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Top up your bank account while you travel.
Whether you’re relocating abroad, slow-traveling through new cities, or simply craving independence, earning money from anywhere is more possible than ever. While some careers can be fully remote, others are portable skills you can do in your very own neighborhood or carry across borders. Together, they create opportunities to build a flexible lifestyle that provides an additional stream of income wherever you are. This list highlights 10 ways to earn anywhere. While many require existing skills, a portfolio, or certifications, each can be scaled into a sustainable income stream for years to come.
Also note that before you work abroad, check with an immigration attorney to verify your work status requirements. While some countries may allow remote work or provide “digital nomad” visas, other types of work, such as service jobs, may be prohibited.
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Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is one of the most flexible remote careers. Writers create articles, blog posts, or brand copy from anywhere. I’ll let you in on two little secrets. One, you’re reading the words of a freelance writer, and two, it’s absolutely something you can do, too. If you love storytelling, freelance writing is a versatile, location-independent hustle. You can write travel features from your hostel bunk, draft blog posts in a café, or create copy for brands while lounging on a beach. Success depends on building a niche and a portfolio. Beginners often start on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, while experienced writers pitch directly to publications. My first article was commissioned after an editor from a lifestyle magazine came across my blog, which focused on living abroad. I also wrote blog posts and email copy for local business owners who read my articles. These commissions supplemented my part-time teaching salary while living abroad.
Beginner: $0.03–$0.10 per word ($30–$100 per article)
Monthly potential: $500–$5,000+
Upskill: SEO and marketing courses (Coursera, Copyblogger, HubSpot, writing workshops)
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Language Teaching and Tutoring
You can teach from anywhere with a quiet corner, a good headset, and excellent time management skills. Online language teaching connects you with students worldwide. Platforms like iTalki, Magic Ears Teacher, Preply, and VIPKid, provide flexible scheduling. On the other hand, Cambly allows you to have more casual conversations with young or mature students. TEFL/TESOL certifications will increase your credibility and pay. You can even tutor others in your community. I tutored youth and teachers as a side hustle while living in Spain before transitioning to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences also provided supplemental income for me while living abroad.
Teach on platforms (iTalki, Preply): $8–$25/hour
Independent teachers or tutors: $20–$60/hour
Monthly potential: $80–$1,500+
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Coaching and Consulting
You don’t need a huge following or fancy credentials to start coaching—just expertise and the willingness to help someone level up. Coaches guide individuals in career, wellness, or finance, while consultants solve business challenges. Popular consulting niches include starting a business, IT or visa assistance, and even relocation strategy. Certifications are not required, but they certainly help to build trust. Above all, success depends on expertise, empathy, and problem-solving ability.
Beginner: $40–$75/hour
Monthly potential: $160–$1,500+
Upskill: Attend seminars and workshops in your field of interest, IFC (International Coaching Federation) programs, free courses on Coursera, Alison, and low-cost courses on LinkedIn Learning.
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Translation
Multilingual professionals can earn by translating books, documents, and websites. Specialized fields like health, legal, and technology pay more. Start with freelance platforms, then move into agencies or direct contacts. I had a colleague who translated announcements and documents for small business owners in Spain. She was a native English speaker who majored in Spanish.
Beginner: $0.04–$0.10 per word
Monthly potential: $1,000–$2,500+
Upskill: CAT tool training (SDL Trados, MemoQ).
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Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are the behind-the-scenes superheroes helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creators stay organized. Tasks range from scheduling and inbox management to social posting and basic bookkeeping. It’s flexible, quick to learn, and in high demand. This is a wonderful role for the highly organized and intuitive. I have an administrative background and have received many inquiries for this sort of role. For just a few hours a week and access to internet you can make a world of difference in someone’s professional life.
Beginner: $15–$25/hour
Monthly potential: $800–$2,000+
Upskill: Project management or social media strategy courses
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Digital Marketing
From TikTok to email newsletters, businesses need help showing up online—and that’s where you come in. Digital marketing roles include social media management, content creation, email marketing, SEO support, and ad campaign assistance. Start by building sample campaigns to showcase your skills. Upskilling is crucial for expanding your opportunities, but you can do that with ease thanks to the abundance of e-training and certificate programs available for little to no cost. I’ve earned up to $2000 per month writing email campaigns for small businesses.
Rates: $20–$40/hour or $400–$1,500/month per client
Monthly potential: $1,500–$5,000+
Upskill: Google Analytics, HubSpot certifications, Youtube
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Web Design
Web design is a lucrative remote skill that pairs creativity with technical skill. Tools like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress make it accessible. Start by building your own site as a portfolio, then expand to clients. I know plenty of web designers who freelance on the side, and they work with clients in various locations.
Need help building a portfolio? Start with creating your own website to advertise your skills.
Beginner: $300–$10,000 per site
Monthly potential: $1,000–$10,000+
Upskill: UX/UI design or WordPress development courses
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Beauty Services
While not digital, beauty services are highly portable. Braiders, stylists, nail techs, and massage therapists can rent chairs, offer house calls, or run pop-ups in expat-heavy cities. Demand is strong where specialized services are scarce. As an introvert and non-driver, I can’t express how much I appreciate house calls for beauty and wellness appointments. Assuming you have the skills or necessary certifications, you can start advertising your services on social media or in your very own community.
On-the-go services: $35–$500 per service
Monthly potential: $1,500–$5,000+ (varies by location)
Upskill: Cosmetology or niche certifications
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Home and Babysitting
Platforms like Trusted House Sitters pair vetted travelers with homeowners. Many gigs offer free accommodation, while some pay for care. It’s ideal for slow travelers seeking immersion, as well as pet-lovers.
Babysitting is a side hustle countless students have mastered to earn money while studying. With the rise of childcare costs, you could ease the financial burden of hard-working parents by caring for their children. Word of mouth and flyers are tried and true methods for advertising your services.
Paid sits: $20–$120
Monthly potential: $600–$3,600 (plus housing savings up to $4,000 per month)
Upskill: First-aid course
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Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
Platforms like Rover allow animal lovers to connect with pets in their neighborhood. Services can range from dog walking to boarding in a sitter’s home or even dog training. As previously mentioned, certification isn’t necessary, but it builds trust and validates knowledge. A friend of mine employs a woman in her neighborhood to walk her two dogs for 30 minutes to an hour while she’s at work. She has a spare key and only enters the hallway (where the dog’s leash and other supplies are ready to go).
Dog walking: $15-$30 per hour*
Dog sitting: $35-$75 per night*
*Rover takes a 20% commission
Disclaimer: The rates featured are based in USD and may vary based on factors like competitiveness, expertise, location, and industry.