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Travel is one of the top reasons people seek out the freelance life. These days, many are hitting the road in a Winnebago to enjoy the beauty this great country has to offer. Because of that, we have been getting a lot of requests for how to make money while traveling. If you are looking for a few good RV jobs, this article is for you.
Preparing to Work while Traveling
Don’t pack up the RV before you have a clear vision of what your new work life will look like. What technology will you need? Will you need – and have access to – stable internet regularly? Will you need to work every day, or can you go days or even weeks at a time between shifts?
There are so many ways to make money while traveling you will have some great options to choose from based on your experience, interests and internet availability. Establishing your wants, needs and real life situation will help you choose the best option for you.
The main reason you are going to be working while traveling the country is for cash. Correct? You will want to have a PayPal account and a checking account with nationwide branches, or at least ATM access.
Regardless of the type of work you choose, you are likely going to need to use your laptop every now and again. And, you will need reliable internet service when you do. One of the top picks for WiFi among working travelers is Verizon’s MiFi. Data plans aren’t cheap, but they are necessary unless you want to try to find the nearest Starbucks or McDonald’s every time you want to get some work done. That’s not really enjoying the scenery. Now is it?
You are also going to need a great cellphone plan. Where many RVers run into trouble is when they start wandering outside of their coverage area. And with some carriers, that doesn’t take much wandering. Again, Verizon has the largest coverage area in the U.S.
Great Jobs for RVers
Tutoring can pay pretty well and doesn’t always require a degree or certificate. Helping students here and abroad learn English as a Second Language, or ESL, is often open to anyone willing to tutor by video chat.
Transcription is an option if you have great listening and typing skills. You will need to upload and download files, however, so a reliable and fast internet connection would be necessary.
Freelance writing can be done anytime, anywhere. And, the majority of the work can be done offline making it perfect for those with intermittent internet access. Write your articles outside while the sun rises. Email them to your client on your smartphone, at Starbucks or when your signal is strongest.
Resorts or summer camps can offer a lot in the way of flexwork for travelers. I love these gigs as they can allow you the opportunity to learn more and see more of your chosen location than may otherwise by possible. You may be working as a camp counselor or tour director. Check out CoolWorks for job listings.
Workamping is likely a familiar term if you have been considering RVing for any period of time. This is a great option for those looking to stay on a tight budget while traveling. Workamping allows you to trade your time and labor for a paid RV pad or housing. In most cases, you are working in some capacity for the RV park. You may be running the store, doing maintenance or even planning activities. Check out Workamper.com for more info. Amazon Camperforce is another option if you are looking for something more steady.
Rent out your house on Airbnb while you are away. You can hire a management company to handle the renters, cleaning and upkeep. There are sites just for that, you know. Check out Pillow or Guesty.
Make money as a courier when changing locations. Sites like Roadie will help you pay for your gas by transporting items from one place to another.
Become a travel blogger and make money sharing your adventures. You can make money as an affiliate marketer while sharing your recommendations. You may even be able to pick up a few sponsors interested in partnering with your unique voice.
Flea market flipping may be an option if your favorite pastime is digging through local thrift stores and garage sales. Don’t pick up too much as you space is limited. Make sure you are able to sell your flippable goods as well.
Photography can make you money in several ways. You can sell your prints online or you can go a more passive route by making your images available as stock photos.
Amazon FBA or drop shipping will allow you to make money as an online seller without having to actually store your goods. If you are reselling on Amazon FBA, you may still need to find a post office to mail your goods to the Amazon warehouse. But if you go the drop shipping route, you can have items shipped directly from one warehouse to another without ever touching it.
Farming jobs can be awesome if you are truly looking to connect with the land and get back “to your roots.” (pun totally intended) Check out Backdoorjobs.com or https://wwoofusa.org/ for listings.
Housesitting is a great alternative if you don’t want to live in an RV full-time. Trusted Housesitters will allow you to find housesitting and pet-sitting gigs around the globe. Some of these places are absolutely gorgeous!
Website testing falls into our “$10 a day” category, but maybe that’s all you need after exchanging other types of labor for your RV pad and meals.
Setting up a few passive income ideas in advance of your travels can make great sense. In addition to travel blogging mentioned above, you may be able to make money from your knowledge with other means like eBooks and eCourses.
Use your skills to create your own job. Many of the above options are pretty general in nature and can be done by almost anyone. Your education and work experience may open up even more doors. For example, traveling nurses and masseuses are always in demand. Graphic design and video editing are great opportunities for those with the know-how.
Have you made money while traveling around the country in an RV? Tell us about it in the comments.
Russ Lovell says
Great topic Angie. Thanks for the post!
Just an idea here but those RV owners traveling by truck, towing their RV, can hire out to do RV deliver/transport.
Our website is developing a marketplace for transport drivers who will deliver RV’s for rent. We’re also looking for RV Vacation Rental Managers to consign other RV’s and rent them out for owners, doing the deliver and set up in exchange for 1/2 of the rent earned.
This opportunity isn’t available everywhere, but it is very popular and growing in areas where RV Camping is popular, and where people want to vacation or do weekend getaways.
Angie Nelson says
Thanks, Russ.
Cori Ramos says
Great resources Angie! I know someone who would love this. Passing this along!
Angie Nelson says
Thanks, Cori!