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Get Paid to Travel: Turn Your Wanderlust into an Awesome Paycheck

ByDeborah Dennis Updated on

Many dream of getting paid to travel and explore new destinations while earning a living. The good news? It’s entirely possible — and I’ve been doing it for years.

In this guide, I’ll show you real ways to get paid to travel and earn while you explore, from blogging and freelancing to teaching English online, remote work, and even vehicle relocation gigs. Whether you want to become a full-time digital nomad or fund a few months on the road, these strategies can help you turn wanderlust into a sustainable income.

If you purchase through our partner links, we get paid for the referral at no additional cost to you! For more information, visit my disclosure page.

Exploring the Realm of High-Paying Traveling Jobs

The travel-work lifestyle has gained popularity thanks to remote technology, flexible contracts, and the rise of the “work-from-anywhere” movement.

Start with curated platforms like FlexJobs, Mercor Jobs, and Fiverr — trusted sources for legit location-independent roles. Pair that with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance to protect your income and health wherever you roam.

Key Takeaway

You don’t need to be an influencer to travel full-time — you need the right mix of skill, hustle, and online tools.

Get Paid to Travel

Travel Blogging: Sharing Stories & Building Income

Travel blogging remains one of the most flexible ways to earn on the road. Through SEO, affiliate partnerships, and brand collaborations, your stories can literally pay for your next trip.

Income Streams for Bloggers

  • Affiliate Marketing: Earn through links to gear, hotels, or online courses.
  • Brand Partnerships & Tourism Boards: Pitch creative campaigns that align with your niche.
  • Public Speaking & Workshops: Leverage your expertise into income at conferences or meetups.
  • Group Tours: Plan small guided experiences for your audience.

Advertising on Websites and Social Media Platforms

  • Affiliate Marketing: Tons of companies want you to promote their products on your blog, and then you earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link. I’m an affiliate for numerous travel companies, including Harvest Hosts, RVlife, TechnoRV, and many more.
  • Amazon Associates: Generate passive income by writing product reviews, creating blog posts for lists of products you endorse, and placing ads on your blog through companies like Medavine, and getting paid when visitors click on them.
  • Sponsored Posts: Partner with brands that align with your values and create content promoting their products or services in exchange for payment, as I did with KUHL Brand.

Key Takeaway

Build your blog on reliable hosting, stay consistent, and treat it like a small business — not a hobby.

Freelance Writing & Photography

Freelancing lets you sell your skills directly to publications, brands, and stock libraries.

  • Pitch travel features to AFAR, Lonely Planet, or Travel + Leisure.
  • License your images on Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
  • Sell prints via Etsy or your own site.
  • Host photography workshops through Skillshare or Teachable.

Tips on Pitching Your Story Ideas Successfully

  1. Follow submission guidelines: Each publication has its own set of submission guidelines, which may include word count limits, preferred formats, and deadlines. Adhere to these requirements to increase your chances of being considered.
  2. Be persistent: Breaking into freelance travel writing can be challenging, but don’t let rejection discourage you. Continue refining your pitches and submitting them to various publications until you achieve success.
  3. Nurture relationships with editors: Once you’ve successfully published a piece in a particular publication, contact the editor for future opportunities. They may be more likely to consider your work if they are aware of your previous contributions.

Some popular travel publications that accept freelance submissions include Transitions Abroad, World Nomads, GoAbroad.com, Best Travel Writing, Road & Travel Magazine, Huffington Post, and BBC Travel.

In addition to pitching articles directly to publications, consider joining online platforms such as Freelancer, Upwork, or ClearVoice. These websites connect freelancers with clients seeking content creators for various projects, including travel writing assignments. By diversifying where you pitch and submit your work, you’ll have more opportunities for paid gigs while traveling the globe.

PRO TIP:

Keep pitching even after rejections. Editors remember persistence — and great photos.

Licensing Images Through Stock Photo Agencies

One popular way to monetize your photography skills is through stock photo agencies, where you license your images. These platforms allow photographers to sell their work to clients who need visuals for marketing materials, websites, or other purposes. By uploading your best shots regularly, you can create a passive income stream that grows over time as more people purchase your photos.

Selling Prints Directly To Customers

Besides stock photo agencies, another option is selling prints directly to customers. You can set up an online store using platforms like Etsy or Squarespace, where fans of your work can purchase physical copies of your photographs. This approach enables you to control pricing and offers higher profit margins compared to stock photo sales.

Videography & YouTube Monetization

If you’re comfortable on camera, video storytelling can fund your adventures through YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate gear reviews.

Monetizing Video Content Via YouTube/Vimeo

Videographers can also find success by creating engaging content for platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. By producing high-quality videos showcasing your travels, you can attract viewers interested in the destinations you visit. As your channel expands, there are more possibilities for monetization through ads and partnerships with businesses that want to access your viewers.

Offering Workshops Or Courses Teaching Videography Skills

  • If you’re confident in both your technical abilities and teaching skills, consider offering workshops or courses on photography techniques while traveling. Many aspiring photographers would love the opportunity to learn from someone with real-world experience capturing breathtaking scenes around the globe.
  • You could also create online courses using platforms like Udemy or Skillshare, which allow you to reach a broader audience and generate income even when you’re not actively teaching.

Recommended creator tools:

Key Takeaway:

Video content builds both income and community — a powerful combo for long-term nomads.

Teaching English Online as a Digital Nomad Income Source

Teaching online is one of the easiest ways to start earning quickly while traveling.

Platforms to Try

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate.

Scheduling Tip: Utilize WorldTimeBuddy to manage time zones with international students effectively.

Remote Work Opportunities in Web Design, Development, and Management

Freelance digital work remains one of the highest-paying paths for travelers.

Where to Find Jobs

  • Upwork and Toptal for design/dev projects.
  • We Work Remotely for Full-Time Remote Tech Roles.
  • Stay organized with Notion or Asana.

Bonus Resource: Launch your own web-portfolio with Squarespace — quick, clean, and mobile-ready.

Make Money While Traveling: Vehicle Relocation Jobs

Driving someone else’s car home, known as vehicle relocation, is an unconventional way to earn cash while traveling. Companies often need cars, RVs, or boats transported from one location to another and are willing to pay drivers. This allows travelers to explore different regions while making money simultaneously.

Find Companies Offering Vehicle Relocation Jobs

Some companies pay you to drive vehicles cross-country. These platforms connect drivers with clients requiring vehicles to be moved across states or countries.

Check out AutoDriveaway.com or HitTheRoad.ca for relocation gigs, especially if you’re already RVing.

Tips for Successfully Completing Vehicle Relocations

  • Verify insurance coverage.
  • Keep meticulous mileage and gas logs.
  • Plan your route: Before embarking on any trip, use tools like Google Maps or Waze.
  • Maintain communication: Keep in touch with the company.
  • Inspect the vehicle: Before starting your journey.
  • Enjoy the scenery — you’re getting paid to explore!

Learn the Business of Travel Writing

Invest in your storytelling skills with online courses like “Be a Travel Writer” on Udemy or MatadorU.

Finding Your Niche in Travel Writing

To stand out among other writers in the saturated travel story market, it’s essential to find a unique angle or focus on specific aspects of destinations that resonate with readers. My angle is writing first-person experiential travel articles. Check out the ones I’ve written for Only In Your State, an online travel magazine.

Cultivating Secondary Skills: Photography & Videography

A picture speaks louder than words. My travel articles include my own photography. Aspiring travel writers should also consider honing their photography or videography skills since visuals play an integral role in capturing the reader’s attention. Platforms like YouTube offer opportunities for monetizing video content related to travel, while websites like Shutterstock and Fine Art America allow photographers to sell images online.

Persistence Despite Rejection: Keep Trying

Rejection is a part of the freelance writing journey, but don’t let it discourage you. Use feedback to improve your craft and continue pitching ideas to various publications. Remember that every successful travel writer started somewhere – persistence pays off. Check out this list of travel writing tips for more inspiration.

Hospitality & Tourism Work

From cruise ships to resorts to guided tours, the hospitality industry offers numerous paid travel roles.

Great Starting Points

Outdoor & Adventure Jobs

If you’d rather trade Wi-Fi for wilderness:

  • REI Co-op Affiliate – Outfit yourself with pro-level gear.
  • AllTrails+ Membership – Map hikes and lead guided treks.
  • Park Ranger Roles (apply via nps.gov) or eco-tourism groups, such as WWOOF International.

Pro tip: Pair your outdoor work with freelance photography or blogging for extra income streams.

How to Save Money for Your Travels

Before I hit the road in 2021 as an RV newbie, I downsized, saved aggressively, and paid off my Airstream loan. Here’s what worked:

  1. Reduce expenses: Consider renting out your home or subletting a room.
  2. Sell extras: List items on Craigslist, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace.
  3. Pick up freelance gigs: I landed small UX projects via Upwork and Dribbble.
  4. Budget realistically: Include fuel, camping fees, insurance, and maintenance.
  5. Pay down debt: Freedom tastes better without monthly payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Start where you are — you already have skills someone will pay for.
  • Select high-quality gear and tools that will last.
  • Diversify your income: combine freelance, remote work, and passive revenue.
  • Always maintain insurance, backups, and financial buffers.

FAQs about Get Paid to Travel

How much do travel articles pay?

Between $100–$1,000 per piece, depending on publication and experience.

Are there jobs that pay you to travel?

Yes — from travel nursing to brand ambassadorships, teaching abroad, and remote freelancing.

How much do travel writers earn?

Professional freelancers typically earn $40,000–$70,000 per year with multiple income streams.

How do you write a great travel article?

Tell a story only you can tell — focus on emotion, place, and sensory detail.

Conclusion

Traveling and earning aren’t opposites — they’re partners. With thoughtful planning, skill-building, and the right gear, you can live freely, work remotely, and see more of the world than you ever imagined.

Ready to start your journey? Visit my Travel Gear Page for up-to-date gear, and digital nomad tools that support a life of adventure.

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