Top 10 Things to Know Before You Start Your Travel Blog

A quick-start guide from Nomadically Ashley

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your adventures into income, sharing your stories with the world, or building a life of freedom and creativity, starting a travel blog might just be the best decision you ever make.

But before you dive in, there are a few things most new travel bloggers wish they knew sooner.

Whether you want to blog for fun, build your brand, or grow a business around your travels, here are the 10 things to know before you start your travel blog, straight from me, Nomadically Ashley, a full-time traveler and content creator who’s been there herself.

1. Your Blog is Your Home Base

Social media platforms can change overnight, but your blog is the one place online you truly own.

Algorithms shift, apps rise and fall, but your website remains the constant hub for your audience. It’s where your stories, resources, and brand live permanently. Think of your blog as your “home on the internet,” where everything connects — your Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, email list, and digital products.

👉 Pro tip: Buy your own domain name and hosting from day one. You’ll thank yourself later when your blog starts to grow and you want full control over your content and monetization.

2. You Don’t Need to Be an Influencer

Let’s bust a myth: you don’t need millions of followers or a jet-setting lifestyle to build a successful travel blog.

What you do need is valuable, authentic content — posts that help your readers plan trips, solve problems, or feel inspired. If you can make someone’s next travel experience easier or more enjoyable, you’re already providing value.

Travel blogging success isn’t about popularity, it’s about connection. Focus on creating helpful, trustworthy content and your audience will grow naturally over time.

3. Niche & Audience Matter More Than You Think

When you write for everyone, you write for NO ONE.

Choosing a niche helps you attract the right readers and stand out in a crowded space. Think about the topics and travelers you’re most passionate about — maybe it’s solo female travel, digital nomad living, eco-adventures, or coastal getaways.

Then, picture your ideal reader: What are they struggling with? What do they dream about? Every post should speak directly to that person.

👉 Pro tip: The more specific your niche, the easier it is to grow — because your audience feels like you’re talking just to them.

4. SEO is Your Best Friend

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is how people find your blog on Google — and it’s your most powerful long-term traffic source.

Even if you’re brand new, you can start with a few basics:

• Research keywords with tools like Ubersuggest or Keysearch
• Use those keywords naturally in your title, headings, and meta description
• Format posts with clear sections (H2s and bullet points help!)
• Add internal links to your other posts

SEO might sound technical, but it’s really just about helping readers (and Google) understand your content. Start small, stay consistent, and your posts will climb the rankings over time.

5. Consistency Beats Perfection

One blog post every two weeks for a year will get you further than five posts in one month and then nothing for six.

Consistency builds trust with both your readers and Google. You don’t need to post daily — you just need to show up regularly. Create a realistic content schedule and stick with it, even when inspiration dips.

Remember: Done is better than perfect. Every post is a building block that brings you closer to your goals.

6. Blogging Takes Time to Grow

Here’s some honest truth: travel blogging is a long game.

It can take 6–12 months (or longer) before you see consistent traffic from Google or income from your blog — and that’s okay. The work you’re doing early on compounds over time.

Every blog post, backlink, and reader you earn is an investment in your future freedom. Stay patient and celebrate small milestones along the way — your first comment, your first 100 pageviews, your first affiliate commission.

7. Your First Posts Won’t Be Perfect (and That’s Okay)

Your early posts are your practice ground — and that’s something to embrace, not fear.

The more you write, the better you’ll get at storytelling, SEO, and creating content your readers love. A year from now, you’ll look back and see massive growth — which is exactly what you want.

👉 Pro tip: Publish now, polish later. You can always go back and update older posts as your skills improve.

8. Great Photos Help Tell the Story

Travel blogs are visual by nature, and high-quality images keep people on your page longer.

You don’t need a fancy camera or professional equipment. A modern smartphone, natural light, and a bit of editing go a long way. Focus on clear, well-composed shots that bring your destination to life and complement your writing.

Use photos to:

• Break up text and make posts more scannable
• Support your SEO (with descriptive file names and alt text)
• Create a recognizable visual style for your brand

9. Monetization is Possible — But Plan for It

You can make money from your travel blog — but it doesn’t happen overnight.

Start by writing content that’s useful and evergreen, then explore income streams like:

• Affiliate marketing (recommending travel gear, hotels, or tools you use)
• Display ads (once your traffic grows)
• Digital products (like guides, templates, or presets)
• Sponsored content (with brands that align with your niche)

Even if you’re not ready to monetize yet, write with intention. Think about the future traveler who might one day trust your recommendations enough to buy through your links.

10. Have Fun With It

Travel blogging should be exciting, not overwhelming.

Don’t get caught up in comparison or perfectionism. Your stories, your perspective, and your voice are what make your blog yours.

Share what lights you up. Be curious. Be consistent. And most of all, enjoy the process of creating something that’s fully your own.

Ready to Start Your Travel Blog?

Starting a blog is one of the best ways to turn your travels into something meaningful (and maybe even profitable). If you’re ready to take the leap, check out my free resource:
👉 The Travel Content Creator Strategy Doc — a free template to help you plan your content, organize your ideas, and grow your audience with purpose.