Once upon a time, people thought full-time RVing was for rich, retired couples and no one else. These days, you can find people from all walks of life enjoying their full-time RV adventures. Anyone can take the leap and start traveling the country while living permanently out of their RV.
However, you’ll still need a way to make a steady income while out on the road. Campground fees, fuel, and food require money. You’ll also need a budget for RV maintenance and investments, like RV tank heating pads and other winterization gear to protect your vehicle now that you’re not storing it for the winter. Plus, more money in your pocket means more cash for visiting the best local restaurants, as well as attending concerts and paying entry fees for parks and museums.
The good news is that it’s easier than ever to make money while on the road. Find a job that works for you and your ever-changing schedule and location with this guide on how to make money while traveling as a full-time RVer.
Travel Blogging
When you think of ways to make money on the road, travel blogging is one of the first things to come to mind. This iconic and popular job takes time and dedication, but the chance to share your adventures with the world is worth it. Starting out might be easier than you think, especially if you have experience with web design. Even if you don’t, you can find plenty of online tutorials and free website builders to help you get started. And if writing isn’t your thing, consider vlogging your adventures instead. You have endless video mediums available to you—YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are among the most popular. Share your adventures and gather followers.
Once you find a medium and format that works for you, start documenting your experiences to share with the world. Tell stories of your adventures, give advice and tips to other travelers, and build recommendation lists about your favorite places to visit, things to do in certain destinations, your favorite travel equipment, and more. After building a bit of a platform, you can partner with sponsors and other affiliates and make more money by writing product reviews and advertising sponsored gear.
Job Boards and Seasonal Work
If you’re a true wanderer, seasonal work and other temporary jobs could be the perfect way to make money. Campgrounds and local parks frequently hire seasonal workers to help run the campground. This might mean working in the visitor center, leading tours, or helping with equipment rentals. If you have a lot of travel or outdoor experience, your expertise could land you a fun job helping other campers or even maintaining the park.
If working on the campground isn’t your thing, check out local job boards and other listings for gigs around town. If the area sees a lot of tourists, you’re sure to find openings at shops, restaurants, bars, and local attractions during the travel season. You might even be able to find a job that suits your past experience. Many RVers find work at local farms or take on summer tutor positions. Keep an open mind and a keen eye out for the opportunities that exist everywhere you go.
Freelance Creators
Do you have a creative talent? RVing could be the perfect excuse to turn that talent into a lucrative career. Freelance artists—including writers, digital painters, graphic designers, and more—can make money through their craft from anywhere in the world. You can sign up for an online network that will connect you with clients or branch out by selling your services on your own website. Build relationships with clients to create long-lasting and lucrative partnerships. The more work you do, the more your reputation will grow. Over time, you might find yourself tackling bigger, more exciting projects and opening the door for even more work—and more cash.
Online Teaching and Tutoring
Virtual teachers and tutors are always in high demand. This is another career that lets you use your unique talents and experience. Depending on your credentials, you can lead full-fledged courses for digital universities, night schools, and similar institutions. If you excel at a subject but don’t quite have the requirements to teach professionally, consider becoming a virtual tutor. You can offer homework help or extra lessons for students of all ages and backgrounds. Alternatively, you can teach virtual classes that lie outside the realm of traditional schooling. You can create lessons in artistic or technical fields to help rising enthusiasts pursue their passions.
Start Your Own Business
E-commerce is booming, so why not take advantage of it? If you have a product or service to sell, you can start your own business and work anywhere at any time you want. Platforms like Etsy make it easier than ever to sell handmade or crafted goods. You can also forge your own path by starting a website, networking with other professionals in your industry, and building a business from the ground up. As your own boss, you’re in charge of making your schedule and setting your limits. This option takes a lot of self-motivation and dedication. However, the responsibility comes with a ton of freedom and satisfaction as you pursue your dream and craft your success.
Keep Your Regular Job
Today’s technology and the opportunities that come with it present many straightforward ways to make money while traveling as a full-time RVer. Remote work and telecommuting are more popular than ever, partly thanks to the necessity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as companies start to welcome employees back into their physical offices, opportunities for permanent remote work are becoming increasingly common. If you can do your job from home, you can do it on the road. All you need is a reliable device and stable internet access. Even if you can’t keep your exact job, many similar options on the job market will happily let you work from anywhere.
Additional Tips for Success
It might take some time to find a job that inspires you, works with your schedule, and pays the bills. You might have to mix and match a few different opportunities—such as freelancing alongside a local gig. Keep in mind that bigger ideas, like starting your own business or becoming a travel blogger, take a lot of time and dedication. However, if an opportunity is right for you, you’ll find a way to make it work. Be patient, be smart, and work hard. The satisfaction of pursuing a job you love while living a life of freedom and adventure is worth every moment.
Comments