How To Start A Travel Blog & Make Money While You Explore

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So, you want to start a travel blog? It’s one of the best ways to share your journey, keep your memories safe, and even help others plan their adventures. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or exploring hidden spots in your home city, start a travel blog to give yourself a space to tell your story in your voice.

And the best part? It can turn into more than just a hobby. Many travel bloggers earn money through ads, affiliate links, or work with brands. So, if you’re passionate about travel and enjoy writing, this could be a great path for you.

Today, we’ll explain how to start a travel blog. You don’t need to be a tech wizard or a pro writer. We’ll cover all the basics, from picking your blog’s name to writing your first post, so you can get started with confidence and have fun along the way.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Select a clear travel niche that aligns with your passion and helps you stand out.
• Use WordPress for control, easy customization, and better ways to grow your blog.
• Get hosting and a domain from a provider that offers free SSL and a beginner-friendly setup.
• Choose a clean theme, setup key plugins, and organize your blog layout to provide a smooth user experience.
• Write helpful posts, including destination guides and travel tips, using SEO-friendly titles and keywords.
• Share your blog on social media, join travel communities, and build backlinks to increase traffic.
• Monetize with ads, affiliate links, digital products, or services, such as trip planning.
• Keep your blog updated, track traffic with analytics, and expand your content over time.
• Protect your blog with regular backups, updates and security scans to keep it running smoothly.

What is a Travel Blog?

A travel blog is a website where travelers document their journeys, share travel-related content, and provide helpful information for readers interested in travel. Many travel blogs also include useful resources, such as packing lists, itineraries, and budget tips.

Here are a few good examples of people who started a travel blog and have been successful:

The Blonde Abroad

This blog focuses on solo female travel, packing guides, and destination tips.

Two Wandering Soles

Focuses on sustainable travel, digital nomad life, and eco-friendly tips.

Nomadic Matt

A blog on budget travel, saving money on the road, and long-term travel.

Expert Vagabond

All about adventure travel, photography, and gear reviews.

Adventurous Kate

It concentrates on solo female travel, safety tips, and lifestyle advice. This blog offers honest and personal stories, along with practical travel tips. Kate covers popular and lesser-known destinations from the perspective of a solo traveler.

How to Start a Travel Blog?

To start a travel blog may sound scary at first, but it’s simple when you break it into small steps. You don’t need to do everything at once. Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll build something great. Here’s a quick look at the main steps you’ll follow in this tutorial:

1. Pick a niche.
2. Choose a blogging platform.
3. Get hosting and a domain name.
4. Setup your blog.
5. Write your first blog post.
6. Promote your blog.
7. Monetize your blog.
8. Maintain your travel blog.

Each of these steps builds on the one before it. As you go through them, you’ll learn new things and get more confident. Now, let’s discuss each step in detail.

Pick a Travel Niche

Your niche is the main topic your travel blog will focus on. It helps you choose what to write about and who you’re writing for. When you have a clear niche, it’s easier to connect with readers, stand out from other blogs, and grow your audience faster.

To find your niche, start by asking yourself a few simple questions:

• What’s your favorite way to travel (solo, with family, on a budget, etc.)?
• What type of trips have you taken that others may learn from?
• Who do you want to assist with your blog (students, busy parents, retired couples, etc.)?
• What stories or tips are you excited to share?

Once you answer these questions, you’ll start to see a pattern. That’s your niche.

To stand out, try going one step deeper by choosing a micro-niche. Instead of simply “travel”, you could focus on “budget solo travel” for women or “luxury family vacations in America”. A micro-niche helps you speak directly to a smaller group that’s looking for exactly what you offer.

Before you invest a lot of time and effort, it’s smart to check if people are interested in your topic. To do this, you can use Google Trends to see how popular your niche is. You can search for travel terms and compare them to see which ones are rising in interest.

Also, think about how you might earn from your niche in the future. Some niches are more profitable than others. For instance, you can promote affiliate links for travel gear, offer travel guides, sell e-books, or even earn money by recommending tours and hotels. Picking a niche that fits your passion and has profit potential can help you grow your blog into more than just a hobby.

Choose a Travel Blogging Platform

Before you start a travel blog, you need to choose a hosting platform. This means picking the platform that’ll power your website. There are 2 main types:

1. Hosted.
2. Self-hosted.

A hosted platform (like website builders, WordPress.com, or Google Blogger) handles most of the setup for you. It’s easy to use, but there are limits. You don’t have full control over your site, and some features may not be permitted unless you pay extra. These include:

• Custom themes.
• Advanced plugins.
• Certain ways to make money.

On the other hand, a self-hosted platform gives you full control. The most popular option is WordPress.org, and it’s what most professional bloggers use. With a self-hosted WordPress blog, you can fully customize your site, install powerful plugins, and scale it as your blog grows.

Here’s why WordPress is a smart choice:

• Website Customization: Select from thousands of themes and tweak your blog to look just how you want.
• Plugins: There’s a plugin for so much, including a contact form, image gallery, SEO help, or a travel map.
• Monetization: You can place ads, use affiliate links, or even sell your products without limits.
• Scalability: Whether you’re writing one post a month or running a full travel brand, WordPress can grow with you.
• Community support: You’ll find a huge WordPress community ready to help with guides, forums, and videos.

So, if you’re serious about blogging and want freedom to grow, go with a self-hosted WordPress site. It takes a little more setup, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Get Hosting & a Domain

To start a travel blog, you need web hosting and a domain name. Hosting is a service that stores your website’s files and makes your blog visible online. You can think of it as the home where your blog lives. A domain name is your blog’s address on the internet (e.g., mytravelblog.com), which people type in to find your site.

Many hosting providers, including Hosted.com®, offer both hosting and a free domain in one plan. They provide simple setup, beginner-friendly dashboards, and affordable starter plans. Ensure the plan you pick includes a free SSL certificate, which helps keep your blog secure and builds trust with visitors.

When choosing a hosting plan, look for:

• A data center location close to where most of your readers will be. This helps your blog load faster.
• A plan that offers enough storage and bandwidth to grow with your blog.
• Extras like email accounts, one-click WordPress install, and automatic backups.

You can check out the following tutorial we compiled, a detailed guide on what to consider when choosing a hosting plan:

Best WordPress Hosting for Beginners: What to Look for

Now, let’s talk about your domain name. Pick something short, easy to spell, and related to your niche. You can use the Hosted.com® Domain Checker tool to see if your domain idea is available.

If the name you want is taken, try adding simple words (like “travelwith” or “journeyto”) to create a unique version that still makes sense. Or, you can also use Hosted.com®’s AI Domain Name Generator to create multiple variations of your desired domain name.

Once you’ve found the perfect domain and hosting combination, you’re ready to move forward and setup your blog. This step is where your idea begins to take shape as a real website.

Setup Your Travel Blog on WordPress

Once you’ve got your hosting and domain ready, it’s time to begin a travel blog setup. WordPress is the most popular platform for bloggers because it’s flexible, powerful, and easy to use, even for beginners.

If you’re using WordPress hosting, the setup is super simple. Most hosts explain the process step by step right after you buy your plan. If you’re using regular hosting with cPanel, look for the Install WordPress option in your dashboard, then click, fill in a few details (site name, admin login), and you’re done.

Next, it’s time to pick a theme. This controls how your blog looks. WordPress has thousands of free and premium themes to choose from. If you want a head start, some hosting providers offer AI-based website builders that can design a basic layout for you. Choose something clean and easy to read, especially on mobile devices.

Once you have your theme, focus on your design basics:

• Choose a simple color palette that fits your travel style (cool blues for beach blogs, warm tones for desert travel).
• Pick easy-to-read fonts for your body text and headings.
• Create or upload a logo to give your blog a unique brand.
• Organize your layout with a clear menu, a search bar, and sections for your posts, the About Page, and Contact Information.

Now, install some must-have plugins to help your blog run smoothly. Include some of the following:

• Yoast SEO helps your posts show up in search engines.
• WP Rocket or other caching plugins to make your site faster.
• Google Site Kit to track how people find and use your blog.
• Photo Gallery or interactive map plugins to showcase your travel photos and routes.
• Wordfence plugin to protect your site from hackers and spam.

Lastly, plan your content structure. Think about the categories you want; for example:

• Destinations.
• Travel Tips.
• Packing Lists.
• Food and Dining Out.

You can also break those down into smaller subcategories. This keeps your blog organized and helps readers find what they need. You can use topic clusters (a group of related posts) to boost website SEO and create deeper content around a single theme, such as “Backpacking in Colorado”.

By the end of this step, your travel blog will be ready for the world. Next, it’s time to start writing and publishing your first posts.

Write & Publish Your First Travel Blog Posts

Now that your blog is setup, it’s time to start writing. However, before you begin to write, think about who you’re writing for. This person is your ideal reader or travel persona. Are they solo travelers on a budget? Families planning their first trip abroad? Adventure lovers or food-focused explorers? Knowing who you’re speaking to helps you write content they will care about.

After that, brainstorm post ideas. You can think about what you’d want to read if you were planning a trip. Some easy ideas include:

• A recap of your favorite trip.
• A list of must-pack items for a specific destination.
• Step-by-step itineraries.
• Travel tips for beginners.
• Food experiences, best-kept secrets or hidden spots on your journey.

Ensure your titles and headings are SEO-friendly. This means using words people search for, such as “3-Day Itinerary for Paris” or “Best Travel Backpacks Under $100”.

You can use free tools, including Google Keyword Planner:

Or use Ubersuggestto find good keywords:

When writing, keep your paragraphs short and easy to scan. Use bullet points or numbered lists when you’re sharing steps or tips. Add images from your trips to make the post more visually appealing and break up the content using content blocks to prevent it from looking too long or messy.

Don’t forget to optimize your post meta. That includes:

• Post Title: Keep it clear and keyword-rich.
• Slug: The short URL ending (e.g., /paris-itinerary).
• Meta Description: A small summary that shows up in search results.
• Featured Image: A strong, eye-catching photo that reflects the post topic.

Before you hit ‘publish’, go through a quick checklist:

1. Preview the post to ensure it reads well and is visually appealing.
2. Check mobile view to confirm it’s easy to read on phones.
3. Read it out loud to catch anything that feels off.
4. Fix any spelling or grammar issues.

You can also schedule your posts if you are targeting an audience from different time zones.

Remember, your first post doesn’t need to be perfect. What matters most is that you start a travel blog. As you publish more, you’ll find your style and learn what your readers enjoy most.

Promote Your Travel Blog & Grow Traffic

Once your blog is live and you’ve published a few posts, it’s time to get people to visit. Writing is just one part, whereas promotion is what brings readers in and helps your blog grow. To do this:

Begin with the basics of Search Engine Optimization to help search engines find and understand your blog. Here are a few key steps to get started:

• Use an SEO plugin (Yoast SEO, Rank Math, All In One SEO) to create and submit a sitemap, which tells search engines about your site structure.
• Ensure your blog is set to be indexed in your WordPress settings so Google can include it in search results.
• Work on building backlinks (links from other websites to yours), which improve your blog’s authority and visibility in search rankings.

Next, use social media to share your posts. Don’t just post a link; instead, repurpose your content.

• Turn travel tips into Instagram carousels.
• Share videos on TikTok and YouTube.
• Post destination guides as pins on Pinterest.

These platforms help you reach a wider audience who enjoys travel content.

Additionally, join online communities where your ideal readers hang out. Share your blog on Reddit, Quora, or travel forums to add value to the conversation. Always be helpful, don’t just drop links. Over time, people will notice your blog and start visiting it.

Moreover, build an email list early. Add a newsletter signup form on your blog to collect emails. Use email tools like MailerLite or Kit (formerly ConvertKit) to send regular updates, share new posts, or offer a free guide and tutorials. Email provides you with direct access to your audience and keeps them returning.

Finally, try guest posting on other travel blogs. Reach out to other bloggers in your niche and offer to write a post for them. In return, you can usually add a link back to your blog. This helps with SEO and gets your name in front of new readers. It’s also a great way to make connections when you start a travel blog.

Remember, the more consistent you are with promotion, the more your traffic will grow. Keep testing what works best and focus on building real connections with your audience.

Monetize Your Travel Blog

After you start a travel blog, you need to wait a while until it gets traffic, and you can turn it into a source of income. There are many ways to make money, and the best part is that you can mix and match these methods based on what fits your blog and audience.

One of the easiest ways to start is through display ads, using tools like Google AdSense. You earn a small amount each time someone views or clicks on an ad placed on your blog. It’s passive and easy to setup, especially once you have regular visitors.

Another great option is affiliate marketing. This means you recommend travel gear, hotels, or booking platforms, and earn a commission when someone purchases through your link. For example, you can link to backpacks on Amazon or promote hotel bookings through Booking.com or GetYourGuide.

If you’ve got helpful information to share, consider selling digital products. You can create e-books, travel guides, or ready-to-use trip itineraries. These are easy to deliver and can keep earning money over time. If you’re a Hosted client, you can use WooCommerce optimized WordPress hosting, which simplifies selling directly from your travel blog.

You can also offer services. If you’re experienced in travel planning, photography, or writing, you can sell consulting sessions or trip planning services. People will pay for one-on-one assistance if they trust your advice.

As your audience grows, think about offering members-only content. For this, you can use MemberPress to give paying subscribers access to bonus blog posts, behind-the-scenes content, or travel checklists.

Lastly, don’t overlook brand collaborations and sponsored content. Travel brands might pay you to review a product, write a post, or feature their service, especially if your blog has loyal readers or a strong social media reach.

Realize that monetizing your travel blog takes time, but with the right mix of strategy and tools, you can transform your passion into profit while helping others explore the world.

Maintain & Scale Your Blog

Once your travel blog is live and growing, it’s essential to keep it running smoothly and take steps to expand it. To do this, track your blog’s performance using Google Analytics to see how many people are visiting, where they’re coming from, and what posts they read most.

Look at page views, bounce rate, and conversions to understand what’s working for your website and where you can improve.

To keep your content fresh, regularly update old posts. Fix broken links, add new tips, and improve your SEO with stronger keywords or better headlines. This helps your content stay relevant and continue ranking well in search engines.

As your blog grows, look for ways to expand your content. You can explore new destinations, write about various travel styles, or branch out into related topics such as food, photography, or the digital nomad lifestyle. Ensure everything still fits your overall niche and is helpful to your audience.

Also, don’t forget about technical maintenance. Keep your site healthy by:

• Running regular backups.
• Updating WordPress, themes, and plugins.
• Running security scans to catch malware or threats early.

These steps help protect your blog from crashes, hacks, or bugs that could affect your traffic or income.

The more you care for your blog, the stronger it gets. By tracking your progress, keeping things fresh, and making smart updates, you’ll build a site that not only grows, but lasts.

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