Goooood morning readers! How are you? Check my creative ideas to earn some money on the road.

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^{This clipart was created by me using various free sources.}

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"I knew I could potentially run out of money; I didn't know it would be 3 times!" - Me, myself and I in Patagonia.

When I've decided to travel Patagonia, I knew precisely that my money would be short for such a journey. However, that wouldn't stop me from pursuing what I wanted. We save here, find some coins there; slowly we make our way around and back home. If you are a somewhat broken traveler you know what I mean.

Even though I knew I could potentially run out of money, and I was prepared for that; I didn't know it would be 3 times! Only if I could pass through words the awful sensation of not having money and seeing your stash of food draining.

But no worries fellow broken backpacker! I've learned some lessons that I would like to share.

1. USE YOUR CREATIVITY

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Everything could become a business if you are creative enough. You could use your habilities to make handcrafts, or you could play some music on the streets, or you could sell photos/postals, or maybe selling your soul!

In my case the first option was out of question as I don't know how to make handcrafts and I didn't have the tools and materials for it; music no way; photo/postals? No place to print them; who in sane mind would buy my poor soul?

So, let's create inovative ways! What do packpackers like to eat in a trail? Snacks. Do they have a market nearby? No.

Bingo! Let's be the market. On a big city I bought some boxes with 24 power bars for a cheap price, then I placed myself at some touristic area with a nice sign with my prices and voila, business success. After a while people were curious to know my story and why I was doing that, many of them insistently gave me money for the bars, without wanting to take goods. At the end of the day I had enough money to resuply my food and carry on.

This same idea could be done with pretty much anything, all you gotta do is think outside the box and know a little bit of demand. What would people buy?

2. OFFER YOUR HAND

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No, you perverted. I'm not telling you to offer yourself in marriage with that rich old lady. Hey, that's not bad idea actually.

If you are traveling with a 20+ kg backpack, doing trails and exercising a lot. I'm sorry, but you have strength for some hard work, don't be lazy. Explore the fact that you can transform your sweat into money and try to find places in need of a hand.

My main target during my trips are the camping sites, I always ask if they need someone for general work in exchange for the stay. I've worked drying bathrooms with a squeegee; gardening; painting; fixing stuff... name it and I've probably done.

All you gotta do is being nice; explain who you are and what your objectives are. Sometimes they'll have something for you, or not, other times they'll let you stay for free. Yey! If that is the case, never forget to retribute in some form the favour.

3. BE HUMBLE AND TALKATIVE

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This two qualities openned so many doors for me that I could spend hours writing about it. The simple act of carrying a smile on my face and talking to people around me - from locals to the most fancy tourists around - provided me with, not only great friendships, but some extra bucks to keep on going.

During many ocasions I've engaged in conversations with people where it seems to always end into the same subject, which can be boring for many travelers after a while - What are you doing? Where are you from? Where are you going?

Be nice and talk to people, tell your story with passion and try to add something nice into your words, something to impact into people's vision of the world. Don't force it! Be yourself.

I'm sure they'll be amazed and happy to help you with something. Remember, it's not ugly accepting help, ugly is stealing. Be thankful. For that I usually carry small souvenirs from Brazil to give to those good souls out there.

4. DON'T BE AFRAID OF HARD WORK

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^{Helping out some guys for a ride.}

You have no money, you are not in position to choose. Raise those sleeves and work! Afterall, some hardwork won't kill you, unless it's something dangerous - Doh.

Don't wait until your stash of food drains completely. If you feel your money will end, start looking around. Don't choose what you want to do and deal with low payments, it's temporary anyway.

Once in El Chaltén I runned out of money, so I tried everything - from constructions to restaurants. When asked if I knew how to do something, the answear was always yes, even though sometimes I had no clue. Be open to learning new stuff.

5. DON'T RUN OUT OF MONEY!

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This is obvious!

Unless you want to go crazy, as I did, don't run out of money, keep a safety reserve. I don't regret any of my decisions while traveling and I'm a firmly believer that traveling is for everyone, regardless of monetary condition.

However, be honest to yourself and have a clear vision of what you'll have to do in case you find yourself without the paper, the greens, the bucks, the coins. At least have a minimum plan you sexy broken backpacker!

BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN.

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What would you do if you found out yourself with no money somewhere? Drop a message down below, I'd love to hear you.

If you liked this post, please, consider leaving your upvote for a hot coffee.

~Love ya all,

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Disclaimer:  The author of this post is a convict broken backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.

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I'm Arthur. I blog about Adventure Stories, Brazil, Travel, Camping & Life Experiences.

Follow me to stay tuned for more craziness and tips.

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