How to become a Travel Blogger ?

Most people I meet often say “gosh you travel for free so amazing!” and then promptly go on to say “I am going to become a Travel Blogger so I to can travel for free.” Sorry to pop your bubble but nothing is for FREE and there is a lot more that happens behind the scenes than just the pretty  pictures and videos.A blogger is defined as :

A blogger is defined as a person who keeps a Web log “blog” who publishes a regular record of their thoughts, opinions, or experiences which is shared on the internet for people to read.

Struggles of a Travel Blogger :

• Late nights spent working.
• Editing blog posts.
• Editing photos.
• Learning to take better pics.
• Running out of space of your mobile phone.
• Learning the technical jargon.
• Using social media to share your work and create a following.
• Running out of battery life.
• Missing out on enjoying a moment because we are busy documenting our travels.
• Working while everyone else is out partying.
• Early morning flights.
• Living out of a suitcase.
• Juggling deadlines.
• Chasing up payments.
• Becoming an accountant.

When I started my blogging journey ,I had no idea what to do and just wrote at that point I did not know much about the blogging world,sponsored posts and SEO.But over time the more time I spent online the more I learnt.I have over the years helped bloggers sharing some of what I learnt along the way and I am by no means an expert as I firmly believe that learning is a life long process.

Perks of becoming a Travel Blogger :

• The opportunity to become a freelancer.
• Travel opportunities.
• Travel blogger friends around the world.
• Knowledge of the best places,best deals and best things to do.
• Be able to work remotely.
• Work with amazing brands like hotels,clothing brands,airlines and luggage companies.
• Become apart of a travel blogger international community.
• You see places through different eyes and not that of a typical tourist.
• Become an expert and a source of reference.
• Getting paid for your expert knowledge on topics.

The awesome folks at Travelstart spoke to local South African Bloggers and put together this very informative infographic on how to become a Travel Blogger.Do yourself a favour and save this cause I know I will be revisiting this again and again.

My thoughts on becoming a Travel Blogger :

• Be passionate about your blog and content.
• Explore locally first.
• Create an audience that means building numbers on your various social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
• Be humble.
• Become your brand.
• Interact with other bloggers and your readers.
• Write from your experiences.
• Let your blog be your own voice.
• Do not copy other be unique.
• Use original photos or stock images do not use images from Google as this is not legal and you could be charged.There are various stock image sites that are free.
• Learn about SEO.
• Read other blogs ,share them and comment on them.
• Look after yourself while you travel self care is very important to keep you sane.

I collaborated with the folks at Travelstart on this post.Let me know if this post is useful and if you have any questions.
Be Inspired !
Ciao
xxx