![\"Nomadic](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/mattmezcal2023.jpg\")
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How much money do you need to save for your trip? <\/p>\n
$1,000? $2,000? $5,000? $50,000?<\/p>\n
For most people, the thought of saving thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars to travel is a daunting prospect. While there are many ways to save money and travel on an ultra-tight budget<\/a>, for some, there\u2019s no amount of spending cuts or saving tips that will help them save enough. <\/p>\n But, contrary to popular belief, being broke is the best reason to go travel<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t 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 \u2014 and keep you traveling.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s not as hard to do as you might imagine.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n I worked in Thailand<\/a> and Taiwan<\/a> and it was life changing. I learned more about myself during that time than I did at any other point in my travels.<\/p>\n Finding work overseas is an informal process. If you remember you are looking for a job<\/em> rather than a career<\/em> \u2014 and stay flexible \u2014 you\u2019ll be able to find work pretty much anywhere. Whole economies and industries are built around employing travelers. (Heck, I don\u2019t think the Australian economy would survive without the labor backpackers and travelers provide on their working holiday visas!) <\/p>\n Here are some examples of jobs that are easy for travelers to get and often don\u2019t require a long commitment: These jobs can pay well, the hours are flexible, many countries offer huge bonuses, and some schools will pay for your flight over. Just be sure to treat it seriously because this is someone’s education. Don’t phone it in and make sure you get a TEFL certificate so you understand the basics of teaching. There are a lot of online resources for potential teachers, and finding an online TEFL course<\/a> has never been easier. Two of the best TEFL courses are: <\/p>\n You can also use websites like italki<\/a> or Preply<\/a> to teach English online if you don’t want to do something in person. Not a native English speaker? Teach your own language using one of those websites! You can do this from anywhere in the world and you don’t need any special accreditation. Sign in, talk, and get paid!<\/p>\n I taught in Thailand and Taiwan. Not only did I have a fantastic time being an expat, but I also learned a lot about myself and living overseas, and made enough money to keep me on the road for years. It\u2019s an experience I\u2019ll never forget. If you’re looking for something more temporary, many hostels will let you stay for free if you help clean the hostel each day. Even if you aren\u2019t getting paid and are just getting free room, it\u2019s still a way to save your travel fund.<\/p>\n While many hostels have signs announcing their work opportunities, most won’t. Don’t be afraid to ask about them. Additionally, if you have other skills (such as website design, photography, visual arts skills, etc.) you can also try to barter those for free accommodation.<\/p>\n Worldpackers<\/a> is an incredible resource for finding this kind of work in hostels around the world. Worldpackers<\/a>, Workaway.com<\/a> and WWOOFing<\/a> are some helpful resources to find volunteer opportunities.<\/p>\n One important thing to keep in mind is that there are many unethical operations out there that mislead volunteers in order to make a profit. Orphanages and animal tourism<\/a> are particularly infamous for this. Make sure you do your due diligence to find a reputable place to spend your time, otherwise you’ll risk doing more harm than good.<\/p>\n For more stationary and long-term volunteering, check out Trusted Housesitters<\/a>. It’s a platform that connects people in need of pet sitters with travelers looking for free accommodation. In exchange for looking after their pets, you’ll get a free place to stay. It’s a fun, easy way to find long and short-term house sitting<\/a> opportunities (and who doesn’t want to spend time with cute animals!). Move with the seasons and work in ski resorts, as a camping guide, on boats, in bars or restaurants \u2014 whatever works! Wherever there\u2019s a big tourist season, you\u2019ll find a big demand for temporary labor. <\/p>\n Make sure you get to your destination well before the season starts to secure a job \u2014 if you show up mid-season, all the high-paying jobs will be taken. Ask around at hostels in the area and they will be able to point you in the right direction!<\/p>\n Australia<\/a> is a huge destination for seasonal work, as is Canada<\/a>, New Zealand<\/a>, Austria<\/a>, and Norway<\/a>. There\u2019s a lot of competition, but if you build up your portfolio you can accrue clients over time. I have a friend who gets all her freelance consulting jobs from Upwork and it pays her enough so she can keep traveling. It’s an especially perfect option if you just want short-term contracts or part-time work since you can pick and choose what jobs you apply for.<\/p>\n And don’t be afraid of all the competition. As someone who has used Upwork to hire people, I can tell you it’s really hard to find competent people. If you’re even remotely good, it’s very easy to get clients. So, while it may take some time to get your first clients, once the work starts to come in, it’s easy to maintain it.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have tech skills, you can still start a profile and find clients for a variety of research-based and virtual assistant jobs. Editing, translation, writing, tutoring, graphic design, consulting \u2014 there are tons of opportunities here if you’re willing to seek them out.<\/p>\n TaskRabbit<\/a> and Fiverr<\/a> are two other sites for finding online work as well. Many of the low-wage jobs usually go to people from developing countries, but there are lots of other jobs available too. Cruise ships need wait staff, bartenders, tour guides, entertainers, youth counselors, and customer service staff just to name a few. Most ships have upwards of 1,000 crew members, which means there are ample opportunities. <\/p>\n This book by Wandering Earl<\/a> (who worked on a cruise ship for years) is a great place to get started. Most of the countries that offer these programs are English-speaking Commonwealth countries such as Canada<\/a>, England<\/a>, New Zealand<\/a>, and Australia<\/a>. <\/p>\n The visa application process is pretty simple (though it can be expensive) and the visas are usually issued for one year. Typically, the visa comes with the stipulation that you can\u2019t work in one place for more than six months (this is to encourage you to both work and travel).<\/p>\n Most of the working holiday jobs you can find are typically service or low-wage office jobs. Most people become office assistants, laborers, bartenders, farmers, or waiters. The pay is not always great, but it\u2019s enough to live off of and usually will give you a little extra money to save for traveling.<\/p>\n For these jobs, you’ll need to bite the bullet, fly to these countries, and look for work when you land. While sites like Gumtree have some listings, you’ll find the majority of work when you land. Many companies specialize in placing travelers. And hostels usually have job boards and can offer a lot of assistance in finding work.<\/p>\n Having an up-to-date resume will help you secure an awesome position, so make sure that it\u2019s polished before you arrive. These are some popular websites for finding au pair jobs:<\/p>\n Being an au pair<\/a> won’t be for everyone and it will take some research (and interviews) to find a family that you’ll work well with. However, if you love working with kids it can be a straightforward and rewarding way to extend your travels and make some spending money. It’s an especially good choice for anyone looking for an immersive language experience as well. Checking the dive company’s website for openings is a good place to start, however, asking directly at their office is the best way to find out if there are any opportunities available. Also, keep in mind that cruise ships also often need dive instructors and that there are tons of dive centers in North America if you’re just getting started and looking for experience before you head abroad. Websites like Craigslist<\/a> and Gumtree<\/a> are two places to advertise your abilities and find work. Where there\u2019s a will, there is a way!<\/p>\n If you have an in-demand skill, creating your own job is one of the easiest ways to make money. Somewhere in the destination you’re at, there is a person who wants to learn the skill you have. Teach them. Get paid. The money might not be great, but as I said at the start, you’re not looking to get rich \u2014 you’re looking to keep traveling.<\/p>\n And depending on your skills, you can also go virtual. Teach music or language over Zoom, create an online course, film yoga videos, and upload them to YouTube. You don’t have to work in your destination these days, so think outside the box! In countries that have working holiday visas, these jobs often go to travelers. I’ve also seen bars in Southeast Asia<\/a> and Europe<\/a> hire travelers under the table to do work and pass out fliers. It’s not a lot of money but it’s enough to cover some meals and drinks. <\/p>\n If you don’t have any bartending skills, check to see if they need a dishwasher. It’s a less glamorous position, but the work is just as steady. Again, in countries that have working holiday visas, travelers become the backbone of the service economy and jobs can often be easy to get. Additionally, if you’re in a non-English-speaking country but can speak the local language, try applying to restaurants popular with expats. Your bilingual skills will come in handy.<\/p>\n Don’t be afraid to apply to work in the kitchen either. You won’t have to interact with customers so you’ll need less language competency. As long as you have some experience as a line cook you can likely find a position to get your foot in the door. Cooking is a universal language! The pay isn\u2019t great, but you get your expenses paid while on the tour and get to meet people from all over the world. Companies that often hire travelers are Kiwi Experience<\/a>, New Europe Walking Tours<\/a>, and Contiki<\/a>. <\/p>\n These jobs usually require a longer commitment but are a good option for anyone who has permanently relocated to a new city and is looking for a steady gig while they get settled. Moreover, they’re perfect for travelers who are bilingual since tours are often operated in English as well as the local language (and often other common languages like German and Spanish). Note<\/strong>: Positions are long-term, and you\u2019ll be required to get certified, which covers all basic yacht training, including fire and water safety training. You can always trade your manual labor for pay. There are a lot of short-term jobs around the world, jobs that you can get on the fly. If you\u2019re willing to work a few hours each day in exchange for room, board, and extra cash, you will always find something you can do. Here are several incredible resources for finding jobs as a traveler:<\/p>\n Whether you are going to teach English, wait tables, bartend, sit in an office, work at a hostel, or land a high-paying job in your field, working overseas is something that will change you forever. Living in a different country is a unique experience not many people get to have. <\/p>\n It teaches you a lot about yourself and your perceptions of the world.<\/a> At the end of the day, that is what travel is about.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t let money woes get in the way of travel. If you are creative and flexible about what you want to do<\/a>, you will find work. <\/p>\n Remember you aren\u2019t looking for a career \u2014 you\u2019re just looking for a job. When you are flexible in what you want to do, there will always be work available to help increase your travel funds and get you to the next destination. You can worry about a career when you come home!<\/p>\n Don’t worry about saving a lot of money for your trip. Just get out there, find a job, earn money, and go from there. I promise it’s much easier \u2014 and more rewarding \u2014 than you think! My New York Times<\/em> best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you\u2019ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It\u2019s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the \u201cbible for budget travelers.\u201d<\/p>\n Click here to learn more and start reading it today!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Book Your Flight<\/strong> Book Your Accommodation<\/strong> Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong> Want to Travel for Free?<\/strong> Need a Rental Car?<\/strong> Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?<\/strong>
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\n <\/p>\n1. Teaching English (or any language!)<\/h3>\n
![\"Nomadic](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/mattthailand24.jpg\")
\nThis is the easiest type of job to get for native English speakers. Teaching jobs are incredibly abundant around the world, especially in Southeast Asia<\/a>. I saved over $10,000 USD by teaching in Thailand<\/a>. I’ve had friends pay off their student loans by teaching in South Korea.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n2. Work in a Hostel<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/hostel2024.jpg\")
\nHostels are often looking for staff to work the desk, clean, show guests around town, or run their pub crawls. Moreover, these jobs can often be for as long as you want \u2014 a day, a week, a month. Hostels have a high turnover so there are often lots of opportunities available. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n3. Do Volunteer Work<\/h3>\n
![\"Nomadic](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/mattelephantsanctuary2024.jpg\")
\nWhile these positions don\u2019t pay, you\u2019ll save money on room and board which will keep you on the road longer. Plus, you\u2019ll be doing something good for the world. You don\u2019t have to spend a lot of money with large global organizations in order to volunteer<\/a> either. Those companies just end up keeping a large cut for themselves for \u201coperations.\u201d <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n4. Get Seasonal Work<\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\n5. Do Freelance Work Online<\/h3>\n
![\"Nomadic](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/matt_laptop.jpg\")
\nIf you have a background in web services, design, programming, or anything tech related, a website like Upwork<\/a> is a super way to find virtual work as you travel. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n6. Work on a Cruise Ship<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/oasiscruise.jpg\")
\nWorking on a cruise ship<\/a> is an excellent way to earn money while getting a taste of the world, gaining some solid work experience, and networking with people (both fellow crew and passengers) from around the world. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n7. Get a Working Holiday Visa<\/h3>\n
![\"Nomadic](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/backpackermatt.jpeg\")
\nWorking holiday programs allow people under the age of 30-35 to legally work and travel abroad. These programs tend to be used mostly by gap-year travelers, students, or young adult backpackers. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n8. Be an Au Pair<\/h3>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/aupair.jpg\")
\nLove kids? Take care of someone else\u2019s! You\u2019ll get a room, food, and a weekly paycheck. You\u2019ll have to be around a lot to watch the kids, but you\u2019ll usually get the weekends off and some vacation time to explore the country. <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n9. Become a Scuba Diving Instructor<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/mattscuba.jpg\")
\nIf you are a certified diver and want to become an instructor, there are dozens of huge scuba destinations around the world<\/a> where you can easily find work (including Thailand<\/a>, Cambodia<\/a>, Honduras<\/a>, the Caribbean<\/a>, and Bali<\/a>). <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n10. Leverage Your Existing Skills<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/jordanfood.JPG\")
\nDon’t underestimate your existing skills when you head overseas. If you’re a musician, teach people how to play. If you dance, offer lessons. Teach yoga, cut hair, offer business consulting, cook for people. Use whatever skills you have to find a job. Don\u2019t be shy \u2014 be creative! <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n11. Become a Bartender<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/oaxacabar.jpg\")
\nBars need bartenders \u2014 and every country has bars! Bars in party destinations<\/a> or at hostels are the best places to start looking, as they often have a high turnover and the work can be steady. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n12. Work in a Restaurant<\/h3>\n
![\"Nomadic](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/mattoaxacarestaurant.jpg\")
\nIn that same vein, waitstaff, bussers, line cooks, and dishwashers are always in demand since people come and go from those jobs very frequently. These jobs are easy to get, especially in popular backpacking and party destinations, as well as large cities. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n13. Be a Tour Guide<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/oaxacatourguide.jpg\")
\nUse your love of travel to work in travel! Tour companies are always on the lookout for new tour guides. This is more of a \u201creal\u201d job than the rest, but it\u2019s a fun (though tiring) means of employment. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n14. Work on a Yacht<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/yachtsunset.jpg\")
\nIf you love the water, work on a boat (and forever be singing \u201cI\u2019m on a Boat\u201d by Lonely Island). Yachting jobs are surprisingly easy to get without much experience (though having some experience will definitely help), and you\u2019ll be able to sail around the world as you work. One of my readers did it so she could see the world<\/a>. You can find jobs on Yacrew.com<\/a> and The Crew Network<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n15. Take Whatever You Can Find<\/h3>\n
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\nHow to Travel the World on $75 a Day<\/span><\/h3>
![\"How](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/bookimages\/HowtoTraveltheWorldon75aDay.jpg\")
<\/div>\nBook Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n
\nFind a cheap flight by using Skyscanner<\/a>. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. <\/p>\n
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a>. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. <\/p>\n
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n\n
\nTravel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation \u2014 all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites<\/a> to get started and see the latest best deals.<\/p>\n
\nDiscover Cars<\/a> is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best \u2014 and cheapest \u2014 rental for your trip!<\/p>\n
\nGet Your Guide<\/a> is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. <\/p>\n