I’ve recently been inspired by a girl who is currently working at the same as hostel as me in the Dominican Republic. On her first day working in reception, I noticed a display of beautiful bracelets and necklaces on the desk. Marie makes them and sells them wherever she goes. She told me that she learned how to make them whilst travelling in Thailand, and while it means that she has an extra 5kg of luggage made up of various beads and threads for her art, she is able to sell at least enough to pay her food and maybe her accommodation as well on a good day. What more does a tight arse traveller require?!
A day later I was even more impressed to learn that Marie gives massages. She studied Thai massage while she was in the country, and now has another trick up her sleeve to earn a living on her travels.
Marie inspired me to add to my knowledge base of travel income-earning potential. Here are some ideas for things you can do whilst on the road to earn a few bucks. It would be a good idea to learn a few skills in something that interests you so that you can be like Marie! Maybe you already have a talent, in which case bring along the tools of your trade and advertise what you do along your way, if you earn enough to eat and sleep for free then you are winning the tight arse game.
Massage
Everyone loves a nice relaxing massage. If it is something that has ever interested you, why not learn the trade? You can make it part of your journey and take a course while you are exploring the world, like Marie, who studied massage for 2 months whilst in Thailand.
Jewellery
Are you an artsy type? Why not pack some of your materials and make jewellery along the way. Every traveller loves a bracelet that reminds them of where they have been, and people are even more interested in buying something that is handmade and especially from someone they have met. You can easily find tutorials for macrame online and practice as you travel. It is also a great way to entertain yourself during long voyages whilst being productive at the same time.
Busk
Do you know how to juggle? Are you a musician? Maybe you once graduated from clown academy like my big brother and can put on a magic show? If you are one of these talented individuals, why not give busking a go? Just check with the local authorities and see if any permits are required, and away you go. You could also chat to the managers at hostels and see if you can put on a show in the hostel, maybe they will not like you to charge money for it but they might give you a free bed in exchange for entertaining their guests. You could also ask around in local bars and see if you can perform in their space for tips.
Teach English
One of the best investments you can make is to take a TEFL/TESL or TESOL course and teach English on your travels. Even better, why not take the course for free like I am currently doing. I found a great opportunity to get my TEFL certificate free by volunteering for two weeks with an organisation called Angloville in Poland. I had a brilliant experience volunteering for them and was rewarded with a 120 hour TEFL course for my efforts.
Cook up a storm!
Hostels are full of people too lazy to cook, or who have no idea how to cook, or who simply realise that sometimes it is cheaper to eat out than cook for just themselves. If your hostel has a kitchen, then why not offer to do a cook up. Choose an easy recipe, price your ingredients, create a sign-up sheet and away you go! Or make some biscuits, cakes or sweets and sell them in the hostel or at the local market. Check out some of my recipes for ideas on meals that work well and can be made on a budget.
Work online
One of the great benefits of the internet age is being able to transfer your work wherever you go. Speak to your boss and see if it is possible to continue your job overseas. Otherwise think of skills that you have, and perhaps you can start freelancing on websites such as Upwork. You could even give fiverr a go if you just want to make a few bucks for food!