The freedom to travel while earning an income is no longer just a dream—it’s a growing reality for digital nomads. Whether you’re hopping between co-working cafés in Europe or relaxing on a beach in Asia, the internet allows you to build a remote career from anywhere. But where exactly can you find reliable online work while traveling?
In this guide, we explore trusted platforms that help travelers and digital nomads find remote work opportunities—from flexible microtasks to long-term freelance contracts.
Why Remote Work Is Perfect for Travelers
Remote work gives you the flexibility to design your life. You set your schedule, choose your projects, and work from wherever you feel most inspired.
Key advantages:
- No fixed location
- Lower travel costs when earning in stronger currencies
- Better work-life balance
- Opportunity to diversify your skills
- Exposure to global job markets
Let’s explore where to start.
1. Appen
Best for: Entry-level remote jobs and microtasks
Appen is one of the most accessible platforms for beginners. It offers small online tasks like data labeling, search engine evaluation, social media rating, and transcription.
Pros:
- Flexible schedule
- Work from anywhere
- Tasks available in multiple languages
- No experience required
Cons:
- Low pay per task
- Long approval times for some projects
Ideal for: Travelers who want to earn a side income with little commitment.
Website: appen.com
2. Upwork
Best for: Freelancers with specialized skills
Upwork is one of the world’s largest freelancing platforms, connecting professionals to clients in areas like writing, design, marketing, IT, and admin support.
Pros:
- High earning potential
- Long-term and short-term contracts
- Secure payments through the platform
Cons:
- Competitive application process
- Platform fees (5% to 20%)
Ideal for: Skilled digital nomads looking for serious freelance work.
Website: upwork.com
3. Fiverr
Best for: Selling creative services and custom gigs
Fiverr allows you to create “gigs” offering anything from logo design to voiceover work, translation, and video editing. You set your own prices and packages.
Pros:
- Easy to get started
- Full control over your services
- Scalable income potential
Cons:
- Platform takes a 20% cut
- High competition in popular categories
Ideal for: Creatives and service providers who want to build a remote portfolio.
Website: fiverr.com
4. Toptal
Best for: Experienced professionals in tech, finance, and design
Toptal only accepts the top 3% of applicants, but it connects them with top-tier companies looking for high-level remote talent.
Pros:
- Premium clients and projects
- Higher pay rates
- Long-term remote contracts
Cons:
- Rigorous selection process
- Not ideal for beginners
Ideal for: Senior professionals ready for elite-level remote gigs.
Website: toptal.com
5. Freelancer.com
Best for: General freelancing with global clients
This platform works similarly to Upwork and offers a wide range of jobs—IT, writing, design, support, etc.—with a bidding system.
Pros:
- Wide range of categories
- Global project marketplace
- Option to compete in contests
Cons:
- Project bidding can drive prices down
- Paid membership unlocks more bids
Ideal for: Digital nomads testing different types of remote jobs.
Website: freelancer.com
6. Remote OK
Best for: Finding remote full-time and part-time jobs
Unlike gig platforms, Remote OK lists actual job openings from global companies hiring remote workers. You can filter by category, region, and even tech stack.
Pros:
- Real employment opportunities
- Great for developers, marketers, writers
- No commission fees
Cons:
- Requires a strong résumé
- Often competitive
Ideal for: Travelers seeking stability without losing location freedom.
Website: remoteok.com
7. Workana
Best for: Latin American freelancers and bilingual professionals
Workana is a Latin American platform connecting freelancers with businesses primarily in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Pros:
- Localized interface
- Ideal for bilingual travelers
- Trusted payment system
Cons:
- Fees can vary by membership plan
- Platform focus is more regional
Ideal for: Latin American travelers or nomads fluent in Spanish/Portuguese.
Website: workana.com
8. PeoplePerHou
Best for: Project-based freelance work in Europe and the UK
This platform focuses on freelance work mainly in Europe, with strong demand in marketing, SEO, and development.
Pros:
- Projects listed by budget and deadline
- Hourlies for quick jobs
- Trustworthy client reviews
Cons:
- Limited global exposure
- Charges a service fee
Ideal for: Nomads traveling through Europe.
Website: peopleperhour.com
Tips for Working Remotely While Traveling
- Check your internet speed at accommodations before committing
- Use productivity tools like Trello, Slack, Notion, and Google Drive
- Set realistic working hours based on time zones
- Create a focused workspace (co-working cafés, quiet corners, hotel desks)
- Balance work and travel—burnout can happen anywhere
How to Evaluate a Remote Work Platform Before Committing
With so many online platforms promising freelance gigs, remote jobs, or part-time projects, it can be hard to know which ones are truly worth your time—especially when you’re working from the road. The right platform can fund your lifestyle and give you location freedom. The wrong one can drain your energy, your budget, and your trust.
Here’s how to evaluate remote work platforms to make sure they’re reliable, sustainable, and aligned with your goals as a digital nomad.
1. Check Platform Transparency and Ownership
Look into who runs the platform. Is it a trusted company with a clear business model and public leadership? Do they have terms of use, payment policies, and dispute resolution procedures clearly published?
Avoid platforms that seem vague about who they are or how they protect workers. Trustworthy platforms usually include:
- A detailed “About” page
- Transparent service fees
- Clear client and freelancer guidelines
- Accessible customer support
If basic info is hard to find, that’s a red flag.
2. Explore Payment Protection Features
One of the most important factors when working remotely is getting paid fairly and on time. Good platforms offer payment protection—either by holding funds in escrow, releasing payments on milestone approval, or guaranteeing payment after a certain period.
Ask yourself:
- Is payment guaranteed through the platform or left to the client’s discretion?
- Are there reviews of users having payment issues?
- Does the platform allow disputes to be resolved fairly?
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal are known for having payment protection in place. Newer platforms should be assessed with extra caution.
3. Read Reviews from Both Sides
Don’t just look at client reviews—read freelancer testimonials too. Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or freelance communities where users speak honestly about their experiences.
Look for comments about:
- Job quality and legitimacy
- Client expectations and fairness
- Support responsiveness
- Hidden fees or platform limitations
If a platform has overwhelmingly negative freelancer feedback, it may not be worth the effort.
4. Align with Your Work Style and Goals
Some platforms focus on long-term freelance contracts, while others offer microtasks, gig-based work, or even volunteer opportunities. Evaluate what you need right now:
- Consistent income or flexible side work?
- Industry-specific jobs or general gigs?
- High pay per project or quantity of small tasks?
Platforms like We Work Remotely or Remote OK post jobs for established professionals, while Appen or Clickworker cater to microtaskers who want short jobs they can do on the go.
5. Test the Waters First
Create a profile and apply for one or two gigs before going all in. See how the system works, how responsive the clients are, and how intuitive the workflow is.
Think of it as trying on shoes: make sure the fit feels right before walking too far.
Final Thoughts
Working remotely while traveling is more possible than ever. Whether you’re starting with simple tasks on Appen or running your own freelance business on Fiverr or Upwork, there’s a platform for every kind of traveler. The key is to choose work that fits your skills, your rhythm, and your journey.
Ready to build a location-independent career? Bookmark this guide and follow Mente Viajante for more tools, tips, and destination ideas to live—and earn—on your own terms.