If you want to travel and get paid at the same time, there are apps that can help you do just that.
Platforms like ToursByLocals and Airbnb Experiences let you earn money by sharing your knowledge or hosting activities for travelers.
These apps connect you with people who want unique travel experiences, so you get paid for your skills and local insight.
You can also make money through Rover by caring for pets while you travel.
Or, use local gig apps that offer short tasks based on your location. These options give you flexibility and real chances to earn without a traditional job.
How Travel Apps Can Pay You
Travel apps offer different ways to earn money while you explore or live in new places.
Each app has its own business model, needs specific skills, and uses various payment methods to pay you for your services.
The Core Business Models Behind Travel Pay Apps
Apps like ToursByLocals and Airbnb Experiences pay you by helping tourists.
You can earn money by offering tours, activities, or local experiences.
Rover works differently. It connects pet sitters and dog walkers with travelers or locals who need pet care.
This is a flexible way to earn while traveling or staying put.
Local gig apps often list short jobs, from helping with errands to delivery tasks.
You get paid for each gig you complete. These platforms take a small fee from your earnings but handle the bookings and payments.
Requirements and Skills Needed to Get Started
To earn on ToursByLocals or Airbnb Experiences, you need deep local knowledge and good communication skills.
You must create clear descriptions and photos to attract customers.
Rover requires you to love animals and be responsible.
You may need to provide proof of experience or pass background checks depending on the app.
Local gig apps usually require you to have a smartphone and a reliable means of transport.
Some skills may be needed depending on the task, like basic language skills or customer service.
Payment Methods and Financial Considerations
Most travel apps pay via direct deposit or online payment platforms like PayPal or Wise.
Check if the app holds payments until after the service to avoid scams.
Fees vary by platform. ToursByLocals and Airbnb Experiences usually take about 10-20% of your earnings as commission.
Remember to report your income for taxes.
Some apps provide income summaries to make this easier. Keep track of all payments to avoid surprises during tax season.
Earning With ToursByLocals
You can earn money by sharing your knowledge and showing tourists around your area.
The platform helps you set up tours, connect with travelers, and manage bookings easily.
Becoming a Local Guide
To become a guide, you first apply on the ToursByLocals website.
You’ll need to provide details about your experience, what tours you want to offer, and why travelers should pick you. Your profile is important because it shows your skills and personality.
You must pass a verification process that includes identity checks and sometimes an interview.
Once approved, you can create detailed tour listings with photos and descriptions. Your success depends on how well you explain each tour and how attractive it is to travelers.
How the ToursByLocals Platform Works
The platform connects you directly with travelers looking for local tours.
You post your tours and set your prices. When someone books, you handle the communication through the website.
ToursByLocals charges a commission on your earnings, usually around 20%.
Payments are made after the tour is complete, either by direct transfer or other online payment methods. You can manage your calendar and availability on the site, giving you control over your schedule.
Best Practices for Maximizing Income
To earn more, focus on creating unique tours that highlight local culture or hidden gems.
Take high-quality photos to make your listings stand out. Clear, honest descriptions help travelers know what to expect.
Respond quickly to messages and be flexible with booking times.
Positive reviews are key, so always provide good service. Offering group discounts or special packages can attract more customers and increase your earnings.
Monetizing Your Local Expertise Through Airbnb Experiences
You can turn your knowledge of your city into extra income with Airbnb Experiences.
This involves planning activities that guests pay to join. You’ll decide what to offer, set up your listing, and gather reviews to attract more customers.
Types of Experiences You Can Offer
You can create a variety of experiences depending on your skills and interests.
Popular types include:
- Food tours or cooking classes
- Outdoor activities like hiking or biking
- Art and culture walks
- Craft or DIY workshops
- Unique local experiences like fishing or history tours
Choose something you enjoy and know well.
The more unique and authentic your experience, the more likely guests will book it. Be sure it fits the Airbnb rules and any local laws.
Setting Up Your Airbnb Experience
Start by creating a clear, detailed experience listing on Airbnb’s platform.
You’ll need to:
- Write a catchy title and detailed description
- Add high-quality photos or videos
- Set prices and availability
- Explain what guests should bring or expect
Airbnb requires you to meet safety standards and respond quickly to inquiries.
You may also need to provide proof of certain skills or insurance, depending on the experience type.
Earning Potential and Reviews
Your income depends on how many guests book your experience and your price per person.
Many hosts earn between $30 and $100 per guest. Special or private tours can bring higher rates.
Getting good reviews is key.
Positive feedback helps you get more bookings. Be friendly, on time, and offer value. Guests who feel you offered a genuine local experience will recommend you to others.
Rover: Traveling as a Pet Sitter
Rover lets you earn money by caring for pets while you travel.
You can find gigs in many places, build a good reputation, and handle multiple bookings with ease.
How Rover Works for Travelers
You create a profile showing your pet care skills and experience.
Travelers looking for pet sitters in your area can book you for dog walking, pet sitting, or overnight stays.
Rover allows you to set your rates and availability.
You get paid through the app after completing each job. This makes it easy to plan your travel while working.
The app sends notifications when new pet sitting requests match your location.
You can accept or decline jobs based on your schedule and travel plans.
Building Trust and Ratings as a Pet Sitter
To get more bookings, build a strong profile with clear photos and descriptions.
Highlight your pet care experience and any certifications.
Positive reviews from pet owners are very important.
Always communicate clearly and update the owners during the pet sitting period.
Arrive on time and follow all care instructions.
This helps you get 5-star ratings and repeat bookings.
Tips for Managing Multiple Bookings
Keep a clear calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Use reminders to track booking dates and pet care tasks.
Communicate with pet owners early if any changes occur.
Maintaining transparency builds trust.
Focus on one or two bookings at a time, especially when starting out.
This helps you avoid stress and make sure every pet gets good care.
Leveraging Local Gig Apps for On-the-Go Income
You can use local gig apps to earn money while traveling.
These apps connect you with short-term jobs nearby. You can choose work that fits your schedule and location.
Overview of Top Local Gig Apps
Some popular local gig apps include TaskRabbit, Gigwalk, and Instacart.
TaskRabbit lets you do jobs like moving help, furniture assembly, or home repairs.
Gigwalk is good for quick tasks, such as checking store displays or taking photos of products.
Instacart allows you to deliver groceries in your area.
These apps usually pay quickly, and you can start by downloading their app and creating a profile.
You may need to pass a background check or submit ID verification. Your earnings depend on the number of tasks you complete and their difficulty.
Matching Travel Plans With Gig Opportunities
Plan your gigs around your travel schedule.
If you stay a few days in one city, try to pick gigs you can finish in that time. Use app filters to find jobs near your stay or along your route.
You can also combine gigs with sightseeing.
Choose tasks that let you explore neighborhoods or local shops. This makes work less tiring and more enjoyable. Always check the time commitment before accepting gigs to avoid conflicts with travel plans.
Legal and Tax Considerations for Gig Work
When you sign up with gig apps, you’re typically considered an independent contractor. That means it’s on you to report what you make come tax time.
Hang onto records of your payments and any expenses tied to your gig work. Trust me, it makes life a lot easier later.
Before you start working in a new city, check the local laws about permits or licenses. Some places throw curveballs—special rules for short-term gigs, or maybe even insurance requirements.
If your earnings start climbing, it could be worth talking to a tax pro just to be safe. Better to ask questions now than deal with headaches later, right?
