How to Start a Travel Blog for Beginners

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