Get Paid To Travel: 10 Real Ways To Earn

3D illustration of a speech bubble with language symbols representing translation and earning money

In 2024, there were over 40 million digital nomads worldwide. These people travel the world while working remotely or get paid to travel due to their careers. Such a venture requires careful planning and the right approach.

In this guide, we’ll cover ten legitimate ways to earn money while exploring your travel destinations. It includes full-time positions, part-time gigs, freelance opportunities, and employer-sponsored trips.

Is it possible to get paid to travel?

People may be skeptical about making money while traveling, but it’s possible to make money from your travels with diligent planning, effort, and diverse income sources. Some people claim there are numerous ways to achieve it – freelance travel writing, graphic design, travel photography, and more.

However, it takes time to build a stable income, and you’ll need to find the method that fits your lifestyle. Some people need full-time remote positions. Others get by with occasional paid trips. You should figure out your financial and travel goals before choosing your path.

Evaluate your skills, interests, and level of commitment. You might keep your day job and take a long vacation to write for travel magazines. Start a travel blog or YouTube channel dedicated to visiting a continent and monetize it. The options are endless, so let’s dive into the best ways to get paid to travel.

1. Become a travel content creator

Turning your travels into income is possible through blogging, vlogging, and social media. Successful social media influencers earn through ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and brand deals. Platforms like the YouTube Partner Program, Instagram Collabs, and Mediavine allow creators to monetize their content.

If you want to grow an audience and make money creating content, you should:

Choose a niche like budget travel, luxury, adventure, etc.
Create high-quality videos for YouTube, actionable travel articles for Mediavine, or engaging short-form videos for TikTok.
Apply for brand collaborations and ad monetization programs.

Earnings depend on audience size and engagement. New creators may make $100–$500 per month. However, those with a large following can earn thousands through sponsorships and ad revenue. Additionally, you can become a brand ambassador and land sponsored trips.

However, you should remain consistent as a content creator and prioritize your audience. Post high-quality travel photos, honest reviews, and experiences to remain credible among other travel bloggers.

2. Get paid to review hotels and travel experiences

Travel review platforms and tourism agencies have programs that pay for detailed hotel, resort, and experience reviews. Some travel agencies and luxury hotels also offer sponsored trips to influencers and professional reviewers.

If you’re looking for paid opportunities, platforms like TripAdvisor, Worldpackers, and Workaway offer travelers to write detailed reviews in exchange for payments, free stays, or perks. To qualify for sponsored stays, you should build credibility by posting high-quality, informative reviews on travel platforms.

Additionally, you should create a personal travel blog and document your travel adventures. Be honest and write detailed reviews with high-quality photos. A strong online presence with enough traffic increases your chances of securing collaborations.

3. Work as a freelance travel photographer or videographer

Travel photographers earn by selling images or working on assignments for tourism boards, travel agencies, and brands. Popular platforms for selling photos include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Foap.

You can sell stock photos anywhere from $0.25 to $10 per download, and it can become a passive income source. If you work for media outlets or other projects, you can earn from $500 to $5,000, depending on your experience and client budgets.

To start as a photographer, you should:

Build an online portfolio and advertise it on social media platforms.
Sell stock photos and videos on platforms.
Reach out to travel companies for brand partnerships.
Consider freelance marketplaces to become a freelancer.

4. Teach English or other skills abroad

Countries like South Korea host an estimated 24,000 English teachers from abroad. These are native English speakers who leverage their skills to teach English abroad and make money. Platforms like VIPKid, iTalki, and EF English First connect teachers with international students.

If you wish to become a teacher, you should:

Obtain a TEFL certification (for English teaching).
Apply for online or in-person teaching positions.
Expect earnings from $10 to $50 per hour, depending on expertise.

Additionally, you can become a teacher of public speaking, fitness, music, content writing, or other skills and travel to Southeast Asia, Central America, and other places. Make sure to research local job boards or online sites to secure a position.

5. Become a digital nomad

Digital nomads are remote workers who travel the globe. They work in freelance writing, programming, virtual assistance, marketing, and other remote-friendly positions.

You can find opportunities on platforms such as Upwork, Toptal, and We Work Remotely. There are short-term gigs and full-time remote roles, so apply to the ones that fit your lifestyle.

Your earnings will vary by skill. Freelance writers typically make $20–$100 per article, developers earn $30–$150 per hour, and virtual assistants can start at $10–$30 per hour. Graphic designers, travel journalists, and other positions have their own pay range, too.

When learning how to get paid to travel, it’s crucial to balance work and travel:

Choose destinations with reliable Wi-Fi and coworking spaces.
Set a structured work schedule to stay productive.
Use time zone differences to your advantage when working with clients.
Automate tasks and use productivity tools to manage workloads efficiently.

With the right skills and discipline, being a digital nomad allows you to enjoy new experiences while maintaining a steady income.

6. Work on a cruise ship or as a flight attendant

Cruise ships and airlines offer a unique way to learning how to get paid to travel. Positions in hospitality, entertainment, and customer service allow employees to visit multiple destinations while having major expenses covered by their current job.

Companies like Norwegian Cruise Line or Emirates Airlines regularly hire staff for these roles. However, your expected salary varies by sector. Cruise ship workers earn $1,500–$5,000 per month, and flight attendants make $30,000–$80,000 annually, depending on experience and airline.

However, you’ll get plenty of benefits as most companies offer free accommodation, meals, and travel discounts. Also, you can choose gigs where you can visit desired destinations while working.

If you’re interested, you can:

Apply to cruise lines (e.g., Norwegian Cruise Line) or airlines (e.g., Emirates).
Choose positions among hospitality, entertainment, and flight crew roles.
Decide on contract length (e.g., 2-month contract) and salary expectations.

7. House-sitting and pet-sitting in exotic destinations

Travelers can get free accommodation via pet-sitting or house-sitting opportunities in different countries. You’ll need to take care of homes or pets for a few days or even several months and save money on hotels. Popular platforms like TrustedHousesitters and Nomador connect sitters with a global audience.

You’ll need to feed pets, water plants, and maintain the property as a sitter. However, responsibilities vary by assignment, so make sure to negotiate the details before accepting a job. If you want to make money as a sitter:

Create a strong profile with references and background checks.
Apply early for high-demand locations.
Start with smaller assignments to build credibility.
Clearly communicate availability and experience to homeowners.

Most platforms have a rating system, so make sure to request reviews from your clients and build a solid reputation.

8. Become a tour guide or travel coordinator

Tour guides and travel coordinators organize city tours, adventure excursions, and cultural experiences for visitors. You can join platforms like ToursByLocals and Viatour as an independent guide and choose your travel niche (e.g., historical Italy, organic farms in France, etc.).

Your pay will vary from $50 to $300 per group, depending on location and tour type. You can earn money hosting group trips to exotic destinations as private groups usually pay more. To get started:

Gain local expertise and create unique tour experiences.
Hone your public speaking skills.
Get certified (e.g., through the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations) for credibility.
Start small and offer free or discounted tours to build reviews.
Promote services via social media and travel platforms.

9. Get paid to test travel apps, websites, and services

From Booking.com to Airbnb, the travel industry has numerous apps and platforms that make travelling easy and accessible. That’s why companies pay travelers to test travel-related apps, websites, hotels, flights, and vacation rental services to improve user experience.

Platforms like UserTesting and Test IO offer opportunities to provide feedback for money. You can expect to earn $10–$50 per session. However, in-depth usability tests will get you over $100. If you want to earn money as a tester and maximize your pay:

Sign up for multiple platforms to increase testing opportunities.
Provide detailed, constructive feedback to qualify for higher-paying tasks.
Test new travel services while on the go to make extra money effortlessly.

As a product tester, you can turn your travel experiences into a paid opportunity.

For travelers looking to earn extra cash without a full-time commitment, microtask platforms provide an easy and flexible option. These platforms let you complete small online tasks like surveys, data entry, or app testing.

These tasks don’t require a set schedule, and you can complete them in your free time. They’re ideal for those constantly moving between destinations.

JumpTask is great for travelers because it offers instant payouts, so you can get your money fast. Other popular get-paid-to sites also offer short-term opportunities to make money while travelling.

Notably, microtasks can’t replace a full-time income but they can cover daily expenses like meals, transportation, or tickets. If you want to make more money with microtasks, sign up for multiple platforms and choose high-paying tasks.

Make money between adventures

Use JumpTask to complete surveys, play games, or test apps while exploring new places.

Key takeaways

Before you can get paid to travel, you should have a plan, as some methods require building skills or an audience.
You should set up passive and active income streams while you travel. Consider mixing freelance work, sponsorships, and remote jobs to make extra money.
Be cautious of scams and never reveal your personal or financial information. Don’t execute upfront payments before verifying them.
Your priority should be flexibility. Some opportunities may change based on location and seasonality.

FAQs

Yes, travel bloggers, influencers, and reviewers often receive free stays, flights, and tours in exchange for promotion. Additionally, if you’re on a business trip, your employer should cover travel expenses.

Some tourism boards sponsor travel influencers and journalists to promote particular destinations. However, they often cover minimal travel expenses or pay for agreed promotions. You’d earn more money from your blog or social media account if you’re an influencer.

Some airlines offer free flights for honest, detailed reviews. However, it’s a rare opportunity. On the other hand, you can get paid to travel and review hotels, especially if you’re a travel influencer. You should include photos and videos in your reviews to guarantee high-quality content.

It depends on the country. Generally, you’ll need to speak the local language, know customs, and have customer service skills. Sometimes, certifications are required.

Flight attendants, travel writers, photographers, digital nomads, and tour guides are among the top travel-friendly careers.

Monika Ivanauskaite

Content Manager

Meet Monika, your go-to person for turning side-hustle ambitions into real income. As a content manager at JumpTask, she makes digital earning opportunities easy to understand and follow. With a Communication degree from Vilnius Tech and studies in International Communication at Hanze, Monika knows how to turn tricky money earning topics into practical tips. She’s been where you are and knows how hard it can be to start. That’s why her advice is always honest and clear. No empty promises, just real ways to make money online.