How To Make Money On The Road

For many nomads, the freedom of the open road is the ultimate dream, but the question of how to fund that lifestyle often looms large. It’s one of the biggest challenges van lifers face and one of the most frequently asked questions across social media, Facebook groups, and forums. The good news? It’s entirely possible to earn a living while living your dream — if you know where to look and how to get started.

And no, we’re not going to tell you to dress up like an uWu girl on TikTok live shouting “thank your for the roses,” or to play online games for pennies. But if you’re into that — no shade 💅.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just beginning your journey, there are real, practical ways to make money on the road that can keep you rolling toward the horizon. From leveraging your current skills to picking up new ones, this guide will show you how to turn your passion for travel into a sustainable income.

Let’s dive in.

1. Writing

“You can make a living writing online?!” If I had a dollar every time I’ve heard this I’d be able to fund a road trip from Alaska to Cabo. I’ve been on the road for almost 2.5 years and writing has been about 90% of my income.

I started out as a freelance content writer, and now do both b2b email copywriting, and run this site. Content writing is great because if there is a niche — there is someone out there who is likely in need of writers. But there are so many different kinds of gigs out there including scriptwriting, website copywriting, newsletter writing, fiction, etc. 

My writing is plastered all over the internet and I’ve written about vanlife, bullet journaling, fitness, overlanding, SEO, and so much more. I created an entire step-by-step course on how to Become an Online Content Writer and also recorded a free online workshop.

2. Photography & Videography

Did you know that you don’t need to be an influencer to become a paid photographer? How do I know? I’ve run a photography business for close to 10 years and the most followers I’ve ever had on Instagram was ~1,300. I made so much money I even paid for an entire wedding off photography income.

Before I hit the road I was mostly doing weddings, but once I hit the road I still made money doing Airbnb photos, product photos for brands, and negotiated higher prices with my writing clients in exchange for quality, unique photos. I even got hired one winter as a snowboarding action photographer/videographer. 

You can also sell stock photos, outreach to small businesses in areas you’re visiting, contact vanlife events and pitch services, etc. You just have to get a little creative, but there’s money to be made if you’re willing to get your hands a little dirty. 

👉We recently featured an incredible photographer, Diandra Cazadora, so be sure to check out her story!

3. Mechanical Work

Recently we highlighted Pall Mobile Mechanic who travels the country with his family, helping nomads get their vehicles back on the road. If you're mechanically inclined and know your way around an engine, there's a significant opportunity to make money on the road by offering your services to fellow travelers.

Mechanical issues are a common headache for vanlifers, and having a reliable mechanic in the community is invaluable. You can start by advertising your services at vanlife events, meetups, or online forums and groups dedicated to the nomadic lifestyle. Word of mouth spreads quickly in the vanlife community, and once you've helped a few people, you'll likely see your client base grow rapidly.

Additionally, you can offer mobile repair services, assisting nomads who break down in remote locations, or even provide consultations and preventive maintenance tips. If you're really ambitious, you might even document your repairs and post tutorials or how-to guides online, creating another income stream through monetized content.

Mechanical work on the road isn't just about fixing problems; it's about keeping the adventure going. With the right skills and a bit of networking, you can turn your mechanical expertise into a lucrative and rewarding way to fund your travels.

4. House Sitting and Pet Sitting

House-sitting and pet-sitting are fantastic ways to sustain your travels while reducing or even eliminating accommodation costs. The concept is simple: homeowners entrust you with their home and pets while they're away, and in return, you get a free place to stay—sometimes even with a small stipend. It’s a win-win, especially for nomads looking to explore new areas without breaking the bank.

Websites like TrustedHousesitters and HouseSitMatch connect you with opportunities all over the world. Whether it’s watching over a cozy cottage in the English countryside or taking care of a beachside villa’s furry friends in Bali, these gigs can add a unique layer of experience to your travels. 

Beyond the financial benefits, house sitting allows you to live like a local in different parts of the world, giving you a deeper connection to the places you visit. Plus, if you love animals, pet sitting can be a rewarding way to get your fill of pet companionship while on the road.

With the right reviews and references, you can make house and pet sitting a reliable and enjoyable way to keep your nomadic lifestyle going strong.

👉Don’t believe that this can sustain you? Check out Raychel on TikTok — she travels the world house-sitting and pet-sitting.

5. Teach AI Chatbots

AI is still in its infancy, which means there's a lot of opportunity to jump in to help make it better. Companies like DataAnnotation are a great and legitimate way to earn income. Pay starts at $20 per hour and work can be done anywhere. If you know code, pay starts at $40 per hour, so there’s a respectable amount of money to be made.

👉Pro-Tip: These jobs are highly coveted and the application process can feel grueling. Only apply if you’re willing to go the extra mile to stand out. A half-baked application will surely land in the digital trash. 

6. Selling Art + Jewelry

There are countless vanlife events across the continent that let artists vend. This is a great way to make some extra cash while also sparking new connections. 

Some of my favorite art businesses currently on the road are @handpoked.by.ariane who does custom hand-poked tattoos at events out of their vintage trailer. Another amazing artist is IncognitaCrafts who makes intricate and bold wire wrap jewelry.

Others make a living selling handmade macrame, stained glass, curated vintage clothing closets, and even nomads like 

Honorable Mentions

Other great ways to earn some extra cash on the road:

Sign Up For Case Studies

Signing up for case studies is an easy way to make a few hundred dollars. I’ve personally participated in a couple of case studies from L&E Research and I felt the pay was fairly generous for the amount of work needed. There’s all kinds of studies, finding one you fit the demographic for should be fairly easy.

Seasonal Work

There is seasonal work all over the country hurting to hire nomads. The reason I put this as an honourable mention is because, while rewarding, it can be hard to stay in one place if you dream of hitting the open road. 

If you want to follow someone embracing seasonal opportunities and sharing their epic adventures, check out HallieTreks on TikTok. She posts educational, inspiring, and passionate content. 

Door Dash

If you’re lucky enough to get good gas mileage, Doordashing can be a great way to earn a few extra dollars.  Just be sure to calculate gas mileage, consider wear and tear, and parking.

Dog Walking

I’ve known several dog walkers firsthand who’ve made excellent money dog walking on platforms like Rover. The downside to doing this on the road is that you won’t have the benefit of repeat customers unless you stay in one place for awhile.

Final Thoughts

Living on the road and sustaining that lifestyle is entirely achievable with the right approach. By leveraging your skills, creativity, and the numerous opportunities available, you can fund your travels and enjoy the freedom that vanlife offers. Whether you're writing, photographing, fixing engines, house-sitting, or teaching AI chatbots, there's a way to make it work for you.

Remember, the key to success is persistence and adaptability. Keep exploring new avenues, networking with other nomads, and honing your skills. The road might be long, but it's full of exciting opportunities waiting to be discovered.

If you have a unique business or a creative way of making money on the road, we'd love to hear from you! Submit your story to have your business featured and inspire fellow nomads to turn their dreams into reality.