Important Things to Keep in Mind as a Travel Blogger

Introduction

Things to keep in mind as a travel blogger—The sentence sounds simple, but behind it lies a world of stories, mistakes, learning curves, sleepless nights, and small victories that only a real travel blogger can understand.

When I started my travel blogging journey, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I simply loved traveling and thought, “Why not share these experiences with the world?” Simple idea, right?

But soon, I discovered that writing a travel blog is not just about sharing some pretty photos and memories. It was a full-time learning experience—SEO, writing structure, monetization, traffic drops, content burnout—you name it. I’ve faced it and if I haven’t, I will face it in the near future.

When I started my journey as a travel blogger, there were a lot of things I had no idea about—and believe me; I learned most of them the hard way. In this blog, I’m not here to give you textbook advice. Instead, I want to open up and share the real, raw lessons I’ve learned over time. Things no one warned me about… but I really wish they had warned me about.

So if you’re someone who’s just starting out blogging or someone who’s been blogging for a while but feels stuck, this blog is for you.

Know your purpose before you start

Before you even think about creating your blog, ask yourself:

• Why do I want to become a travel blogger?
• Is it just to earn money or genuinely share experiences?
• Am I ready to put in the consistent effort without instant rewards?

Knowing your purpose gives you direction. I started because I wanted to keep my travel memories alive. But later, I realized that my stories were helping others plan their journeys better. That became my biggest motivation.

Blogging is not just writing, its storytelling

Anyone can write “I went here, I did that,” but that doesn’t connect with readers. Your audience wants to feel what you felt—the chills, the awe, the laughter, the unexpected twists.

My travel example

When I wrote about my unplanned solo trip, people messaged me saying they felt like they were there. Why? Because I shared the fear of getting lost, the joy of sipping tea in the cold air, and real emotions—not just places.

So, don’t just write. Describe.

Disclaimer: If I can’t connect with you on a blog post, please share your suggestions on what I can do better.

Learn the basics of SEO quickly

This is one of the things to keep in Mind as a Travel Blogger from the day one. If no one can find your blog, how will they read your amazing stories?

I wish someone had told me this at the very beginning:

• Include your main keyword in your blog title, at the beginning of your content, and naturally in your headings too.
• Optimize images (small size, proper file name)
• Write Meta descriptions with your keywords
• Use internal and external links wisely
• Create a blog post structure with H1, H2, H3

Affiliate tip

Use keywords like “travel essentials” to place affiliate links naturally.

Example: I always carry this lightweight foldable backpack that easily fits in my cabin bag and it has saved me many times!

Photography matters, but don’t overdo it

You don’t need a professional camera or equipment to be a travel blogger. Yes, good visuals help, but your storytelling is what keeps people engaged.

I started with a basic camera and over time learned to frame my shots better. You can also take pictures with your phone, but all I had was a small Coolpix camera. You can also sell these travel images to stock photo sites for passive income later.

Accessories: Portable mini tripod for phone – perfect for solo travelers.

Consistency over Perfection

One big mistake I made?

Putting off publishing because you’re chasing the “perfect” blog post.

Weeks went by. Then months. Meanwhile, others were posting consistently—even if it wasn’t perfect—and building loyal readers.

Tip: Even if your blog isn’t 100% perfect, post it. Improve as you go. Growth comes from practice, not perfection.

Monetization takes time (but it’s possible)

Don’t expect money to roll in from day one. Here are some things to keep in mind as a travel blogger in regards to monetization:

• Use affiliate links in posts with product recommendations
• Sell your own digital products (e.g. travel presets, itineraries)
• Collaborate with tourism boards or hotels
• Offer freelance writing or photography services

One thing that helped me

I put photos I took in each blog post to sell as stock images. If you like an image, you can buy it and use it on your blog or print it out and frame it on your wall.

Don't forget to check out my gallery of stock images.

Don’t Compare Your Journey with Others

Social media is a highlight reel. You’re seeing someone’s Chapter 20 while you’re at Chapter 2.

I used to feel demotivated seeing others’ stats, brands, and followers.

But when I focused on my own progress, my blog improved.

Learn from your mistakes – don’t be afraid of them

One of the most underrated things to keep in Mind as a Travel Blogger is this: you will make mistakes, and that’s okay. I made countless mistakes – like forgetting to back up my posts, uploading blurry photos, or publishing without checking grammar.

But guess what? Every mistake made me better.

Real experience

Once, I wrote an elaborate blog on a weekend getaway, but forgot to use the focus keyword even once. The result? No traffic. Then I started learning keyword placement and on-page SEO more seriously.

Because when I write, I tend to get lost in my own thoughts and just write what I feel. I forget that I have to write this blog that will be read by people, and if it doesn’t reach them, what’s the point of writing?

So, don’t be afraid to mess up – be afraid to get stuck.

Tools Make Life Easier — Use Them

In the beginning, I was doing everything manually—writing, editing, resizing images, SEO checks. It was overwhelming.

Here are a few tools that saved my time and improved quality:

• Grammarly – To avoid silly writing mistakes
• Canva – Great for creating eye-catching blog visuals and Pinterest graphics.
• Ubersuggest / Ahref Keyword generator – For keyword research
• Yoast SEO / Rank Math – To optimize blog posts in WordPress
• Google Analytics – To track blog performance

Affiliate Link Tip

You can also recommend these tools with your own affiliate links once you start using them.

Make Your Blog Relatable, Not Just Personal

While your blog is based on your personal travel stories, your reader is always the hero. Ask yourself:

• What will they learn from this blog?
• What problem am I solving for them?
• Will they feel connected, inspired, or helped?

Real talk

In the beginning, I just wrote about “what I did.” Nobody cared. Although sometimes I still write for myself because I don’t want to tie myself down, my blog gained interest when I focused on “how you can do this.”

Structure Your Blog Properly

A good blog is like a well-planned trip—easy to follow, exciting, and informative.

Here’s what works

• Catchy Title with your focus keyword
• Interesting Introduction (hook the reader!)
• Subheadings (H2, H3) to break content
• Short paragraphs
• Bullet points for tips
• Conclusion with takeaways or a question
• FAQs at the end

Pro Tip: Use the long-tail keyword “things to keep in mind as a travel blogger” in headings/subheadings too.

Travel blogging is a long game – be patient

I’ll be completely honest – if you want quick fame or instant income, blogging will disappoint you.

But if you’re passionate and persistent, it will reward you in unexpected ways – whether it’s:

• Getting featured on travel pages
• Getting free stay invitations
• Helping someone plan a dream trip
• Earning passive income through affiliate links

Tip: Start small. I started with basic product reviews like this travel power bank or anti-theft backpack. People trust recommendations based on actual use.

Build Real Connections in the Blogging Community

Blogging can be lonely if you isolate yourself.

Start

• Commenting on other travel blogs
• Joining travel blogging Facebook groups
• Collaborating on social media reels/YouTube
• Doing guest posts or link swaps

These connections can lead to shoutouts, backlinks, collaborations, and friendships.

Use your own photos and be authentic

Many new bloggers copy-paste from the internet. But original content builds trust.

A mistake I made

I used free stock images initially because I was too shy to upload my own raw photos. This made my blog feel generic. Once I started using my own travel photos – albeit imperfect ones – my blog felt “real”.

If you’re comfortable, sell your travel photos on stock websites as well. This creates another source of income.

Useful gear: Mini ring light for smart phones – helps with better selfie and indoor lighting.

Prepare Before You Travel

Travel blogging starts before the trip begins. I used to just enjoy the trip and later struggle to remember the details.

Now I carry

• A travel journal or use notes in phone
• Note places, prices, small tips
• Click shots of menus, maps, ticket prices
• Talk to locals for hidden gems
• These small notes turn into gold while writing blogs.

Helpful Buy: Pocket-sized Travel Journal – Keeps all your trip details in one place.

Explore untouched places—not just the famous ones

Don’t just blog about places everyone knows. Your unique value lies in “unique” experiences.

The real story

I’ve written many blogs here that go into great detail and cover anything from street food to jewelry market. They all become some of my best posts because no one else has covered them in such detail.

Always look for what’s missing—and create it.

Design Matters – Make Your Blog Reader Friendly

Your blog isn’t just your writing—it’s the entire user experience.

Make sure your site is:

• Fast and mobile-friendly
• Easy to navigate
• Clean and readable
• Free of pop-up spam

Backup your work regularly

I learned this the hard way. I lost 4 blog drafts when a plugin crashed.

Now I always

• Write in Google Word first
• Use a backup plugin like Updraft Plus
• Save image files with proper names and folders

Use Pinterest & Social Media to Drive Traffic

Organic SEO takes time. Until then, Pinterest and Instagram can drive serious traffic.

I used Canva to design pin-worthy blog graphics, and Pinterest brought more views than Google in my first few months!

Starter Tip: Pinterest Pin Templates – Save time designing posts.

Keep Updating Old Content

Your travel blog posts are not “write once and forget.”

Update

• Hotel names
• Entry fees
• Best times to visit
• Broken links
• Better photos or affiliate links

It tells Google your content is fresh—and helps readers too.

FAQs

Turning Stumbles into Steps

Every journey teaches something — and my journey has taught me that mistakes are not failures, they are stepping stones. If my story can help you in any way, then this blog has done its job. Keep writing, keep traveling, and most importantly, keep learning.

Still Learning – Still Sharing

I’ve shared what I’ve learned—mostly from messing up and figuring things out the hard way. Looking back, I know that if I had applied all these lessons earlier or even now, my blog could have grown much faster. But hey, that’s the way to learn, right?

I’m not an expert giving advice—I’m just a fellow traveler on this blogging road, sharing my story with you and learning along with you. Trying to apply all these things to the blogging journey and become a better blogger.

Cheers to New Adventures: Join Us at Travel Piq

Hello all adventurous travelers!

Thank you all for joining me on this wonderful journey through the blog of “Important Things to Keep in Mind as a Travel Blogger”

At Travel Piq, we are all about sharing our passion for travel, photography and exploring new places. Whether you are planning your next vacation or just love absorbing travel inspiration, you will find plenty to satisfy your travel cravings here.

Connect With Us

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media! It’s the best way to stay updated on our latest adventures, photography tips.

Discover new additions to our vibrant stock image collection. Capture the essence of your travels with high-quality images. These images bring destinations to life and are available for purchase right here on our website.

Plus, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of fellow travel enthusiasts who share your excitement for exploring the world.

Until next time, keep snapping those pictures, keep exploring new horizons, and keep making memories that last a lifetime.

Safe travels, and see you soon on Travel Piq!

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