19 Dec 2023 | 5 mins
Overview
  • Like the idea of a working holiday?
  • Here are a few ways to make money while travelling whether you have a working visa or not.

Alright, listen up broke gang. Feeling a pirate-like urge to drop everything and travel the world (without the crime, of course)? I feel you. But while we’d all love to yeet over to Europe for a year, expenses can get in the way. Luckily there are plenty of ways to make money while you travel – and some of them don’t even require a working visa. If that’s piqued your interest, take a look at the six money-making options we’ve handpicked just for you.  

 

With A Visa (Difficulty: Easy) 
 

Hospo 

The most common type of visa work falls within the hospitality industry. Whether you’re working behind a bar, waiting at a café, or working in a hotel/hostel, hospo is a great way to make money overseas.  

Hospo workers are always in demand. It’s also a great way to meet new people overseas, so it’s a great option for a working holiday, especially if you’re travelling solo. Depending on where you go, you may need something similar to a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate, so make sure you set some money aside for a quick course if needed. 
 

Au Pair 

An Au Pair is basically a glorified babysitter. You’ll usually bunk in with a host family and help them with housework and taking care of their children in exchange for food, a place to stay and a bit of extra cash on the side – pretty sweet deal, right?  

To land a gig as an Au Pair, you’ll often need previous experience babysitting or other work with children (like after-school care or tutoring). You’ll also need to pass a police check, pick up an RSA certificate if you’re travelling to the UK and organise a contract with the host family.  
 

Agriculture 

Keen to escape to the country (or at least 10 km out of the city)? There's plenty of work available for tourists on farms, from picking fruit to making cheese and baking fresh bread, there are plenty of options in the ag industry.  

It’s a great option if you love being outdoors and want to work during the day and experience the city at night. But you can lose out on some flexibility – a lot of these businesses will require you to stay within a certain radius or distance of where you’re staying or live there for a locked-in amount of time. 

 

No Visa (Difficulty: Hard) 

 

Photography 

If you’re handy with a camera and taking photos while you travel, you might as well upload them to stock image websites. If you get some downloads on them, they’ll give you a cut. That’s passive income right there. 

Freelancing 

Got skills in writing, design, website building or another area of expertise? There are plenty of online freelance jobs you can do from anywhere in the world. All you need is computer and internet access and you’ll be good to go. If you search through any job-seeking website, you’ll be bound to find a selection of jobs or sign up to a freelance job marketplace. 

 

Street performing 

Can you play an instrument? Juggle? Or stand still for long periods? Give street performing a go. If you can put on an enjoyable, unique show, you could make some very handy cash. You’ll need to check whether you need a permit to busk in the area you want to perform, but otherwise, go for gold.  
 

So, if money is the only thing holding you back from travelling, you’ve really got no excuse. Sure, some of these options might take a little bit more organising. But imagine living it up in a new city and making money while you’re at it. So, pick an income stream and get it happening so you can explore the world ASAP. 

The following content has been created by Year 13 and is sponsored by Westpac.