Dreaming of earning money while doing something related to travel? Whether you’re a wanderer seeking freedom or a traveler wanting to fund their journeys, side hustles are the perfect way to combine income and adventure. In this guide, we’ll explore the best gigs, including why TourHero is one of the most rewarding options. Plus, you’ll get actionable advice and tips for starting each side hustle.
Discover 8 reasons why TourHero is the #1 platform for planning your next big group trip!
1. Become a freelance travel writer
If you have a knack for storytelling and a love for exploring new places, freelance travel writing could be your ideal side hustle. This gig involves creating engaging, informative, or inspiring content about travel-related topics. You might write destination guides, hotel reviews, personal travel narratives, or “top things to do” articles. Publications typically pay per article or word count, with rates varying widely based on your experience and the outlet’s budget.
To get paid more, focus on pitching your work to reputable travel websites, blogs, or magazines. Established platforms like Lonely Planet or Travel + Leisure often seek unique angles, while smaller niche blogs may pay less but offer easier entry points. Payments can range from $50 per post for beginners to $500 or more for seasoned writers contributing to high-traffic sites. Building a strong portfolio is key to landing higher-paying gigs over time.
How to get started:
- Build a portfolio with free or self-published content.
- Pitch article ideas to travel publications.
- Use platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find freelance gigs.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Writing without a niche: Generalized content is harder to sell. Focus on niches such as sustainable travel, solo travel, or luxury escapes. Example: A “Hidden Gems with 5-Star Reviews in Southeast Asia” guide might appeal to niche publications more than generic destination lists.
- Ignoring editor guidelines: Always read submission requirements. Sending an article that doesn’t match their tone or style wastes your time. Example: If a site prefers listicles, submit “Top 10 Must-Visit Cafes in Ubud” rather than an essay.
2. Host group trips with TourHero
Hosting group trips with TourHero is one of the most rewarding ways to get paid to travel. As a host, you design and lead trips for a group of participants, earning for each sign-up. TourHero handles all the logistics — booking accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities — allowing you to focus on curating an amazing experience.
Your earnings depend on the group size and trip pricing, but hosts have earned between $4,000 and $15,000 per trip. High-performing hosts have even pocketed over $80,000! What sets TourHero apart is its comprehensive support. You’ll receive expert advice on trip customization to promote your adventure effectively. Unlike many other side hustles, TourHero’s platform eliminates the complexity of trip planning and ensures you are not completely alone in your decisions, making it accessible to anyone — even first-time hosts.
How to get started:
- Book a call with TourHero: Share your preferences and goals with the experts on the team.
- Design your dream trip: Pick from pre-designed itineraries and customize it further to fit your interests.
- Set your pricing: Decide how much you want to earn. TourHero provides guidance to help you maximize profits.
- Promote your trip: Share your itinerary with your community and get your bookings rolling in.
- Embark on your trip: TourHero handles logistics, including accommodations, transport, and bookings. You just show up and enjoy the adventure with your group.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Overcomplicating your trip plans: Stick to a clear theme or focus, such as a wellness retreat or hiking adventure to make it easier to explain the value you’re offering to participants. Example: A relaxing Costa Rica wellness retreat could feature daily yoga, nature hikes, and a spa day. Ideally, leave high-intensity activities out of the itinerary.
- Underpromoting your trip: Use social media, email newsletters, and word of mouth to reach your audience. Early promotion helps fill spots faster. Tip: Share posts like “5 reasons you can’t miss this Bali retreat!” with a countdown to your booking deadline.
Whether you’re passionate about hosting wellness retreats in Costa Rica with your yoga community, leading a week-long trek through Patagonia with your hiking club, or teaching a multi-day photography workshop in the cultural cities of Japan, TourHero can make that dream happen.
Curious to see how TourHero has changed the lives of travel hosts? Check out these TourHero reviews to read real stories and experiences!
3. Start a travel vlog or Instagram page
If you enjoy creating content and capturing your adventures, a travel vlog or Instagram page can be a lucrative side hustle. You’ll document your trips through photos, videos, and stories, sharing them with an audience eager for inspiration. Once you build a loyal following, you can earn through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and ad revenue on platforms like YouTube.
For the best chance of success, consider investing in quality gear, such as a DSLR camera, gimbal, or drone, for professional-grade visuals. Content consistency is crucial — posting 3–5 times a week on Instagram or weekly vlogs on YouTube can help grow your audience. Sponsored deals often start at $100 for micro-influencers but can rise to thousands per post for established creators with significant reach. Additionally, joining affiliate programs can provide extra income streams.
How to get started:
- Choose your focus: Decide whether you’ll create vlogs, travel guides, or inspirational content.
- Be consistent: Post regularly to build a following.
- Engage your audience: Reply to comments and interact with followers to foster a community.
- Track trends: Stay updated on popular travel topics and hashtags to boost visibility.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Buying fake followers: Inflated numbers don’t convert into real engagement. Focus on organic growth by building a genuine community. Tip: Post consistently, use relevant hashtags, and engage with your audience authentically.
- Ignoring platform monetization opportunities: Many creators overlook options like YouTube ad revenue or Instagram shopping links. Tip: Research platform-specific monetization tools early on.
4. Become a vacation rental host
Renting out your home, apartment, or vacation property is a fantastic way to earn passive income while traveling. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo allow you to list your space for short-term stays. Guests book your property, and you earn rental income after fees. This gives you an excuse to get out of the house!
To be successful, it’s important to focus on providing a standout experience. Take professional photos, craft an enticing listing description, and price your property competitively based on local market trends. You can also boost your earnings by offering extras like guided tours, breakfast baskets, or equipment rentals. Earnings vary depending on your property’s location, but hosts in popular tourist destinations can make several thousand dollars per month.
How to get started:
- List your property with high-quality photos and a detailed description.
- Set competitive rates based on location and amenities.
- Provide excellent customer service to earn great reviews.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Neglecting property upkeep: A single negative review about cleanliness or maintenance can hurt your bookings. Tip: Hire a reliable cleaning service to ensure consistent quality.
- Overpricing your rental: Research local competitors to set fair rates. Overcharging leads to fewer bookings. Example: Use Airbnb’s smart pricing tool to stay competitive.
5. Sell travel ebooks or courses
If you’re an expert in a travel niche, such as packing tips, budget-friendly adventures, or solo travel, you can monetize your knowledge through ebooks or online courses. Digital products like these can generate passive income once created and marketed effectively, making it a lucrative side hustle.
To get paid well, identify a gap in the market and create a product that solves a problem for your audience. Use tools like Canva to design professional-looking ebooks or platforms like Teachable to host courses. Pricing is crucial — ebooks often sell for $10 – $30, while courses can range from $50 to $500 depending on the depth of content. Use social media, email lists, and collaborations with influencers to drive sales.
How to get started:
- Choose your topic: Write about something you know well, like solo travel tips or packing hacks.
- Design your product: Use tools like Canva to make your ebook or course visually appealing.
- Market effectively: Promote your product through social media, email newsletters, and travel forums.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping market research: Creating content without understanding your audience’s needs risks low sales. Tip: Survey your audience or browse forums to identify common travel questions.
- Relying solely on one sales channel: Diversify by selling through multiple platforms, like Gumroad, Amazon, and your website.
6. Lead tours or experiences in your area
If you’re passionate about your hometown or city, consider offering unique local tours or cultural experiences. Platforms like Withlocals let you design and list activities such as guided walking tours, food tastings, or hands-on workshops.
Focus on creating memorable and unique experiences. Highlight your personal connection to the area and share insider tips that tourists wouldn’t find in guidebooks. Experiences priced between $30 and $100 per person are common, but niche or premium offerings can command higher rates. Providing small, personalized tours often leads to better reviews, which help attract more bookings.
Tips to succeed:
- Focus on authenticity: Add personal stories or cultural insights to your tours.
- Limit group sizes: Small groups create intimate, memorable experiences.
- Encourage reviews: Positive feedback improves your visibility and credibility.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Not researching your market: Offering generic tours that don’t stand out leads to poor sales. Tip: Focus on unique aspects of your area, like underground food scenes or historical anecdotes.
- Skipping follow-ups for reviews: Reviews drive bookings. Missing this step impacts your visibility. Tip: Send polite post-tour reminders for feedback.
7. Start a mobile travel business
A mobile travel business, like a food truck, traveling yoga class, or pop-up boutique, allows you to combine your entrepreneurial spirit with exploration. You’ll take your business to markets, festivals, or scenic tourist spots, earning as you go.
For the highest chance of success, research permits and regulations for each location. Invest in high-quality equipment and create a mobile setup that stands out. Profits depend on your niche, but popular food trucks, for example, can earn several thousand dollars per event. Building a loyal following through social media or email newsletters ensures repeat customers wherever you go.
Popular mobile business ideas:
- Pop-up cafes or smoothie bars.
- Mobile art galleries or photography booths.
- Traveling yoga or fitness classes.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Failing to secure permits: Operating without legal permissions can result in fines or shutdowns. Tip: Research local regulations before setting up shop in any area.
- Not tracking expenses: Mobile businesses often involve significant upfront costs. Without tracking, profits can shrink. Tip: Use accounting apps like QuickBooks to manage finances.
8. Become a flight attendant
While less of a “side hustle” and more of a “full-time gig,” being a flight attendant remains one of the best jobs for travelers who want to see the world while earning. You’ll have the opportunity to visit new destinations, often with extended layovers.
Training can take several weeks and involves learning FAA regulations, safety protocols, and customer service skills. Salaries typically range from $25,000 to $50,000 annually, with international carriers often offering higher pay and perks.
Benefits of the job:
- Free or discounted flights for you and family members.
- Opportunities to work in different parts of the world.
- Hotel stays and per diem allowances during layovers.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Ignoring job requirements: Airlines often have height, fitness, and language requirements. Research these before applying. Tip: Check airline websites for specific criteria.
- Underestimating training demands: Flight attendant training is rigorous, covering safety, emergency protocols, and customer service. Tip: Prepare by reviewing basic first aid and customer interaction skills.
9. Try freelance travel photography
Travel photography lets you capture beautiful moments and sell your work to earn money. This gig involves shooting landscapes, wildlife, or portraits and marketing your photos to travel magazines, brands, or stock websites.
It’s a good idea to build a strong online portfolio on platforms like Behance or Instagram. Rates vary widely, but exceptional work can sell for hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars per image.
How to make this your side hustle:
- Sell your photos on stock photography sites like Shutterstock or Getty Images.
- Partner with travel brands for promotional shoots.
- Offer destination photography services for weddings or events.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Ignoring copyright rules: Selling photos without proper licensing agreements can cause legal issues. Tip: Use stock platforms with clear copyright guidelines.
- Underpricing your work: Charging too little undervalues your skills and effort. Tip: Research industry standards for pricing based on photo usage.
How to choose the right side hustle for you
With so many exciting side hustles, it’s important to pick one that fits your lifestyle and goals. Here’s how to narrow down your options:
- Assess your skills: Think about what you’re good at or enjoy doing. Are you an excellent writer? Consider freelance travel writing. Love organizing and socializing? Hosting group trips with TourHero might be your best bet. Your strengths will guide you to a hustle that feels rewarding and sustainable.
- Evaluate time commitment: Some side hustles, like hosting trips or becoming a vacation rental host, require upfront planning but offer longer-term payoffs. Others, like travel photography, can be pursued more flexibly in short bursts. Be honest about how much time you can dedicate.
- Determine income needs: If you’re looking for immediate earnings, jobs like freelance writing or leading local tours can offer quick payouts. If passive income is your side hustle goal, consider options like selling ebooks or starting a travel vlog.
- Consider your travel style: Do you prefer immersive, slow travel, or fast-paced adventures? Hosting group trips might appeal to someone who loves curating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, while digital nomad-friendly jobs like travel blogging suit solo travelers on the move.
By aligning your strengths and preferences, you’ll find a side hustle that matches your travel dreams.
About TourHero
TourHero is a social travel platform that enables you to travel with like-minded people and fall in love with the journey. We work closely with handpicked local operators to ensure every experience curated is unique and exclusive to your travel group. Come with us on epic adventures and create memories that last a lifetime. Get started here!
