The rise of remote workers, location independent lifestyles, and online work has made it easier than ever to untether from the desk and get on the road. And remote, flexible work isn’t just on an adventurous employee’s wish list. Hiring managers are looking to fill the skill gap and meet the demands of workers who want more flexibility in where they work. According to the 1,000 hiring managers surveyed in Upwork’s Future Workforce Report, 59 percent said they’re using freelance and contract workers and predict that number will increase 168 percent over the next decade. Whether you want the freedom to hike on a random afternoon in your own area, or hit the road and fulfill your bucket list, you can earn as you go and support your wanderlust.
Create Multiple Streams of Sales Income
The key to not just surviving, but thriving on the road, is setting up multiple streams of income that result in cash in hand. Focus on products you already use and love and get creative… like dropshipping the best hiking boots to your growing social media audience or selling sunscreen and ointments that keep you safe on the trails. Or instead of reinventing the wheel, partner with an existing business that offers products. For starters, look into Amway as one option. What does Amway sell? Choose from skincare, nutrition supplements like vitamins, and bath and body care. You can also sell your own inventions whether hiking boot inserts or your unique trail bars directly to other hikers and travelers you meet who are curious about your products.
Set-up a Pop-up Shop
There’s no hard and fast rule that says you need to sell online or in a brick and mortar store. Sell products, hiking souvenirs, maps, and your favorite finds at a pop-up shop at a farmer’s market, street fair, or anywhere you can legally set-up shop. A folding table is all you need to showcase your finds. And if you already have a social media following, turn it into an adventure for your audience. Announce where your next pop-up will be and when to sell to your existing followers to earn repeat business. You can also consider partnering with an existing travel or trails-focused business. A hiking store might be agreeable to giving a presentation on a new piece of hiking gear and splitting the profits when you sell it to their existing customer base.
Offer Niche Hiking Tours
If you want to get paid to hike and meet new people, consider offering hiking tours. Whether you sign-up for Airbnb Experiences, Tour By Locals, or venture out on your own and spread the word at local hostels on the road, you can create your own guided hikes. Supplying transportation, snacks, and gear increases your overhead, but can also command a higher premium for your tours. Stand-out from the competition and offer a hike with a twist by welcoming dogs, ending at a pub, or targeting businesses looking to run team-building exercises.
Focus on B2B
Budding entrepreneurs and travel nomads seem to skip right over the idea of selling directly to businesses and exclusively focus on consumers. In reality, business budgets can be bigger and put more money in your travel fund. Brainstorm how you can help like-minded businesses like hiking hostels and companies that ship food to Appalachian trail stops. Offer copywriting, virtual assistant help, social media marketing, SEO strategy, or lead generation and earn as you go. Without the need for a brick and mortar business, you’re still free to travel, hike, and work from anywhere in the world.
Get Innovative
There’s no one way to earn money while hiking and traveling, and staying open-minded to opportunities can produce big wins. Sites like Transfercar connect drivers with car and RV owners looking to get their vehicle back to a destination. You could end up spending almost nothing to travel around the corner and stop for some hiking along the way. Use this idea in combination with Roadie and deliver packages to earn a little money on the side.
The world is only getting smaller with the ability to hop a flight to your favorite hiking destination tomorrow, work on the road, and stay hyper-connected to your clients or customers. Focus on the areas you love best whether selling products directly to the consumer or setting up a B2B focused service company and take control over your life and create the flexibility you crave.
Susan Finch
Susan Finch is a freelance writer living in Atlanta, and loves helping businesses improve their bottom line with compelling copy that sparks action. When she’s not writing, she’s traveling with her family and plotting her next creative pursuit.
