A lot of people are asking me how can they have their own travel blog and I know you're here too because you're curious! So congrats on deciding to start a travel blog! Today, I'll guide you step-by-step on how to start your own travel blog, even if you're a beginner.
I've started blogging way back 2006, and I could say I'm pretty much a "veteran" when it comes to it. If you know my first ever website, you can scroll through archive.org's wayback machine and you'll be able to find most of the things I posted there 14 years ago.
Anyway, over the years, I have transitioned from a personal diary blog to a fashion blog. In 2016, I have finally decided to switch to travel because it's what I really love. I have garnered several sponsorships and got paid through blogging through out my 14 years of blogging (of course, up until today).
So without further ado, are you ready to start your own travel blog and earn money through it? Here's how!
Step 1: Pick your niche
The first step to start a blog is to decide your own niche. Do you really want a travel blog, a fashion blog, a tech blog, a finance blog, and so on?
If you've picked one category, you can also "niche down" further. I consider mine a "general" travel blog so I can cover anything under travel.
Here are some travel niche ideas:
- luxury travel
- budget travel
- couple travel
- solo travel
- family travel
- working abroad while travelling
- van life travel
Above are just a few examples you can do, but if you don't have any specific thing in mind yet. It's okay. Just write want you want along the way and you'll eventually find what specific niche you really want.
Step 2: Choose a domain name
Next step is to decide a domain name, so it's important to pick a good one.
TIP: Think long term. You don't want a domain name like "20 Something Travel" and after a few years time, it will no longer be relevant as you won't be 20 something anymore.
Step 3: Get a hosting
After you're done picking a good domain name you have to register it and get a web hosting. There are actually lots of pretty good web hosting companies out there. Mostly, you can also opt to buy your domain name with these companies along with your web hosting.
Step 4: Design your blog
Your blog will come with a default blog theme installed be it either Wordpress or Blogger. Don't worry blog themes can be changed.
If you want a more personalized website design, you can hire a web designer, or you can buy a blog theme online. You can customize the colors and fonts later on. For fonts, my usual go to resource is Font Bundles. They offer premium font freebies which you can choose from for your travel blog.
Step 5: Start writing
And you're done setting up your blog! It just needs content, so write to your heart's desire.
Don't know what to write? Here are some ideas you can do to get started:
- Destination guides (where to stay, what to do, what to eat, etc.)
- Top 10 things to do in a particular destination
- Packing list for a particular destination
- Travel tips or hacks (how to save money, how to book cheap flights, etc.)
- Reviews of hotels you have stayed at or tours you have taken
Remember, don't be afraid to write. Go on! By the way, don't forget to create your social media channels. Creating one is one of the most inexpensive way to get your readers go to your start while you're still starting. You can share your blog posts to your friends too.
It's a wrap!
So that's it! That's how to start a travel blog.
Now, go ahead, enjoy and make money with your new blog. I'll do another post on how to start making money while blogging, so keep your eyes peeled for it!
But making money while blogging doesn't stop there! You need to keep on learning something new each day. This industry is changing every day so you really need to put up the best you can offer to your readers. You can read others blogs, ask help and offer help, hone your skills, and you'll get there.
Here's something for you: "On your track to success, never forget that you are crossing many rivers. Yes you are! And each of those rivers contain crocodiles that may attempt to intimidate you. Never be afraid; sail on and you will get there." - Israelmore Ayivor
If you’re somewhat of a fashion connoisseur and want to get into this world in order to earn a living, then there are so many different outlets that you could choose. There are so many different avenues in this day and age due to the opportunities that are available to us. Over the past ten years or so, the common person on the street has been given so much access to how it’s done, and we have quite literally been shown the ropes from the comfort of our own home. It goes for many different fields and verticals, and fashion is just one associated with the list.
Of all the ways a person could make a living in the fashion industry using modern methods, influencing is a method that has become very popular – and for a good reason. Sure, the popularity means that the market may be a little saturated at times, but if you can find that uniqueness, then you’re good to go. It’s an excellent way to make a living and to mark down a wonderful career in this industry.
You probably know by now, or you wouldn’t have clicked on this article. But let’s just say that you aren’t fully aware of what an influencer is. It’s simply an individual (or group) with a large following. They’re able to use their profile to teach, guide, and influence people one way or another. It sounds a little too simple to be true, but it’s something that has proven to work for a while now. Big personalities and influential people are able to have a big say on things in this day and age.
If this sounds kind of interesting to you, then you’ll probably want to know a little more. You’ll probably also want a little more convincing as to how it’s such a great path to go down. Well, if you have a couple of minutes, here are a few reasons as to why influencing would be a lovely route to go down in the fashion world:
Everyone Is Scrolling Through Social Media
Social media is the main place that influencers operate. Influencing will be such a money-maker for people in this industry as there are so many people on social media. There are literally billions of impressions each month. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing for society, in general, is a debate that will probably be had at another point. The crux of the matter, though, is that, if you can get content out there that people will want, then you’ll be able to hit millions of eyes. Popularity, in this sense, equals opportunities.
Social Media And Similar Platforms Won’t Be Disappearing
So, we’ve established that these platforms are a pretty big deal. What we didn’t mention, however, is that they’ll be around for a while. They’re already taking over a lot of what we do, yet they’re still only in their infancy. There is so much to do on these things, yet there is so much potential going forward. By no means are influencers at the peak of their powers or on a downward slope.
It’s A Relatively Simple Set Of Tasks
The job itself isn’t simple – if it was a simple money-maker, then we’d all be doing it, of course! The idea of playing the part on Instagram and Twitter, etc. is pretty straightforward, though. You’ll have to make sure you time what you post, and be sure to deliver quality content, but once you’ve managed to submit your work, that’s it. These online platforms are a piece of cake to operate – it takes little-to-no time to get used to it all.
You Can Get Your Message Across So Quickly
Whatever you want to say, you can just say it. Within a matter of moments, your message will be seen by hundreds or even thousands. Sure, you’re probably going to want to take your time and meticulously plan out what you’re going to post, but if you’re pushed for time, then you can get an instant point across. Sometimes, influencers don’t even need to have the most amazing content – sometimes even a short, sweet tweet will do.
You Can Pick Up A Handsome Income!
Influencers are paid in a bunch of ways, but the main way they make their money using their title is through companies paying them to promote. In the fashion world, a company or a new startup will get in touch with an influencer in the hope that they will talk and post about a particular item or accessories that they’re bringing out. A simple Instagram post or tweet could be enough to increase sales massively for that company. Some companies pay lots and lots to get this kind of marketing.
You Work On Your Own Terms
You’ll be self-employed and living on your own terms. Nobody will be forcing you to do anything; your motivation will come from your own mind. This kind of career is great if you like the idea of freedom and hate the idea of having someone breathing down your neck every single day.
It’s A Lot Of Fun
At the end of the day, doing a job like this is pretty fun. If you’re quite the computer whiz and enjoy creating content for people to enjoy, then this would be the perfect role for you. If you’d rather be in a boring job that you hate, surrounded by people you don’t like, then that’s fine – most wouldn’t want that kind of thing, though.
You’ll Learn So Much From So Many People
While it’s a pretty straightforward way of living on the surface, there are still lots of tricks of the trade that can be learned. As you travel on this influencing journey, you’ll learn an awful lot of little tidbits, as well as general fashion knowledge that perhaps you hadn’t picked up before. You learn from others in the game who you interact with as well as followers of yours who comment and subscribe to your work.
You’ll Get To Travel The World
If things go well and you become quite a popular figure, then you’ll get the opportunity to work with all kinds of people from all over the world. Even if your work doesn’t lead you to the different corners of the planet, you’ll be able to travel due to the freedom you’ve acquired. Social media marketing and stuff like that are all worldwide tactics; it’s not just your country or continent that has this kind of ploy.
You Might Be Given Free Samples Due To Your Profile!
We talked about how influencing works with regards to partnering companies, but, due to your work, you might be given things as a goodwill gesture! By no means is this the main reason as to why anyone should get into this game, but it’s nice to have these kinds of benefits, isn’t it!
Many, Many Opportunities Arise In Other Areas
Being a figure on social media (or another online platform) will not be the only thing you’re able to do in this kind of world. So many other opportunities for work and money rear their pretty heads – especially once you raise your profile somewhat. You could become a blogger or a writer of some kind. You could even create your own range of items if you have enough confidence! You could create your own branded clothes, or simply start an online store like https://www.eyeglasses.com and sell collections. This is the kind of thing you should be thinking about anyway – if you’re ambitious, of course. Many streams of income is a very good thing!
I know, it's been a tough first half of 2020 for all of us, and I hope that you guys are still hanging up okay and doing great. We can do this together! I really wish that the pandemic will be over soon. Anyways, it's been a while since I last posted here on my blog and I'm really itching to travel now, but of course, you and I can't for now. Don't worry, you can still travel by travelling down "travel" memory lane by creating your own travel journal. Plus, you can plan your travels ahead too on your journal.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a scrapbook, with its photographs and mementos, is worth many more. Scrapbooks serve as a nostalgic link to the past and some of our best memories; they can hold everything from crinkled letters to a punched train ticket, a faded newspaper clipping , or a candid shot of a loved one we wouldn't dare to lose. If you love travelling and scrapbooking combine, why not combine your love for both.
For the uninitiated, keeping a travel journal allows you to record your thoughts, feelings, and things you’ve learned from your travels, and since you can revisit what you write, it’s kind of the best DIY souvenir, as far as your memory is concerned. And, bonus: It may even give your mental health a boost every time you thumb through it after the trip is over, says clinical psychologist John Mayer, PhD. “Open it up frequently and relive the experiences as an escape from the doldrums of everyday stress,” Mayer says.
If you don't know what to add in your travel scrapbook/journal. Here are some ideas you can put in your ultimate travel memorabilia.
1. Plane tickets
If you're like me who doesn't like throwing old plane tickets and have just kept them in a shoe box. You can actually add that to your travel scrapbook.
2. Polaroid pictures
I'm obsessed with polaroid pictures. That's why I've bought an Instax polaroid printer. You can actually wifi-share any of your pictures from your phone to the instax polaroid printer and just print anything you fancy.
If you don't have a polaroid camera or a polaroid printer, you can actually make one on your own. Cut out a piece of white contact paper to make it into a frame.
Bonus tip: Add a photo sleeve in your travel scrapbook so you could just slip in your photos.
Source: InstantSnap on Etsy
3. Sketches
If you’re artsy, why not draw on your travel journal for extra colour and flair. Don't worry there's no limit on what you can draw.
4. Maps
Map where you’ve been so you have a cute visual of your journey - an essential need when travelling! You can keep those free maps they're giving out at the airport and paste it in your book. You can draw one too. You can even make a map tracker to document the places you've been to.
5. Post cards
My favorite souvenir (aside from the memories) are images of the places I traveled to. If you're on a budget, this is one of my favorite ways to have keepsakes on my adventures!
Postcards are plentiful, lightweight, and inexpensive. A postcard on your travel journal is something you can create while traveling and then display it on a coffee table. It’s a lot of fun to flip through once you’re back from your trip – and it makes for a wonderful conversation starter.
6. Itinerary
It's not only about past travels you can keep in your travel scrapbook. You can also leap a schedule to remember where to go and what to do. You don’t need to be in the country that you will be traveling to to start your first journal. Travel journal can be used to plan your upcoming trips as well. In your journal, you can add the places you would like to visit followed by the itinerary plans, tours and more into your travel wishlist!
7. Your favorite things
Your travel journal is more of a workhorse than a show pony. You’ll get far more out of one you use all the time, where you write, do travel drawing or urban sketching, doodle and record with the intent that only you will ever see it. If you choose to show it to others later, fine.
Don’t forget any of those random cups of coffee and songs you heard at restaurants. The perfect travel journal entry!
8. Stickers
Make travel planning and journaling fun with any cute stickers you bought from your local craft store or from a shop abroad. Add adhesive labels or you can print your own stick-on banner svgs. These are a perfect addition to your bullet journal or personal planner. They can be easily carried in a planner or a storage pocket.
9. Ticket stubs
Gather ticket stubs from museums, concerts, attractions, airlines or trains. Add a little envelope on your travel scrapbook. Keeping travel ticket stubs is a great way to hang on to keepsakes from your trips. This idea helps create a scrapbook travel journal while you’re on the road.
Top Tips for Travel Journalling:
- It’s not about it being perfect – bad handwriting and wonky photos add character!
- It doesn’t have to be top quality travel scrapbook – write for yourself and the things you think are important. No one else has to read it!
- The best travel journal is the one you stick to – there’s no point just writing one day and forgetting about it!
- There are no rules when it comes to how to write a travel journal. Just write what comes to mind!
What I love most about creating travel journals is just how personal it feels to have a tangible keepsake that is created solely by me. It takes my mind away from over-sharing on social media and directs it to creating an actual piece of art. It’s refreshing and really, really gets my imagination’s muscles in check. Plus, who wouldn’t love to whip out a super interesting book of adventures when one of your relatives undoubtedly asks how your trip was? Because we all know that’s going to happen.
Did you know, you can make unlimited designs on your own. Just browse for any graphics you want on Design Bundles to put on your travel scrapbook, birthday invitations, or more. Get creative and enjoy!
I would love to see your travel journals. Let me know, if you did and I will feature them here.
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