this is how you earn money
while traveling
They always say that traveling is the only form of spending money that makes you richer. And that may be true, but traveling is still damn expensive. A vacation of two or three weeks can be budgeted quite well but a trip of eight months, that's a different story. But don't worry, there are ways to make money while traveling too.
Work in your hostel
For many people, this is the ideal job, and I've met many people who have actually done this. Are you broke and facing nights on the street? Offer to stand behind the reception for a few hours a day in exchange for accommodation. This way you meet new people, learn something new, and have a roof over your head for free.
Work as an au pair
Perhaps the most popular option. You live and eat with a family, part of the day you work with the kids but you also have plenty of time to explore the city. Tip: if possible, choose a family with school-going children, then you won't have to worry about them during the day at least not. The advantage of being an au pair is that you quickly pick up the language, integrate with a “real” family, and thus quickly learn the local customs, plus you don't have to worry about basic things like a place to sleep and not starving.
Learn English
As in: teach others English. You as a Dutch person probably speak better than many others on earth, so you have plenty to share. At a school in Vietnam, an English course in Indonesia, or a tutoring class in Peru, for example.
Stand behind the bar
In Vietnam, I was in a bar in the smallest village ever, and suddenly a tall blonde Dutchman appeared behind the bar. Eight years ago he had run out of money while traveling, asked if he could work in that bar for a few days for enough money to buy a train ticket, and decided never to leave. He has since been half-adopted by the owner, manages all the financial matters, and is happier than ever.
Get a job you can do anywhere
I have such a job. In theory, I only need a laptop and wifi, and then I can write from anywhere in the world. There will come a point in my life when I will fully take advantage of that, and if you are still in a position to set things up this way, it is highly recommended. As a copywriter, proofreader, (digital) illustrator, social media manager, photographer, marketing consultant – the list goes on.
