22 Business Ideas For Backpackers [2024]

Updated: September 26th, 2024

Traveling the world with a backpack on your shoulder doesn’t mean you have to put your entrepreneurial dreams on hold. In fact, your journey could be the perfect catalyst for new business ventures. Whether you're looking to fund your travels or start something sustainable, 2024 brings numerous opportunities tailored for the modern backpacker.

From offering remote services to selling handmade crafts, there are plenty of ways you could use your skills and resources on the road. Imagine turning your travel blog into a revenue stream or teaching online classes from a beachside café. These ideas might be the key to balancing your wanderlust with a steady income.

In this article, we explore practical and feasible business ideas that suit the backpacker lifestyle. You could find just the spark you need to start your own venture while exploring new horizons. Here are some possibilities that could make your travels even more fulfilling.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other backpacker businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

As a backpacker with unique experiences and knowledge, starting a niche blog can be an excellent way to supplement your income while sharing your adventures with the world. Focus on a specific and underserved niche, such as travel gear reviews, hidden travel spots, or solo backpacking tips, and create engaging content like how-to guides, travel diaries, and product lists. Through a mix of affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and YouTube channel integration, you could monetize your blog and turn your passion for travel into a thriving side business.

Why start a niche blog?

  • Low startup costs and flexibility allow you to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Share your travel experiences and expertise, building a community of like-minded individuals.
  • Multiple income streams, from affiliate marketing to sponsorships, can generate a sustainable income while you travel.

For more insights and success stories on niche blogging, check out this page on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

Read by 78,312 founders

2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

Starting an online course sales business could be a fantastic avenue for backpackers to supplement their income while on the move. Whether you're skilled at music, cooking, coding, or any other expertise, you could monetize your passion by creating and selling educational content online. The e-learning market is booming, and with projections of it being worth over $645 Billion in the next few years, the opportunities are immense.

Creating these courses allows you to turn your knowledge into a steady stream of passive income. Simply choose a target audience, design your course, and select an online platform to host and sell it. For more insights and inspiration on how to get started, check out some success stories here.

Why start an online course sales business? - It offers flexibility and geographical independence. You could create and sell courses from anywhere in the world. - This business allows your initial efforts to pay off long-term, generating passive income as new students enroll. - Turning your unique skills into a revenue stream adds value to others' lives while enriching your travel experiences.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

Read by 12,038 founders

3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Monetizing a YouTube channel is a natural fit for backpackers looking to supplement their income. As you explore new places and engage in exciting adventures, you can document your journey and create captivating content that attracts viewers. With your unique perspective and experiences, you have the opportunity to generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise while sharing your passions with a global audience.

Building a successful YouTube channel does require time and effort, particularly in content planning, video production, and audience engagement. However, the flexibility to work from anywhere and the potential for significant financial rewards make this a worthwhile pursuit for entrepreneurial-minded backpackers. For more information, you can check out this in-depth guide on starting a YouTube channel.

Why consider starting a YouTube channel?

  • Share your adventures and connect with a broad audience who shares your interests.
  • Generate multiple income streams from ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
  • Enjoy the flexibility of working from any location with internet access.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

Read by 12,324 founders

4. Start a niche website ($107K/month)

If you're looking for a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue while you travel, consider building a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. This venture involves selecting a niche you’re passionate about, creating compelling content, and driving traffic to your site through research, content creation, and SEO.

Monetization options are varied—whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your specialized content can generate income. Once established, a niche website can become a reliable source of passive income while you explore the world. For a deeper dive, check out some success stories to get inspired.

Why starting a niche website? - It provides location independence; you can manage and update your site from anywhere. - It's a low-cost startup as you only need a domain, hosting, and dedication to content creation. - It offers passive income potential, allowing you to earn while focusing on your travels.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.

Read by 3,620 founders

5. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business as a backpacker could be an ideal way to supplement your income and embrace your entrepreneurial spirit. You could earn money online by promoting other companies' products and services, earning a commission for each sale made through your referral. Whether you partner with an eCommerce store or a manufacturer, affiliate marketing offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, making it perfect for a nomadic lifestyle.

To get started, you'll need to learn how to find the right products and brands to partner with, allowing you to target niche markets effectively. For more tips on becoming successful in affiliate marketing, check out our affiliate marketing business tips.

Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?

  • Minimal startup costs: You don’t need a large investment to begin, just a laptop and internet connection.
  • Passive income potential: Once your affiliate links are set, you could earn money even while you're exploring new destinations.
  • Flexibility and freedom: Work from anywhere and create your own schedule, aligning perfectly with the backpacking lifestyle.

How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Read by 24,640 founders

6. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

Starting a dropshipping business as a backpacker could be an ideal way to supplement your income while exploring the world. With no need to hold inventory, your main focus would be on marketing and customer service, which you can manage from anywhere with an internet connection. By setting up an online store through platforms like Shopify, you could list products from reliable suppliers on AliExpress and start selling without significant upfront investment.

For more insights, check out some success stories from dropshipping businesses on Starter Story.

Why consider a dropshipping business?

  • Low upfront costs make it accessible for budget-conscious backpackers.
  • Your office is wherever you have an internet connection, offering unmatched flexibility.
  • Focuses on marketing and customer service, skills that are portable and adaptable.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

How I Started A $100K/Month Business Mentoring Dropshipping Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.

Read by 25,780 founders

7. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

Starting a stock photography business could be an incredible opportunity for backpackers, leveraging your travel experiences and unique perspectives. As you wander through different landscapes, cultures, and architectural marvels, you could capture these moments and sell them as stock photos. With good photography gear and a keen eye, you could build an impressive portfolio and earn a passive income by uploading high-quality images that businesses can use for marketing and advertising purposes.

Why starting a stock photography business?

  • You could turn your travel adventures into an income stream, monetizing your photos while exploring the world.
  • You maintain a flexible lifestyle, as you can upload and manage your portfolio from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Stock photography offers the possibility of passive income, allowing you to earn money even while focusing on other ventures.

For more information on this business idea, check out some stock photography business success stories at Starter Story.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,483 founders

8. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

As a backpacker, starting an eCommerce reselling business offers a flexible and scalable way to supplement your income, make extra money, or even build a full-fledged business. By purchasing goods or services for resale, you avoid production costs and can focus on finding high-demand products to sell. With a social media-based reseller business, you don't need a website immediately, allowing you to start small and expand as your business grows.

Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?

  • It requires minimal initial investment, making it perfect for budget-conscious backpackers.
  • You can operate your business from anywhere, offering the ultimate flexibility for traveling.
  • Capitalize on local markets: Discover unique items while you travel and resell them online for a profit.

For more insights, check out these eCommerce reselling success stories.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.

Read by 7,387 founders

9. Start a mountain bike business

Starting a mountain bike business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even establish a full-fledged business as a backpacker. This venture involves selling and potentially renting mountain bikes, gear, and accessories to outdoor enthusiasts, as well as offering maintenance services, biking tours, and training sessions. With a rapidly growing interest in outdoor activities, the demand for well-built bikes and reliable gear will continue to rise, making this a promising business opportunity.

Why consider starting a mountain bike business?

  • You're tapping into a booming market. Outdoor and adventure sports are seeing increased interest worldwide.
  • It's a versatile business. You could offer products, services, and experiences like tours and training sessions.
  • You have the chance to build a community. Creating an engaged, vibrant community around biking can be incredibly rewarding.

For more detailed insights, check out these successful mountain bike business stories.

How much you can make: $350,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $350K/Month Electric Bikes Store

Bolton Ebikes has experienced 500% YoY growth, bringing in $350k per month in revenue, all without any paid advertising and primarily driven by YouTube videos; the founder emphasizes the importance of finding out who your customers are and serving them what they want.

Read by 7,582 founders

10. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

As a backpacker, starting a podcast could be a fantastic way to supplement your income while sharing your adventures and insights with a global audience. Podcasts are a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing, making it possible to attract a dedicated following interested in your unique experiences on the road. With just a microphone, headphones, and a reliable hosting platform, you could transform your tales of travel into a revenue-generating enterprise.

Why start a podcast?

  • You could monetize your passion. Sharing your travel experiences can attract sponsors and advertisers.
  • It requires minimal equipment. A portable microphone and headphones are all you need to get started.
  • You could build a flexible and portable business. Record and publish episodes from anywhere in the world.

For more tips on launching your podcast, check out these successful podcast stories.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,203 founders

11. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

Starting an email marketing tool business can be an excellent opportunity for backpackers due to its flexibility and scalability. As a backpacker, you could manage your business from anywhere in the world with just a laptop and internet connection, freeing you to explore new destinations while growing your enterprise. The booming email marketing industry, projected to reach $2.53B by 2028, provides ample opportunities for attracting clients across various sectors, from startups to real estate agents.

An email marketing tool helps you create, manage, and automate email campaigns, crucial for effective marketing. By offering unique features and customer support, you could carve out a niche in this thriving market. For more insights, check out this email marketing tool profitability guide.

Why start an email marketing tool?

  • Lower overhead costs make it easy to start and operate remotely.
  • Demand for effective email marketing solutions is continually growing.
  • The business model is highly scalable, allowing you to expand as you acquire more clients.

How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon]

H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.

Read by 14,155 founders

12. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That’s the essence of a social media automation business. By developing tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across platforms, you could serve clients ranging from small businesses to influencers, saving them time and enhancing their social media presence. For those with a knack for technology and marketing, starting a social media automation business can be both lucrative and fulfilling.

With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there’s a significant demand for automation. The real work involves developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and building relationships with clients to tailor services to their needs. To get started, you can explore resources like this page on business profitability for more insights and tips.

Why start a social media automation business?

  • Flexible and remote work: You could manage the business from anywhere, making it perfect for backpackers.
  • Growing demand: Businesses increasingly seek automation solutions to maintain a strong social media presence.
  • Scalable income: With every new client, your revenue could grow without a proportionate increase in workload.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,253 founders

13. Start a web scraping API ($34.2K/month)

If you’re a backpacker with coding skills, starting a web scraping API business could be an incredibly flexible and lucrative way to supplement your income. With businesses eagerly seeking efficient ways to access and analyze web data, your service could cater to industries ranging from market research to competitor analysis. Plus, the nature of web scraping API work allows you to operate remotely, making it ideal for a nomadic lifestyle.

Why start a web scraping API business?

  • Location Independence: You can set up and manage your API from anywhere with an internet connection, perfect for a backpacker's transient lifestyle.
  • High Demand: With the surge in data-driven decision-making, businesses are consistently looking for reliable data extraction tools, creating a broad market for your service.
  • Scalable Income: Start small and niche, then expand your API offerings as your reputation and client base grow, providing endless opportunities for higher earnings.

For more details on starting a web scraping API business, explore this guide on Starter Story: Startup Costs.

How much you can make: $50 — $125,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

On Building A Travel Recommendations Platform

PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.

Read by 4,689 founders

14. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

Starting a mobile app business as a backpacker allows you to take advantage of the growing tech market while maintaining your nomadic lifestyle. With just a laptop, some coding knowledge, or the ability to collaborate with a developer, you could create an app that solves a common problem or provides entertainment, attracting users from around the globe. Your main responsibilities will involve conceptualizing your idea, designing the user interface, and rigorously testing it for performance issues.

For entrepreneurial backpackers, mobile app development offers flexibility, potential for substantial revenue, and a market that is perpetually in demand. This venture can also be incredibly rewarding, whether you're looking to address a specific need or offer a fun distraction for users on the go. You can find inspiration and support from successful entrepreneurs who have thrived in this space by checking out success stories here.

Why create a mobile app?

  • You could work from anywhere, making it perfect for your backpacking lifestyle.
  • With a high demand for innovative apps, there is significant revenue potential.
  • Creating a mobile app allows you to solve real-world problems or provide entertainment, which can be highly rewarding.

How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.

Read by 11,019 founders

15. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

Starting a health and wellness app as a backpacker offers a flexible and impactful way to supplement your income while on the road. This digital tool can provide users with personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking, all conveniently accessible from their mobile devices. As a backpacker passionate about health and technology, you're uniquely positioned to create a compelling platform that guides users through every step of their wellness journey.

Building your app will involve market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. The potential to positively impact lives and tap into a growing market makes this a compelling venture. Explore successful examples and startup costs to get a head start on your journey.

Discover successful health and wellness app stories here

Why starting a health and wellness app?

  • You could create a flexible source of income, perfect for a backpacker lifestyle.
  • You'd tap into a growing market with increasing demand for digital health solutions.
  • You'll make a meaningful contribution to people's well-being while pursuing your passion for health and technology.

How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

I Created A $2.7M/Year Software That Extends People's Lives By Analyzing Their DNA

Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.

Read by 8,623 founders

16. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business while backpacking is an excellent way to create a steady income stream without being tied to a specific location. By tapping into niche markets and providing exclusive products, you can build a loyal customer base looking for curated experiences delivered straight to their doors. Additionally, outsourcing fulfillment and focusing on design and marketing can allow you to manage operations remotely, giving you the flexibility to explore new destinations.

Explore successful subscription box business stories for inspiration and practical tips from those who have thrived in this industry.

Why consider a subscription box business?

  • It offers the flexibility to run your business from anywhere, making it ideal for a backpacking lifestyle.
  • You can build a recurring revenue model, ensuring a more predictable income.
  • Leveraging niche markets and unique product offerings can lead to high customer retention and profitability.

How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

Read by 31,458 founders

17. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

Starting an AI-based business solution as a backpacker is an adaptable and viable option in today's tech-forward landscape. This model leverages artificial intelligence to streamline various business operations, such as customer service, data analysis, and personalized marketing, making it a lucrative avenue for those on the move. With user-friendly platforms available, even those without a tech background can tap into this growing market and offer innovative solutions to businesses globally.

The demand for AI solutions is accelerating as companies seek to gain a competitive edge by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. By offering AI-based services, you could provide valuable insights and automated solutions that improve business performance, all while maintaining a flexible lifestyle suited to a backpacker's needs. To explore more about this opportunity, check out our comprehensive guide on AI-based business solutions here.

Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?

  • Low starting cost and high scalability, making it ideal for backpackers with limited resources.
  • The flexibility to work remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to travel freely.
  • Increasing market demand offers sustainable growth prospects and a chance to innovate in various industries.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.

Read by 21,999 founders

18. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)

Venturing into stock investing as a backpacker can be a smart way to supplement your income while on the road. The flexibility of stock trading allows you to analyze markets, make informed decisions, and execute trades from anywhere with an internet connection. This business doesn't demand physical products or a fixed location, which aligns perfectly with a backpacker’s lifestyle.

By starting a stock investing business, you tap into a domain with potential for high returns and the ability to leverage your financial acumen. While it requires dedication and a sound understanding of market trends, educational resources and trading platforms are readily available to help you get started. For those intrigued by finance, stock investing can transform your passion into a profitable venture.

Why consider a stock investing business?

  • Provides geographic freedom to trade from any location with internet access.
  • Allows you to generate income without the need for physical inventory or a permanent base.
  • Empowers you to utilize and grow your financial knowledge, potentially leading to high returns.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Launched A $54K/Year Newsletter That Finds Trending Stocks

Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.

Read by 23,812 founders

19. Become a food photographer

Starting a food photography business as a backpacker is a fantastic way to blend your love for travel and passion for food into a viable income stream. With the high demand for quality food images on social media and online marketing platforms, capturing eye-catching photos of local cuisines and unique dishes can open up various income opportunities. By investing in essential gear like a high-quality camera, lenses, and lighting equipment, you could build a compelling portfolio to attract food bloggers, restaurants, and other businesses seeking top-notch images for their promotional materials. For more insights, check out this success story of a food photographer.

Why consider becoming a food photographer?

  • The food and beverage industry relies heavily on professional photography, ensuring a steady stream of potential clients.
  • You can turn your travels into a portfolio-building journey, capturing diverse and unique culinary scenes from around the world.
  • With a strong online presence, such as a professional website and active social media accounts, marketing your services and building a client base becomes feasible from virtually anywhere.

How much you can make: $11,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)

I Left My Tenured Position To Start An $11K/Month Photography Studio

This case study follows the journey of Sean Audet, who built an award-winning commercial photography studio specializing in food and product photography, growing it from a part-time experiment to a full-time career that brings in around $11,000 a month, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and embracing new opportunities for aspiring founders in building and growing their own business.

Read by 1,338 founders

20. Start an artificial plant walls business

Starting an artificial plant walls business as a backpacker could be an exciting way to supplement your income. With a rising demand for low-maintenance green solutions in homes and businesses, you could provide customizable plant walls made from high-quality artificial foliage. This business requires minimal initial investment and is easy to manage remotely, allowing you to maintain flexibility in your travels.

Artificial plant walls are perfect for mock-ups or temporary decor, making them popular in event planning and interior design. Additionally, a robust online presence will help you attract clients and process orders seamlessly from anywhere around the world. For more exciting business ideas for backpackers, check out this guide on Starter Story.

Why consider starting an artificial plant walls business?

  • Low maintenance and longevity of artificial plants make them a lucrative investment.
  • You can design and ship your products from virtually anywhere with internet access.
  • Minimal initial investment allows you to maintain financial flexibility.

21. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)

Starting an online survey tool can be an excellent way for backpackers to supplement their income or establish a profitable business while traveling. With minimal overhead and the flexibility to work from anywhere, developing a survey tool allows you to gather and analyze valuable customer feedback for businesses. Considering the growing demand for data-driven decision-making, this business idea has significant potential.

Why build an online survey tool?

  • Location independence: You could manage the entire business remotely, making it ideal for a backpacker's lifestyle.
  • Growing market: The demand for data collection and customer feedback is increasing as companies prioritize customer-centric approaches.
  • Low startup costs: Developing a survey tool requires a relatively low initial investment, allowing you to maximize your return on investment.

To further explore this idea, visit Starter Story: Online Survey Tool Success Stories.

How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,020 founders

22. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)

Starting a real estate investment firm offers a strategic pathway for entrepreneurial backpackers to supplement their travel funds, make extra money, or even establish the foundation of a sustainable business. By investing in properties, either domestically or internationally, you could gain solid returns through rental income, property appreciation, and profitable sales. Real estate is a robust market with significant profit potential and relatively low cyclical risks, making it an attractive option for building wealth.

Why start a real estate investment firm?

  • Real estate can significantly appreciate in value over time, offering long-term financial growth.
  • Rental properties provide a stable, steady income stream that supplements travel expenses.
  • You could leverage digital platforms to manage properties remotely, maintaining your nomadic lifestyle without sacrificing income.

For more insights, check out these real estate investment firm success stories.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,325 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls