal with health issues like a fever, stomachache, swollen feet, food poisoning, or an allergic reaction.

The situation is especially dire in places with subpar medical care. If you plan on making travel your primary occupation, it is imperative that you obtain both international health insurance and travel insurance.

TravelInsurance.com and Insured Nomads are two options to look into. There is no connection between the two (despite their names), but they are both favorites here at VT because they are useful to digital nomads.

A further discussion of them is planned for later on...

Check out this related article for more information on the current high cost of air travel.

4. Your physical condition will deteriorate

When you're on the go, it's easy to make poor food choices because they're quick and cheap, but this can have negative effects on your health.

It can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine when you're constantly on the move, as most full-time travelers don't have access to a kitchen.  

It's the same with lodging. It's appealing to try to cut costs by staying in a cheap motel or camping out. But I know of a few budget hotels and hostels that would give the CDC nightmares, and sleeping outside exposes you to the elements.

Try not to doubt me Eventually, Lauren Juliff had to give up the nomadic lifestyle because of the toll it was taking on her health.

You should not take up full-time travel unless you are prepared to make the necessary adjustments to your current way of life in order to thrive in your nomadic lifestyle.  

Related: Top Alternatives to Expedia for Booking Your Next Vacation

Five, it forces you to step outside your usual routine.

It's true that the challenges you face while traveling full-time—like missing flights, getting sick, getting robbed, getting lonely, or getting stuck in a financial rut—will teach you lessons that will alter the course of your life.

As an added precaution, you should be financially stable before embarking on your trip. That includes both good times and bad In fact, stepping outside of your mental routine is beneficial because it forces you to discover who you really are as a thinker.

If you've made it this far and still want to know how to travel full-time, then you're a real trooper.

You might have what it takes to be a nomadic nomad full-time. Now that we've covered the negatives, here's how to get going.

Making a Living While Traveling Full-Time.

Now we come to the most difficult part of making travel a full-time occupation: generating income. If you have no experience in any of the following fields, you shouldn't expect to make six figures doing any of the work listed here. In fact, don't count on making a six-figure salary even if you have experience.

In addition to being able to financially support a life of constant travel, good budgeting skills are essential for those who aspire to the digital nomad lifestyle. Unless you plan on working until you die, you'll need to make sure you have enough money saved to retire comfortably.

Telecommuting or remote work is when an employee is not physically present at their place of employment Although the pay is lower for newcomers, it is still possible to make enough money to support your trip if you diversify your income streams.

Keep in mind that the majority of nomads rely on a variety of jobs while on the road.  

• For instance, world traveler Lindsay McKenzie of FollowYourDetour.com juggles the roles of blogger, consultant, freelance writer, and virtual assistant.
• Alex Reynolds, of LostWithPurpose.com, is another avid traveler who blogs, does graphic design, and dabbles in web development to make ends meet.  

Taking on multiple projects at once can be more time-consuming and stressful than working a single job, but it's necessary if you want to travel full-time like our countrymen here.

For more, check out this article on the top travel necessities to keep in a small suitcase.

1 Consider Freelancing From Home

The majority of people who want to see the world but can't afford to take time off their jobs usually choose to do some sort of online freelancing. Website designers, travel writers, and content editors will never be out of work.

Sites like Flexjobs, which connect independent contractors with clients, are gold mines for digital nomads. For the most part, experience in a specific field is all that's needed to accept assignments.  

Although those lacking experience or credentials may have trouble landing their first project, they often find a steady stream of work after completing a few projects for satisfied clients.

The following are examples of highly sought-after jobs on freelance marketplaces:

• Writing
• Translation
• Editing
• Article Creation
• Web design
• Data entry
• Picture Retouching
• Revision of previously written material

Join a travel blogging community.

It's not surprising that many people who travel full-time end up starting blogs about their adventures. Generating a plethora of content that appeals to those with a passion for travel is a natural byproduct of seeing the world.

Briefly put, "travel blogging" is the practice of going on trips and writing about them in a blog.

There are many other travel blogs where you can learn about the latest happenings at popular tourist destinations or read reviews written by past visitors. Any one of these blogs could be your ticket to insider information about your next vacation spot.

Plan on documenting your trip through well-written prose and stunning photographs, and then construct your website in accordance with industry standards. Your travel blog is your job and your career; treat it as such.

Making money as a travel blogger is possible with hard work and dedication. The challenge is real, though. How much money you make writing a blog about travel will depend heavily on the specific niche you choose.

If you cater to vacationers who only travel during certain times of the year, you can expect both a surge of interest and a lull in foot traffic. Affiliate marketing, PPC ads, display ads via Ezoic, and sponsored posts are just a few ways to turn a profit from your blog.

As your travel blog's readership grows, you may be able to leverage it into free trips by forming partnerships with hotels, tourism boards, and other brands worldwide.

Rather than focusing on financial gain, prioritize the needs of your target audience. Your blog's advertising revenue will rise or fall depending on the quality of the relationships you strike with other businesses.

Related: Top Destinations for Group Vacations

Try your hand at being a translator

Freelance marketplaces are a great place for bilinguals and native speakers of a given language to find multiple projects, but it is also possible to find contract work in other settings.

Schools may be a good resource for native English speakers looking for short-term employment.

Gaining TEFL certification could improve your job prospects.  

If French is your first language, the Alliance Francaise may be able to put you to work.

Opportunities for German speakers abroad can be found by contacting the local Goethe Institute. Libraries and universities are great places to look for translation jobs.  

Freelance translators can find independent websites such as Verbling, Speakt, and Unbabel in addition to the major freelance marketplaces.  

If you're good at what you do, tutoring can be a lucrative career.

Some potential solutions are listed below.

Traveling musicians can make a good living by instructing others in the art of playing an instrument.

Online guitar, violin, piano, horn, and voice teachers are available through services like LessonFace.  

Do you consider yourself a math whiz?

Besides mathematics, TutorMe also seeks out tutors who specialize in a wide range of other disciplines, such as physics, biology, calculus, chemistry, geometry, and even accounting.  

And you might be thinking about teaching English abroad. If you're interested in teaching English abroad, you can find jobs as an English tutor on sites like Preply and FlexJobs.

Take advantage of your expertise by offering consulting services to businesses.

Join FlexJobs to find clients in need of your expertise.  

Develop a program: The key to long-term travel is capitalizing on your expertise to earn money.

One of the largest marketplaces for online courses is Udemy, where you can host your course in text or video format.  

For a detailed step-by-step guide on locating mistake fares, read How to Locate Them [Exclusive].

Five, Find a Part-Time Job at a Hostel

Staying at a hostel can be a great way to meet people and find work because hostel owners are often more flexible than hoteliers when it comes to hiring.

Help out by becoming a yoga instructor, event coordinator, massage therapist, house cleaner, or cook.

You can either barter your services for free accommodation with the owner or negotiate a standard rate of pay.  

Things I've Learned Since Becoming a Digital Nomad is Related Reading.

Make Money From Your Photographs, Number Six

How about you, do you consider yourself a travel photographer?

Selling your photos on marketplaces like Etsy, Shutterstock, and 500px is a great way to make money while traveling full-time.

You can make some passive income through these sites, but they do take a cut of what you make.  

If you're into writing travelogues, you can monetize your site by selling photos you've taken along the way. One exceptionally well-written piece with accompanying images could make your blog successful for several years.

For more on my birthday vacation destinations, see the related post.

Performing While Busking 7

Do you have any artistic abilities that would be useful in a performance setting? Busking is a fantastic way to make some extra money if you have any sort of musical talent, whether it be singing, dancing, or playing an instrument like the violin, guitar, or piano.

However, before getting started, you should check the local laws to make sure you won't be breaking any.

8. Dog Sit

Animal-loving tourists may want to consider pet sitting. It is a great way to save money on hotel costs when you travel. In addition to staying in free accommodations anywhere in the world, you'll also have the chance to look after cute animoos.

Join a social networking site like Rover and meet other dog owners. People who are either looking for cat sitters or who are interested in becoming cat sitters can benefit greatly from using Meowtel.

For more on where families should go during spring break, see the related article.

You should try to find a full-time job that you can do from home.

Looking for advice on how to travel while working full-time? Whether you're looking for work as a virtual assistant, account executive, social media copywriter, or something else entirely, SolidGigs is a great resource for finding and applying to full-time opportunities in your field.  

The ability to work from home has become much more common in recent years, thanks in large part to the pandemic, and is likely to stick around for good.

Market Items Virtually

Selling products online, either through your own website or a marketplace like Amazon, is a viable option for those looking to make money from home. First, get your hands on a high-quality camera so you can take pictures of the items you plan to sell.

Since eBay is an established marketplace with a large community of sellers and buyers, you are more likely to find customers who are interested in your products if you use it as your platform of choice.

If you already have a storefront set up (or you just don't feel like dealing with account setup), you can also use Amazon or Shopify.

Related: Top Vacation Spots to Enjoy Some Downtime

11. Participate in Market and Opinion Polls

It's possible to find survey companies that will pay you to take surveys online or even to answer research questions about your hobbies and interests, depending on the type of work you're looking for. Companies like these are fantastic because they allow for a wide range of shift times, often operating around the clock.

Pay is offered by these businesses in exchange for your honest feedback on a wide range of consumer goods and services, from cosmetics to dining establishments.

This type of work may help you save enough money to cover your basic needs, or at least to afford beers on Friday, even if the income is significantly lower than that of a travel blogger.

Release an electronic book.

One of the easiest ways to support oneself while traveling the world is to publish an ebook. Writing and selling ebooks is a fantastic side hustle, and it's even better if you can combine it with house sitting or pet sitting jobs while traveling.

What's best is that it's a breeze to do. You can get started right away if you have the wherewithal to access the internet and some free software (like Microsoft Word).

Online publishing makes it possible to share your writing with the world, whether it be a how-to guide or a collection of self-help hints. There are a ton of places people can go to read your ebook once it's out there, and right now Amazon offers some fantastic distribution choices.

Related: Top Food Photography Presets

Turn into a Power Player

With influencer marketing, you can make money while helping others. The content they create is promoted and the influencers who promote it are compensated monetarily by the brands whose products they promote. Your options for making money are not limited to creating and selling your own goods and services or merely promoting those of others.

Influencer marketing can be either paid for or earned. To clarify, paid influencers are those who receive financial compensation for their efforts, while earned influencers do not charge for their work but may accept products or services in exchange for their promotion.

Sponsorships and partnerships with various brands that either pay cash or supply products allow an influencer to afford to travel and pursue this form of digital nomadism.

Converting Stock Options Into Cash

In what ways have you dealt with the stock market before? You can make a living day trading even if you're not physically located in the United States.

The stock market is yet another way to generate income remotely and while you're on the road. It's possible to make a lot of money quickly if you know what you're doing and have some cash on hand.

The greater the potential reward, the more likely it is that the investment will fail. If you're willing to put in the work, the reward could more than cover your travel expenses.

If you're really great, you might even be able to pay for your next vacation with the money you save.

You may also be interested in: The World's Most Beautiful Cities

Vlogging, or Video Blogging 15

Incorporate YouTube video blogging into your content strategy by making instructional videos for your audience. You'd be surprised by the variety of content that attracts millions of views.

What do you do for a living? Connecting videos you've shot on your trip to your travel blog is another option.

You can start working with companies that are willing to pay in exchange for having your product mentioned or reviewed once you have a sizable and engaged audience.

Advertisements on YouTube channels generate the vast majority of a channel's income. How much an advertiser makes is based on how many times their ad is clicked.

Promoted Product Sales

For those who blog about travel, this could be a lucrative opportunity. Advertisement space on blogs, as well as blogs that feature and recommend the company's goods and services, are highly sought after by businesses.

It is common practice for hotels, resorts, and casinos to pay bloggers to stay at their establishments in exchange for positive reviews. If you read enough travel blogs or vlogs, you're bound to come across a product or service being promoted. In all probability, this will result in financial remuneration for you.

Tips on Maximizing Your Income

Those who know how to travel perpetually recognize the importance of every dollar. How to Maximize Your Remote Income as a Digital Nomad

One, Go Somewhere Cheap

This is one of the most crucial recommendations here. Choose budget-friendly locales if you want to get the most out of your vacation dollars, and be prepared to stick to a strict spending plan.  

Alex Reynolds, a world traveler, spends her limited funds on visits to South Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Nepal, which she finds accessible for $15 per day.

You can't afford to keep traveling if you don't have enough money. Picture this: you've reached your first stop but you have no money left. You can't become a world traveler by doing that, man.

If you want to be a digital nomad, you should limit your travel to places you can actually afford.

2 Use frugal lodgings

To get the most out of your money, consider staying in a hostel, motel, or even at a friend's place in a foreign country. More so if you're taking an RV.  

There's also the option of "workamping" in a national park, where you trade your time for a free campsite, or bartering with a hostel owner in exchange for a free bed.  

The nomadic lifestyle of a digital nomad is not without its drawbacks. You despise having to report to a middle manager and would rather be working and exploring at your own pace. You can't be tied down, dependent on others, or constantly flaunting your wealth if you're on the road full-time.

Learn More About Proven Methods for Receiving Complimentary Hotel Stays

Get an online or mobile app to help you manage your finances

Budgeting and saving money are crucial skills for those interested in learning how to travel full-time. If you want to know if you're spending too much money or not, apps like Personal Capital and Wally can help you keep track of your finances and keep you from going over your limit.  

To join the ranks of the digital nomads, you need to have the financial freedom to travel. Saving cash is always a good idea.

#4: Reduce Your Consumption

Paying for a gym membership if you only use it once a month is a waste of money. Reduce your consumption of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, and consider making your own meals at home rather than eating in restaurants or ordering takeout (which adds an extra fee to your bill). )

In most cases, you're throwing away your money on things you don't need. It's crucial if your travel schedule deviates significantly from the norm. Reduce some of these expenditures If you can reduce your spending, you'll have more disposable income.

If you can cut back on your spending, I bet you can take a weeklong, low-cost vacation and still have enough money left over to go on another trip in a few months.

For more on where to find deals around the world, see the related article on inexpensive shopping meccas.

Packing Essentials

In preparation for a life of globetrotting, what essentials should you bring with you?

A little of everything is the short answer, with an emphasis on little.

The key to successful packing is forethought. What each individual traveler needs to bring on a trip varies, but here are some basics to keep in mind.

One of the best options for extended travel is a rolling suitcase like the Eagle Creek Gear Warrior.

The best way to keep your clothes from getting tangled up while you travel is to invest in some multi-purpose packing tools like these cubes.  

You should put your money and credit cards in a safe place.

Long-term travelers should bring a wallet, purse, or daypack that is tamper-proof, water-resistant, and RFID-protected.  

Clothing

Researching the local climate will help you pack clothes that are appropriate for the range of temperatures you can expect to encounter.  

Items like the Gihuo Travel Vest and the Match Men's Cargo Pants, which have multiple pockets, are great for traveling because they make it easy to store and access your belongings.

These convertible hiking cargo pants are a great choice for extended trips because they can be worn as shorts or cargo pants.  

However, if you plan on flying within the United States while wearing cargo pants, you should be aware that you will likely be "randomly selected" for a pat-down and a search of your belongings.

It's a good idea to bring extras of everything so that you can change into clean clothes while the dirty ones are being washed.  

The shoes you wear can mean the difference between a fun and pain-filled journey. Although your footwear selections should be made in light of your itinerary's planned activities, you can get by with just two pairs of shoes (sandals and sneakers) at most.  

Teva Sandals have a reputation for lasting, making them perfect for trips to the beach or just strolling around town. As they are both waterproof and airy, Merrel's Hiking Shoes are fantastic for any kind of physical exertion. Keep an eye out for soldiers' boots Even if they are tough and have a distinctly military vibe, you will almost certainly be "randomly selected" for searches.

Toiletries

To make packing and unpacking your toiletries a breeze, invest in a good organizer like the BAGSMART Toiletry Travel Bag.

Travel towel, face wash, shampoo, soap, moisturizer, sunblock, razor, toothbrush (with toothbrush cover), toothpaste, and floss are all essentials, but what else you pack will depend on your specific needs.  

Making Preparations for Your Lodging

1. Short-Term Rental Marketplaces Like Airbnb and VRBO

Renting from an online home-renting marketplace like Airbnb or VRBO can be a great way to save money on hotel costs when traveling with a large group.

As both Airbnb and VRBO are based in residential areas, their lodgings are exempt from the same taxes that hotels are required to pay. As a result, they are in a position to provide attractive rates to vacationers.

Sharing a home with a close friend or relative

To what extent do you already have friends in the places you hope to visit?

If you and this person have a close relationship, you might want to consider offering to split the rent or bills in exchange for a place to stay at his home or apartment.

In order to save money on lodging, it is helpful to have connections in the industry.

Traveling in a motorhome, travel trailer, or caravan

Those who have figured out how to travel perpetually often do so by living in a recreational vehicle or trailer.

Living in a travel trailer or RV full-time allows you to save hundreds of dollars per month compared to the cost of eating out and staying in hotels.  

One of the best ways to take massive road trips across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

#4 Lodging (Hotel, Motel, or Hostel)

You can save a lot of money on lodging if you book through the best booking websites.

You can stretch your travel budget further by using a price comparison website like Booking, Getaway, Priceline, Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz, HotelTonight, or Hilton Honors.  

The hospitality industry is another viable option. You can put money in your bank account and sleep in a bed that the hotel provides.

Related: The World's Best Spots for a Girl's Getaway

Ways to Get Around

1. Planes

Planes are the quickest way to travel between cities, cutting a twelve-hour bus ride down to an hour.

They are the most expensive, unfortunately.

Planes are the most expensive mode of transportation, so they should only be used for very short vacations or when time is of the essence.

Going, One Travel, Skiplagged, and Skyscanner are just some of the online travel agencies you can use if you absolutely have to take a flight.

Use airline credit cards to earn free hotel nights for even more savings.

2. RV

Travel Trailers Aren't the Only Option They are also able to provide housing options. As a result, they are one of the least expensive ways to travel.

Renting from a company like RV Share is an option if you don't have your own.

Buses and trains

For frequent travelers on a budget, inexpensive public transportation like trains and buses are indispensable.

Although inexpensive, public transportation has drawbacks: it is frequently overcrowded (especially on trains and buses), and making multiple stops can add significant time to your journey.

And long, jarring journeys can be unpleasant, but what's a little pain if you're getting where you need to go?

If you plan on staying in Japan for longer than a week, the JR Pass is your best bet for riding all of the non-bullet JR trains in the country.

4. Sailing

To get from one place to another across the water, you can hop on a boat, ship, or ferry; the cost of this mode of transportation will depend on the level of luxury you select.

While seasickness is a real concern, if taking a ferry will get you to your destination more quickly, it's worth considering.  

Sick at Sea? Here's a Pro Tip You don't have a clue where you are anymore. Walk around the patio or gaze through a window. Maintaining horizon visibility is a simple first step that will yield almost immediate benefits.

Read Up on Some of the World's Most Romantic Getaways for the Bachelorette

5 Services Relating to Automobiles

Transportation costs can range from reasonable to exorbitant based on your choice of car service.

It's easier to relax and have space when you take a taxi, Uber, or tuk-tuk instead of walking. Compared to taking the bus or train, they can get you where you need to go much more quickly.  

However, in most cities, car service fees are still higher than public transportation like trains and buses, so they shouldn't be used as a primary mode of transportation. It is also possible to rent a car for a longer period of time, such as a few months.

Driving in the central business district of some major cities (especially those in Europe or Japan) can be a nightmare due to heavy traffic and narrow streets.

6: Walking and Biking

Always choose walking and biking if possible and practical. If you're going to be on the road for an extended period of time, your best options for transportation are these two.

It helps the planet and doesn't break the bank. Keep a map handy, and if you don't already have a bike, look into getting one from a local rental shop.  

For more on the best hiking trails in the area, check out the related article.

Suggestions for a Relaxing and Stress-Free Extended Trip

Get covered by health and travel insurance.

Professional travelers appreciate the value of travel insurance.

Inevitably, something will go wrong while you're out on the road.  

Your passport, valuables, and checked luggage are all vulnerable to theft and loss while traveling.

If you have a preexisting condition, you run the risk of having your reservations canceled or experiencing a medical emergency. All travelers should get travel insurance in case of any of the aforementioned problems.  

Our pick for digital nomads is SafetyWing, but we also like TravelInsurance.com and World Nomads Scuba Insurance.

It's important that you get vaccinated.

Vaccines are critical for the prevention of infectious disease while traveling. It's important to get the necessary vaccinations before a trip abroad. It's possible that using them will save your life and the lives of those around you. Vaccinations against COVID should be considered as well.

Best Traveler's Health Insurance in the United States

Use a Credit Card for Your Trip

Full-time travelers know that carrying large amounts of cash can be risky, and so they prefer to use credit cards instead.  

Prepaid currency cards like the Travelex Money Card, which can be loaded with over 10 different currencies, are an alternative to using credit cards abroad.

It can be used at millions of places, especially those marked with the Mastercard logo.  

Our staff at VT also has a great deal of respect for the American Express Platinum Card.

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