According to CNN, Americans are taking fewer vacations. It’s a sad bit of news, but totally understandable. Times are tough, and you’ve to be more financially responsible. Time away from work is time away from making money. Vacations are fast becoming a luxury that’s beyond the reach of regular people.
But does it really have to be?
I’ve discovered that there are ways for you to earn money during your vacation… no moonlighting required! Most of these methods let you earn during downtimes on your vacation. And trust me, even if you have the most packed itinerary, there will be a lot of downtimes. You can turn the time you spend waiting in line or taking long plane rides into money-making moments.
To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of easy ways to make money while out on vacation. You may not be able to pay for the entire vacation with these, but they will definitely offset the overall cost. And for me, that was all it took to make vacationing more feasible. Check them out!
1. Foap
Foap is an interesting app. Advertisers and partner brands hold photo and video missions for people such as yourself to do. Basically, they’re soliciting stock photos centered around their brands. Missions will ask you to take specific photos, like summer-themed pics using a brand of sunscreen. While regular stock photos tend to look fake, the brands hope that the photos you create are more authentic and creative.
What’s in it for you? If you go on a photo mission, you can earn $5. If you win the best photo, you can get $100!
Link: https://www.foap.com
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/app/foap-sell-your-photos/id521142420?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foap.android
2. Adobe Stock (previously Fotolia)
If going on photo missions and promoting brands isn’t your thing, you can just take old-fashioned stock photos. You can then sell them on sites like Adobe Stock. You upload your vacation pics to the site, then brands or designers buy them. You then earn royalties per photo sold, which can go from a few cents up to a few dollars depending on the subscriber’s package.
I recommend you direct your companions to make the best stock photos. Make sure the photos fit an identifiable theme and tells a clear story.
Link: https://contributor.stock.adobe.com
3. Swagbucks
I mentioned a while ago that there’s a lot of downtime during vacations. Even if you’re on a trip with multiple stops, you’ll spend a lot of time twiddling your fingers while waiting in line, or seated in a long train ride. You’ll be doing basically nothing during those times, so why not earn some bucks?
While waiting in line, I usually whip out my phone and watch videos on YouTube or Facebook. That’s when I got the idea to join Swagbucks. The site is a “pay to do…” (PTD) site. As the name implies, you get points for doing certain tasks, such as watching videos, downloading apps, taking surveys, and filling out forms.
You earn points doing these tasks, which are convertible to either cash or rewards cards.
Link: https://www.swagbucks.com
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/swagbucks/id640439547?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prodege.swagbucksmobile&hl=en
4. CoSign
Admit it: you love showing off when you’re on vacation. CoSign lets you do a bit of social media flexing, and earn in the process.
This is how it works: let’s pretend you bought a fresh pair of sneakers on your trip. Snap a picture then use the CoSign app to add details such as the brand, prices, and retailer. Share the pic on Facebook and Twitter, and wait for people to click your link. When they do, you earn a sales commission. Your commission starts at 30% and can grow to 60% when you become an experienced user.
How much that translates to depends on the specific product. So go through their site and find ways to make that shopping trip pay off!
Link: https://www.cosign.co
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cosign-secure-digital-signing/id932750932?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arx.cosignapp&hl=en
5. Gigwalk
Currently, Gigwalk is only available on the US. But if you’re traveling within the country, you should definitely try Gigwalk.
The app connects you to quick, easy jobs that are available in the local you’re visiting. These jobs include tasks like doing secret shopping (that is, checking the service quality of a store’s staff). These tasks can take as little as five minutes, and pay from $3 up to $100. Payouts are sent via PayPal.
I recommend doing these jobs if you’re staying at a spot for a few days, but you can still use Gigwalk while you hop from one town to another.
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
6. Field Agent
Field Agent is similar to Gigwalk. You sign-up, and start taking real-world tasks to do. And like Gigwalk, many of these tasks involve you working as a secret shopper. Tasks are quick and easy, and can pay up to $10. Not bad for a few minutes of work! And the best part is if you’re one of the top 3 that did a specific job, you can get a $50 bonus!
Link: https://www.fieldagent.net
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/field-agent/id364946558?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.fieldagent&hl=en_US
7. AirBNB
You’re already earning while you’re out on vacation, but you can also earn from the stuff you leave behind. When you’re out on vacation, I suggest putting your place up for rent for other travelers who are visiting your city.
The amount you make depends on the size of your house and location. Personally, I was able to make a couple thousand by putting up my brownstone up for rent on AirBNB. That amount paid off a huge chunk of my vacation expenses. I was even able to get an AirBNB for my trip!
Link: 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
Also - if you're looking to use Airbnb to rent, please visit via the following link - http://www.airbnb.com. You'll get $45 in travel credit when you sign up!
8. Turo
Whenever I park my car in those long-term parking spaces around the airport, I get nervous. Not because of safety, since most of those spaces are legit. I get nervous because of the cost! Parking your car for days, or even weeks, at a time costs lots of money. On some vacations, parking was my biggest expense… kinda ironic, since my car didn’t actually go with me!
I discovered Turo, which is just great. You can park for free, but in exchange Turo rents your car out. Don’t worry, you can screens renters, so your car is safe. You’ll make money whenever someone rents your car. In case nobody does, well, you still go free parking! You get a 75% cut from the rental fee, which depends on your car’s make and model.
Link: https://turo.com (Receive $25 in travel credits with this link)
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
9. Spot
Since your car is already part at the airport (and, hopefully, making money via Turo), you might as well make money off your parking space back home. Spot is like an Airbnb for parking spaces. You can rent out your space by the hour, day, or week. Spot gets a 15% which is a fair amount.
The app is currently available for iOS users only, but let’s hope the Android version becomes available soon!
Link: http://www.parkeasier.com/
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spot-park-easier/id853614064?mt=8
The Verdict: Legit or Scam?
All these sites and methods are legit! They are great ways to earn while you’re out on vacation, and in the process offset the cost of your trip.
Your Turn
My list includes a variety of ways to earn. Now it’s your turn to share. How did you offset the cost of your vacation? Have you found other ways to earn?
Let’s hear your stories!
