As you will have noticed this month, my goal for 2016 is to travel: wherever I can, whenever I get a chance. Obviously the practicalities of this are slightly different to what I can actually do, which at the moment relies on me being able to book time off from work. However, in the last five or so years travel blogging has become professionalised. Sure, lots of people will take work freelancing, teaching, or in the hospitality industry to fund their lifestyles while abroad, but many of these people are able to translate their experiences into a source of revenue.
Last year a post by a couple who had left their comfortable, salaried jobs in Johannesburg, South Africa to go travelling went viral and was widely reported in the news when they revealed that their blog and social media profiles hide the harsher realities of travelling. The tight budget and long hours of seeing the world also meant taking on odd jobs, usually as hotel maids, to fund each leg of their adventures. Their lifestyle blog, while showing off the highs and some stunning photos from their adventures, failed to sustain them. That said, there is a market for travel blogs – if you’ve ever planned a holiday, you’ll find that travel blogs are a really handy source of information about everything from particular destinations to packing light.
A quick google for ‘successful travel blogging’ brings up oodles of results from veteran travel bloggers and industry experts. Columbus Insurance’s industry observers note that the most successful bloggers update whenever they can, stay focused on their travels (not their personal lives), and be friendly to readers and fellow bloggers. If you’re not sure where to start, it’s easy to find travel blogs on StumbleUpon or even get yourself on Twitter to participate in the regular blogger chats – follow @lbloggers for a regular #lbloggers chat every week to network and get feedback.
Lifehacker have a handy infographic for the financial side of travel blogging, reminding us that only the really successful bloggers can live off advertising alone – there’s a lot of behind the scenes work including consultancy and affiliate posts. The general rule of thumb seems to be to choose a niche and become a leading storyteller within that niche – persistence pays off. The first free meal a travelling food blogger earns will taste pretty sweet!
The wonderful thing about blogging is that it’s really opened up a new platform for travel writing, making it easier than ever before to see so many perspectives from so many backgrounds and budgets.
What are your favourite travel blogs or writing tips?
**This is a collaborative post**
Rachel says
I am a huge fan of travel blogs, I love the photos and the food and I always debate whether there are some places I need to visit x
Miranda says
Me too
Kara says
I started travel blogging in 2013 although have always featured days out. People are surprised by how long it takes and it does impact on the day out too as you need to get those all important photos
Miranda says
I know what you mean it takes a while but totally worth it once done
Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops says
I love reading travel blogs, but I can imagine it’s hard work and a lot goes in to it. But to read it’s so reward – those beautiful photos, the inspiration. I know how much time my blog takes and I can’t imagine what else there is with travel too.
Miranda says
Me too I can’t get enough of travelblogs but I also want both the negative and positive surrounding it
Zena's Suitcase says
No one should underestimate the amount of work that goes into any kind of blogging. It takes time and a lot of effort to get anywhere, and I love how you have pointed out how much there is to it
Miranda says
Thank you Zena
Jenni says
I like reading travel blogs to get ideas of places to go but I would want them to write honestly, saying the negative points as well x
Miranda says
Absolutely I am the same. Some do but not most
Ana De- Jesus says
Do you know what the blog of the people whose post went viral is called? I would like to read it because I admire that they revealed the truth and did not sugarcoat their experience.
Miranda says
I can not remember the link but it was on dailymail so you could try searching there in travel
Nadia Marie says
I think blogging about travels often helps others wanting to go to the same places you’ve been to see things that perhaps they had not considered at all. I often like to look at travel blogs to get an idea of what places I too might like to see for myself. I look forward to seeing more of your travel posts Myra! 😀
Miranda says
Thanks so much Nadia, I consult fellow bloggers when going where I have never been and sometimes even to those have been but might not have explored all
Donna @ Little Lilypad Co says
I love to travel but I don’t tend to blog about it but I know that I probably should.
I think my girls get sick of the photos everyday and like to take the holidays “off”. That said, there are some amazing travel blogs out there and am looking forward to reading more of your travels
Miranda says
Whenever I can I like to blog about my travels especially since it is just me and friends (sometimes)
Laura @ Life with Baby Kicks says
We love to travel and to take our boys a long as well. I do blog about if but I don’t solely blog about travel as I would find it fairly repetitive. I have had chance to work with a travel brand recently and it’s been a fantastic experience!
Miranda says
How awesome is that, I would love to work with a travel brand one day. Thanks for stopping by
Tiffany says
I must admit I have only recently discovered travel blogs and I normally have nothing less than envy for the ability to seemingly pick up and go to such amazing destinations. That said, I also realize doing it isn’t always easy. I can’t wait until my Hubby and I get to a place where we can travel a bit more but I also keeping that what I read may not be all that is behind getting there.
Miranda says
Absolutely, every traveller has a story behind how they got where they are and though some will only show the good part it’s important to show the other side too
Ana says
I love to travel and specially overseas, the world is incredibly interesting and there is so much to see and learn. I also like a lot travel blogs, is very cool to read different perspectives and ways people can enjoy one same destination.
Miranda says
I love traveling too and want to visit everything
rochkirstin says
I like sharing travel itineraries to help other people who are planning to visit the same place. It also helps to post budget and saving tips. Readers often find it useful to see how much money was spent in food, entrance fees, etc.
Miranda says
I am working my way up to that since I know I find them useful someone else might too
Jamie H says
I hope you’re able to make the dream of travel blogging a reality! I love to travel and always have, and I keep thinking that I need to write blog posts about it when I do– I don’t know what’s holding me back from it. But it’s something I need to start doing so I have examples, so I can attempt to travel for cheaper in exchange for reviews and such. And as my kids get older, I hope to be able to give them the experiences of new cultures that only traveling can give.
Miranda says
Thank you I hope it comes true too. Start writing it like a diary just for you and see how you feel about.
Stephanie says
I love to travel! Thankfully, my husband and son do as well, so adventures together are always fun. I haven’t started really blogging about any of our trips but I would love to in the future. Travel blogs have provided me with lots of great tips and tricks that have made many of our vacations smoother.
Miranda says
I love to travel too and now getting into documenting about my travels is fun
Kiwi says
Travel blogging has been added as a major influence to my lifestyle blog! I have to travel now and now that I can travel internationally I want the world to know as well! I am really trying to be a professional travel journalist in the near future too so thanks for this confirming post!
Miranda says
I am glad to hear it and good luck hope your dreams are realised
Chris says
My husband and I traveled a lot, especially weekend. Were really enjoyed it and I’m just happy to have a fun adventure with my husband.
Miranda says
That’s nice I want to do that with MOH this year
Mommy Pehpot says
I love travelling with my family and sometimes I got an invite to travel as a blogger but I always decline if it means I have to leave my kids.
Miranda says
I love traveling too and would definitely love to get an invite to travel
Kim Croisant says
I’m such a homebody that I’m okay with not traveling as much as some bloggers I see. Every now and then would be awesome for me. I’d love to see the world for free and write about it…and actually get paid to do it, but not every week. I sometimes don’t see how travel bloggers can keep up with traveling and family and their personal lives. I do go to blogs when I;m interested in a vacation though.
Miranda says
I know what you mean, I would love to get paid traveling but not weekly more like twice a month would be awesome
Cara (@StylishGeek) says
Such an interesting post! Thanks so much for sharing! I do agree with you that blogging has opened up a whole new perception for travel writers. Me for one tend to be more observant when I travel knowing I will be doing a blogging piece on my experience. I would say because I do this I tend to savor the experience even more!
Miranda says
Thank you, absolutely
Fashion and Style Police says
I am not into travel blogs to be honest. I find them boring but I love to travel.
Miranda says
That’s interesting to know, thanks for your honest feedback
Rhian Westbury says
Travelling the world is the ultimate dream, but I think i’ll have to stick to going away for long weekends or a week or two. This year my challenge is to leave the country once every month so hopefully I can stick to that, good luck with your travelling more! x
Miranda says
Mine too and I am doing a lot long weekend travels too