How to Make Money While on Vacation
Even if it’s just a “staycation,” getting your time to unwind and relax is huge for entrepreneurs and people who are constantly working. Sure, you can take vacations from TV or the Internet, but it's pretty much impossible for creative and entrepreneurial people to turn off that part of their brain, even when on vacation. And that's not necessarily a bad thing!
No, you probably won't be making actual money during your vacation, but if you are wise about how you spend your time off, you will notice a difference in your productivity, drive, creativity, and your bank account!
For creative and entrepreneurial people, turning off “work mode” isn't really an option. The world is just too full of creativity and we can’t miss a bit of it! Plus, there is so much to learn during our travels. I’ve put together a few of my own tips that you might like to use on your next vacation to help you stay productive!
1. Use the change of scenery as inspiration
Always bring a way to keep notes, thoughts, ideas, dreams, goals and sketches. You might bring an art journal or a small electronic device that has an app to record notes, sketch ideas and take photos. You might even bring a camera! It’s a good idea to review what you’ve captured or recorded as soon as the vacation ends in order to refresh and motivate.
2. Schedule alone time
Vacations can get hectic with everyone trying to fit everything in before it’s time to head home, so schedule in some browsing time for yourself. I love shopping in tourist shops where I find items that inspire me.
Unwinding is also a great way to help you get your creative juices flowing again. That's the whole reason we take vacations in the first place -- so we can go back to work energized and ready to conquer.
3. Bring business cards
You may be on vacation, but you are going to meet people. If you open yourself to your surroundings, a business card is the easiest way to exchange information and make networking fast and easy! Making new connections and friends around the world is a great way to expand your business and develop your brand outside of your local sphere.
I’ve also gotten job opportunities that I’d never have known about by keeping up with this network of creative people. Plus, a business card shows you are serious about your work.
4. Bring your side hustle
Bring your crafts, your products to review, or whatever it is that you do to get a little extra money on the side. This should also include wearing anything you make or showing off whatever it is that you do to make money on the side! If people are interested, they will come up and ask.
Just remember to not spend your entire vacation doing this. Check in every once and a while, but remember to put your work down at a certain time and enjoy yourself.
5. Stay in that creative mindset
As I review this list of tips, the stand-out for me is that when we are on vacation, we are usually exposed to a new set of creative stimulus! It might be a painting we see in a gift shop, a pair of earrings crafted by a local artist or a conversation with a fellow traveling crafter, but the possibility of making an income is there!
Did you ever think of writing about a trip you took? With all the notes I’ve taken, I dream of someday writing a book about the creativity I’ve seen around the world. Even on vacation, the creative mind whirls away so enjoy it!
How do you stay creative and productive during your time off?