Broke Backpackers: Making Money On The Move

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by Teresa Gotay on July 17, 2009

Backpackers taking a break, Old Town Square, Prague by el_molino12.

@el_molino12

Uh Oh. So you went a little over budget at the crazy bars in Bangkok. No worries! It happens to the best of us. Sure there’s plenty of money in the bank since you’ve saved up for this grand journey of a backpacking trip, but sometimes  you want to make some extra cash. Whether you’re down to your last buck or looking to make some quick hard cash, there are a handful of resources for backpackers to pick up a quick job.

Work In a Hostel:

You already need to be here! If you’re looking for a place to stay anyway, you might as well offer your help. I’ve seen ad’s on Craigslist for staff help, with a bonus if you’re a DJ. Look at that! You’re hidden talent for mixing can make you some cash! Sometimes there won’t be compensation, but you’ll get free food and a room. That saves you lots of cash for something so simple to do. You’ll also make plenty of friends and who knows who they might know and could recommend you somewhere!

Bartending/Waitressing

As a fellow bartender myself, the art of mixology is not only one in demand, but one that is absolute fun! There are plenty of bars in the world, as there are restaurants. If you have your degree is Mixology, it will guarantee you a spot somewhere. And even if you don’t, you can pick up quickly. This is a great job if you’re social, you look and feel good and you’re willing to work hard for some tips!

Travel Writer:

This is perfect if you’re already writing about your every day travels. Found the best food spot in Costa Rica? Write a review for a travel site that pays a few bucks for user submitted content. Throw a few articles up a day and you’ll have a nice pocket full of chunk change.

Online Poker:

Feeling gutsy or got lady luck on your side? This is a new post 2000 way for backpackers to make money. If you’ve got a keen sense of luck and are willing to gamble a few bucks, online poker is a great way to make cash. I know people back home that live off their poker winnings, so imagine that money in another country!

Honorable Mention: Teaching English Abroad

This can be a post in itself! This is one of the most popular ways to make money and travel at the same time. We’ll be doing a feature article about the Pro’s and Con’s of Teaching Abroad, so look out for it!

Have you worked abroad while backpacking? What was your experience?

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  4. Language Barriers: What Did You Say?
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Author: Teresa

Teresa is the Co-Founder of ArtofBackpacking; Ms. Art of Backpacking. She is currently studying to be a Journalist at St. John’s University. If she is not online reading all the latest travel blogs, you can find her writing and taking pictures around NYC, her hometown. She is also the Editor of another travel site at www.tripcrazed.com!


Visit Authors Website | Other posts by Teresa Gotay
  • Great ideas. Is there a degree in mixology? I never knew that.
    I have read so much about teaching english abroad it helps to have a degree to be able to teach english, I think.
  • Wow, I don't think I have the guts for online poker. but I am looking forward to your post about teaching English. It will be nice to hear about the pro's and cons because we may consider it when we leave at the end of the year. Thanks for the ideas, something tells me we will need it someday soon.
  • You can also create a website too!! i think teaching is a great way to make money online and one of the easiest and most lucrative ways to do so.
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