How To Start A Travel Blog [Even If You Don’t Travel]

Dreaming of sharing your travel experiences with the world but don’t know how to start a travel blog? You’re not alone – launching a blog can feel daunting.

Blogging is a great way to share your experiences, connect with like-minded individuals, and even make some money. However, getting started can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it.

Before we dive in, I should point out that starting a successful travel blog takes time, effort, and dedication but if you’re passionate about travel and enjoy writing, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

In this guide, I’ll provide you with the tools and resources you need to get started on the right foot. From choosing a domain name to creating content, promoting your blog, and earning money.

Key Takeaways

  1. Starting a travel blog aligned with your genuine interests creates authenticity, fostering a stronger connection with readers.
  2. Define a specific niche based on personal passion and audience interest to stand out in the competitive travel blogging field.
  3. Develop a unique brand with a memorable name, logo, and color scheme. Choose a reliable web hosting service and use WordPress.org for more control over customization.
  4. Create high-quality, engaging content while optimizing for search engines. Explore various monetization avenues such as sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, advertising, and product creation to generate revenue from the blog.

Table of Contents

What is Travel Blogging?

Travel blogging is a form of online writing that focuses on documenting and sharing travel experiences, tips, and advice.

Successful travel bloggers engage their audience through captivating stories, beautiful photography, and valuable information.

How to start a travel blog

A professional travel blogger is someone who earns a living from their travel blog with sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and advertising.

However, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and persistence to become a successful professional travel blogger.

To start your own travel blog, you need to have a passion for travel and a desire to share your experiences with others.

You also need to be willing to put in the time and effort to create quality content that will attract and retain readers.

There are many travel bloggers out there, and it can be difficult to stand out in such a crowded field. That’s why it’s important to find your unique voice and niche.

You can achieve that by focusing on a specific type of travel, such as adventure travel or luxury travel, or by targeting a specific audience, such as solo travelers or families.

To become a successful travel blogger, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest travel blogging tips and trends. You can do this by taking a travel blogging course or joining a travel blogging community.

This will allow you to connect with other aspiring travel bloggers and learn from their experiences.

Now let’s talk about the process of starting a travel blog that you can eventually monetize.

8 Steps to Start Your Travel Blog

#1: Define Your Niche

First, you should define your niche. What kind of travel do you want to write about? Are you interested in budget travel, luxury travel, adventure travel, or family travel?

If you are feeling stuck finding your niche, pay attention to these aspects:

What you are passionate about?

Starting a travel blog about what you are already passionate about and doing is a recipe for authenticity and success.

When you blog about the experiences you genuinely love and enjoy, your enthusiasm shines through your writing, captivating your readers and inspiring their wanderlust.

how to start a travel blog

Sharing your genuine adventures and insights creates a deep connection with your audience, fostering trust and loyalty.

On the other hand, starting a blog about what you think you “ought to do” even though you don’t enjoy it may lack the same level of passion and authenticity, leading to uninspired content and a disconnect with your readers.

For example, if you are not into traveling to far-off, luxurious-looking destinations but start a travel blog geared towards that because all your friends on social media are traveling to those places (and you have FOMO), you will struggle to keep it up. Instead, you can start a travel blog focusing on local spots that you are more comfortable with.

Travel blogging is an adventure in itself, and when it aligns with your true passions, it becomes a fulfilling and joyous journey of exploration and self-expression.

So, embrace your travel experiences and let your authentic voice guide your blog, for it is the passion that will take your readers along on unforgettable adventures with you.

Your Audience

You should focus on a niche that has an audience because you’ll need eyeballs if you hope to monetize your blog.

Define Your Travel Niche

Next, understanding who your readers are helps you to set the tone, style, and content type of your blog posts.

It’s not just about writing; it’s about writing what your readers want to read.

Maybe your audience craves luxury travel experiences or perhaps they’re adventure-seekers looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Also consider demographics like age, interests, and even income level as you determine who may be most likely to follow along on your travels.

This helps to tailor content that resonates with them, increasing reader engagement and loyalty in the process.

Identify your unique selling point

Perhaps you’re an expert on budget travel, or maybe luxury destinations are more your style.

Perhaps you have a knack for finding hidden gems off the beaten path, or maybe city life excites you the most.

Your unique experiences, knowledge, and perspective can help you decide what your travel blog will be about.

Having a strong identity will help you stand out among the sea of other blogs in today’s digital world.

#2: Create Your Brand

Your brand is what sets your travel blog apart from the rest. It is defined by these elements:

A memorable name

Select a catchy and unique name for your travel blog as it will represent you across all platforms. Make it something memorable that aligns with your personality and what your blog’s content will be about.

In essence, this name should reflect the theme or focus of your travel experiences and stories. It needs to be easy to pronounce, spell, and remember; helping potential readers find you easily in web searches.

An original and creative blog name can set you apart in the competitive travel blogging community.

Ideally, it should also be your domain name and for that, you should check its availability. You can use a domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap to search for available domain names.

Your domain name is the web address for your travel blog website and when it matches the name of your blog, it makes it easier to promote it as well as for SEO.

A logo and color scheme

Create a unique logo and color scheme that reflects your niche and personality. Your brand should be consistent across all of your social media platforms and marketing materials.

A well-designed logo serves as the visual representation of your brand, instantly conveying your personality and identity. It makes your travel blog easily recognizable and sets it apart from competitors in a crowded marketplace.

You can either design it yourself or outsource that to a professional on freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

In the same vein, a carefully chosen color scheme evokes specific emotions and associations in your readers.

Therefore, find a color scheme that will create a consistent and cohesive brand image across all your online presence (including on social media accounts).

You can set it up as you install your WordPress theme.

#3: Choose a Web Hosting Service

To set up your blog, you need a web hosting service that will store your website’s files and make them accessible to visitors.

You should choose a web hosting service that meets your needs and budget.

Look for a web host that offers reliable service, good customer support, and affordable pricing.

Choose a Hosting Plan

When choosing a hosting plan, again consider your budget and your website’s needs.

Most hosting services offer a range of plans, from basic shared hosting to more advanced options like VPS or dedicated hosting.

If you’re just starting, a shared hosting plan is usually sufficient.

Consider Domain Privacy Protection

When you register a domain, your personal information (name, address, phone number) is publicly available in the WHOIS database.

Domain privacy protection hides this information and replaces it with the contact information of your web hosting service. This can help protect your privacy and reduce spam.

Get a Free Domain

Some web hosting services offer a free domain name when you sign up for a hosting plan. This can be a great way to save money and simplify the process of setting up your blog.

However, be sure to read the fine print and understand any limitations or restrictions that may apply.

#4: Choose a Blogging Platform

As you choose your blogging platform, you want one that is user-friendly, customizable, and has all the features you need to create and publish your content.

Install WordPress

WordPress is the most popular content management system and blogging platform in the world.

It offers two options:

  • WordPress.com: WordPress.com is a free platform that allows you to create a blog fast and easily. However, it has limited customization options, and you won’t be able to use your own domain name (it will be yourblog.wordpress.com). You may pay for additional features like premium themes and plugins.
  • Self-hosted WordPress: Self-hosted WordPress is a more advanced option that requires a self-hosted account and a domain name. It offers full customization options, access to thousands of free and paid themes and plugins, and complete control over your blog. However, it does require some technical knowledge to set up and maintain.

Most web hosting services offer a one-click installation of WordPress, which makes it easy to get started. Once you have installed WordPress, you can choose from thousands of free and paid themes to customize the look and feel of your blog.

You’ll have access to a user-friendly dashboard where you can create and edit posts and pages, and upload images. Additionally, installing plugins will allow you to add extra functionality to your site, such as search engine optimization tools or social media sharing buttons.

Other Blogging Platforms

There are other popular blogging platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Blogger, but they are not as popular as WordPress.

They offer limited features and customization options, and you won’t have complete control over your blog.

IMPORTANT: In my experience, it’s better to own your website and have full control over its content and functionality. Avoid using free blogging platforms like WordPress.com or Blogger, which may restrict your ability to monetize your blog or customize it to your liking if those are your goals. Instead, invest in your own domain name and hosting plan at a reasonable fee, then use WordPress.org to build your blog.

#5: Connect to Google Analytics

To track the performance and growth of your travel blog, connect it to Google Analytics. This powerful tool provides valuable insights into your website’s traffic, audience demographics, and user behavior. You can do that via the WordPress dashboard if you are using the platform.

By integrating Google Analytics into your travel blog, you can monitor which pages are popular among visitors and identify areas for improvement.

With this data-driven knowledge at your fingertips, you can make informed decisions on how to optimize your content strategy and attract more readers.

#6: Design Your Travel Blog

With the logo and color scheme you chose for your travel blog, you can design your travel blog to fit your aesthetics and style.

Design entails a few things:

Choose a Theme

One of the first things you will need to do is choose a theme for your travel blog. Choose a theme that aligns with the overall look and feel you want for your blog, whether it’s clean and minimalistic or vibrant and adventurous.

Consider customizing the theme further to reflect your unique style.

choose a theme for your travel blog

There are many free and premium themes available online, so take your time to find one that suits your needs.

Free themes are a great option if you are on a budget, but bear in mind that they may not offer as many customization options as premium themes.

Premium themes are a bit more expensive, but they come with more features and customization options. They are also more likely to be updated regularly, which is important for the security and functionality of your blog.

Some premium themes even come with built-in SEO options, which can help improve your blog’s visibility in search engine results.

Design The Layout and Sidebar

The layout of your blog is also important. When designing the layout, consider the overall user experience – make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually pleasing. Choose a WordPress theme that complements your content and enhances readability.

The layout should have clear headings, organized sections, and intuitive navigation menus so visitors can easily find what they’re looking for without getting overwhelmed by too much information.

For example, most blogs have a left sidebar with links to different pages on the website, such as the home page, about page, and contact page. You can add widgets to your sidebar, such as a search bar, social media links, and recent posts.

When designing your blog, keep in mind that you want to make it as easy as possible for your readers to navigate. The last thing you want is for them to get lost or frustrated while trying to find what they are looking for.

#7: Write Your First Blog Post

Now that you have set up your travel blog, it’s time to create your first blog post. Your first blog post is important because it sets the tone for your blog and gives readers an idea of what to expect from your future posts.

Write Your First Blog Post

Your first blog post should be about a topic that you are passionate about and that relates to your travel niche. You could write about your recent travels, share travel tips, or review a destination or accommodation. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that your readers will find interesting and useful.

Write a Compelling Headline

Your headline is the first thing that readers will see, so it needs to be attention-grabbing and informative. Use keywords that relate to your topic and make sure your headline accurately reflects the content of your post.

Keep It Concise

Your first blog post should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic, and make sure your post is easy to read. Use short paragraphs and subheadings to break up your content and make it more visually appealing.

End with a Call to Action

Your first blog post is a great opportunity to encourage readers to engage with your blog. End your post with a call to action, such as asking readers to leave a comment or follow you on social media.

By following these tips, you can create a strong first blog post that sets the tone for your travel blog and engages your readers. Remember, the key to a successful blog is to consistently write high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

#8: Optimize Your Blog for Search Engines

If you want your travel blog to reach a wider audience, optimize it for search engines.

This process, known as search engine optimization (SEO), involves making changes to your website to improve its visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). Here are some tips to help you optimize your travel blog for search engines:

  • Use relevant keywords: Identify the keywords and phrases that people are searching for related to your travel niche and include them in your blog posts. Use them in your post titles, headings, and throughout your content. However, avoid keyword stuffing, which is the practice of overusing keywords in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings. This can result in penalties from search engines.
  • Install an SEO plugin: An SEO plugin like Yoast SEO can help you optimize your blog posts for search engines. It provides suggestions on how to improve your content’s readability, meta descriptions, and more. However, be careful not to install too many plugins, as this can slow down your website’s loading speed.
  • Track your website’s performance: Use Google Analytics to track your website’s performance. This tool provides information on your website’s traffic, user behavior, and more. Use this information to identify areas of your website that need improvement and to track the success of your SEO efforts.
  • Create high-quality content: Search engines prioritize high-quality, informative, and engaging content. Make sure your blog posts are well-written, informative, and provide value to your readers.
  • Optimize your website’s structure: Make sure your website’s structure is easy to navigate and understand. Use clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points to make your content easy to read and understand.

By following these tips, you can improve your travel blog’s visibility in search engine results pages and attract more readers to your website. Remember to focus on creating high-quality content and optimizing your website’s structure and performance for the best results.

How to Promote Your Travel Blog

Once you’ve set up your travel blog and started creating content, you should promote it. Promoting your travel blog will get you more traffic and build a loyal following. Here are some tips to help you promote your travel blog effectively:

Leverage Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest are great ways to promote your travel blog.

Create social media accounts for your blog and start sharing your content. Share your blog posts, photos, and videos on your social media pages, and engage with your followers.

Use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience and collaborate with other travel bloggers to cross-promote each other’s content.

Word of Mouth Marketing

Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool for promoting your travel blog.

Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool for promoting your travel blog

Encourage your friends, family, and followers to share your blog with their networks. Ask them to leave comments on your blog posts and share your content on their social media pages.

You can also offer incentives like giveaways or discounts to encourage your followers to share your content.

Paid Social Media Advertising

Having a social media presence alone is not enough when promoting your travel blog. You can use paid social media advertising to reach a wider audience.

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer targeted advertising options that allow you to reach people interested in travel.

You can also collaborate with influencers to promote your blog. Find influencers in your niche and offer to work with them to create content that promotes your blog.

Networking with other bloggers

Building connections with other bloggers can grow your travel blog. By networking with fellow bloggers, you can gain valuable insights and learn from their experiences.

Collaborating and exchanging ideas can help expand your audience reach and increase your visibility in the blogging community.

Additionally, connecting with other people with travel blogs opens up opportunities for guest posting, cross-promotion, and even potential partnerships.

Engaging with like-minded individuals not only allows you to share knowledge but also helps build a supportive network within the travel blogging industry. So don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with other bloggers to enhance your own blog’s success!

How to Monetize Your Travel Blog

Once you have established your travel blog and built a loyal audience, you can consider monetizing your blog. There are various income streams that you can explore as a travel blogger to generate revenue.

Successful travel bloggers have been able to earn a high salary based on their blog’s success and engagement with their audience.

How to Monetize Your Travel Blog

Therefore, with dedication and hard work, turning your travel blog into a profitable venture is within reach.

Monetizing your travel blog can open up opportunities for you to earn money from your passion. There are several ways to make money from your blog, and we will explore some of them below:

Sponsored Posts and Collaborations

One of the most common ways to make money from your travel blog is through sponsored posts and collaborations.

This involves working with brands, tourism boards, and other companies to promote their products or services on your blog.

These collaborations can take many forms, including sponsored posts, sponsored social media content, and press trips.

When working with brands, always disclose any sponsored content to your audience. This helps to maintain trust and transparency with your readers.

Affiliate Marketing

Another way to make money from your travel blog is through affiliate marketing.

This involves promoting products or services on your blog and earning a commission for any sales made through your unique affiliate link.

This can include anything from travel gear and accommodation to travel insurance and tours.

To be successful with affiliate marketing, you should only promote products or services that you genuinely believe in and that are relevant to your audience.

Advertising

Advertising is another way to make money from your travel blog. This can include display advertising, such as Google AdSense, or direct advertising, where companies pay to place ads on your blog.

Be sure to strike a balance between advertising and your overall user experience. Too many ads can be intrusive and turn readers away from your blog.

Creating and Selling Products

Finally, you can make money from your travel blog by creating and selling products. This can include anything from e-books and courses to physical products such as travel guides and merchandise.

When creating and selling products, focus on providing value to your audience and creating something that they will find useful and relevant.

Freelance writing

Additionally, you can offer freelance writing or photography services to other travel websites or publications.

Tips For Running A Successful Travel Blog

Build Your Online Presence

Embrace the power of social media to expand your travel blog’s reach and connect with a wider audience.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can help you showcase your travel experiences through captivating visuals and engaging content.

By regularly posting updates, sharing helpful tips, and interacting with followers, you can establish yourself as an influential figure in the travel blogging community. This increases your visibility and attracts more readers to your blog.

Utilize high-quality images and graphics

Utilize the power of high-quality images and graphics to enhance the visual appeal of your travel blog.

Captivating visuals can instantly grab the attention of your readers, making them more likely to engage with your content.

Utilize high-quality images and graphics

Incorporate stunning photographs from your travels or use royalty-free stock images that align with your blog’s theme.

These visuals not only make your blog visually appealing but also help in conveying the essence of each destination or experience you write about.

By giving readers a glimpse into what they can expect, you are able to create a more immersive and captivating reading experience.

In addition to utilizing high-quality images, don’t forget about using engaging infographics and eye-catching graphics as well.

Infographics are a great way to present information or statistics in a visually appealing manner, making it easier for readers to digest complex topics.

Eye-catching graphics such as maps, icons, or diagrams can also add visual interest and provide helpful context to your travel stories and tips.

Learn from Successful Travel Bloggers

Finally, learn from successful travel bloggers. Study their strategies and techniques and apply them to your own blog. Follow their social media accounts and engage with their content.

Attend blogging conferences and meet other bloggers in your niche.

By learning from successful travel bloggers, you can improve your promotion strategies and grow your blog.

Develop Your Unique Voice and Style

One of the most important things to do as a blogger is to develop your unique voice and style. This is what sets you apart from other bloggers and makes your content stand out.

Your voice should be authentic, and your style should be consistent across all your blog posts.

Create High-Quality Content

To be a successful travel blogger, you need to create high-quality content that engages your readers. This means writing well-researched, informative, and entertaining blog posts that are relevant to your niche.

Build Your Audience

Building an audience is critical to the success of your blog. You need to promote your blog on social media, collaborate with other bloggers, and engage with your readers. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create a community around your blog.

Monetize Your Blog

To make a living as a travel blogger, you need to monetize your blog. This can be done through advertising, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling products. Be transparent with your readers about your monetization strategies and only promote products and services that you believe in.

Stay Up-to-Date with Trends

The world of blogging is constantly changing, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

Stay Up-to-Date with Trends

Attend blogging conferences, read industry blogs, and network with other bloggers to stay ahead of the curve.

Create Static Web Pages

You need to create the main pages that will serve as the foundation of your website. These pages provide important information to your audience and establish a professional online presence.

Start by creating an “About” page, where you can introduce yourself and share your blog’s purpose. This page is crucial for building a connection with your readers and letting them know what they can expect from your content.

Next, create a “Contact” page so that visitors can easily reach out to you with questions or collaborations. Including a contact form or listing your email address helps make it convenient for people to get in touch.

Finally, consider adding other main pages such as a “Destinations” page where you feature specific locations you’ve traveled to or plan on visiting. You could also have a “Resources” page where you share helpful travel tips, packing lists, and recommended products.

Make sure that these pages are easy to find and navigate from your blog’s homepage.

Install essential plugins

To enhance the functionality and performance of your travel blog, install essential plugins that add extra features and capabilities to your website.

For example, you can use an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO to optimize your content for search engines and increase visibility. Another useful plugin is Akismet, which helps prevent spam comments on your blog posts.

Additionally, consider installing a social sharing plugin like ShareThis to make it easy for readers to share your content on social media platforms.

By utilizing these essential plugins, you can improve the user experience and ensure that your travel blog has all the necessary tools for success.

Develop a content schedule

Create a content schedule for your travel blog. When you plan out your blog posts in advance, you can ensure a consistent flow of fresh and engaging content for your readers.

Develop a content schedule

Start by determining how often you want to publish new posts, whether it’s once a week, twice a month, or any other frequency that works best for you. Then, brainstorm ideas for each post based on your target audience and unique selling point.

Consider incorporating relevant keywords from SEO research to optimize your articles for search engines. With a well-developed content schedule, you’ll be able to stay organized and consistently deliver valuable content to your readers.

Create pillar content

Pillar content refers to high-quality articles or posts that serve as the foundation of your blog, providing valuable and comprehensive information on a specific topic within the travel industry.

These cornerstone pieces should be well-researched, engaging, and packed with useful tips and insights for your audience. By creating pillar content, you establish yourself as an authority in your niche and attract more readers to your blog.

This can help improve your search engine rankings and increase organic traffic to your site. So take the time to craft informative and captivating pillar content that showcases your expertise and sets you apart from other travel bloggers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Blogging

Many aspiring bloggers question how they can turn their passion for travel into a profitable venture. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about making money from a travel blog.

How long does it take to start making money from a travel blog?

It varies greatly. Some bloggers may start earning within a few months, while others may take a year or two. It largely depends on your effort, content, and monetization strategy.

What are some ways to make money from a travel blog?

There are several strategies such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, selling products or services, and ad revenue. Remember, travel blogging can be a lucrative career choice with a high potential salary depending on your blog’s success.

Can I start a travel blog without traveling?

Yes. You can focus on topics like travel tips, destination research, or guest posts. This opens up income opportunities even without constant travel.

Having said that, nothing beats writing articles based on your personal experiences. You will have a better understanding of what it takes to travel and it will be evident in your work.

How much can I expect to earn from my travel blog?

Earnings from travel blogging are highly variable and depend on factors such as traffic, content quality, monetization strategies, and the niche’s competitiveness. Some bloggers make a few hundred dollars per month, while others earn a full-time income.

Can you start a travel blog on Instagram?

Yes, starting a travel blog based on a popular Instagram handle is possible. It combines visual storytelling with written content and allows for income through partnerships and sponsored posts.

Conclusion

Starting a travel blog can be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor, allowing you to share your adventures with others and potentially make money along the way.

By following these steps and putting in the effort to create compelling content, establish your online presence, and monetize your blog, you can set yourself up for success as a professional travel blogger.

Remember, creating a successful travel blog takes time and effort. You won’t become an overnight sensation, but with persistence, you can build a loyal following and start generating income from your blog.