Package your skills and pack your bags – unique ways freelancers can fund their holidays

In this lifestyle report, we share inspirational ways that you can travel more for less by packaging your skills into dream holidays

As a freelancer, the traditional holiday or vacation model – save, book, work – can feel restrictive and expensive. What if your skills could unlock the door to funded travel and adventure?

Here we offer some guidance on how you can turn your freelance expertise into courses or experiences that become the unique selling point of solo travel packages and tours.

Niche down and tailor your course

The sooner you can identify your sweet spot the better. You may even be able to combine your career skills with your hobby skills. For example, are you a graphic designer who creates stunning travel posters? A yoga instructor specialising in over 60s movement and balance? A journalist who loves to bring the budding writer out of everyday people? An artist who is willing to share their techniques? An AI wiz that can help people use AI in their everyday lives? Highlight your niche skill and tailor a course specifically for solo travellers. You can pitch your course to a travel operator or hotel group.

Catering a course to the destination is always a plus. That will make the course easy for an operator to package. However, your course could also address common travel challenges. Photography workshops for capturing captivating travel photos, or language crash courses for navigating new cultures, are valuable additions to a solo travel package.

Partner up with boutique hotels and specialist tour operators

Besides, solo traveller tour operators, boutique hotels and tour companies are often open to innovative partnerships. Offer your course alongside their existing itinerary, creating a unique selling point.

Travel companies gain a valuable add-on, attracting travellers seeking immersive experiences. You get exposure to a targeted audience and potentially cover travel costs through course sales.

Craft an irresistible course experience

Location matters. Consider filming your course on location, showcasing the destination’s beauty and the practical application of your skills. Imagine learning landscape photography amidst the majestic peaks of Patagonia. A writer’s retreat in Tuscany.

If you are up for a longer adventure you may be able to create a package for cruise holidays. You would have a much larger audience to cater for but the earning power could be considerable. You could also fit in multiple locations as part of your own travel adventure.

Interactive learning is what makes a course valuable. Don’t just lecture. Incorporate interactive exercises, local guest speakers, and challenges that encourage travellers to actively engage with the destination and your course content.

Market yourself as the travel guru in your niche

Create a website showcasing your courses and travel collaborations. Quality is key so invest in high-quality video production and course materials. Use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share captivating travel snippets and course teasers.

Engage with online forums and social media groups dedicated to solo travel. Offer valuable insights and establish yourself as an expert in your niche.

Revenue-sharing models

Negotiate revenue-sharing models or upfront fees with tour operators. Or negotiate complimentary trips or discounts on their package holidays for yourself!

Above all, embrace the adventure. Be prepared to adapt your course based on location and traveller feedback.

Even if you are a digital nomad living overseas, you might want to spice things up by creating new revenue streams to fund your travel. Packaging your skills into unique travel experiences can turn your business into a globetrotting adventure. So, ditch the traditional holiday model and start crafting dream escapes that pay for themselves.

Here are some solo travel tour operators based out of the UK:

While nothing is guaranteed, it’s good to research the solo travel market and its operators. Here are a few to look into.

• Solos Holidays: They specialise in escorted group tours specifically designed for solo travellers. They offer a variety of tours around the world, including UK breaks, city breaks, skiing and overseas adventures. Their customers are of all ages and have people in their 80s still taking on the slopes.
• Exodus Travels: Exodus Travels offers a variety of adventure tours that are well-suited for solo travellers. Their tours are typically small in size, which allows you to get to know your fellow travellers and make new friends. They also offer a variety of activity levels to choose from, so you can find a tour that matches your interests and fitness level.
• The Adventure People: This operator caters not just for solo travellers, but groups, couples, gap year students and families.
• Intrepid Travel: Intrepid Travel is another great option for solo travellers looking for adventure tours. They offer a wide variety of tours around the world, from camping safaris in Africa to trekking in the Himalayas. Their tours are also typically small in size and are a great way to meet other like-minded travellers. While not exclusively for solo travellers, many of their group tours are popular with solo travellers because they create a welcoming and inclusive environment. They even offer last-minute deals.
• Wendy Wu Tours: While not exclusively for solo travellers, Wendy Wu Tours offers a selection of solo-friendly tours to Asia. They also offer deep discounts for couples.
• One Traveller: One Traveller caters to solo travellers over the age of 50. They offer tours around the UK, Europe, and other continents. Their tours are designed for mature travellers who want to explore new places and make new friends in a safe and supportive environment.