Categories

What if you could not only cut the cost of your next adventure vacation, but turn a profit from your travel as well? Even better, what if you could turn your adventure travel into a high-income business?

If this sounds too good to be true, let me just say that many people do this every day. Yes it takes work, and planning and persistence (the very things required to succeed in any endeavor in life) and don’t expect to get rich. But you can expect to become a high earner and get paid to travel the world – not a bad way to live if you ask me.

There are many ways to make money when you travel, but for now I am going to focus on the big three: 1) Travel photography, 2) Travel writing, and 3) Importing items abroad to be sold on online auction sites.

In this first article, I am going to concentrate on travel photography.

Digital cameras have revolutionized the world of photography and have opened the doors of profit to average people.

With digital cameras, you do not have the expense of film to buy. Aside from the obvious benefit of lowering your costs to enter this field, no films also means you can practice your skills over and over again. Take a look at the photos shot by teenagers on their camera phones that they post on their blogs. You will see some very advanced skill levels on these blogs. In years past, these skills would have taken years to acquire, but with digital cameras the learning curve is much steeper. Another advance in digital photography is the fact that they can now be displayed, sold and transmitted online. An amateur can set up a small website to display his or her photographs and be in business over night.

But what kinds of photos are most saleable to the adventure traveler? Here is a brief list of ideas I came up with, but you should not limit yourself to my ideas. Study magazines like National Geographic or other travel publications and look at what subject they buy and publish.

What to photograph when you travel abroad, in order to sell your pictures later:

Children. Take lots of pictures of local children. Show their activities, play and what they have to deal with in their lives. Don’t take pictures of sad or impoverished, third world children unless you are a photojournalist with a news organization. And even then, don’t expect to sell many of these pictures. Instead, try to find, smiling, and happy children. If you can capture these children at play or engaging in activities unique to their local customs, all the better. Happy children sell photographs. Beaches. I am assuming of course that many of your buyers may be in the travel industry, so you can well understand how saleable beach photographs are. Scenic wonders. The more natural beauty you can shoot the better. If you can take a picture of the wondrous, multi-colored sunset, or the sharp spires of rock formations just off the coast, you will have some very profitable photographs. Dangerous local activities. For the same reason we rubberneck at a traffic accident in the opposite lane, people are fascinated by pictures of someone kissing a cobra, wrestling a crocodile, running through streets full of angry bulls or balancing on a tightrope. If you see such dangerous activities, take a picture. Local customs and local costumes. Readers of travel magazines are interested in what makes the people in other lands different from our own neighborhoods. Historic places. Photographs of the peaceful fields where the battle of Waterloo was fought, the ruin of an old medieval castle, or even the grave of Jim Morrison all hold fascination from a historical perspective. Tourist activities. Just the opposite of local customs, these activities are meant to entice tourists to come to enjoy sports like parasailing, or shooting through jungle trees on a zip line. If someone might be influenced by your picture to make travel plans to this place, you should be able to sell the picture to some publisher. Nightlife. Tourists don’t want to go to bed at eight when they are on vacation. Take pictures of the places they can go to and things they can do when they visit this destination. Places to shop. Another category of pictures that can entice visitors. After all, everyone wants to bring home a souvenir when they travel. Let your photograph show them where. Unusual signs. These are more common than you think, especially when someone with limited English is trying to communicate to travelers. Signs also give local flavor and add humor. Local foods. Can you take pictures of some of the exotic foods that are prepared in this destination? If your photograph looks scrumptious, it is saleable. Animals. Nothing sets the scene of a local place better than indigenous animals. If you can capture the animal’s beauty, your photo will be valuable.
In part two we will discuss how to make travel writing a profitable business you’re your next adventure vacation. And in part three, we will discuss importing products from overseas to be sold online through auction sites like eBay.

COPYRIGHT © 2006, Charles Brown. All rights reserved.

By: Charles Brown

About the Author:

Kansieo.com

More and more people are traveling today and they are traveling to more and more exotic places. This is exciting and a lot of fun, but we still need to be aware of security issues and keep our passport and valuables safe when we’re away from home. Manufacturers are aware of the problems, and have designed many products to insure our security. I’m sure you are aware that money belts have been around since travel began. Only now, there are a huge array of types and styles to please every traveler. There are styles that go around the waist, and these are available with one pocket or two or three compartments.

There are also money belts that are worn around the neck this style is popular with woman. This style has a strap that can be adjusted to go around the neck or also go around the shoulder or waist depending on the type of clothing you are wearing. Another style of money belt can be worn around the leg. Additionally, there are models that look like an ordinary leather belt and have hidden zippers on the underside. These will only hold money and not hold a passport. Additionally, there’s a loop or clip style money belt that attaches to a belt and is worn under your clothing. All of these money belts are designed to be worn hidden away from view and not exposed in public. You’ll travel with many travel accessories, but money belts are the most important to use while traveling.

Travel vest with multiple inside pockets are an ideal way to carry your valuables. The zippered pockets are on the inside of the vest as well as on the outside. These can be worn by men and women, and give you a place for everything. They are lightweight and easily washable. My favorite style is from Zip It Gear, because this model will also fold into a travel pillow for you to use on planes or trains. With size and weight restrictions on air travel, it’s nice to have one item that is dual purpose. The vest will easily fit into your lightweight luggage that you take on the plane, bus or train. A new item is a travel scarf from Xubaz Cargo II Neckwear. It looks like a scarf, but this supremely functional travel garment has six hidden pockets to comfortably carry a variety of essential items. It easily holds your passport, boarding pass, cash, cards, and small electronic items like your phone or MP3 player. Two patented straps secure the Cargo II to your waistband.

Besides money belts, there’s a new product called Identification Express. These are available from Easy-go products in leather or fabric. They hold your driver’s license (photo ID), your boarding pass and your passport. These are designed to be worn over your clothing while boarding planes, boats and trains. Instead of searching for your identification papers when you go through different security check points, you wear the Identification Express or ID express cases on a string around your neck. These help you to sail through security quickly and efficiently. These cases keep you from fumbling or losing anything while searching for the necessary identification to go through security or board.

ID express cases are also practical and popular as corporate gifts. They can be monogrammed or silk-screened with company names or logos. The leather models can be individually monogrammed also. All of these described products can help you to travel safely and securely and make your trip more relaxed and enjoyable.

By: Maxine Greco

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

Autumn marks the end of the vacation season and foreshadows the coming of more frigid temperatures, but it can still bless road warriors with warm and sunny skies, vivid natural beauty, and great deals on, perhaps, the best road trip of the season.

The road calls to you, but where will it lead? It’s not romantic or spontaneous, but plan ahead for your fall road trip. Good planning is bound to save you money. Check out the internet to find great, inexpensive locations to visit. Fall is prime season for wine tasting tours, antiquing, local festivals and fairs. If you are in the West, you are likely to find a rodeo or two. In the Midwest or northeastern United States, the biggest draw is the landscape itself. The forested hillsides transform into brilliant impressionist paintings of crimson, gold and pumpkin. Not to be outdone, the aspen of the Colorado Rockies turn to liquid sunshine in autumn.

If there is a special destination you have been putting off due to cost, now may be the time to make that trip! For many popular destinations, off-season pricing begins after Labor Day, or just a bit later in the month. Along with off-season pricing, popular locations may offer fall specials and package deals to close out their high travel season.

Once you know where you are going, it’s time to think about how you are going to get there. The condition of your vehicle is crucial to the success and overall enjoyment of your vacation. There’s nothing exciting about it, but regular maintenance of your vehicle, be it car, truck, bike or RV, will save money in the long run. Have a trusted mechanic do a regular tune-up, change your oil, and check your tires. If your vehicle is running efficiently, you will save dollars at the gas pump and help keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Figure out where you are going to sleep ahead of time. If you are planning to stay in hotels, make reservations. Try to find good deals and don’t forget to use your discount cards and credit card points if you have them. Spontaneity is fun and freeing, but more often than not, costs you money.  Consider camping for part, or all, of your trip. A campground site costs $10-$15 per night versus $50-$75 or more per night for a cheap hotel room.

Think about what you plan to eat. Pack snacks and drinks in a cooler to cut down on the expensive purchases at convenience stores. Picnic when, and if, you can. Breakfast is an easy meal to eat on the road. Cereal bars, fruit, and even the occasional doughnut, will pack easily and can last several days. Gas station coffee is cheaper, but if you can’t live without the latte, bring your own cup and perhaps save a few pennies. Also pack a refillable water bottle, it’s greener for the environment and your wallet.

Having a plan for activities. Adventures can be experienced and memories made without spending loads of money. Enjoying a packed bottle of wine, pulled off to the side of the road to watch a sunset can be as romantic as dinner for two at an exclusive five-star restaurant. Throwing a football or playing hide and seek at a public park, or even a highway rest stop, can be great family fun for no cost. Just remember to pack the wine, folding chairs and the football, or whatever you might need for your favorite activities.

And finally, spend money on the really good stuff. When you do plan ahead to save money on your great fall road trip, perhaps there will be money in the budget to do something really special. Look for once-in-a-lifetime experiences and go for it, because you never get those moments back. Reserve a little dough for the opportunity to be spontaneous, it could make a good vacation into the best trip of the season!

By: Amy Jo Bazile

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content – Members-Only Content for WordPress

Going on vacations is relaxing and great for the soul, BUT it can be hard on the wallet. Here are some easy travel tips to make sure that you still have the vacation of your dream while on a budget.

1. Stay in a condo/villa instead of a hotel. Not only is the rate much cheaper, but you can also save money by cooking at the condo in place of eating out every meal. You can also do your laundry and not have to pack as much clothes. Since you will have a larger accommodation you can invite another couple to split the cost. You will save even more!

2. Plan a trip off season. The recommended off-season times are early January or August to October (also known as hurricane season). The rates are significantly cheaper “off season”.

3. Pack a medicine bag. Pack Tylenol, Midol, Benadryl, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, etc. Anything that you might need for any dire situation. Drugstores charge a lot more because they know you need to buy them.

4. Fly Jet blue. They always have cheap travel deals to the Caribbean.

5. If possible, purchase an all inclusive package. That way you pay one set fee, you do not have to worry about food & drink expenses.

6. Buy the native drinks for a fairly low cost, instead of buying other libations. For example, if you are in Dominican Republic, buy Brugal. If you are in Puerto Rico, buy Bacardi rum, when in Barbados buy their rum.

7. Try to eliminate ATM visits. Avoid expensive ATM surcharges! Try to bring enough cash, or purchase travelers checks.

8. Bring your own snacks. While you are out on your adventures you will get hungry along the way. Bringing your own snacks will cut down on extra spending.

By: Tiffany Sandy

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

Some of these tips apply to every destination but since Las Vegas is such a unique and highly popular destination, a primer on what to expect there makes for a great article. These are steps you can take to streamline your visit which should make it all the more enjoyable.

Getting a good air fare is primary. Because Las Vegas is so popular, usually booking at the last minute will cost you much more than booking in advance. However, booking TOO far in advance might cause you to get trapped by the airlines desire to get higher rates until they find they need to lower fares. Traveling on a Saturday is usually less congested in Las Vegas and most fares are lower on weekends or when they require a Saturday stayover, but the offset is that hotels in Las Vegas are usually priced MUCH higher on weekends and particularly Saturday nights than on any other nights. One way around this is to just stay at a motel far off the Strip for Saturday night and avoid the Strip crowds completely that night. Rates for the luxury properties in Las Vegas are presently offered at a huge discount and hotels normally charging $200-$400 per night might be as low as $79-$129.00. Many offer a 3rd or 4th night free on regular rates and if regular rate is $150, this is akin to getting it for $100 per night.

Be careful of Third Party ‘package’ deals. They can save you some money sometimes but generally they offer lower rated, less popular properties and flight times that would alarm a night owl. Like 6:00 am or 11:30 pm. If you are a frequent visitor to Las Vegas, you should be a member of hotels reward programs or at the least, sign up for Players Club type programs at casinos. Their promotions can often save you money for these as well.

Lastly, look into online discount coupons and promotions and show tickets reserved in advance. This may be your only way to score a hot ticket other than dealing with scalpers and you should be aware that the fraud rate for tickets is fairly high in places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. So you definitely do not want to buy tickets from a guy “at the fountain” who is giving you 30% off.

If you are generally not a big gambler and have all day to explore the town, you might consider a day tour. In summer, you can only spend so much time at the pool in the hot sun and walking the Strip is usually going to have you back in your room exhausted within a couple of hours. Look for Strip shuttles to downtown if you like more pedestrian gambling. For dining, even if alcohol is free at casinos, restaurants are usually expensive so what you save on one hand comes out of your other pocket eventually. Buffets are usually recommended for budget travelers but many of the better buffets are as costly as restaurants. You should check out delis in hotels for hot dogs and pizza (for the kids of course) and for less expensive but filling pastas and sandwiches.

These travel tips should save you money and stretch your vacation dollar just a little bit further.

By: David C. Reynolds

About the Author:

Website content

If you are going to be travelling abroad, whether it is for business, a holiday or a visit to see friends or relatives, you may well be heading to a country which uses a different currency. If you are anything like me, and have a rather slow mind when it comes to math and the conversion of money from one currency to another, you may be interested in equipping yourself with a money converter. This will make you life a lot easier both before you travel and whilst you are away. It could also save you a lot of money. It is no good looking back and realising that you have been duped on account of your not understanding the currency… it is too late at that point.

There are many types of money converter available and these will often cover you for a variety of circumstances. The internet has a whole choice when it comes to currency converters and these can make the job very easy. These are good for working out how much you will be paying for things and how much money to allow for spending money whilst you are away. However, you could do with something a little easier to carry around with you than a computer when you go shopping.

You can now get money converter gadgets which are about the same size as a credit card and will convert all currencies quite easily. They are handy to keep in your pocket or wallet and will mean that you will be able to check how much you are spending on shopping and meals out or taxi fares. Currency converters such as these are not too expensive now and you can usually get hold of them either on the internet or in shops that specialise in travel goods. You may find them in some general stores and you will almost certainly come across them in the departure lounge at the airport.

If you want to do without technology and gadgets, it is perfectly possible to make a handy money converter yourself just by writing down some of the more common amounts and their converted equivalent. For example, if you are going to Europe, you could just write down 1, 2, 5 and 10 euros converted into dollars and vice versa. If you were to have this written on a piece of paper or card you would always be able to see a rough conversion of the figure that you want. A simple chart such as this could be invaluable if you just kept it in your purse or wallet and could save you being taken advantage of by unscrupulous taxi drivers for example. It may be easier than getting a calculator style converter out.

Whichever money converter you use, make sure that you have a clear idea of what the conversion rate is and how much you are paying for goods and services whilst you are abroad. It is very easy to become confused regarding exchange rates and it is always worth taking the time and trouble to establish the cost of your purchases before handing over the money.

By: Robert Grazian

About the Author:

Kansieo.com

At the time of uncertainty and skepticism and the worst economic times since the great depression TraVerus Travel Network is still experiencing a record growth in network marketing industry.

Think people are not traveling?

You may think that people are not spending money on travel but you are greatly mistaking. The top paid Traverus agent in the entire company is a Travel Agent who sold the most travel trips, not the one who enrolled the most agents. Thus if you do not want to work the networking side of the Traverus money making business, you still have a potential to make a great living by booking travel.

So what does that mean to those who are interested in starting a home based travel business? That if you are looking at working in the travel industry and want to make a lot of money, this is your opportunity of a life time, your chance to work for yourself, set your own hours and create a legacy for your family.

All that is required is your willingness to learn and implement Traverus Travel money making system. Traverus will provide the best training in the industry with credentials of a Certified Travel Agent recognized around the world and you will provide the time and effort in implementing the money making system.

With Traverus you will be paid on many levels, with many bonuses many times over on work done only one time. In addition to great compensation Traverus will pay you a monthly car bonus after you achieve a National Executive Level.

Traverus is an international company registered in over 90 countries around the world. It is not uncommon for Traverus agents to grow an international organization in less than 6 months.

By teaming up with a Traverus Travel Agent and implementing a money making system you will be able to build an organization that can retire you in record time.
Because of the Traverus compensation plan your chances of achieving that goal are very realistic.

Traverus is a company that provides opportunity for average people to reach income heights of those of a corporate executive. Don’t be fooled by the low start up cost, this opportunity is real and very lucrative.

By implementing a proven money making system designed and tested by the team you join, you are in a position to kick off your business building right from the starting gate.

Traverus Travel money making system is a sure way to financial freedom, and you are in the position to take advantage of it right now. Traverus is still in its early stages of growth in the network marketing industry even though it has been licensed and bonded for 23 years.

Since the beginning of 2009 Traverus has joined ventures with several companies warranting exponential international growth and success. NOW is the time to join this great company and position your self at the top of its matrix.

By: Lidia H. Abadia

About the Author:

Create a video blog

Are you into travel and making extra cash at the same time? There are so many affiliate programs based in the United States that actually pay you for promoting their travel packages. Needless to say, selling travel packages is a small percentage compare to the thousand of affiliate programs peddling e-books, prescribed drugs and weight loss programs.

It is even unusual to find a travel affiliate program that originates from Malaysia. For Malaysian who loves travel, there is an affiliate program based in Malaysia that promotes domestic travel packages within Malaysia major tourist destinations.

The travel packages cover Malaysia’s famous and popular destinations that includes cities, resorts, beaches, island and beautiful and tropical upcountry as well as themed packages (special activities) such as diving, 4×4 adventures, fishing, white water rafting, mountain climbing and cultural tours.

The above program is called View Malaysia and as a member you will earn commission for each package that you promote and sold. Earning can be in points and cash (Ringgit Malaysia). Registered member is given a Member page to keep track of commission, ads campaign, product or package links and other statistics page. Buyer meanwhile can purchase the package using local bank transfers, credit card and even postal order.

With accumulated earning, you may redeem it for cash to your local Malaysian bank account or purchase the travel package at a special rebate prices for members.

ViewMalaysia.com currently has over 56 categories of travel packages that not only give you excellent tour packages at a bargain prices but also allowed you as a member to sell your own package. Selling of travel packages is therefore very popular among tour or travel agency and even hoteliers. It is a good opportunity to discover and promote Malaysia and at the same time make money.

By: Richard Wellis Sinyem

About the Author:

Website content

First of all, you will need to know which cities you like to visit in China. For instance, the most likely cities you will be visiting in China for the first time: Beijing and Xi’an. Beijing is famed for the Great Wall, Summer Palace and the Forbidden City and Xi’an has been famous for the Army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses as well as the starting point of the Silk Road.  The question is how would this affect your decision when buying a flight ticket? OK, the secret is that the airline you are about choosing will greatly affect on the overall cost of your holiday.

Option 1:

If you depart from London, you have many choices. However, you may consider fly with Air China (direct flight).  Normally, direct flight is more expensive than indirect flight as many of us notice this factor. However, it is worth choosing Air China if you just like to fly directly to China without exchanging your flight at another airport. In fact, it is not always expensive in my case. Remember you are visiting China for Beijing and Xi’an. A tip for you is that DO NOT book your flight to Beijing, instead, book it to Xi’an, reason for this is that the promotional offer from Air China for flying to Xi’an is often available. It works out as following: London-Beijing-Xi’an-Beijing-London. Therefore, you find that Xi’an as your final destination shown on your flight schedule. By doing so, you saved your money for purchase the flight ticket from Beijing to Xi’an in China; solely buying the flight ticket Beijing-Xi’an in China can be quite expensive. To do this correctly, you need to inform the airline that you will make a stopover at Beijing for a few days before flying to Xi’an.(the duration will be up to how many days you are visiting Beijing) It is allowed of doing so in many cases.

Option 2: KLM/China Southern Airlines

If you depart from other major airport from the UK, you may consider KLM via Amsterdam, an indirect flight and quite often has promotional offer to China. Many airlines are similar to KLM as described above. However, KLM is affiliated with China Southern Airlines. Therefore, they have a marketing agreement in place, which is called code share (find out more at Wikipedia.) initially, it means that flights from both airlines that fly the same route – This provides an apparent increase in the frequency of service on the route by one airline.” China Southern Airlines operating the flights Beijing-Xi’an in China as well, therefore, you can book your flights to China via Amsterdam, and then you will need to exchange your flight at Amsterdam.  Again, you need to book your flight to Xi’an instead of Beijing; you might have to pay for a little extra for this. However, it works out cheaper than buying a flight ticket from Beijing to Xi’an in China. As China Southern Airlines have their own flights from Beijing to Xi’an. When doing this you need to inform the airlines (KLM) that you will need to make stopover at Beijing for a few days before departing for Xi’an. The duration will be up to how many days you are going to stay in Beijing for your visit.

 Option 3: Other Asian Airlines.

Many Asian airlines have their flights from their own country to China. Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Koreanair, JAL, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines… therefore, you may consider flying with any one of them, and make a stopover at their country. For example, Thai Airways has its own flights from Bangkok to Beijing. Thus, you can make a stopover at Bangkok if you also like to visit Bangkok as an add-on destination for your holiday. It is worth trying that way if you are not satisfied by just visiting China for your holiday. Then again you may do the same if you like to visit Japan, then choose JAL (Japanese Airlines), or Kuala Lumpur and choose Malaysia Airlines.  The only thing you need to bear in mind is that you need to book your flight to China as your final destination on those airlines. Inform the airlines how many days you are going to stay at their country before exchanging your flight to Beijing.

By: Peng Cheng

About the Author:

Caffeinated Content

You have been an avid photographer for sometime now and your confidence in the technical and artistic aspect of the craft is at an all-time high.

Wouldn’t be nice to travel different locations, taking pictures of the scenic and interesting places and consequently make money out of it? It is very rewarding to do things you love as means of living. That is why commercially successful photographers have enviable quality of life.

Deciding to be a full time travel photographer can be daunting especially, if you do not know the steps to take. The risks are worth taking. Just follow these valuable tips to realize your travel photography dream job!

Go out and shoot!

Don’t be afraid to fund your own trips at first. You must understand that you are launching a business venture out of your talent. Consider this move as an investment overhead.

Use this step to showcase all your skills. You are creating a portfolio for future business/job prospects. Build up a library of truly first class images. This is also a good time to network and get to know a lot of people who may be able to help boost your career.

Know the demand

It is essential to know the demand. You must ask yourself which types of photos are most marketable.

If there is a high demand for scenic photos of tourist destination spots, it is a great idea to initially start shooting for those. It will be easier to find clients for these photo sets and from there you can comfortably explore to new trends. Remember, you are just starting; don’t get too idealistic if the current demands are not of your artistic specialty.

Marketing is necessary

Armed with a library of impressive photos, the next sensible step is to promote your work. You got to know the right people or businesses that are willing to buy your work and services. Examples of potential clients are resorts, hotels, travel magazine publishers, government agencies, and basically all businesses catering to the tourism industry.

The good thing about marketing in photography is that it greatly relies in your portfolio. So if you don’t have the knack for sales talk, there is no need to worry. Let your pictures do the talking.

Moreover, one of the marketing strategies that you should implement is via web marketing. Have a website to place your portfolio. It can do wonders! It is a great way to spread your work.

Find a Sales partner

Sometimes, the hard work is not from taking the pictures but from finding and managing clients. If you are not the type or simply **** the marketing aspect of your job, you can find a dependable sales professional to do the stuff for you. Negotiate a win-win deal with your partner and then you can concentrate solely on your craft.

Be adventurous. Explore new ways and techniques

Photography is a very competitive field. Get ahead of your peers and always try to improve. Explore and experiment on different techniques you can think of.

Imagine if you are able to perfect a particular technique say, for example, underwater photography. Clients with this demand will surely go straight to you because they know that you are the best at this specific field. Plus, when your reputation has grown enough, you can reasonably put a higher price on your services.

Be a professional

Last but not least. If you want to stay long and well in this industry you must embody professionalism. Do quality work and deliver it on time. Your reputation as a travel photographer includes how easy you are to work with.

By: T Hale

About the Author:

Website content