Creating a budget for your travels is a necessary part of the planning process, regardless of whether you’re embarking on a weekend road-trip or a month-long overseas adventure. However, even the most seasoned travelers neglect to set aside money for unexpected travel expenses. Cell phone provider costs, credit card and currency exchange fees, and cash for spontaneous adventures can stack up over time and are just a few line-items you’ll want to plan to achieve your perfect trip. Forgetting to do so may put you in a stressful financial situation, which is not ideal while existing on a strict traveler’s budget.
Many travelers have little to no financial wiggle room once out on the road because of strict budgetary concerns. Bad spending habits, unwillingness to save, and poor budgeting skills are just a few reasons why your dream excursion may seem continually out of reach.
Building room in your monthly budget to save for travel expenses is the only way to make travel dreams a reality. Even though reaching your financial goals may seem out of reach, by diligently penny-pinching and staying flexible with your destinations, you will be able to cross locations off your list in no time.
However, if your budgeting and saving methods prove unsuccessful and you end up in a tight spot while overseas, all hope is not lost. You can scour the internet for opportunities to make money while abroad to supplement what you’ve saved for your travels.
Consider a travel-friendly career
Perhaps an obvious way to make money while abroad is to choose a career where employers build traveling into the job description. Several occupations involve regular travel, like flight attendants, cruise ship workers, English teachers, and travel nurses. Here’s a great resource to learn more about what travel nurses do.
Take travel nursing, for example. This career provides steep wages and competitive benefits, all while providing the opportunity to network with your peers and experience different parts of the world. If travel nursing is something you are interested in, consider partnering with Fusion Marketplace to sidestep stress and streamline the application process.
Freelance online
If you have demonstrable creative and practical skills, a working laptop, and wifi access, you’re capable of landing a freelance position. With opportunities available in fields like writing, engineering, web design, and more, you can easily find work with clients while you are away. These types of jobs are perfect for travelers because schedules are flexible and up to your preferences, which gives you the freedom to split time between exploring the latest location and working on small projects.
Sell items you create
If you’re a crafty type, it may be advantageous to bring your crafting materials with you on your journey so you can create products in your downtime. Try selling your goods at local markets or to fellow travelers along the way to make some extra cash. You can also set up an online shop to generate more regular income from your art while exploring the world.
Find seasonal work
Seasonal work is an excellent option for travelers who will be staying on the road long-term. Depending on the time of year and location, you can enjoy jobs ranging from ski instructing to fruit picking. The positions may also provide lodging and meals, so not only are they a source of income, but an immersive cultural experience.
Street performing
If you are looking to make a bit of money and have a hidden talent for dancing, singing, or playing an instrument, consider setting up shop on a busy street corner to busk for extra cash.
Chances are you won’t make enough to cover more than a meal or two, but it’s a fun way to show off your talents, meet new people, and bring in some additional income. However, research the laws regarding street performance before starting your show to ensure your display is happening legally.
Finishing up
If you’re aching to travel the world but feel continuously defeated by a drained bank account, try scrounging for money while adventuring through foreign land. There are numerous opportunities to make a quick buck, and when paired with careful saving, you can travel the world without exorbitant amounts of money on hand.
