Most of us look at vacations as unaffordable luxuries. And on the surface, I can see why: they usually cost a lot of money, and most of us would rather save our vacation leaves (since we can convert them to cash at the end of the year). But while vacations may appear frivolous to some, vacations are actually a necessity. They help us decompress from the stresses of work, they help us recharge our minds, and they let us assess life from a safe distance.
It may look like we’re losing money when we go on vacation, but consider it an investment in yourself. In the long-run, I think the benefits of vacations are a net positive.
But economic realities being what they are, I also know that vacationing is simply more difficult for some people. to help you guys out, I’ve compiled a list of ways to help offset your vacation costs. These earning methods are easy to do while you’re out on vacation, whether you’re at the beach or taking a long train ride (a stable internet connection is required for most, though). And best of all, they’re relatively simple and won’t take too much time away from spending quality time with your loved ones. These earning methods won’t pay for the entire vacation, but they will help make it more affordable.
Here’s my list:
1. Rent Out Your Residence While You’re Out on Vacation
Company: Airbnb
Website: https://www.airbnb.com
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/airbnb/id401626263?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.airbnb.android
Most of us pay rent or mortgage, and it doesn’t matter whether we’re at home or not; we still gotta pay. Think about it: when you’re out on vacation, your home isn’t being maximized. Your house is not being used, but you still have to pay the same rent or mortgage amount when the due date comes.
I think Airbnb helps mitigate that. Since you won’t be using your home anyways, you might as well rent it out to people who are traveling to your city. Your earnings will depend on your location and the size and condition of your home. Personally, I’ve made a couple of thousand renting out my modestly-sized duplex. That amount went a long way in helping offset to my vacation expenses. I recommend you give this a shot!
2. Rent Out Your Car
Company: Turo
Website: https://turo.com
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/turo-better-than-car-rental/id555063314?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.relayrides.android.relayrides
Parking my car at the airport parking lot for extended periods of time is always a scary prospect - and expensive, too. Anyone who travels frequently can attest to the crazy parking fees one has to pay. Turo is a great way to offset the parking cost and earn some extra money in the process.
With Turo, you park your car in a Turo parking space for free. In exchange, Turo rents your car out. It may sound scarier than just parking your car somewhere, but really, it’s not. Turo vetoes every member who wants to rent a vehicle (kinda like Airbnb) so you’re pretty assured of your vehicle’s safety.
3. Take Stock Photos and Sell Them Online
Company: Adobe Stock (previously Fotolia)
Website: https://contributor.stock.adobe.com
This is applicable if you’ve got photography skills. When you’re out on vacation, you can take scenic photos and sell them as stock photos. Of course, it would help if you’re visiting a scenic or noteworthy location. But even if you’re visiting your grandmother in a generic-looking city, you’ll have the opportunity to take lots of photos and sell them online. Being away from your own city (or even country) lets you look at a place with fresh eyes, and hopefully, that translates to cool, sellable photos.
This was a great earning method for me since taking photos while out on vacation comes naturally to me - and I’m pretty sure that applies to lots of people, too.
4. Answer Surveys
Company: Forthright
Website: Registration Page: https://www.beforthright.com/join
Answering surveys is one of the most common earning methods online. While most of them are awesome, sometimes you’ll have to wait to be able to spend your earnings. Most survey sites have a minimum withdrawal requirement, or take their sweet time processing your payout request. All of which might be a problem when you’re out on vacation and need your earnings asap.
Forthright, however, is pretty unique: the site has no minimum payout requirements. In fact, they pay immediately! As soon as you’re done taking a survey, you get your earnings right away. Forthright is the perfect vacation survey site!
5. Do Miscellaneous Tasks
Company: Gigwalk
Link: http://www.gigwalk.com
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gigwalk/id391881025?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gigwalk&hl=en
This method is recommendable if you’re going to spend an extended amount of time in a specific location. Gigwalk connects you to locals looking for people to do miscellaneous tasks. These tasks are pretty simple and may include everything from doing secret shopping (shopping at an establishment and telling management what your experience was like), walking pets, or delivering groceries.
Jobs will vary based on location. And note that this is only open for residents and locations in the United States. Pay also varies from a couple of bucks to a couple of hundred. It’s perfect if you’re backpacking or want to experience local culture for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
So these are my five methods for earning while out on vacation. They’ve helped me make vacations more affordable. And since I could take vacations more often, my quality of life has greatly improved. I’m sure the same would apply to other people as well.
Your Turn
Now it’s your turn to share! Do you have any other methods for earning will out on vacation? Let’s hear ‘em!