Making money on the road isn’t always about remote jobs, passive income, or perfectly planned digital nomad lives. Sometimes it’s about landing in a new country with almost no money, no long-term plan, and trusting yourself to figure it out. This is how I make money while traveling — through short-term work, volunteering, warehouse jobs, and food delivery — without overplanning, without fancy skills, and without giving up the freedom of a nomadic lifestyle.
My last trip was four months in Mexico — four beautiful, sunny, chaotic, amazing months. And then… the money ran out.
I knew what that meant.
Time to work again.
Make money.
Then travel again — maybe Tokyo, Vietnam, or China for another 3–4 months.
That’s the rhythm of my life.
When the Money Ends, the Choices Begin
Picture this:
I travel without strict plans. I make money as I go. I hate researching and over-planning (neurospicy brains, you get it 🤝). So when the funds dried up, I had to choose where to land and rebuild.
The answer was instant: Europe.
Let’s address the elephant in the room — privilege.
Being European means I can legally move and work in any European country without visas, permits, or endless paperwork. That’s huge. And I fully acknowledge that privilege. It removes one massive layer of stress.
One-Way Ticket, No Baggage, New Chapter
I booked a one-way flight for €250 from Cancún to Amsterdam.
No checked luggage.
Minimal life.
I landed, skipped baggage claim, jumped on a train, and a couple of hours later I was in Rotterdam.
Since this blog is all about the nomadic lifestyle, I did what I often do when restarting: volunteering.
Broke, But Not Homeless
I started volunteering at the cutest hostel in Rotterdam.
Still no money — but here’s the deal:
- 3–4 nights a week
- A few hours as a night guard
- Free accommodation
- Free breakfast
So even though I was broke, I didn’t have to worry about:
- rent
- where I’d sleep
- at least one meal a day
And honestly? That alone takes so much pressure off.
“Aren’t You Anxious Doing This?”
Yes.
And no.
I am anxious in a sense what opportunities I will have and the unknown but then I land, and I instantly feel this pure joy, excitement and fulfilment. I am in a new country, still chasing my dreams, still doing what I love (travel) and what privilege it is to get to live another adventure in another country.
The first thing I did after landing was:
- Buy a local SIM card (my phone is too old for eSIMs 😅)
- Update my CV
- Start applying everywhere in Rotterdam
Practical Tips If You’re Doing This Too
This part matters. Save it.
- Get a local SIM number (trust me — it helps)
- Update your CV
- Send it online
- Walk into restaurants, cafés, gyms, bars
- Ask if they’re hiring
- Leave your CV
Pro tip: Print a few CVs and carry them with you.
In the Netherlands, it’s completely normal to walk in, ask if they are hiring, and apply in person.
From Arrival to First Job
I arrived in January.
By February, I found work at a warehouse as an order picker.
Was it tiring? Yes.
Was it glamorous? Absolutely not.
But when I’m working, I picture:
- mentally cuddling with Highland cows in Scotland
- flying to Greece for a day just to eat gyros
- visiting friends in their country
- maybe surprising a girl, I have a crush on (don’t tell her that 😉)
Work becomes fuel.
That’s my relationship with money — gas for the next destination.
A Very Important Truth About Money & Work
After quitting the warehouse, I started looking for new work again. The beautiful thing about volunteering is you meet people at the same wavelength as you, the other volunteer I have met here also works for a delivery company and suggested to apply there and I did. Here we are a week later, with another job to work! (Simple, I promise!!! 😊)
And here’s advice I stand by deeply:
Just because you need money doesn’t mean you have to accept disrespect or being underpaid.
Jobs come and go.
Opportunities come and go.
And this is coming from someone who has found work in many different European countries.
What I’m Doing Now
Now I’ve ordered an e-bike and I’m starting food delivery.
Because money is fuel.
And fuel keeps you moving.
“But You Need Skills, Languages, Experience…”
People love to say that.
The truth?
I don’t speak many languages. I speak English and Greek and that’s all.
I don’t have some rare digital skill or any to be 100% transparent 😅
What I do have:
- the willingness to work
- openness to odd jobs, cafés, and restaurants
- self-control to not spend all my wages
That’s it.
Yes, languages help.
Yes, skills help.
But those are learned.
What really matters is the want.
Wonder. Explore. Live.
Till next time,
💫 Wander Woman Quest
