How to start a travel blog and make it your job – just remember, it’s not all beach hammocks and cocktails at sunset

From finding your niche to platforms and monetisation, these tips will set you on the path to becoming a successful travel blogger

It might seem like a crazy time to think about starting a travel blog but there could be opportunities as the industry slowly reopens

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Nomadic Matt is probably the world’s best known travel blogger. Follow these tips and maybe you could turn a travel interest into a dream job.

Published: 9:15pm, 12 Jul 2020Updated: 6:28pm, 13 Jul 2020

Life as a travel blogger is for many a dream job which they imagine is one long carefree swing in a beach hammock on a far-flung desert island while sipping cocktails and posting about the experience.

There’s a hint of truth in that image, but for every financially successful travel blogger there are hundreds who gave soon up after realising the dream is an unattainable one for them.

On the other hand, if you are aware of the difficulties and are prepared to put the work in, your chances of becoming the next Nomadic Matt (probably the best known travel blogger), Nellie Huang or Aileen Adalid (two of the best known Asian bloggers) increase slightly.

Why now?

With the world being in a state of flux due to the impact of Covid-19, and the travel industry being one of the biggest casualties, this may seem like a crazy time to even consider starting a travel blog. However, domestic travel is already picking up in some places and a slow trickle towards regional travel is likely to soon follow.

Given many of us have an unusually large amount of time on our hands and a good internet connection, there could be an opportunity in this most unusual of situations.

Travel that involves coming into contact with fewer people is likely to be popular as borders start to reopen. Photo: Getty Images

Goals and niches

It’s essential to have an outline of your goals and ideals from the outset. If it’s going to be a passion project, you will have more freedom than if you are intending to make a living from the venture. Either way, it is important to focus on creating solid and regular content from post number one.