Do you ever feel like your 9-5 job is just a means to an end? That you’re stuck in the rat race, working to pay the bills and buy things you don’t even really want?
If you feel like there’s more to life than working for someone else, then maybe it’s time to start thinking about taking to the open road, living your best vanlife, and finding ways to make money while you do!
Living life on the open road can be a freeing experience – but it comes with challenges.
One of those challenges is finding ways to make money while continuing to live your nomadic lifestyle. Perhaps your current job isn’t nomad-friendly? You can’t just quit your job and hit the road unless you have a plan for how you’re going to support yourself.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll share 13 unique ways that vanlifers and digital nomads are making money while they travel.
Whether you’re looking for ideas to supplement your current income or wanting to replace your 9-5 completely, there’s sure to be an option here for you. So buckle up, let’s hit the road and look at some travel-friendly work opportunities…

📖 Table of Contents
🌍 What is a Digital Nomad?
💰 13 Ways to Make Money While Living your Best Vanlife
Make money as a photographer and sell your travel photos and videos
Use your vanlife skills
Start a blog or vlog about your travels
Rent out your RV or campervan on Airbnb when you’re not using it
Pick up odd jobs like gardening, dog walking, or snow shoveling
Sell handmade goods like jewelry, pottery, or paintings
Sell your professional skills as a consultant or freelancer
Start your own dropshipping business
Participate in online surveys and focus groups or become a website tester
Offer transcription services
Become an online tutor
Pick up seasonal work
Get a remote customer services job
🚐💨 What are you waiting for?
💬 FAQs About Vanlife Jobs
🌍 What Is a Digital Nomad?
Are you ready to embark on an adventure where your office view changes faster than you can say “remote work”? Well, that would make you a digital nomad!
A digital nomad is a modern-day explorer who trades cubicles for campervans, combining the freedom of vanlife with the flexibility of remote work. Armed with laptops and a thirst for adventure, these intrepid souls roam the globe, working from the beach, the mountains, or even the comfort of their cozy campervan.
Many vanlifers are Digital Nomads, but working on the road doesn’t mean you necessarily have to take your career online! We’ve got van life jobs that don’t mean you have to be glued to a laptop 24/7, if that’s not your thing! Read on, intrepid adventurer.
💰 13 Ways to Make Money While Living your Best Vanlife
If you’re considering hitting the road and living the van life, you might be wondering how to make money on the road. While there are many traditional ways to earn an income while traveling – like signing up as an agency healthcare worker, there are also some unique opportunities that you may not have considered.
With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can find a way to fund your travels and live your best van life dreams. We’ve got 13 ideas for making money on the road that you may not have thought of!
So what are you waiting for? Start exploring these ideas and start planning your next great adventure today…

1. Sell your travel photos and videos
Do people always stop to ask about your setup or where you’re headed next? Do they ever compliment your photography skills? If so, selling your photos and videos could be a great way to monetize your travels.
There are many stock photo websites where adventurers can sell their images, such as iStockPhoto and Shutterstock. Or some creative use of Unsplash can monetize your travels. When it comes to videos, YouTube is always a good option – you can create vlogs, instructional videos , or even simply share clips of beautiful scenery.

2. Use your vanlife skills
Did you build/convert your van yourself? Do you have competent carpentry skills? Perhaps you’ve developed some great auto-electrician knowledge? Are you super-handy at insulation and lining? Perhaps you’re a skilled upholsterer?
There’s no reason you can’t continue using your skills while on the road -just for other people! Many full-time travelers are happy to barter their services in exchange for gas money, a place to park their van overnight, or cash.
If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, Craigslist and localised Vanlife groups on Facebook are always a good place to start reaching out for potential clients. So many want to live vanlife and have some skills, but not all the skills they need to do a full conversion. Or maybe they just don’t have enough time. Can you help fill these gaps?

3. Start a blog or vlog about your travels
Are you passionate about writing or sharing stories ? Do people often tell you that they enjoy hearing about your adventures? If so, starting a blog or vlog could be another excellent way to make money while living in a van.
You can generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, digital products, or even simply by asking for donations from generous readers/viewers. Not sure where to start? Check out this guide explaining how people make millions blogging: How to Start a Blog and Make Money (Source: Forbes).

4. Rent out your RV or campervan on Airbnb when you're not using it
Now this seems like a dumb idea, if what you want to be is a vanlifer – someone who, by definition, lives in their van. But hear us out: hiring out your van could actually be a way to spend more quality time in your van!
The value of hiring out your van, even if just for 2 or 3 nights a month could easily supplement your vanlife budget, so sofa surfing for a few nights could earn you enough money for your next bucketlist roadtrip! Do it for a season, and you may accrue enough savings for your next season’s travel, and not need to work!
- Airbnb has made it easier than ever for RV owners to offer their vehicles for rent, making Vanlife accessible for those who can’t afford the full expense of owning one outright.
- Outdoorsy, which has revolutionized van-sharing by bringing together all types of vehicle renters and owners on one platform – from cosy campers all the way up to luxury motorhomes.
- Camplify (UK), GoBoony (EU/UK), and Quirky Campers (UK & NZ) specialize in connecting potential renters with van-owners.
So what are you waiting for? Put those Vanlife dreams into action – your wallet will thank you!

5. Pick up odd jobs like gardening, dog walking, or snow shoveling
Living vanlife can be an exciting and freeing experience, but the financial aspect of the lifestyle can cause some stress. Fortunately, there are many ways to make money while vanlife-ing.
Doing odd jobs like gardening, dog walking or snow shoveling are great options; vanlifers can easily carry shovels or tools with them if these tasks require equipment.
There are a few ways to find these types of gigs:
- Advertising on local Facebook groups/forums is an easy and free way to start letting people know what services vanlifers have to offer.
- Perusing Craigslist or AirTasker for job postings related to vanlife could prove useful.
- Sometimes, it’s even possible to put together some business cards and do a door knock in neighborhoods; once you let people know you’re available to do odd jobs, they may ask around and eventually reach out.
With a little bit of effort and creativity, vanlifers can find financial support while still enjoying the freedom that vanlife provides!

6. Sell handmade goods like jewelry, pottery, or paintings
For those looking to make a living by creating beautiful things, vanlife and craft work could be the perfect combo. If you’re looking to take your crafty career on the road, there are plenty of opportunities to sell handmade goods such as jewelry, pottery, or paintings. From craft markets popping up around the world to virtual venues – such at Etsy (worldwide) and Not on the Highstreet (UK) where you can connect with buyers from around the globe and sell your items online, there are more chances than ever before to make a living doing what you love. Not only that but vanlife offers an itinerant lifestyle – infinite scenery changes and ample opportunity for inspiration keeps vanlifers on their toes and makes creativity flow. So if you’re feeling ready for adventure, why not keep your crafty side close while vanlife takes you further? Live life in motion while doing what you love. What could be better?

7. Sell your professional skills as a consultant or freelancer
Selling your professional skills while living a vanlife or nomadic lifestyle is possible, depending on your unique skill set.
For instance, if your background is in marketing, design or copywriting, Upwork and Fiverr are great places to set up shop as a freelancer or consultant. You can create profiles that detail the services you offer and showcase examples of previous work for potential clients to review. From there, interested parties can contact you about their project needs and hiring terms.
Similarly, if technical website or app development is more up your alley, Upwork and Fiverr still provide good platforms to advertise your services. You’d be surprised what services you can sell on these platforms! Trademark lawyer? ✅ Amazon specialist? ✅ SEO expert? ✅ Personal Assistant? ✅ Data Analyst? ✅
There’s also simply setting up a portfolio website of your own where clients can contact you directly with inquiries. Obviously flexibility is key here, but if you’re able to adjust to the needs of various clients, evergreen opportunities will present themselves for you to maintain an exciting virtual job wherever it is that you roam!
At the end of the day—whether near or far— everyone wants great services delivered by skilled professionals; why let location stand between your work goals? Living vanlife doesn’t have to mean sacrificing steady income; there’s still money out there waiting to be made! Good luck! 🙂

8. Start your own dropshipping business
Thinking about vanlife and launching your own business? Dropshipping could be the perfect option for you!
Dropshipping is an online retail model where suppliers ship products directly to customers on behalf of the retailer. This means that vanlifers can run their businesses from wherever they are – no physical store needed. Plus, because you don’t have to stock inventory, you don’t need a lot of capital to get started.
There are lots of great platforms out there to help get your business off the ground, such as Shopify or Oberlo. Once you’ve got your store set up and ready to go, all that’s left is marketing and finding reliable dropshipping suppliers – but if vanlife has taught us anything, it’s that with a bit of hard work and determination, anything is possible.
So why not give it a go if vanlife is your dream lifestyle? You just might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of!

9. Participate in online surveys and focus groups to earn money or become a website tester
If you’re a vanlifer who needs some extra cash and has the necessary technical know-how, participating in online surveys and focus groups can be a great way to earn money. Survey Junkie is a reliable website that pays users for taking surveys and giving their opinions on products.
You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your van – all you need is access to an internet connection and a few minutes throughout the day to complete questions about different topics. And don’t forget about usertesting.com – this website allows you to get paid for becoming a tester by recording yourself using various products or websites so companies can see how their user experience looks like in real life.
If website testing sounds like more up your alley, Enroll can help you find those specific remote jobs that require that special vanlife internet connection. So if your van has high-speed internet access, why not turn it into money? Participating in online surveys and becoming a website tester while vanlifing might just be the perfect side gig!

10. Offer transcription services
Vanlife is an adventurous and liberating lifestyle, but how can van-dwellers make money while on the go? For those who don’t want to take on a traditional job tied to a particular location, online transcription services are a great way to earn some money from virtually anywhere.
This work involves translating audio recordings of speeches, interviews, or legal documents into written transcripts. To get set up for remote transcription work, you might check out websites like Rev and TranscribeMe which provide freelance services as well as direct hire positions.
Before getting started, you’ll need basic computer skills and preferably some transcription experience. You will also need to invest in quality noise-cancelling headphones plus a decent headset microphone so that you can hear clearly and record accurately.
Depending on your experience level, transcription services typically pay around $15–$30 per audio hour (sometimes more), so with enough experience under your belt vanlife doesn’t have to mean being without work or income!

11. Become and online tutor
If you’re a vanlifer who loves to help others and is looking for a way to earn money while on the go, becoming an online tutor could be the perfect side gig.
There are tons of websites out there that connect students with qualified tutors in many different subject areas, so whether you’re good at math or science or have experience working with business or language, there is most likely a site that can match you up with students who need your help.
Some websites to check out include CheggTutors and Tutor.com – all of these platforms make it quick and easy to get started as an online tutor. To be successful in this work, you’ll need excellent communication skills and the ability to manage your own time.
Vanlifers who want to get in on this tutoring action can start earning money from anywhere in the world with just an internet connection!

12. Pick up seasonal work
If you’re a vanlifer looking for some extra cash while traveling and exploring the world, seasonal work is a great way to earn money on your own terms.
Whether it’s picking strawberries in a field or putting up Christmas decorations at a department store, there are tons of opportunities out there to earn some extra money while being out on the road.
Vanlifers can use websites like Indeed, Craigslist, and Monster to find listings for temporary or seasonal work around their area, or there are specific Facebook groups out there too – typically these might advertise farm work, landscaping tasks and building work, in return for money or a park-up.
You’ll be able to make your own schedule, travel wherever you want to go, and enjoy the flexibility that comes with working on a seasonal basis.

13. Offer remote customer services
There are many different types of remote customer services jobs out there, from providing tech help and troubleshooting to helping customers with their ordering or billing questions.
Vanlifers who want to make some extra cash while on the go can offer these services by signing up for platforms like UpWork, Fiverr, or RemoteOk. To get started, vanlifers will need to have strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a good grasp of all the different types of customer service channels like email, phone, chat, and social media.
Vanlifers who can offer great remote customer services from virtually anywhere will be able to find work on their own terms and earn some extra money while they’re traveling around the world and living their vanlife dream!
🚐💨 What are you waiting for?
Vanlife is an amazing way to see the world and experience new places while still making a living and earning money. Whether you’re interested in transcription, tutoring, seasonal work, remote customer services, or something else entirely, there are endless possibilities for vanlifers looking to make some extra cash while they travel and explore.
Get out there and start living your best vanlife today! Find your roving home on Buy or Sell Campers – the world’s first international van sales platform with all the vans people like to love!
💬 FAQs About Vanlife Jobs
To earn money while doing van life, many people work remotely as freelancers or online entrepreneurs. They leverage skills such as writing, graphic design, programming, online tutoring, transcribing, or consulting to generate income while on the road. They also undertake seasonal jobs, sell products online, or do odd jobs in their locality.
Vanlifers access the internet through various means, including public Wi-Fi hotspots available at cafes, libraries, and campgrounds. Additionally, they may use mobile internet solutions like cellular data plans or satellite internet systems specifically designed for vehicles – such as Starlink.
The cost of living in a van each month varies depending on factors such as location, lifestyle choices, and individual preferences. Expenses can include fuel, vehicle maintenance, food, campground fees, insurance, and occasional leisure activities. It’s difficult to provide an exact figure, but we have a great guide to how much does it cost to live in a van?
The downside of van life can include limited space and amenities, the need to constantly move or find new places to park, challenges in finding suitable facilities for showers and toilets, and the potential for isolation or lack of a stable community. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can pose challenges for comfortable living in a van.
Yes, it is possible to live van life with a pet! Many van lifers have pets and find ways to accommodate their needs in the limited space. However, it requires careful planning, consideration for the pet’s safety and comfort, and adherence to local regulations regarding pets in public spaces and campgrounds.
Read more about vanlife with pets here:
🐶 Best Dogs for Van Life: Top Breeds for Van Life with a Dog
🐱 Vanlife with Pets: Over 20 Camper Hacks for Van Life with a Dog or Other Pets