With the recent relaxation of restrictions concerning movement in and out of the UK, a bounce-back in international travel is anticipated for the spring and summer. Amongst those readying to travel overseas are prospective backpackers, who have been forced to stay put under COVID-19 guidance until present. Long-term travel is once again possible, but nonetheless an expensive endeavour – so how can you earn money during a trip to subsidise its cost?
Teaching English
One of the most populars way for travellers to subsidise their trip is by teaching English in the destination of their choosing. There are numerous ways to do this. One of the most popular is foreign-language English teaching programmes, which can provide teaching skills as well as placements in specific locations. Their digital platforms enable you to offer your services online, needing little more than a laptop and an internet connection to connect with students around the world.
Of course, it’s not as simple as rocking up to a school or flipping open your laptop and reciting the alphabet. You’ll need training and qualifications before you can stand up in front of a class and explain the past perfect continuous tense with confidence.
Some companies require you to have TEFL, CELTA or equivalent certification, but it should be noted that some organisations will actually pay for you to take the required courses once you’re installed in your new location.
You could also offer your services privately to locals without such qualifications, charging an hourly rate, though this does tend to be fairly unpredictable.
For some of the best places for expats to teach English, consider Vietnam, Costa Rica or Spain.
Consider Entering The Financial Markets
Working remotely and on the move doesn’t necessarily translate into viable passive income streams, but the same cannot be said for financial or Forex market trading, when done right.
Forex (‘foreign exchange’) trading is fast becoming a popular way for travellers to make money on the move, as an increase in availability of retail trading platforms enables easier access to markets than ever. The forex market is also open for 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday, as currencies can be traded in each country’s trading hours around the world.
Forex trading can seem a complicated system at first glance. In fact, it is complicated, even at second, or third glance, but there are a number of strategies you can employ in order to increase your chances of success. That said, it should be noted that trading of this kind is speculative and the markets highly volatile; there’s a hell of a lot of risk involved, particularly for beginners.
Alternatively, you could consider the stock market, where both returns and risk are likely not so extreme. Sure, you’ll be playing the long game – as Investopia explains ’’if an investor’s market strategy is to buy and hold for the long term, generating steady growth and earning dividends, stocks are a practical choice’’ – but it’s one associated with less danger in terms of the chances of financial losses.
For any financial advice, always consult a qualified accountant first.
Working In Hospitality
Hospitality is an excellent sector to enter if you intend on remaining in a location for a little during your travels. If you have little experience in the area or cannot speak the language, local hostels are a good choice for part-time work as fellow travellers are likely to be both colleagues and clientele.
Working in hospitality requires the same skill set wherever you are in the world, meaning you can use your experience abroad to find regular work throughout your journey. And even if you don’t have much experience, the hospitality industry values, above all else, enthusiasm and commitment.
Read: How to land your first job in a professional kitchen
Seasonal Agricultural Work
While this depends on the time of year in which you are travelling, you may be able to find agricultural work in more rural areas surrounding travel destinations. Picking fruit and vegetables can be hard work, and doesn’t pay too handsomely (or often doesn’t pay at all) but the camaraderie levels are high and, in good weather, can be a lovely way to enjoy some fresh air.
What’s more, accommodation and food is often included in the pay package (or is the pay package), meaning you could experience a new culture or way of life from a spell living on a farm and picking the season’s crops.
One of the main platforms that provides the opportunity to work on farms is the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). These guys provide links between visitors and organic farmers, and have been promoting eco-friendly, sustainable practices for over 50 years.
Some of the best places to work on a farm in such an exchange include Australia, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, the USA, and many more.
Become A Flight Attendant
One of the more traditional ways to earn money while seeing the world is to work within the global transport industry.
As long as you’re not afflicted by vertigo or aviophobia and between the heights of 4’11” and 6’4”, becoming a flight attendant could be your channel into the world of getting paid to travel. Training is typically paid and on-the-job, meaning your adventure could start moving almost as soon as you set that ball rolling.
Or, if you’re not a fan of flying, you could consider one of the many roles available on cruise ships, which are numerous and varied. These include roles onboard within fitness and beauty, restaurant work, both front and back of house, cleaning work, entertainment, and even IT. The list goes on!
Hey, if you’ve gone to all the effort of making money while travelling, you might as well manage your money properly. Check out this guide on how to use apps to manage your money while travelling for more on that.