Working as a blogger or influencer abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working as a blogger or influencer abroad like?

Bloggers and influencers create content about their lives, travels, expertise, or a specific topic, not for their families, but for the entire internet.
This can be done via blogs, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or other social media platforms, all while enjoying a holiday abroad.
It's different from many other jobs because you usually work for yourself, your own "brand." Sometimes you work on behalf of organizations, brands, or NGOs, and sometimes in collaboration with local initiatives, accommodations, or campaigns.
The core of the work is visibility, storytelling, and reaching people with your own personal perspective.

You usually determine these yourself, but if you work with others, paid work is often freelance or project-based. Compensation is provided per assignment, campaign, or collaboration, sometimes in cash, sometimes in kind (accommodation, travel, activities).
Don't expect permanent contracts or job security.
Internships are often focused on gaining experience and building a portfolio. You'll receive guidance, but it's often unpaid or with limited compensation.
Is it volunteer work? Then no salary, but still a significant contribution!
It's a job with a lot of freedom, but also a lot of personal responsibility.

To be creative: you work with stories, images, and formats that reflect your personal style.
To feel engaged: you build a community and receive immediate feedback on what you share.
To develop communication skills: you learn to communicate clearly and engagingly with an international audience.
To be entrepreneurial: you build your own brand, network, and income. To gain cultural experience: you live and work in a different environment and learn to deal with new norms and perspectives.
To experience freedom and flexibility: you combine work and travel in your own way.

Creativity: you come up with original perspectives and engaging content.
Writing and/or presentation skills: you can communicate clearly, engagingly, and personally.
Self-discipline: you work independently and stay motivated without a fixed structure.
Entrepreneurial skills: you dare to profile yourself and create opportunities.
Perseverance: growth takes time, and success isn't always immediately apparent.

Countries with many digital opportunities and collaborations: the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Countries popular among travel bloggers and influencers: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico.
Countries with social projects: South Africa, Kenya, India, Nepal, Peru.

that there is an unsafe working environment in the country you work in: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, conduct.
that accidents occur with serious consequences: fractures, ear problems, decompression problems during diving, or costly rescue situations.
that someone contracts a contagious or local disease, is unable to work for a period of time, or even needs to be flown back home.
that equipment such as cameras or laptops is damaged or stolen, while you depend on it for your work.
that income is uncertain, for example due to changing collaborations or algorithm changes.
that cultural misunderstandings or online criticism affect your reputation or work.
When working in the online sector, you may face increased financial or legal risks as soon as you start performing work under your own responsibility. It is advisable, as far as possible, to also inquire to what extent your local employer is adequately insured for accidents, technical errors, or misjudgments. Naturally, this is not the case everywhere, or something that can be investigated in advance. Take this into account as much as possible when deciding whether or not to perform certain high-risk activities.

There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.

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