Last Updated: January 21, 2024
How much money do you need to save for your trip? $1,000? $2,000? $5,000? $50,000? For most people, the thought of saving thousands of dollars to travel the world — or just travel at all — is a daunting prospect. While there are many ways to save money and travel on an ultra-tight budget, for some, there’s no amount of spending cuts or saving tips that will help them save enough.
But, contrary to popular belief, being broke is the best reason to go travel.
However, more often than not, you’ll see articles about how people saved [insert some crazy amount here] for travel — and how you can do it too! Personally, I always find these articles frustrating. Many of you do too. They are very unrealistic.
“I could never do that,” they say. “Sure, those people saved tens of thousands, but I can’t even afford dinner out.”
If you can’t save, who cares? It doesn’t matter how much money you can. Just do the best you can with what you have. Travel with the budget you have, not the budget you wish you had. It’s not all or nothing.
If you don’t have as much money to travel as you want, consider Option B: working overseas. Leave with what you have and find work along the way to keep your wallet flush with cash — and keep you traveling.
It’s an option not enough travelers consider. Many people know about it, but few actually do it. And it’s not as hard to do as you might imagine.
The Joys of Working Abroad
Working abroad is a unique and wonderful experience. It provides deeper insights into a country, exposes you to a new culture, and allows you to learn a new language, meet new people, and get a new perspective on the world.
I worked in Thailand and Taiwan, and it was life-changing. I learned more about myself during that time than I did at any other point in my travels.
Finding work overseas is an informal process, and if you remember you are looking for a job rather than a career — and stay flexible — you’ll be able to find work pretty much anywhere. Whole economies and industries are built around employing travelers. (Heck, I don’t think the Australian economy would survive without the labor backpackers and travelers provide!)
Many of the jobs will be unglamorous and difficult, but they will allow you to earn enough money to keep you on the road.
Examples of Jobs for Travelers
Here are some examples of jobs that are easy for travelers to get and often don’t require a long commitment:
Teaching English Online: With the increasing demand for English language education worldwide, platforms like VIPKid, iTutorGroup, and Teach Away offer opportunities for qualified individuals to teach English online to students around the globe.
Freelance Writing or Copywriting: If you have a knack for words, consider freelancing as a writer or copywriter. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients seeking content creation services.
Remote Customer Service Representative: Many companies hire remote customer service representatives to handle inquiries and provide support to customers. Look for opportunities with companies like Amazon, Apple, or Hilton that offer remote customer service positions.
Virtual Assistant: Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative support to businesses and entrepreneurs remotely. Platforms like Time etc., Fancy Hands, and Upwork connect virtual assistants with clients seeking assistance with various tasks.
Online Tutoring: Whether you’re proficient in math, science, or a foreign language, online tutoring platforms like Chegg Tutors, Tutor.com, and Wyzant allow you to connect with students seeking academic support and assistance.
Remote Graphic Design: If you have a flair for design, consider offering your services as a remote graphic designer. Websites like 99designs, DesignCrowd, and Upwork connect designers with clients seeking design solutions.
Social Media Management: Businesses and influencers often seek assistance with managing their social media accounts and presence. Offer your services as a social media manager to help clients grow their online presence and engagement.
Online Marketing or SEO Specialist: With the increasing importance of digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO), businesses are constantly seeking specialists to help them improve their online visibility and reach.
Travel Blogging or Vlogging: Turn your passion for travel into a source of income by starting a travel blog or vlog. Monetize your content through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, ad revenue, and partnerships with brands.
Photography or Stock Photography: If you have a talent for photography, consider selling your photos online through stock photography websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images.
Remote Software Development: If you have programming skills, there are abundant opportunities for remote software developers and engineers. Websites like Toptal, Stack Overflow, and GitHub Jobs connect developers with remote job opportunities.
Language Translation or Interpretation: If you’re bilingual or multilingual, consider offering your language translation or interpretation services online. Platforms like Upwork, Gengo, and ProZ connect translators with clients seeking language services.
Remote Editing or Proofreading: If you have a keen eye for detail and a strong command of grammar and language, consider offering your services as a remote editor or proofreader. Websites like Scribendi, ProofreadingServices.com, and Upwork connect editors with clients seeking editing services.
Online Course Creation: Share your expertise and knowledge by creating and selling online courses on platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare. Whether you’re a language teacher, yoga instructor, or marketing expert, there’s a niche for every skillset.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services through affiliate marketing and earn commissions for every sale or referral made through your unique affiliate link. Join affiliate programs offered by companies like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Commission Junction to monetize your online presence.
For those who want to work abroad but aren’t interested in any of the above, finding work is a bit harder — but not impossible. For older travelers or travelers with a skill or master’s degree, you probably want a better-paying, more traditional job relating to your skillset. You can find them, but it takes a lot more time.
In the European Union, visa rules require companies to give job preference to people within the EU before they hire someone else. In Asia, most companies want a foreigner to be able to speak the local language.
Finding “good” jobs requires more work and a lot of networking. While there are some job boards that can help, getting a more traditional job overseas requires you to either get contacted by a company or build your network and pound the pavement when you get there!
So, if you’re dreaming of traveling but your bank account isn’t cooperating, don’t give up hope! Working overseas is a viable option that allows you to explore the world, gain valuable experience, and make unforgettable memories — all while keeping your finances in check.