Summary
“How do I become a travel blogger?” That’s a question we get a lot. People that run their own business in the real world work 18 hours a day to achieve success, and so do people who run successful travel blogs. We put in long hours every day. Luckily, we love what we do.
Our long hours at the computer and all the time spent traveling for several months of the year, doing research on the destination, and taking countless photographs…well, that’s fun for us.
Do You Want to be a Travel Blogger?
Many travel bloggers decide to start a blog because they want to leave the rat race and that is fine. I understand wanting to give up your career or take a break to travel the world. Many people are quite happy to take a year off, write about their experience, and then go back to their jobs.
Becoming a Professional Travel Blogger is Hard Work
However, if you decide to become a professional travel blogger because you think it will be easy to make money, and that you will get away from the long hours and stress of business, you better think again. Travel blogging is hard work. But the hard work is worth it!
We travel blog because we love everything about it. Besides the travel and being together, we love writing, taking photographs, and making videos. Dave and I were willing to put everything we had into turning our dreams into a reality.
When we had setbacks or failures, we were willing to re-evaluate our situation, make the changes that needed to be made, and start again.
Questions to Ask Before You Become a Travel Blogger
Before you begin to think of being a professional travel blogger, ask yourself a few questions.
Are you only in it for the money?
Making money as a travel blogger is secondary. Creating good content, giving our readers information, entertaining our followers, and being authentic are all first and foremost. When you focus on the right things, the money will come.
We have made a mid-six-figure income for several years as travel bloggers, and financial freedom is within reach. Had we focused on that at the beginning of our professional travel blogger careers, I don’t think we would be where we are today.
Are you willing to make a solid plan and stick to it?
Dave and I went into this business with a plan. We didn’t have the fantasy that it was going to be a permanent vacation, and we didn’t think that we’d suddenly be working a 4-hour work week.
To us, being a travel blogger was a career change, not a career break. We work hard, we have a plan, we are passionate about what we do, and we are willing to adapt when things don’t work out.
Are You Willing to Put in the Time to Make Your Travel Blog a Success?
It takes years for any business to succeed, and being a travel blogger is no different. You most likely won’t be an overnight success as a travel blogger, and you will have to work hard to meet your goals, perhaps for a couple of years before you even start to see a payoff.
But, if travel and blogging are things that you are passionate about, you will have the time of your life getting there.
As professional travel bloggers, we often hear comments like “Wow, you have a great life!” and “What do you mean work, you never work!” However, while it is true that we are living the dream, we worked hard to get here, and we love every minute of it. If we can do it, you can too!
Are You Willing to Think of Your Travel Blog as a Business?
That is the first question that you want to ask yourself. Do you want to be a travel blogger for fun, or do you want to be in this business? If you just want to write about your experiences on the road for friends and family, no worries.
But, if you want to make money with your travel blog in the future, you need to start thinking of travel blogging as a business. Have a plan for where you want to be in a few years and be prepared to re-evaluate when necessary.
Are you willing to photograph and share everything?
Even the most mundane things like taking a photo of yourself working at the airport can help to tell the story. You need to take photographs of everything that you do in your travels.
Sometimes you won’t feel like it and would prefer to just sit and listen on a tour, but if you want to share the experience on your blog, you will have to ensure to capture anything that could be relevant.
Are you willing to have your life on display?
Since we started out as travel bloggers, the business has changed significantly. At first, we only had to focus on creating content for iBestTravel.
Now we have to share our daily experiences on social media sites that seem to change yearly. Platforms like SnapChat and Google Plus came and went, while TikTok, Instagram Stories, and Facebook Live have emerged.
This constant demand means we have to consistently show our audience what we are doing in the moment. It’s more work now, but we still make the bulk of our income off travel blogging and will never relinquish our roles as travel bloggers. Being successful in this arena requires engagement across all platforms.
Are you ready to take notes on everything while being completely immersed in the history and culture?
Writing about your experience is not enough as a professional travel blogger. You need to learn about the history and significance of the place that you are visiting.
You must discover important details, such as costs, directions, and activities. It’s essential to guide your readers on how to get to the destination and what they should do upon arrival. You can’t just float through a tour or a destination as an observer; you need to be an active participant.
Your goal should be to provide your readers with the best experience possible, and being informed is a significant aspect of that.
Will you put in the hours after a long day of adventures to upload photos, write a post, and edit videos?
I know, you’d prefer to be out enjoying leisure time, but as a travel blogger, you need to dedicate your evenings to sorting through footage, drafting blog posts, and organizing your photos.
There’s much work to be done each day; all those notes you took while sightseeing now need attention and transformation into compelling articles for your readers.
Are you willing to go to see a sight or take part in an activity even if you don’t feel like it?
You’ve been traveling for an extended period and may feel burnt out, wanting to relax instead. However, when building a business, you can’t just abandon your efforts when you’re tired.
The same goes for starting as a travel blogger. You need to continue working, especially during early stages when you’re focusing on audience growth.
Readers expect fresh content, which means you must also network and promote yourself. During leisure time at the beach, remaining prepared to continue working is essential.
Can you Really Change your Lifestyle?
You have just left your high-paying job to pursue the dream of becoming a travel blogger. Travel can be expensive, and it may take at least a year before establishing your online presence and generating income.
Expenses can accumulate quickly between flights, hotels, and activities, leading to a tight budget for the first couple of years. Ask yourself how much you are willing to sacrifice to chase your dreams.
Do you have the funds to last while you build your business?
While the stunning photos on Instagram depict luxury accommodations, that is not the reality for most aspiring travel bloggers. You usually won’t secure those perks until you’ve built a following.
For nearly two years, Dave and I funded our travels out of pocket, using savings and staying in affordable lodgings to document experiences like India’s most exciting festival. This budgeting allowed us to travel extensively while focusing on developing our readership and social media presence.
Are you willing to answer comments from fans and followers who have questions about travel?
Being a travel blogger entails much more than publishing posts. You’ll need to respond to comments, manage emails, communicate with sponsors and advertisers, and assist fellow travelers seeking advice.
The behind-the-scenes work often takes up more time than simply writing a post or uploading a photo, especially as your audience grows.
Can you make an editorial schedule and stick to it?
Initially, writing multiple posts per week may have felt enjoyable; however, it can become burdensome when balancing your work with travel. Nevertheless, you must maintain consistency based on a predetermined schedule.
Your readers will come to expect your posts, and any sudden disruptions can lead to a decline in readership. Whether you decide to post weekly or bi-weekly, it is crucial to adhere to your set plan.
Are you willing to adapt?
Many people might resist change if something isn’t working out. However, instead of complaining about stagnation, reevaluate your business plan. If your blog is not attracting visitors, consider what adjustments you might need.
While maintaining your integrity and writing from the heart is essential, if no one is visiting your blog, you must assess shortcomings and contemplate improvements.
Adaptation is feasible without abandoning your core values or writing style. Experimenting with approaches that better connect with your audience may be necessary for success.
How We Adapted to Become Travel Bloggers
Before embarking on a travel blogging career, Dave and I aspired to have a TV show to fulfill our travel dreams.
When that initial goal didn’t materialize, we sought ways to enhance our profile, ultimately leading to the blog’s creation. Over the years, we have adjusted our strategies, enhancing our connection with readers and peers.
By remaining true to our values while being flexible and embracing change, we were approached by a TV station for a weekly segment. Without our willingness to adapt, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Do you have what it takes to promote yourself?
My mom gave me the best advice when I worried about sharing our successes. She said, “If you don’t promote yourself, who will?” Travel companies, PR agencies, and tourist boards need to be aware of all your accomplishments.
The more you do, the more you should communicate it. Share where else you can be found online or which publications you’re writing for. Notify people when you are interviewed or recognized with awards.
These achievements are attractive to potential collaborators and sponsors. As such, you may need to act as your own publicist and maximize your visibility.
So, do you still want to be a travel blogger?
Travel blogging can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor. However, it’s essential to understand the demands it places on your life and career aspirations. Here are some resources to support you as you start your journey:
For Photography, we highly recommend – Photographing the World by Elia Locardi in partnership with F-Stoppers
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to plan your next adventure? Consider using resources that have been tried and tested by experienced travelers:
Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals with Skyscanner.
Your Hotel: For the best hotel prices, utilize these providers: for Europe, use Booking.com, and for other areas, consider TripAdvisor.
Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Ensure you’re protected with travel insurance:
- Safety Wing – For occasional travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, or private guides? We recommend Get Your Guide.
If you need further assistance with your trip planning, be sure to explore our Resources Page highlighting trusted travel companies.
