20 Business Ideas For Travelers [2024]
Are you a traveler seeking fresh and exciting business opportunities in 2024? Your unique lifestyle offers many avenues to leverage your experiences for profit. From mobile services to remote consulting, there's plenty of potential.
Imagine turning travel experiences into a travel blog or YouTube channel. You could share stories, advice, and reviews, building a loyal following and earning through ads and sponsorships. It's a chance to turn adventures into income.
Remote work allows for flexibility and freedom. You could explore offering consultancy, online courses, or freelance services that align with your skills. This option makes it possible to earn while you roam the globe.
Lastly, think about developing travel-related products or apps. Your insights as a traveler are invaluable in creating useful tools for fellow wanderers. This could set the stage for a successful business tailored to the needs of nomads like you.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other traveler businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a traveler, starting a stock photography business is a perfect way to blend your love for exploring new places with income-generating opportunities. You could capture high-quality, unique images from various locations and sell them on stock photography platforms, earning passive income. Many businesses are constantly in need of fresh, professional photos for marketing purposes, giving you a massive market potential.
With minimal equipment, you could start building an impressive portfolio, which in turn could provide you with a steady stream of revenue. Learn more about getting started with your stock photography business here.
Why start a stock photography business?
- Your travel destinations provide endless, unique photo opportunities that can stand out in the market.
- Stock photography generates passive income, freeing you up to explore more while your photos work for you.
- You could leverage your existing interest in photography and turn it into a profitable venture.
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 (?)
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.
2. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Have a knack for creating compelling video content? Starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move. For travelers, a YouTube channel presents an incredible opportunity to document your journeys, share your experiences, and potentially earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
From how-to guides and travel vlogs to educational content and entertainment, the possibilities are endless. Building a successful channel requires consistency, quality, and engagement, but the rewards can be significant, offering both financial benefits and personal fulfillment. Check out how others have succeeded with YouTube channels on Starter Story.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- Document and monetize your travel experiences, turning your adventures into a source of income.
- Enjoy the flexibility to create content from anywhere in the world, aligning perfectly with your travel lifestyle.
- Engage with a global audience and build a community around your unique perspective and journeys.
Learn more about starting a YouTube channel from real success stories on Starter Story.
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 (?)
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.
3. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a traveler is an excellent way to share your unique experiences and insights on topics you are passionate about, while generating income from anywhere in the world. By focusing on a specific niche, you could attract a dedicated audience, build a loyal readership, and monetize your content through various channels like affiliate marketing, brand collaborations, and sponsored posts. Many successful niche bloggers have turned their blogs into profitable businesses by consistently delivering valuable and engaging content.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could work from anywhere. As a traveler, the flexibility to create content wherever you are is a significant benefit.
- It leverages your unique experience. Sharing your unique travel experiences or expertise makes your blog stand out.
- Multiple revenue streams. With affiliate links and brand partnerships, your niche blog can generate multiple sources of income.
For more insights into starting and growing a niche blog, check out this helpful guide on niche blog marketing ideas.
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 (?)
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.
4. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business can be an excellent opportunity for travelers looking to make extra money or even create a full-time income stream. As you explore new places, you can turn your unique skills and passions into valuable educational content for others. Whether it's photography, cooking exotic dishes, or coding, you can create courses and sell them on various online learning platforms.
With the e-learning market projected to surpass $645 billion soon, this is a lucrative sector to tap into. By sharing what you know and love, you can build a passive income while exploring the world. For more insights, check out some of the success stories of entrepreneurs who have made it big with their online courses.
Why start an online course sales business?
- Flexibility for travelers to create and sell courses from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Potential for long-term passive income, as successful courses can keep generating revenue over time.
- Opportunity to turn your unique skills and passions into a profitable business while helping others learn.
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 (?)
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.
5. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business could be an excellent way for travelers to supplement their income or launch a side business. By purchasing goods or services for resale, you can minimize production costs and focus on growing your online presence. Initially, you do not even need a website; you could start through social media platforms and expand to a dedicated website as your business grows. This approach allows for excellent flexibility, making it suitable for the on-the-go lifestyle of travelers.
Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?
- Low startup costs: Without production expenses, your initial investment is significantly reduced.
- Flexibility: Manage and promote your business from anywhere in the world using just your smartphone.
- Scalable: Start small through social media and expand your reach by launching a website as your business grows.
Learn more about ecommerce reselling business success stories to get inspired!
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 (?)
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.
6. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a traveler, starting an affiliate marketing business is a fantastic way to supplement your income while on the move. Unlike traditional jobs, affiliate marketing requires minimal investment and allows you to work anywhere with an internet connection. By promoting products and services online, you earn commissions for every successful sale, transforming your adventures into profitable opportunities.
To embark on this journey, begin by identifying the right products and brands to partner with. You could focus on becoming an affiliate for eCommerce stores or manufacturers that resonate with your interests.
Why consider affiliate marketing as a traveler?
- It’s a flexible income stream. You could manage your affiliate marketing efforts from any location, as long as you have internet access.
- Minimal startup costs. Getting started with affiliate marketing often requires a low financial investment, making it ideal for those traveling on a budget.
- Passive income potential. Once your marketing funnels are set up, you could earn commissions regularly without continuous active effort.
For more insights and inspiration, check out these affiliate marketing business success stories on Starter Story.
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 (?)
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.
7. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website is a great way to supplement your income while traveling, offering both creative freedom and potential revenue. A niche website focuses on a specialized topic, allowing you to engage deeply with a dedicated audience through targeted content and products. This venture involves selecting a niche you’re passionate about, creating compelling content, and implementing SEO strategies to drive traffic. Once established, a niche website can generate passive income through various monetization options such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products. If you are interested in learning more, check out these success stories from others who have built niche websites.
Why consider starting a niche website?
- It’s location-independent, allowing you to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
- The income potential is diverse, ranging from ad revenue to selling related products or affiliate marketing.
- A niche website can provide passive income, freeing up more time for travel and exploration.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
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.
8. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business as a traveler offers you the flexibility to work from anywhere while tapping into a high-demand market. By curating niche products and offering exclusive items, you could create a unique experience that appeals to customers and builds a loyal subscriber base. All you need is a reliable internet connection to manage orders, work with fulfillment companies, and market your service.
Why start a subscription box business?
- It provides the flexibility to manage your business from any location with an internet connection.
- Subscription boxes cater to niche markets, allowing you to leverage your unique travel experiences and finds.
- You could create a steady stream of recurring revenue, making it easier to plan your financial future.
Learn more about how successful travelers have started their own subscription box businesses here.
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 (?)
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.
9. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Whether you're a digital nomad or an avid traveler, starting a dropshipping business could be an ideal way to generate income on the go. With dropshipping, you don't need to worry about managing physical inventory, making it a flexible and low-maintenance option. All you need is an internet connection, and you can run your business from anywhere in the world. For more details on how to get started, check out this guide on the profitability of dropshipping.
Why consider a dropshipping business?
- Low startup costs: You don’t need to invest in inventory or warehousing.
- Flexibility: The business can be managed from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.
- Scalable: As your business grows, you can easily add more products without significant investment.
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
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.
10. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Embarking on a stock investing business as a traveler could be an excellent way to diversify your income sources. Since you can trade from anywhere with an internet connection, it seamlessly integrates with a nomadic lifestyle. By diving into financial markets, you tap into a lucrative field that rewards strategy, analysis, and well-informed decisions.
Educational resources and trading platforms can empower you to master the skills required to succeed. Dedication and a continuous learning mindset are crucial as you navigate market trends and execute trades with precision. For more insights, consider exploring these stock investing tips.
Why start a stock investing business?
- Geographic independence allows you to trade from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.
- High return potential can offer significant financial rewards, turning your travel time into productive market hours.
- Flexible schedules enable you to manage your investments while still enjoying your travel adventures.
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 (?)
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.
11. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast can be an ideal side business for travelers, allowing you to share your unique experiences, stories, and insights from around the globe with a diverse audience. As a traveler, you have a wealth of content at your fingertips—from cultural anecdotes to travel tips—making your podcast rich and engaging. With minimal initial investment, such as basic recording equipment and a hosting platform, you could dive into this exciting field, potentially attracting sponsors or advertisers over time. For more insights, check out these podcast success stories.
Why start a podcast?
- Flexibility with Location: You could record episodes from anywhere in the world, providing you the freedom to travel while working.
- Unique Content Pool: Your travels provide a continuous stream of fresh, interesting topics that can captivate an audience.
- Low Initial Investment: Basic recording equipment is affordable, making it easy to start even on a budget.
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
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.
12. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app as a traveler allows you to blend your passion for travel and wellness into a profitable venture. Imagine developing a platform that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking—all from anywhere in the world. This flexibility enables you to manage your business on-the-go, catering to a global market eager for expert advice and holistic lifestyle changes.
Creating this app involves market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and strategic marketing. However, the potential to impact lives positively and tap into a growing market makes it a compelling opportunity. If you’re enthusiastic about health and technology, this business could be your path to meaningful work while exploring the world.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- The flexibility of remote management fits perfectly with a traveler's lifestyle.
- You could tap into a booming market, with increasing global demand for health and wellness solutions.
- Creating a positive impact on users’ lives, helping them achieve their wellness goals, can be incredibly rewarding.
For more inspiration and details on kickstarting your own health and wellness app journey, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
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.
13. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business is a great way for travelers to supplement their income and make extra money while exploring the world. With no need for upfront inventory costs and the ability to leverage dropshipping services, travelers can seamlessly blend work and adventure. By creating custom designs and utilizing platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy as virtual storefronts, you could reach a global audience and monetize your creativity from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility and low startup cost make it an ideal entrepreneurial venture for nomadic spirits. Check out these print-on-demand success stories to get inspired!
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Freedom to run your operation from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Low startup costs, minimizing financial risk while you're on the move.
- Global reach allows you to tap into international markets and multiple income streams.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
14. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Creating a mobile app as a traveler allows you to leverage your experiences and unique perspectives while earning an income on the go. With the digital nature of this business, all you need is a laptop and an internet connection to get started. This means you can work from anywhere in the world, whether you’re on a beach in Bali or a café in Paris.
Moreover, the potential for success is substantial if you can identify a problem that your app can solve for a broad audience. You'll need to either learn basic coding skills or collaborate with a developer to bring your vision to life. Once developed, effective marketing is crucial to ensure your app gains traction and downloads.
Why create a mobile app?
- Flexibility to work from anywhere, making it ideal for travels.
- Low overhead costs compared to traditional businesses.
- High potential for scalability and revenue if your app gains widespread use.
For more success stories and guidance on building a mobile app, visit Starter Story’s mobile app success stories.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
15. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Considering starting a business that leverages the latest in technology? An AI-based business solution could be a fantastic fit. This type of business capitalizes on artificial intelligence to streamline processes like customer support, inventory management, and data analytics. With AI tools at your disposal, you could improve efficiency, minimize costs, and make data-driven decisions without needing a tech background.
The global demand for AI solutions is surging as businesses recognize the competitive advantages they offer. Implementing an AI-based business solution allows you to automate routine tasks and gain valuable insights, making it an appealing option for travelers looking to innovate and enhance business performance on the go. For more information, you can read about the pros and cons of AI-based business solutions here.
Why consider an AI-based business solution?
- AI can automate repetitive tasks, freeing you up to focus on growth and strategy.
- You can operate your business from anywhere, perfect for a traveler.
- Utilizing AI offers a significant competitive advantage in today’s tech-centric market.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
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.
16. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
As a traveler, starting an online survey tool offers a unique opportunity to leverage your mobility while providing valuable services to businesses globally. This business model allows you to create, distribute, and analyze surveys from anywhere in the world, making it perfect for a remote and flexible lifestyle. With the growing demand for customer feedback and data-driven decision-making, an online survey tool can quickly become a lucrative side business that supplements your travel income.
Typeform, for example, has shown the potential success in this market by surpassing $70 million in annual recurring revenue. By developing your own survey platform, you could tap into this growing industry and offer businesses the tools they need to gather vital insights from their clients. Explore how to get started with online survey tools by checking out some success stories for inspiration.
Why consider developing an online survey tool?
- You could work from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to keep traveling while managing your business.
- The demand for data collection and customer feedback is continually increasing, offering a steady market for your tool.
- It requires relatively low startup costs, especially if you have some technical skills or can collaborate with developers.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
17. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
As a traveler, starting a lead generation tool could be a highly lucrative and flexible business venture. This business involves creating software that automates the collection of potential customer leads for businesses, allowing them to focus on converting those leads into sales. The demand for such tools is high, given that companies are constantly looking for ways to streamline their marketing efforts.
Leveraging your tech skills and marketing knowledge, you could develop a platform that integrates with websites, social media, and other digital channels to gather valuable data like email addresses and phone numbers. This allows businesses to attract and engage the right customers more efficiently, and you to earn an income while exploring the world. For more details on the startup costs and marketing ideas, visit Starter Story.
Why consider creating a lead generation tool? - You could earn a reliable income while traveling, as the tool can run autonomously with minimal oversight. - This business can be managed remotely, requiring only a laptop and an internet connection, giving you the freedom to work from anywhere. - With the growing focus on data-driven marketing, the demand for efficient lead generation solutions is only expected to rise, providing long-term business opportunities.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
18. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business can be an excellent opportunity for travelers aiming to supplement their income or launch a side business. With the growing demand for email marketing, which is expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, there are ample opportunities to create unique solutions for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals like real estate agents. The beauty of developing an email tool is that you only need a domain and hosting to get started, making it a low-barrier entry into the tech industry.
As a traveler, you could leverage your unique experiences and network to market your tool effectively, reaching customers worldwide without geographic constraints. Moreover, since email marketing can be managed remotely, this business allows you to maintain your wanderlust while continuing to generate income from anywhere.
Why start an email marketing tool business?
- The email marketing industry is booming, offering numerous opportunities for growth and revenue.
- It requires minimal initial investment, making it an accessible business venture.
- Managing an email marketing business is location-independent, allowing you to work from anywhere in the world.
For further insights on starting an email marketing tool, visit Starter Story’s success stories.
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 (?)
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.
19. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business could be an ideal venture for travelers due to its flexibility and scalability. Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth, irrespective of your current location. This business involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms, providing consistent and strategic social media engagement—a growing necessity for many businesses and influencers.
The practical aspects of running this business—developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and building client relationships—are all tasks that can be executed remotely. Thus, your travel plans won’t interfere with your work. For more detailed insights and success stories, you can explore relevant pages on Starter Story.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could work from anywhere, allowing you to travel freely without business interruptions.
- It’s a growing industry with consistent demand, providing ample opportunities for client acquisition and revenue generation.
- The business leverages technology and automation, reducing the amount of manual labor and enabling better time management while on the move.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
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.
20. Start a lab coats business
Venturing into the lab coats business as a traveler can be a lucrative opportunity, allowing you to supply niche products to a global market while exploring new places. With the ongoing demand for specialized medical apparel, starting an online lab coats store enables you to cater to healthcare professionals, researchers, and students across different regions. E-commerce platforms and dropshipping services create a seamless process for you to manage inventory and sales from anywhere in the world.
Why starting a lab coats business?
- Low overhead costs: With a primarily online business model, you could minimize expenses related to physical storefronts and inventory management.
- Flexible work schedule: E-commerce platforms allow you to handle orders and customer service at your convenience, perfect for managing while on the road.
- Niche market opportunities: The steady demand for lab coats ensures a reliable customer base among healthcare and science professionals everywhere you travel.
For more insights, explore the lab coats business startup costs on Starter Story.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
