How To Start a Travel Blog and Make Money

do you want to learn How to start a travel blog?

Starting a travel blog can be a fun journey that combines your love of travel and writing. You’ll have the chance to share your adventures, tips, and personal stories with a wide audience.

My life changed when I started blogging. When I started Making Sense of Cents (the blog you’re reading now!), I had no idea that sharing my writing would lead to financial freedom and the ability to work from anywhere.

For nearly 10 years, I’ve been traveling full-time in RVs, yachts, and planes, and it’s been a great way to make a living. Along the way, I was able to share my experiences, travel tips, stories, and connect with travelers from all over the world.

Whether you want to travel for business, a career, or just a fun hobby, a travel blog allows you to connect with other travelers and inspire them to explore new places.

Creating a travel blog doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few basic steps, you can set up your blog and start sharing your travel experiences in no time. This guide will help you understand what you need to get started, from choosing a domain name to setting up your website to reaching your first audience.

Quick note: There is a free course on how to start a blog. You can join by clicking here. Join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. Want to know how I built a $5,000,000 blog? This free course will teach you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

my blog history

Over 10 years ago, I started my blog Making Sense of Cents without much planning. I stumbled across an article about a blogger and thought it would be fun to share more details about my life. At first, I didn’t have any expectations and it was just a hobby.

At that time, I didn’t know that you could make money from blogging. But about six months later, a blogger friend introduced me to my first advertiser and I made $100. That’s when I really started seeing possibilities.

Since then, my blog has grown beyond my wildest dreams and I’ve been able to earn over $5 million over the years. Blogging has completely changed my life and gives me the freedom to work from anywhere.

What kept me going was not only a pure love for all things blogging related, but also a love for travel. That passion made it easy for me to put in the time and effort to grow my blog into what it is today. I love running an online business that allows me to travel whenever and wherever I want.

Well, I’m excited to help you start your own blog and become successful.

What is a travel blog?

A travel blog is a website where someone shares their travel experiences, tips, and advice. These people, known as travel bloggers, post about places they’ve been, activities they’ve tried, and things they’ve learned.

Many travel bloggers also offer recommendations on where to stay, eat, and things to do. This is a way to inspire and help others plan their own trips.

Travel blogs can focus on topics such as budget travel, luxury travel, family travel, and solo travel.

Examples of topics covered in travel blogs include:

1. destination guide – Detailed information on must-see attractions, hidden gems, and local tips for specific cities, countries, and regions
2. travel itinerary – Overview of pre-planned routes, destinations and attractions for your weekend getaway, road trip or long trip
3. local travel tips – Yes, you don’t have to travel by plane to become a travel blogger. You can write articles about things to do in your town.
4. Tips for traveling on a budget – How to travel affordably, including cheap flights, finding affordable accommodation, and saving on food and activities
5. traveling alone – Tips and advice for solo travelers (safety, making friends on the road, building confidence when traveling alone, etc.)
6. family trip – Tips for traveling with kids, including family-friendly destinations, packing lists, and tips for entertaining the kids (including a list of popular travel toys)
7. adventure travel – Guides on activities like hiking, diving, and surfing, and how to plan an adventure-centered trip
8. cultural experience – How to engage with local culture, learn traditions and have an authentic travel experience
9. travel gear reviews – Recommendations and reviews for travel gear such as backpacks, luggage, cameras, etc.
10. sustainable travel – How to reduce your environmental impact while traveling, from eco-friendly accommodations to responsible tourism practices
11. travel photography tips – Advice on how to take great travel photos, including photography tips, recommended equipment, and photography spots.

You can choose one or more of these topics to focus on. However, sticking to one or two areas will further increase your visibility as an expert in that field.

Recommended reading: What is a blog? How can a blog make money?

Who can start a travel blog?

Anyone with a passion for travel can start a travel blog.

You don’t have to be a professional writer or photographer. You also don’t have to be a full-time traveler.

Starting a travel blog is a great way to document your adventures and connect with others. Whether you travel full time or just for the weekend, your travel blog can be a helpful resource for other travelers.

Why should you start a travel blog?

There are many benefits to starting a travel blog.

• Share your adventures with friends, family, and a worldwide audience.
• You can also make money from blogging. As your blog becomes more popular, you can earn money through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
• Blogging helps you connect with other travelers. You may meet people who share your interests. This can lead to friendships and working relationships. I’ve met so many great people through blogging and it’s been so great over the years!
• Having a travel blog is like having a digital scrapbook. Because you can look back and remember all your trips. I think this is really great. Travel blogging is like “forcing” you to write down your memories and take photos.

Starting a travel blog is a fun and rewarding way to combine your love of travel with new skills and opportunities.

How to start a travel blog

Below, we will explain step-by-step how to start a travel blog and make money.

1. Choose a travel niche

Choosing a niche is the first step to running a successful travel blog. A niche is a specific topic or area of ​​focus for your blog. Choosing the right niche will help you stand out and attract readers who are interested in your topic.

Think about what you like most about traveling. Do you love food, adventure, and culture? Your niche can be anything from luxury travel to budget travel or even solo travel.

Another great idea is to think about who you want to help with your blog. Do you write for families, couples, or solo travelers?

It’s also wise to know what’s trending. Currently, wildlife travel, romantic getaways, and trips for digital nomads are popular niches. Find out what’s trending and choose what excites you.

Once you know your niche, you can create content that matches what your readers are looking for. This will help make your blog more enjoyable and useful to read.

2. Start a self-hosted WordPress blog

To start a travel blog, you need a blogging platform. WordPress is my favorite choice and I also use it for my blog.

WordPress is the place to create and manage your blog posts. It’s like the main hub of your blog. You can log in, create a new post, add photos and links, and share it with your readers. A simple tool that makes blogging easier. Additionally, one of the best things about WordPress is that you don’t need to know how to code. It’s user-friendly and has many ways to customize your blog.

Here are the steps to start a self-hosted WordPress blog.

1. Use a web hosting service. A popular choice for new bloggers is Bluehost (which lets you start your own blog for as low as $1.99 per month).
2. Install WordPress. Most web hosts offer one-click installation to make it as hassle-free as possible.

You can find my complete tutorial on this here: How to Start a WordPress Blog with Bluehost. If you need more information or want to see a screenshot of exactly where to click, here are step-by-step instructions.

Moreover, with my tutorial you can get a free domain name at the lowest price.

3. Choose a name for your travel blog

Choosing a name for your travel blog is a big step. You want it to be fun and easy to remember. It would also be a good idea to communicate the content of your blog.

Here are some more tips:

• Think about what makes your trip special. Are you an adventurer, a foodie, or a luxury traveler? Use that in your name.
• Using “.com” is the best choice. This is the first thing most people enter.
• Avoid names that are difficult to spell or include numbers. Simple is best. You don’t want people to get confused or forget your name.
• Before you decide, check to see if the name is available on social media. You’ll need the same name on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites.

Take your time and enjoy. Your blog name is the first thing people see, so make sure it’s catchy and memorable.

Remember, when you sign up with Bluehost, you get a domain name (blog name) for free. Click here to get your free domain name.

4. Design your blog layout

For travel blogs, site design is very important.

The design and layout of your travel blog is important because readers prefer a blog design that is clean and easy to navigate. This helps users find what they’re looking for and keeps them on your site longer.

Additionally, we’ve all seen bad site design in the past. If that happens, I usually don’t continue reading that blog for long (right?!).

Therefore, the design of your blog is important because you want your readers to keep reading and come back in the future.

There are three options for designing your travel blog.

1. Create your own blog design (e.g. DIY using paid or free themes)
2. Pay a blog designer for a custom site design
3. Buy a ready-made blog layout – This is the method we recommend for bloggers.

Doing it yourself is usually the cheapest, but it can be time consuming. Custom site designs are usually quite expensive.

My favorite option – I love simply purchasing ready-made blog designs. They are much more affordable than custom designs and look great. One of the ready-made blog design sites that I recommend is Restored 316. Restored 316 is very easy to use and has lots of great blog design options, especially for travel blogs.

If you want to get ready-made blog designs that are easy and affordable, click here (this is what I recommend).

5. Create important pages on your blog

A successful travel blog starts with setting up your main page. These pages make it easy for readers to navigate your site.

Important pages should include:

• Home page – This is the first impression a visitor has about your blog. A clear, uncluttered homepage helps readers quickly understand what your blog is about. Clearly state the focus of your blog, such as destinations, travel tips, and itineraries, and provide links to key sections.
• Overview page – Share your story here, explaining who you are, why you started traveling, and what travel experiences you write about.
• Contact page – Include your email address to make it easier for readers, tourism boards, and brands to contact you.
• Privacy policy page – Outline how we collect and use your data, especially if we collect personal information. You can search online for legal templates or purchase ready-made privacy policies here.
• Disclosure page – If you earn income through affiliate links, sponsored trips, or partnerships, you need to be transparent about it.

6. Start a social media account for your travel blog

Creating social media accounts can be very helpful in growing your travel blog.

Social media allows you to share photos, travel tips, and stories, making it easier for people to find your blog and follow your adventures.

Social media is especially useful for travel blogs because it allows you to reach more readers and interact with them in real time. For example, posting photos and videos of your travels on Instagram or TikTok can drive more people to your blog for more detailed itineraries and travel advice.

Social media platforms you can start with include:

• facebook
• pinterest
• Instagram
• Twitter
• TikTok

While you don’t need to be active on every platform, claiming your blog name on each platform is a smart move to keep your brand name consistent. Next, we recommend adding social media buttons to your blog so that your readers can find you on social media from your blog.

7. Create a blog post plan

A blog content plan is an easy way to organize what you write and post on your blog.

It will help you stay on track and achieve your goals like gaining more readers and increasing sales.

A good content plan includes a list of topics, post titles, when to publish, and the goal for each post (promote something, help your readers, etc.).

You can also include keywords, photo ideas, ways to share your post, and more. This is basically a guide to keep your blog running smoothly and growing.

However, content planning for your travel blog doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be something as simple as a list of trips or destinations you want to write about. It’s up to you how detailed you want to make it.

Here are some blog post ideas for travel blog content planning.

1. 10 budget travel tips to explore the world
2. How to plan the perfect weekend getaway
3. How to travel abroad for the first time: A beginner’s guide
4. Top 5 must-have travel apps
5. How to lighten your luggage for a two-week trip
6. How to find cheap flights and save on airfare
7. 10 Underrated Destinations to Visit
8. Best travel hacks for families with kids
9. Top 5 Beach Spots for a Relaxing Vacation
10. How to travel full time and make money on the go

8. Write your first post

Writing your first post can be both exciting and a little scary. I think almost all bloggers feel a little nervous about sharing their first blog post, and this is completely normal.

Here are some things to consider when writing a blog post:

• You can easily start from the beginner’s level. Tell our readers who you are, what your blog is about, and share a little about why you love traveling.
• Once the introduction is complete, it’s time to get into the main content of the post. Share your travel experiences, tips and plans.
• Breaking your post into short paragraphs makes it easier to read. Use bulleted or numbered lists to break up text.
• We also recommend including a photo to make your post more appealing. Travel photos can help bring your story to life. Since this is a travel blog after all, readers will want to see photos!
• Next, we recommend ending your blog post with a call to action. Ask your readers to leave comments and share your posts with their friends.
• Be sure to proofread your post before publishing it.

9. Find out how to make money with travel blogging

You can make money from your travel blog in a variety of ways, including:

• Place an ad on your blog. Businesses pay to display banners and links. This can be a good way to earn income.
• Affiliate marketing is also a great option. We recommend travel products, hotels, and tours and may receive a commission for each sale made through our links. It’s a win-win for both you and your readers. For more information, check out our free e-book, Affiliate Marketing Tips for Bloggers.
• Sponsored posts can also bring in additional revenue. Brands may pay you to write about their products or services.
• Selling digital products such as travel guides and e-books can also be profitable.
• You can also sell paid memberships. Members will have access to exclusive content, special travel deals, and even a personal Q&A session with you.
• You can earn money by hosting webinars and online courses about travel planning. People love to learn and are willing to pay for good advice.
• Don’t forget about social media. You can get paid for sponsored posts and partnerships on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
• Freelance travel blogging – Some websites, like the big travel blogs, pay you for their content.

10. How to grow your travel blog

To drive readers to your travel blog, you need to promote it.

Here are some ways to get page views on your blog:

• Share your travel posts and photos on social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
• Guest post on other travel blogs. This allows you to introduce new readers who are interested in travel.
• Email marketing is one of my favorite ways to grow a blog. You can encourage your readers to subscribe to your newsletter and send them regular updates and new travel posts. If you’re looking for a way to send newsletters or emails to your readers, we recommend Convertkit.
• Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to help your blog appear in search results when people search for travel tips and destinations.
• Create useful video content: Many travelers love visual content, so creating travel vlogs or short clips on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok can help drive traffic to your blog.
• Create downloadable resources. Helpful resources like packing checklists, travel itineraries, and budget travel guides can help you grow your blog’s readership.

My favorite guide that teaches different strategies for increasing page views is 21 Strategies I Used to Grow Monthly Page Views from 17,000 to Over 400,000 in 10 Months. If you’re a new blogger, check out this resource. The author gets between 17,000 and 400,000 monthly pageviews and shares all of her best tips in this guide.

FAQ

Starting a travel blog is exciting and rewarding. Many people are wondering how to get started, how much it costs, and whether they can make money. Here are some frequently asked questions about monetizing your travel blog.

Can being a travel blogger make money?

Yes, travel bloggers can make money. Many travel bloggers earn money through advertising, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling products and services. Of course, not all travel bloggers earn money, but some do.

How long does it take to start a travel blog?

Starting a travel blog is affordable. Typical costs are:

• domain name: Approximately $10-15 per year
• web hosting: Approximately 3 to 10 dollars per month

Initial costs range from $50 to several hundred dollars. However, getting a custom design or paying a freelance writer will naturally cost more.

Is travel blogging easy?

Travel blogging can be fun, but when it comes to writing, photography, and social media, it can be a lot of work. It includes:

• Create quality posts regularly
• Promote your content on social media
• Interact with readers and other bloggers

It requires passion and dedication, but many people find it rewarding.

What are the disadvantages of being a travel blogger?

Travel blogging has its benefits, but it also has its challenges, including unstable income (which can vary from month to month). It can be time consuming (creating content and maintaining a blog takes a lot of time). It can lead to travel stress (regular travel can be tiring). Privacy concerns (sharing personal experiences can sometimes feel invasive).

Who are the most popular travel bloggers?

Many successful travel bloggers have become famous. These include Nomadic Matt, Anna Everywhere, The Blonde Abroad, Expert Vagabond, Adventurous Kate, The Points Guy, Y Travel Blog, and Jessie on a Journey. There are many other travel bloggers, as well as travel Instagrammers and travel YouTubers.

How to start a travel blog – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to start a travel blog and make money.

I’ve been running this blog you’re reading for quite a while now, and this is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

If you are thinking of starting a blog, we highly recommend you give it a try! It’s relatively inexpensive and can be done at home, so I think it’s worth a try.

Starting a travel blog is a fun way to share your adventures and connect with travelers around the world. When I first started blogging, I had no idea it would turn into a full-time income that would allow me to travel full-time. Whether you want to turn it into a career or just want to share your travel tips and stories, creating a travel blog opens up new opportunities to explore the world and inspire others to do the same. You can encourage them to do so.

Reminder: There is a free course on how to start a blog. You can join by clicking here. Join over 80,000 people who have already taken the course. Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog? This free course will teach you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

Want to know how to start a travel blog?

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