Ready to transform your passion for travel into a profitable venture? At TRAVELS.EDU.VN, we understand the allure of a location-independent lifestyle. This comprehensive guide reveals proven strategies on How To Travel Bloggers Make Money, turning their adventures into thriving businesses. Discover how to monetize your travel blog and achieve financial freedom while exploring the world.
1. Immerse Yourself in the World of Knowledge
Many aspiring travel bloggers underestimate the importance of continuous learning. Running a successful blog is akin to managing a business, and staying informed is essential for growth. Don’t just rely on intuition; delve into books on marketing, strategy, business development, and self-improvement. Successful individuals are avid readers, constantly seeking ways to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Become a lifelong student. Embrace the wisdom of experts, learn from their experiences, and apply these insights to your travel blog. Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from those who have already paved the way?
While travel books are inspiring, broaden your horizons with literature on diverse subjects. Explore marketing techniques, management principles, writing styles, historical contexts, and compelling biographies. Even a single valuable idea gleaned from a book can make the investment worthwhile. Aim to read at least one book per week, immersing yourself in travel narratives, historical accounts, business strategies, and captivating fiction.
Person reading book on a train, enjoying travel inspiration
2. Embrace Uniqueness: Think Differently
In a saturated market, standing out is crucial. Don’t simply replicate what others are doing; strive to present your content in a novel and engaging way.
If everyone is focused on sponsored content, consider alternative approaches. If text-based content dominates the landscape, experiment with video. Inject humor into your content when others are serious. Opt for simplicity and visual appeal when complex designs are prevalent. Instead of creating individual blog posts, develop a captivating narrative through a series of interconnected stories that keep readers coming back for more.
Embrace innovation and differentiate yourself from the competition.
At TRAVELS.EDU.VN, we believe in providing unparalleled depth and detail in our content. We strive to create ultimate guides to destinations, enriching them with captivating photos, insightful charts, detailed maps, and engaging videos. Our goal is to become your go-to resource for travel information, providing comprehensive and valuable content that exceeds expectations.
Many bloggers offer a superficial overview of information, but we delve deeper. Whatever approach you choose, prioritize excellence and originality.
3. Invest Wisely in Your Travel Blog
For a long time, I avoided spending any money on this website. I bootstrapped everything and viewed every expense negatively. “That designer would be nice but I can’t afford it. I’ll just create a crappier design myself.”
But I soon realized money spent wisely is an investment.
In the early stages, I hesitated to invest in my website, attempting to bootstrap everything and viewing every expense as a setback. I would often think, “A professional designer would be great, but I can’t afford it. I’ll just create a subpar design myself.”
However, I soon came to realize that strategic spending is an investment in the long-term success of my blog.
Now, I allocate funds for designers, SEO experts, conference attendance, video and audio editors, copy editors, and other valuable resources. This enables me to enhance the reader experience, develop useful products, dedicate time to other projects, and free up my schedule for writing. I focus on my core strengths and outsource the rest.
It’s tempting to dismiss opportunities like conferences due to their cost. However, if attending a conference leads to a valuable business connection that generates new sales or a guest posting opportunity, the investment pays off.
Successful businesses invest in themselves, and you should do the same.
While it may seem easier said than done, even small investments can make a significant difference when starting a travel blog. I didn’t immediately hire a large team. I started with one person, then added another, and another. Even spending a few hundred dollars on a professional logo can greatly enhance your readers’ perception of your brand.
4. Find Your Niche
Back when I started blogging in 2008, it was easy to maintain a general budget travel website. You could cover a wide range of travel topics and face little competition. There was only a handful of bloggers. Now, there are too many long-established blogs and websites to do that. (And you’d also be way behind in Google search results.)
I recommend being as narrow and focused on your topic(s) as possible. Whether it’s RV travel, hiking and camping adventures, vegan travel, or focusing on a specific city or country, the power of search lets everyone define their niche and still be able to reach millions of potential readers. In fact, being niche now is better than trying to be a more general resource site like mine.
Moreover, focusing lets you become an expert. You can be the person to whom readers always turn for information on this subject or that destination, which allows you to cultivate a bigger presence online.
Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Go narrow. Go deep.
When I started blogging in 2008, it was relatively easy to maintain a general budget travel website. You could cover a broad range of travel topics with minimal competition, as there were only a handful of bloggers at the time. However, the landscape has changed dramatically, with numerous established blogs and websites vying for attention. Trying to compete as a general travel resource today is a daunting task.
I strongly recommend narrowing your focus and specializing in a specific niche. Whether it’s RV travel, hiking and camping adventures, vegan travel, or focusing on a particular city or country, the power of search allows you to define your niche and still reach a vast audience. In fact, specializing in a niche is now more advantageous than attempting to be a general resource site like mine.
Furthermore, focusing on a specific niche allows you to become an expert in that area. You can become the go-to source for readers seeking information on a particular subject or destination, which helps you cultivate a stronger online presence.
Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Embrace specialization and delve deep into your chosen niche.
5. Sell Products
Businesses sell something — and so should you. Whether it’s a course, a book, t-shirts, tours, other people’s products via affiliate marketing, or by creating a Patreon, give your audience an opportunity to support your website.
Offering products for sale allows you to be independent from sponsors and brand deals and not compete with other travel bloggers for spots on press trips (see below). It allows you to scale your website and your revenue. Many products offer value to your readers by going more in-depth and in detail than a blog post usually allows.
There are very few travel bloggers that produce products. Most of the time, travel bloggers end up making money by creating sponsored content and getting paid to go on trips. That’s cool if that is something you want to do, but that is time-consuming and requires you to be constantly working (and it’s soul-sucking). You never have time to relax or do something for yourself. It’s not a hamster wheel you want to be tied to. It’s not sustainable.
Products allow you to create something once and earn revenue while sleeping, sightseeing, or getting a suntan on a beach! They give you ownership of your income and a chance for your readers to buy something from you and give back!
Trust me. Your readers want to support you. You just need to give them a way to do so.
Just like any successful business, you should offer products for sale on your travel blog. Whether it’s creating an online course, writing a book, designing t-shirts, organizing tours, promoting affiliate products, or establishing a Patreon account, provide your audience with opportunities to support your website.
Offering products allows you to gain independence from sponsors and brand deals, and reduces competition with other travel bloggers for press trip opportunities. It also enables you to scale your website and generate revenue more effectively. Many products provide added value to your readers by offering more in-depth information and details than a typical blog post.
Few travel bloggers take the initiative to create their own products. Many rely on sponsored content and paid trips to generate income. While this approach may be appealing, it can be time-consuming and require constant work. It can also lead to burnout, as you may not have time to relax or pursue your own interests. It’s a challenging cycle to maintain long-term.
Creating products allows you to generate revenue while you sleep, explore new destinations, or simply relax on a beach. It gives you ownership of your income and provides your readers with a way to support your work and give back.
Trust me, your readers want to support you. You just need to provide them with a way to do so.
Person holding a book while sitting on a beach, representing passive income from products
6. Diversify Beyond Press Trips and Sponsored Content
Why do people still buy guidebooks? Because they want an independent opinion on destinations. If everything you write is sponsored by someone, you’ll hit a limit to your number of readers.
Sure, some people won’t care and will follow your adventures no matter what, but a larger majority of people will feel that you can’t relate to their experience and will seek to find information elsewhere.
Consumers want relatable and independent travel content because they want to learn that they can make it happen too. If you’re in fashion, you can showcase all the makeup you want because a reader can look at that and think, “Yeah, I can do that too! To the mall I go!”
But when you’re talking travel, people can’t look at your free, multi-thousand-dollar trip to the Maldives and say, “Yeah, that’s realistic for me too! To Expedia I go!”
Think about it. When you see someone having a $10,000 holiday, how do you feel? Do you think “Wow! That’s pretty!” or “Wow! I can do that too! I’m going to book that!?”
Sponsored trips and one-off brand deals will help you travel and provide eye candy for your readers but it won’t create the expertise and relatable experiences that will have them coming back to you over and over for concrete advice or product purchases.
I’ve yet to see a pure travel blog get huge by only taking sponsored trips (though there are a number of fashion/travel hybrid blogs that are gigantic). The most successful bloggers in many niches avoid one-off partnerships and sponsored content because it dilutes their authenticity. (On the other hand, long-term partnerships are wonderful as they can bring value and unique deals to your readers.)
Avoid too many one-off trips paid by someone else, write about relatable experiences, and grow larger!
(And when you create products, you don’t need the money from these trips! Win-win!)
Why do travelers still purchase guidebooks? Because they seek unbiased opinions about destinations. If your content is solely based on sponsored experiences, you’ll limit your audience reach.
While some readers may not mind and will continue to follow your adventures regardless, a significant portion will feel disconnected from your experiences and seek information elsewhere.
Consumers desire authentic and relatable travel content that inspires them to believe they can also achieve similar experiences. In the fashion industry, showcasing makeup products allows readers to think, “I can do that too! I’ll head to the mall!”
However, when it comes to travel, readers may not relate to your free, multi-thousand-dollar trip to the Maldives and think, “That’s realistic for me! I’ll book that on Expedia!”
Consider how you feel when you see someone enjoying a $10,000 vacation. Do you think, “Wow, that’s amazing!” or “I can do that too! I’m going to book it!”
Sponsored trips and one-time brand deals can provide you with travel opportunities and visually appealing content for your readers, but they won’t establish the expertise and relatable experiences that will keep them coming back for valuable advice and product recommendations.
I have yet to see a purely travel-focused blog achieve significant success solely through sponsored trips (although there are several large fashion/travel hybrid blogs). The most successful bloggers in various niches avoid one-off partnerships and sponsored content, as they can dilute their authenticity. However, long-term partnerships can be beneficial, as they can provide unique value and exclusive deals for your readers.
Avoid relying heavily on one-off, paid trips, focus on creating relatable experiences, and cultivate a larger audience.
And when you create your own products, you won’t need to rely on income from these trips, creating a win-win situation.
7. Expand Your Network Beyond the Travel Industry
Networking with other travel bloggers can help you become better known in the industry (which is a good thing), but by reaching outside of the industry, you can be the travel person everyone else turns to for quotes, interviews, and advice.
And that is going to pay more dividends than just sticking to travel conferences. Yes, attend industry events (you’d be stupid not to!) but don’t attend only industry events.
Find where your expertise overlaps with other industries and meet the successful leaders in those industries. Then you can find people who know nothing about travel and be their travel expert on their websites. It’s how I’ve connected with so many finance, entrepreneurship, and tech experts. Here are some good conferences to attend:
While networking with other travel bloggers can increase your visibility within the industry, expanding your network beyond travel can position you as the go-to travel expert for individuals in other fields, leading to more opportunities for quotes, interviews, and advice.
This approach can yield greater benefits than solely attending travel conferences. While industry events are valuable, don’t limit yourself to them.
Identify areas where your expertise intersects with other industries and connect with successful leaders in those fields. This will allow you to reach individuals who may not have extensive travel knowledge and position yourself as their trusted travel resource on their websites. This strategy has helped me connect with numerous experts in finance, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Here are some examples:
Table: Conferences for Networking
| Conference | Industry | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| SXSW | Technology, Film, Music | Innovation, Creativity |
| FinCon | Finance | Financial Content Creation |
| Content Marketing World | Marketing | Content Strategy, Digital Marketing |
8. Shift the Focus Away from Yourself
While running a blog means you are going to say “I” a lot more than in magazine or newspaper writing, that doesn’t mean you should write only about yourself. If your blog is solely a journal or trip down memory lane, write about anything you want. But if you’re looking to run a professional blog that creates a sustainable income, remember that it’s not all about you.
It is — and always will be — about the people reading your website.
Whether that is by providing practical advice, telling them a good story, or making them laugh, remember that it’s all about how you can be of service to them.
If you are going to write about yourself, do so sparingly or relate it to the bigger picture of travel on the road. Don’t write about your new shoes, what food you ate, your thoughts on whatever, or the mundane details about your life. Few people really care about that. We read writers because they connect with us on an emotional level, tell good stories, and allow us to visualize ourselves in the places they talk about it.
Far too many travel blogs are a glorified personal diary but the most successful ones tell stories of places and better their reader’s travel experience!
While blogging inevitably involves using “I” more frequently than traditional writing, it’s important to avoid making your blog solely about yourself. If your blog is intended as a personal journal or a collection of travel memories, you have the freedom to write about anything you choose. However, if your goal is to create a professional blog that generates a sustainable income, remember that the focus should be on your audience.
Your blog should always be about the people who read it.
Whether you’re offering practical advice, sharing engaging stories, or providing entertainment, remember that your primary objective is to serve your readers.
If you choose to write about yourself, do so sparingly and connect your personal experiences to broader travel themes. Avoid writing about trivial details such as your new shoes, the food you ate, or your personal thoughts on various topics. Few people are genuinely interested in those details. We read writers because they connect with us emotionally, tell captivating stories, and allow us to envision ourselves in the places they describe.
Many travel blogs resemble glorified personal diaries, but the most successful ones focus on telling stories about destinations and enhancing the travel experiences of their readers.
9. Stay Persistent
Rome wasn’t built in a day — and your blog won’t build itself overnight either. Maintain realistic expectations about your blog. Don’t expect anything but hard work for the first couple of years. Don’t rush. Build something that will last. The light is always at the end of the tunnel, but too many people give up right before the end.
Go back to my early posts from 2008 — they are horrible. I mean, really god-awful. There is a big difference between the content I produced then and the content I produce now. Sucking — at first — is part of the journey. You aren’t going to be great out of the gate.
And a lot of bloggers, expecting instant fame and success, give up. I have tons of people go “Hey, can I get a refund on my course? I just don’t have the time right now. I’ll come back to it later.”
They never do.
I see it all the time. The reason most bloggers fail is not because they have bad content but because they give up. They don’t want to put in the time to succeed. Part of success is just outlasting everyone else.
Be patient. Put in the time. And you’ll reach your goals!
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your blog. Maintain realistic expectations and understand that building a successful blog takes time and effort. Be prepared for hard work, especially in the first few years. Don’t rush the process, and focus on building something that will last. Remember that success is often just around the corner, but many people give up before they reach it.
Looking back at my early blog posts from 2008, I can see how terrible they were. The difference between the content I produced then and the content I produce now is significant. Being bad at first is a natural part of the journey. You won’t be great right away.
Many bloggers give up because they expect instant fame and success. I’ve had numerous people ask for refunds on my courses, saying they don’t have time and will come back to it later.
They never do.
I see it happen all the time. The primary reason most bloggers fail is not because of bad content, but because they give up. They aren’t willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed. Often, success simply means outlasting everyone else.
Be patient, put in the time, and you’ll achieve your goals.
Napa Valley Awaits: Let TRAVELS.EDU.VN Plan Your Dream Trip
Are you ready to experience the beauty and charm of Napa Valley? Let TRAVELS.EDU.VN handle all the details. We offer customized tour packages to suit your preferences and budget. From wine tasting at world-class vineyards to exploring the scenic landscapes, we ensure an unforgettable travel experience.
Contact TRAVELS.EDU.VN Today
- Address: 123 Main St, Napa, CA 94559, United States
- WhatsApp: +1 (707) 257-5400
- Website: TRAVELS.EDU.VN
Let us take the stress out of planning and create a personalized Napa Valley itinerary for you.
FAQ: Travel Blogging and Monetization
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to travel bloggers make money:
Table: Travel Blogging FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How can I start a travel blog? | Choose a niche, pick a domain, select a hosting provider, and start creating content. |
| What are the best ways to monetize a travel blog? | Affiliate marketing, sponsored content, selling products, and offering services. |
| How much money can travel bloggers make? | Income varies widely, from a few hundred dollars to six-figure incomes. |
| Is SEO important for travel blogging? | Yes, SEO is crucial for driving organic traffic to your blog. |
| How can I improve my blog’s SEO? | Conduct keyword research, optimize your content, and build backlinks. |
| What are the essential tools for travel bloggers? | SEO tools, social media management platforms, and email marketing services. |
| How can I build a strong brand for my travel blog? | Focus on creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and being authentic. |
| What is the role of social media in travel blogging? | Social media helps promote your content, engage with your audience, and build your brand. |
| How often should I post on my travel blog? | Consistency is key; aim for at least one high-quality post per week. |
| How can travels.edu.vn help me plan my trip? | We offer customized tour packages, expert travel advice, and personalized itineraries. |
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
