Wanna travel for a long period of time but have no money to do so? No ideas how to sustain your finances on the road? There are tons of ways to refuel your travelling funds as long as you have the means to do so. From teaching English in Spain to working as a dive instructor in Borneo, here are some tips to help you get started.
Visa Requirements
Depending on how long you would like to stay in the specific destination, work could mean a short-term bar job or a contractual professional position abroad. You usually do not need a visa for a temporary job, but it is important to obtain a visa for long-term stay (>3 months). Commonwealth citizens may find it easier to live in fellow Commonwealth countries – e.g. British citizens can easily apply for an Australian visa to stay for up to 2 years. (Read How to Live & Work in the UK/Australia.)
1. Summer Jobs
These temporary jobs abroad are usually suitable for young and energetic individuals looking for a new experience after graduation. Types of work include — bar staff, ski instructor (for Winter ski holidays), animador (entertaining staff in all-inclusive resorts), dive instructor, hotel receptionist, au pair, translator etc. These websites provide job bulletins with specific positions around the world.
- Jobs Abroad Bulletin (JAB)
- Been-Seen Job Search Service
- GoAbroad Job Resource
- Useful Article – Summer Jobs Abroad
2.Internship
Recent graduates might find an internship abroad an amazing opportunity for both their personal and professional development. Thousands of companies accept interns from abroad, although many are unpaid positions. These are some specific internships available.
- V!VA Travel Guides Editorial Internship
- STA Travel World Traveler Internship
- AIESEC Program
- Intern Abroad Resource
3. Teach English Abroad
A popular choice among many, it is rather easy to obtain a teaching job especially if you are a native speaker. Countries where teachers are highly demanded include – Spain, Czech Republic, Korea, Japan, and China. These are paid positions and remuneration is especially good in Asia. TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) is a bonus when finding a teaching job.
- Visiting International Faculty Program
- Teaching English in Spain
- TEFL Worldwide Prague
- Journey East – Teaching English in China
4. Volunteering
Although most volunteering positions are unpaid, you can still find some that offer a humble stipend. Roles include – organizing social activities, organic farming and teaching. Nueva Alianza in Guatemala is an example of paid volunteering.
- Idealist.org
- Farm Work Abroad
- Paid and Volunteering Opportunities in Ecuador
- Tips on Volunteering Abroad
5. Travel Writing/Blogging
Many travelers keep a blog to share their experiences on the road with friends and families. After gaining readership, some actually start earning money from their blogs through advertising and paid blog assignments. Travel writers are slightly different, they pen articles based on their travels for magazines and this also provides a flow of income on the road. Here are some useful articles to help it come true:
- Nomadic Matt’s e-book : How to Make Money with your Travel Blog
- TravelHappy’s Tips to Making Money with a Blog
- Make Money Travel Blogging
- Sponsored Reviews: Paid Blogging Gigs
6. Work Wirelessly
This new and hip way of life is creating a new trend in the travelling world, as many pack their bags and laptops, working from anywhere around the world. Whether you are a web developer, project manager or editor, you no longer need to step into an office for your job. These insightful blogs provide tips on how you could actually achieve it.
- Almost Fearless: Options for Working Remotely from Anywhere
- Becoming a Digital Nomad
- NomaDesk
- Digital Nomads.com
- Location Independent
Flickr photo by Giorgio Montersino
Related Posts:
- How to Live & Work in the UK/Australia
- Teaching English in Spain
- Becoming a Digital Nomad
- Tips on Volunteering Abroad
Great article, Nellie! Very awesome information
Absolutely fascinating. I wouldn't mind farming or volunteering overseas. I just used HereStay.com to book a trip to the mid-west, so when I get back, I'll definately look into volunteer opportunities a bit closer.
Thank you for your post. That's very helpful.
Thanks for this I always wondered how I could ever travel without saving for 40 years
This was great.
Thanks guys for the comments, glad it was of use to you!
Fabulous advice and to know that you are already living the dream of traveling and writing is an inspiration to us all!
I had never thoughtof an internship abroad, would it not take up too much of your time whilst travelling?
hey Conor, it depends on what you're looking for – with an internship, you get to accumulate work experience, pick up new skills and get an insider peek into living abroad. I've friends who've done unpaid internships abroad and even without the cash coming in, and having to work 9-to-5 hours, they still enjoyed it tremendously!
These are some great ideas, thank you!! I'd also recommend visiting the website http://www.worldhelplink.com, it has links to opportunities to work, volunteer, intern, teach, and more abroad.
Thanks for the concise info and the links! I am working towards this!!
Good post!
Most of these methods require an extensive stay to make the money, meaning visas and all that. In some countries working at a bar or small jobs like those can make you earn some money that will go a long way in third world countries. I've even heard of people who make quite a bit of it by being extras in movies or posing nude in art classes!
Federico
That’s a great suggestion – working as extras in movies or posing nude in art classes! Funny but very feasible! Yes I agree, there are plenty of opportunities if you know where to look. Thanks Federico.
Very informative. Thanks for the tips!
Teaching English is the way to go! I've done it in the past (and would love to do it again). Nothing is more rewarding (or cuter!) than seeing a little child get excited because they said something, that you can understand, in a new language.
This is why I work so hard to create a location independent income, no worrying about having to scrape money together while I'm vacationing or traveling. This is a great list, although building an income before traveling extensively is my preference..
Thanks for providing the value able information and tips for making money while travelling..
Great resources! I love how you've included links to relevant posts under each category.
I stayed in Cusco Peru for a month by working at my hostel bar 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. I wanted to take a break and travel slower and it was perfect for me as I saved quite a bit of money and was refreshed to keep going.
These are some really great tips.
wonderful post very informative Love to read this.
You really nailed this down! Is it actually possible to keep it going for a long time? I did the Australian Working Holiday and an Internship in South Africa, I've studied in Europe and South America. But now I'm finding it hard to make enough money to keep moving. Did you have a breakthrough that made it possible to keep going?
Thanks for providing the wealth of links, winning!
Gosh, such amazing ideas. I've heard about internships and work abroad, but never thought of teaching English as an opportunity. This is great!
I am truly attracted by the teaching abroad opportunity, but feel that maybe there'd be quite the requirements for this job. I don't have a teaching degree, unfortunately
These are valuable and piratical tips… I had been struggling to adapt a life style of earning while traveling….its going to be a help..great article…
If making money while traveling makes you look like the guy in the last photo, I'm totally down with that!
That last photo? Makes me want to take off and only teach online courses, off the beach
)
That last photo? Makes me want to take off today and only teach online courses from now on. On the beach of course
Very true, that’s truly a dream lifestyle – I’m thankful for my job!