So, you're ready to travel but you don't have the money huh? Well, the good news is that if you are creative and determined enough, there are ways to get the money together and be on your way to your first destination. You may have heard the same old advice about spending less and working more or adding a second job onto your already busy schedule. Putting in a little extra work never hurts but if you are looking for a more unique way to earn some extra cash on the side, consider some of these options.
Pet/House Sit
OK, so you cherish your free time but still want to save for travel; who can blame you? Fortunately for you, there are ways to earn money while technically still enjoying some free time all at once. Offer your services for pet and house sitting and earn money while lounging in your room with your friend's dog or reading a book on the deck of a client's house while you look after their pets and animals. You will be getting paid without putting in too much grunt work at all. Use sites like Craigslist, make flyers to put up around your neighborhood or use social media sites like Facebook to reach out to people you know and their extended networks.
Find & Re-sell Items
This one requires a bit more time and a lot more patience but can be extremely lucrative and pretty fun depending on your perspective. Start to keep an eye out for free or cheap items that could be re-sold for a higher price or complete profit. There are plenty of people who put perfectly good items out by the curb for trash, throw things into the dumpster that could be re-used or give away quality clothing items to the thrift stores. Head to flea markets and garage sales and start to bargain or have a look at the FREE section of Craigslist to see if you can get your hands on something to re-sell. You can also use flea markets, garage sales, e-bay and Craiglist to resell the items as well.
Re-sell Old Cars
While most people don't have a used car laying around, some of you might. A used car that is just sitting in the driveway or the backyard and is seemingly useless could actually earn you quite a bit of cash. Check out sites like SellMax to try to get rid of your lemon and gain some cash to put towards a ticket to your next destination of choice. If you are car savvy, consider looking for cheap and used cars to fix up a bit and re-sell them to turn a profit in your spare time. You may be surprised by how low someone may sell their old vehicle for just to get it out of their life.
Work Online
The internet is a pool full of ways to earn extra cash while never leaving your home and lap top. There are platforms for every skill and you could utilize what you know to make some extra cash. Try teaching a language via websites like Italki or use your ability to write, sing, draw, build websites or advertise to help small businesses over platforms like Fiverr. If fitness coaching and yoga teaching are more your thing, you can even use Skype to give lessons over the internet right from your living room.
Get Crafty
Even if you aren't the creative type, there are plenty of easy ways to learn how to make something over the internet or in books. Choose something that interests you whether it be scented candles, baked goods, homemade hygiene products or dog treats and start teaching yourself how to create them with your own unique touch. Making the items can be fun and once you are finished, you can sell them online via sites like Etsy or in craft markets close to where you live. Sell your items to friends and family and consider running classes to teach others how to create the item for additional income as well.