How To Travel The World While Working Remotely

Thinking about traveling the world while working remotely? That’s how I afford to travel the world whilst still affording to eat! One question that REALLY grinds my gears is “How can you afford to travel the world?”

I’ve been accused of being a trust-fund baby, but if you could see my bank account information, you’d know that wasn’t true.  So how do I, and many other travel bloggers, afford to see the corners of the earth?

Most of us travel the world WHILE working freelance abroad. I’m talking 80-hour work weeks. Taking odd jobs. Sacrificing the quality of our food, water, and shelter. Selling everything we own.  

Anything and everything that pays is fair game and it’s a constant hunt for stable wifi to add new projects to DropBox for deadlines! Working freelance isn’t for everyone, but it does allow you to go everywhere.

Most people aren’t cut out for this kind of lifestyle and that’s okay. But for every new travel blogger that you follow, remember that they have sacrificed EVERYTHING to maintain this type of lifestyle… can you?

Probably not. But here are a few tips and skills that I’ve adopted to maintain an international lifestyle.

1. Develop Your Computer-based Skills

I would easily sell the shirt off my back to buy a new computer if mine was stolen.  This precious piece of technology is my LIFELINE and the way I put food on the table. I pitch myself as a “Digital Media Specialist” because if it’s on the web, I can probably do it.  

I’m talking web design and development, graphic design, SEO, content creation, and if there’s something I can’t do (doubt it) then I’ll teach myself how to do it. This is how I continue to maintain clients around the world and finance my traveling.

In order to really learn how to do all the above properly, I definitely recommend earning a few certifications on Coursera.

My favorite certifications that are guaranteed to make your CV look great to employers are Graphic Design, Software Development, Project Management, and Brand Management.

I used courses and certifications in Software Development to help me land the position I have today!

2. Set Up A Fiverr or Upwork Freelance Profile 

You need to be in a position where people can find you and hire you without the risk of fraud. By establishing yourself on popular freelance websites, such as Fiverr or Upwork, you’re going to have access to people who need your services and are looking to hire!

This is way better than trolling random companies individually.

I‘ve lived abroad for many years and love helping others find work abroad and figure out their “Move Abroad Plan.” Check out my class below to get you started ASAP!

3. Establish a PayPal Account

Anyone who is anyone on the internet pays via PayPal. There’s an awesome amount of security implemented for both YOU and your future employers PLUS you can deposit multiple types of currencies.  

This is perfect for someone like me who fluctuates between the US dollar, the British pound, and the Chinese RMB. They’ll even send you a debit card to withdraw the funds wherever you are!

4. Set Up A Revolut Account

Revolut is key for those earning a different currency than they’re spending in or vice versa.

Revolut has the vision of making sending and spending abroad as easy as it is at home, which is made of three parts:

1. Sending: Revolut allows users to send money through SMS/WhatsApp/Email and via URL.
2. Exchanging: Revolut provides the best possible exchange rate, the interbank rate. No hidden fees or spread! Revolut currently offers currency exchange between GBP, USD, and EUR however this will soon expand this list.
3. Spending: With the multi-currency card you can spend abroad without the horrendous fees. Revolut’s multi-currency card currently supports GBP, USD, and EUR and can be used online as well as offline immediately after there topping up on the Revolut app. Even if you spend abroad Revolut will automatically do the exchange so you get the most out of your money!

5. Create A Portfolio 

People are going to want to see what your work looks like before they hand over the big bucks. However, if you’re just starting out, it helps to do independent projects that you can at least publish to help your case.  

Creating a blog and using it as an example of your marketing or design skills is a great way to get the conversation going with potential employers! Remember, it’s your responsibility to make them feel like their money is being invested wisely.

I would suggest paying for hosting/a domain name on BlueHost (like me!) because it ensures that you’ll have complete ownership over your domain and it can take a heavy amount of traffic if you ever get “internet famous.”

6. Learn How To Bartend

Enjoying liquor is a universal pastime that nearly all countries and cultures enjoy. If you’re strapped for cash, start pitching your abilities to local bars and restaurants in whatever country you’re in so you can make some spending money while you get your digital business off the ground.  

Waiting tables is also an option, but people tip better when they’re drunk and/or trying to hit on you from across the bar.

7. Invest In Your Appearance

This is where the cold hard truth comes out. You are MORE LIKELY to be hired in a foreign country, with or without the proper qualifications, if you are attractive.  

People trust attractive people more, they generally (but not always) are more confident, and every business wants to create the illusion that their workers are the cream of the crop.  

Taking pride in your appearance also opens you up to careers in teaching English without any qualifications, part-time modeling, go-go dancing, and being a professional friend.  

Check out my travel makeup recs to see what products I use in my daily routine.

My friend at Julie at Frame Ambition also recommends:

• Be a pleasure to work with and stay in touch

I like to think that on a shoot or at a show, I’m pretty fun or at least cool and professional which people appreciate as much as producing good photos and walking well and it’s what they’ll remember. I don’t exactly take everyone out to lunch that I work with, but I make sure I follow their work on social media and always credit them when I post my photos. Keep those relationships and you’ll keep working.

Want more info about how to be a model abroad without an agency? Read Frame Ambition’s article – “How I Get (Paid) Modelling Jobs Without An Agency”

When you choose the road less traveled, you need to understand that it’s a temporary life choice and you’re not saving up for long-term investments or buying a home.  

You make JUST enough money to keep going for however long you can imagine living out of a suitcase.  It’s not glamorous. It’s not easy. And it’s definitely not for everyone.

But you also have the rest of your life to be an adult. Who knows how much longer some of these places are going to be around as your professional career continues to grow, you’re going to have less and less time and disposable income to dedicate to personal development around the world.

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