Heya! Anu this side from the DuoThrivers team.
After Covid, Anku and I started traveling a lot. Most of our trips were just weekend getaways, with a 100-mile drive to unwind.
But along the way, I realized that I love traveling. And more than luxurious hotel stays, I preferred adventure trips, hiking, and long drives.
By 2023, we were planning 4 to 5-day trips every three months.
That’s when a crazy idea struck, what if we could earn while traveling?
Of course, we did our research and found multiple ways people make money through travel blogging.
In this post, we’re going to explore some of the best ways to travel the world and earn from it.
All you need to do is check the feasibility and start working on it!
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in!
5 Ways to Get Paid to Travel the World
1. Travel Blog
If you love writing like I do and enjoy telling stories, starting a travel blog is one of the best ways to earn while you explore new places.
On our website, Anku and I have vouched for Blogging time and again—not just because we love writing, but because it has also been paying our bills.
Through years of hard work, we’ve built niche blogs that generate 6-figure income, with Raptive as our ad management partner.
If you’re planning to start a travel blog in 2025, there are several ways to monetize it, including Sponsorships, Affiliate Marketing, Digital Product and Display Ads.
To earn from display ads, you’ll need at least 10,000 page views per month. However, if you’re a skilled writer, you can start earning through affiliate marketing and digital products as early as your first month.
As your blog gains traction, you can even collaborate with brands to sponsor your travels. Imagine staying at a beautiful hotel and getting paid to write about your experience—sounds exciting, right?
If this interests you, check out our detailed guide on How to Start a Blog, where we break down the process step by step.
Start today, and if you leverage Pinterest traffic effectively, you can earn $100–$200 by Month #2 and even $1,000 by Month 4!
I help travel bloggers and creators turn that attention into clicks by designing pins that stand out, optimizing boards for search, and even managing Pinterest growth end-to-end.
2. Freelancer Travel-Blogger
You might have come across the travel section of major publications where they extensively cover destinations from around the world.
However, it’s not always feasible for their in-house teams to visit every popular location and write about it.
That’s where local freelance travel writers come in. Publications often hire freelance bloggers who have firsthand knowledge of a region, as they can provide more authentic and detailed insights than an outsider.
If you’re the right fit, you can get paid for your articles and, in many cases, even receive sponsored hotel stays and travel expenses.
So, how do you get started?
It’s simple, create a strong profile on platforms like Freelancer, Fiverr, and Upwork.
As you complete projects and build your reputation, you’ll attract more clients and can eventually charge anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per project.
3. Travel Influencer
It’s the era of the creator economy.
Brands are willing to pay thousands of dollars to content creators who have a strong following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
To maximize your opportunities, create short-form content on TikTok and Reels, not just about your travel destinations but also about:
- Your outfits and styling
- Makeup you used
- How you booked flights for your trip
- Your experiences and emotions throughout the journey
Once you learn how to connect with your audience and build a loyal following, you can monetize through affiliate marketing and brand sponsorships.
While TikTok and Reels might not pay you directly based on views, brands definitely will if you have credibility and engagement.
Focus on creating relatable content and understanding what your audience truly wants!
4. Travel YouTube Channel
You might be wondering, what’s the difference between starting a YouTube channel and growing an Instagram/TikTok account?
The biggest difference lies in the type of content posted on each platform.
- Reels/TikTok content is more infotainment-driven, designed to be engaging and quick.
- YouTube content leans more towards problem-solving and in-depth discussions.
For example, someone looking for a budget-friendly trip to Ibiza will likely search on YouTube rather than scroll through Instagram for detailed information.
If you want to create long-form travel videos, YouTube should be your primary platform. For short-form videos, Reels and TikTok are the way to go.
On YouTube, you can even start a Faceless Travel Channel without showing your face. It’s the best option for people who want to earn from content creation and keep their identity confidential.
YouTube offers multiple monetization options, including Google AdSense, Sponsorships, and Affiliate programs.
Both platforms offer great earning potential, so the choice ultimately depends on the type of content you want to create.
5. Travel Photographer or Videographer
Another skill you can leverage in the travel niche is photography or videography.
Just like freelance travel writers, publishers and content creators are always looking for high-quality stock photos for their videos and articles.
If you have a good camera and can take professional travel photos, you can sell them on platforms like Shutterstock, iStock, Unsplash, Pixabay, and Pexels.
Each time someone purchases your licensed photo, you earn a percentage of the sale.
Once you refine your camera skills, you can take things further by directly reaching out to travel agencies and publishers to sell your exclusive shots for a higher price.
If you love traveling and have the right skill set, you can definitely turn your passion into a profession.
It’s one of the best feelings in the world, right?
The idea of traveling and getting paid for it sounds fantastic, but it also requires consistent effort and dedication.
Anything is possible, you just need to take the first step and get started!