Do the Side Hustle: 9 Ways to Make Money While Traveling

Career By Stefan Zechner August 23, 2017
Millennials are more interested in traveling abroad than previous generations, but we earn less money – which poses an inherent dilemma: How to fund our wanderlust. The solution? A side hustle. It’s the perfect way to stay on the go without being strapped for cash. If you want to turn you dreams of travel into a reality, check out these side hustle jobs you can do from anywhere.  

 Taking Online Surveys

Online surveys won’t buy you a new car, but they’re a good way to acquire some extra funds, fast. All you need is a computer and an online account (plus a bit of patience). Keep in mind that there are scam survey websites out there that claim to pay but don’t. Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Inbox Dollars are legitimate survey sites that will help you afford that next tank of gas.  

Translating

Google is helpful for simple translations, but it can’t translate real, human meaning…yet. If you know two or more languages, translating may be your move. Pay for freelance translation depends on supply and demand. French and Spanish don’t have high rates, but are very in-demand, whereas Korean and Vietnamese are more profitable, but less requested.  

Podcasting

With a large enough following, you can turn a podcast into a business. Referral sponsorships are a great way to earn credit or money simply by promoting a product or service on your show. You’ll need a microphone and editing software to start, but you don’t have to break the bank: editing and recording programs like GarageBand and Audacity are free.  

Transcribing

Transcriptionists turn audio and video files into text documents. Medical and legal transcriptions are in high demand, but without prior schooling or work experience, they’re harder to break into. As a beginner, general transcription is a pretty safe bet and pays $15 to $20 an hour. Sites like UpWork regularly list freelance transcription opportunities.  

Virtual Assisting

Though Apple would love for Siri to replace the virtual assistant profession, side hustlers are still better at getting the job done. Duties span from scheduling and organizing to bookkeeping and invoicing. Zirtual.com and People Per Hour make it easy to find virtual assisting work.  

Online Teaching

Thanks to Skype and Google Hangouts, you can teach pupils anywhere in world from the comfort of your home, hotel room, or coffee shop. Native English teachers are in high demand and there are plenty of ways to find work. Connections Academy, for example, is a nationwide, online public-school system for virtual teachers.  

Graphic Designing

Got an eye for art? Side hustling as a graphic designer might be your calling. A formal education is a plus, but a portfolio of past work is your most important qualification. If you’ve got some past work to showcase, check out 99designs, a popular digital design marketplace.  

Freelance Writing

Whether it’s blogging or journalism, the Freelancer’s Union can be a reliable resource for potential gigs and advice. Better yet, write about your travels for a publication that pays for freelance writing. You can boost your cred by writing samples or starting a blog in your free time.  

Influencer Marketing

With the rise of social media, influencer marketing could be the key to some side hustle income. You may not have the same Instagram following as Kylie Jenner, but the good news is you don’t have to. If you find a niche, you have the potential to become a thought leader, and ultimately an influencer. Need some inspiration for what to do with your side hustle salary? Check out these underrated cities.