6 creative ways to make money while travelling (2024)
Have you ever wonder how you can make money while travelling?
When I plan for my next holiday, I look forward to exploring culture-rich towns and trying out local delicacies. At the same time, I feel the pain whenever I see my credit card bills pile up after booking return air tickets, accommodation, tour packages, and local transportation.
“Can I possibly make money while travelling?” I asked myself.
In 2024, it’s easier than ever for Singaporeans to travel and potentially earn money at the same time. Smart Singaporeans are coming up with these creative ways to make money while they are travelling.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Making money while travelling is doable when you know what to do and how to do it.
- If you enjoy leveraging on technology, consider making money from selling your photos and videos, offering virtual travel experience services, and offer virtual tour for overseas properties.
- If you prefer dealing with physical products, consider becoming a purchasing agent, offering P2P delivery services and becoming an affiliate marketer.
- You must take precautionary measures when you are making money while travelling.
Become a purchasing agent
As a purchasing agent, you travel overseas to buy goods and earn a fee or commission from your clients. The fee or commission you can make depends on the type of items you’re buying and the price gap of each item’s selling price in different countries.
In Singapore, you can buy an 6.7-inch display iPhone 15 Plus from Apple official retail store at the price of S$1,462.40. In Hong Kong, you can buy one from Apple official retail store at the price of HKD7,699 or S$1,327 at time of writing. The arbitrage of S$135 per iPhone 15 Plus may not be so attractive, but you can easily make several hundred dollars extra income if you are helping your clients buying several units of iPhone 15 Plus at once. On top of that, you might be eligible to claim tax refund at the airport if you meet the requirements. However, Hong Kong and Dubai are tax free destinations so no tax refund is applicable.
Other than technology devices, you can charge higher fee or commission for sourcing latest fashion clothes, luxurious items, branded goods, or classic and antique collections.
To become a purchasing agent, you’ll need to do some research. First, study the market trends and consumer demands in your country.
Decide on the niche you want to focus on, such as luxurious items, latest fashion clothes or the latest technology. Next, choose the countries you want to visit for purchasing the products. Countries with established duty-free or tax refund systems could provide you with better deals.
Once you’ve chosen your niche and target destination, gain knowledge about import regulations and how to deal with customs. It’s also helpful to establish relationships with suppliers and wholesalers in the countries you’ll be visiting.
After that, you should start marketing your service via a business profile on Instagram, Telegram, Facebook, or TikTok.
The money you need depends on the goods you plan to purchase.
For example, branded luxury items like high-end fashion clothes or jewellery will require more more; whereas you may not require as much capital for classic or antique collections, such as vinyl records or vintage posters.
Start with a budget that you’re comfortable with, and gradually increase it as you gain experience and clientele.
Initially, you can reach out to friends, family members and social media groups to let them know you’re offering purchasing agent services.
Network with local boutique owners or collectors interested in unique products from overseas. Advertise your services on social media platforms, or join communities relevant to your niche, where you can share valuable information or sourcing stories to attract potential customers.
More importantly, you will need to build trust and relationship with your first customer, collect testimonial from him or her and post on your profile. Your first 10 customers are extremely crucial to keep your service alive and profitable.
To be safe as a purchasing agent, you need to take some precautions.
First, make sure to validate the authenticity and origins of the products you’re buying to avoid potential legal issues. You will not want to get caught by customs officers who found your products suspicious or dangerous.
Next, research local regulations, customs and culture in the countries you’re visiting, and know your limits when it comes to bargaining. For instance, the bargaining culture is not uncommon in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, and other Asian countries. Apart from supermarkets, restaurants and some shops with fixed prices, rates are negotiable.
Have backup plans in case of any unforeseen situations, such as language barriers or supplier issues. Lastly, ensure you’re dealing with reputable suppliers and couriers, and buy insurance for goods in transit to minimise the risk of fraud or damage to the goods you’re shipping back home.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) delivery
The income you can earn with P2P delivery varies based on factors such as the delivery destination, the cost of the item and the level of demand.
Generally, you can earn a fixed fee or commission for delivering items. Some travellers earning a few hundred dollars for single deliveries, depending on the routes and items involved.
For example, door-to-door delivery service of a small parcel (under 2kg) from Singapore to China by air freight can easily cost between S$45 and S$150. Grabr, a popular platform that connect international travellers with people who want to buy goods overseas, subsidise your trip every time you travel with Grabr. Grabr travellers usually deliver a handful of items and earn around S$300 per trip.
To get started with your first P2P delivery task, sign up an account on Grabr. This website verifies your identity and handle payment transactions, providing a secure environment for everyone involved.
If you don’t see your route among the popular ones, you could add your trip to see requested orders along your route. Then, you choose the orders you would like to deliver and arrange the details with your shoppers. Once shoppers accept your offer, they pay. However, Grabr will hold the payment. In other words, you will have to buy the item with your money first. Finally, you will meet shoppers in person, deliver the product you bought and you will get paid automatically by Grabr.
On Grabr, the range of item requested by shoppers are quite diverse. Majority of the items would cost you up to a few hundred dollars upfront. However, you should standby a credit card or cash in reserve to cover any unexpected expenses, such as customs charges.
Finding your first 10 clients can be less daunting once you join the right platform. As mentioned earlier, Grabr is an excellent starting point that connects travellers and clients internationally.
You can also tap into your personal network or utilise social media to spread the word about your new side hustle.
Safety should be your top priority when acting as a P2P delivery agent. Follow these tips for a hassle-free experience:
- Only deal with reputable platforms, such as Grabr, that offer user verification and secure payment handling.
- Stick to delivering legal items and familiarise yourself with customs regulations.
- Maintain open communication with clients and provide updates on your travel status.
- Consider using a contract to outline the terms of your agreement and protect your interests.
- If face-to-face meeting is required between you and your clientele, do it at a public place.
Be an Affiliate
The amount of money you can make with affiliate marketing largely depends on the products or services you promote, your audience size, and the commission rates offered by the companies you partner with.
Some affiliates earn a modest income, while others can rake in thousands of dollars or more per month.
To get started with affiliate marketing, firstly, learn the ropes in your chosen niche.
You may decide to promote facial products, kitchen appliances, winter wear, luggage, job agency services, or property rental services.
Once you have a clearer understanding of your niche, join affiliate marketing networks, such as Travelpayouts or Amazon Associates, to find businesses and products to promote.
One of the advantages of affiliate marketing is its low financial barrier to entry. You could even get started with S$100 for website establishment or marketing efforts.
Don’t let money hold you back!
To find your first 10 customers, focus on building an engaging online presence, such as a blog, social media account, or streaming platform.
Interact with your audience by addressing their needs and providing valuable insights. You can secure your first customers by offering them trusty recommendations and exclusive deals from your partnered companies.
Additionally, joining online forums or communities in your niche may help you connect with potential customers.
To protect yourself and your audience, take the following precautionary measures:
- Stick to reliable and reputable affiliate networks and programs.
- Do thorough research on the products or services you promote to ensure they are of high quality.
- Familiarise yourself with consumer protection regulations in your niche and country.
- Disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience, as it builds trust and transparency.
By following these guidelines and maintaining a confident, knowledgeable, and neutral tone, you will establish a solid reputation for your affiliate marketing business while travelling the world.
Sell your photos and videos
When it comes to selling your travel photos and videos, the earning potential varies depending on factors such as the platform you use, the quality of your photos and videos, the uniqueness of your work, and the demand factor for your work.
You might earn anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds for a single sale. For instance, stock websites like Shutterstock offer a tiered commission structure that pays you up to 40% royalties as more of your photos or videos are licensed by users. Alternatively, you can expect to earn up to 33% royalties from selling your photos and earn up to 35% royalties from selling videos on Adobe Stock.
Explore various ways to monetise your work, such as:
- Licensing to stock websites (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock)
- Selling prints or digital copies
- Collaborating with brands for sponsored content
- Offering photography courses or workshops
Starting with a camera and some basic editing software, you can begin with minimal upfront costs. I recommend you start small and go easy on your wallet. As you gain experience and start making more money, you will need to invest in better camera and software to enhance your work and increase your income.
| Item | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone camera | 0 (if you already have one) |
| Professional camera | S$200 – S$4,000 |
| Editing software | Up to S$100 (monthly recurring) |
- Utilise social media platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest, to showcase your work and attract potential buyers.
- Join photography communities and forums.
- Enter competitions to gain exposure.
- Collaborate with other creatives and reach wider audiences.
- Reach out to local businesses for partnership opportunities.
While travelling overseas to capture photos and videos, it’s crucial to prioritise safety. Keep these points in mind:
- Research local customs and laws related to photography.
- Be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Avoid taking photos in risky locations, especially if you are travelling alone.
- Keep your equipment insured and secure, and never leave it unattended. Lock them up in a safe if you are leaving them in a hotel.
- Always backup your work to avoid losing valuable content.
- Always ask for permission before photographing people or private property.
Virtual travelling experience services
The amount of money you can make from virtual travelling experience services varies depending on the demand of the travel destination, quality of your content, uniqueness of your content, and your marketing efforts.
Some successful virtual travel guides are earning more than S$1,000 per month by sharing their experiences and providing online streaming services to customers worldwide. The more niche and tailored your offering is, the higher the earning potential. For example, you could offer virtual travelling experience in a rainforest or hiking a mountain. Outskirt or rural places which are not easily accessible by tourists are excellent for you to charge higher fees or commissions.
Starting a virtual travelling experience service does not require a significant amount of capital or expertise. First, you need to choose a niche or target audience, whether it’s extreme activities, cultural experiences, or fulfilling the wishes of people with specific health conditions.
Then, plan your content and devise creative ways to deliver a captivating virtual travelling experience.
To begin with, familiarise yourself with video editing software and streaming platforms to ensure high-quality content.
Build a strong online presence by creating a professional website and leveraging social media to connect with your community and potential clients.
Consider hosting your first few virtual tours for free or at a discounted rate to build your reputation and generate word-of-mouth referrals.
Starting a virtual travelling experience service is relatively affordable. The primary costs include purchasing a high-quality camera or smartphone, any required streaming or editing software, and basic marketing materials, such as a website and advertising.
You could potentially begin your venture for under S$1,000, depending on the quality of your equipment.
You may initially find your first customers within your existing networks, such as friends and family who share your passion for travel or similar interests.
Utilise social media by setting up business pages and joining relevant groups to promote your services. Collaborate with local businesses or tourism organizations to broaden your reach.
A foolproof way to attract customers is by offering trial experiences, special discounts or giveaways to stimulate interest and gather valuable feedback.
As a virtual travel experience provider, you should take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the satisfaction of your customers. This includes:
- Obtain proper licensing and insurance for any in-person tours or activities you may offer.
- Protect your privacy by not sharing personal contact information or home addresses online.
- Implement a clear refund and cancellation policy to avoid disputes.
- Prioritize digital security for your online platforms and customer data.
- Stay informed about the latest safety guidelines, travel advisories, and cultural sensitivities to provide the most accurate and responsible content to your audience.
Virtual tour for overseas properties
With virtual property tours, overseas properties can become a lucrative source of income.
By offering potential buyers or tenants a chance to view overseas property options without leaving the comfort of their own homes, you can capitalise on virtual tours as a service.
Depending on the quality and exclusivity of your service, you could charge anywhere from S$50 to over S$300 per virtual tour.
To start offering virtual tours for overseas property, it’s vital to be familiar with both the local real estate market and the technology involved.
You can utilise various tools and platforms, such as FocalAgent or PropertyGuru, to create and showcase user-friendly, immersive experiences for potential clients.
Starting a virtual tour business doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, you can begin on a budget.
Depending on the level of sophistication you want to achieve, you may require an investment ranging from S$500 to S$5,000.
Basic equipment, such as a camera and tripod, can be purchased for around S$500. However, upgrading to a higher-quality setup with better lighting and software could bump up costs, potentially nearing the S$5,000 mark.
Scouting your first customers could be as simple as reaching out to your local network.
Talk to estate agents, rental property owners or friends with property on sale who could benefit from a virtual tour.
Additionally, social media and online advertising can help spread the word about your unique services.
Don’t be shy; share your work and let people see the quality you bring to the table.
While virtual tours minimise the necessity for physical appointments, they can’t entirely erase the risks involved in surveying property.
When you’re on location, make sure to:
- Check the area for any potential hazards, such as uneven flooring or faulty infrastructure.
- Inform someone, such as a colleague or a friend, about your whereabouts when visiting unfamiliar properties.
- Be aware of your surroundings when travelling to and from various locations.
In short
Making money while travelling can be an attractive side hustle as it generates side income which allows the traveller to have financial safety net during an extended trip. If you enjoy leveraging on technology, consider making money from selling your photos and videos, offering virtual travel experience services, and offer virtual tour for overseas properties. If you prefer to deal with physical products, consider becoming a purchasing agent, offering P2P delivery services and becoming an affiliate marketer. Ultimately, you will need to choose a method which matches your skills, lifestyle and preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Generating passive income while travelling can help you maintain financial stability without needing a full-time job.
Some popular methods include earning through blog monetisation, selling your photos online, and investing in stocks or real estate.
Wise suggests several ways to make money while travelling, including earning from a blog and selling your photos.
Another option is to create digital products like ebooks, online courses, or even smartphone applications that generate revenue continuously once they are set up.
Mobile applications can be a convenient way to earn money while travelling. They allow you to work from your smartphone or tablet.
Some popular gig economy apps include Upwork or Fiverr. Others are ride-sharing platforms like Grab, or e-commerce applications like Carousell, Lazada, Shopee, or Amazon.
It’s worth noting that the availability and legality of these apps may vary depending on the country or region you are travelling in. Make sure to research local regulations and requirements before attempting to use these apps to earn money during your travels.