Financing Long Term Travel by Working Remotely

Quitting your day job and spending several months or even years travelling the globe is a common dream. The good news is that it’s now easier to make this dream a reality if you bring your laptop along in your backpack. Saving up a safety net is still a good idea before you hit the road but you can count on making money along the way if you have put the foundation in place to work remotely. There are several ways to earn real money online and avoid the usual hostel receptionist position. Although you won’t make enough to stay in 5-star hotels, you could live quite well in many parts of the world while working part-time hours.

Become a Freelance Writer

If you have experience with writing or a strong academic background you could earn money on the road by freelancing. Starting a freelance career as a writer can be almost easier in foreign countries than it would be at home. This is because many businesses will be on the lookout for native English speakers to write and proofread their marketing materials. Look for listings in local newspapers to start making connections, and consider printing up business cards even if all you hold is a degree in Literature and very little experience. Writers can also pitch articles based on their travel experiences to blogs and magazines while on the road.

Start an Ecommerce Business

Another way to potentially fund your travels is by setting up an ecommerce business. Perhaps you have a special talent for scouring international flea markets for potentially lucrative baubles and wish to sell them to consumers back home. Or you have found a unique product while travelling that you want to share with the world. With a business idea in mind, you can figure out how to create a website pretty easily using blogging websites or subscription ecommerce platforms. Another option is to sign up with a drop shipping company. With this type of setup, you don’t need to worry about storing inventory or shipping any products. All you have to do is create your website, sell the company’s products, and they will take care of the logistics for you.

Earn Ad Revenue from Blogging

As with setting up an ecommerce business, you can create your own blog quickly and easily using website templates online. The key to earning money through blogging is to blog frequently, and to interact with the online community. Commenting on other blogs you find entertaining can help direct readers over to your own blog, as can promoting all of your posts on social networks. You can link up a personal blog with services like Google’s Adsense and start earning money by placing the ads of your choice on your website. As your blog grows in popularity, you may also be able to negotiate with marketers who will pay for the privilege of posting guest articles.

One final factor to consider is that some countries do not allow any paid work when you enter on a tourist visa. This includes freelancing or running a personal online business. Be sure to look into your rights as a visitor and determine any tax liability before you make your plans, particularly if you plan on staying in one country for a lengthy period of time.