Starting a travel blog is an exciting journey, but there's a lot to learn. You need to register a domain, set up WordPress, and start creating content. Once you've got those basics down, the big question is: how can you make money from it?
Trust me, exploring ways to monetize your travel blog will be a blast! Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sharing your adventures for a while, these tips will help you transform your passion into a cash-generating venture.
Let’s dive into some effective strategies to turn your travel blog into a full-time business!
Why You Can Trust Our Travel Blog Monetization Guide
Lasso is installed on over 8,000 websites, including many travel blogs.
Our team has built multiple 7-figure blogs in a wide range of niches.
We have hands-on experience working with founders to grow and monetize their travel blogs.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for travel bloggers because it hits the sweet spot between time investment and earning potential.
Affiliate marketing is a form of advertising where a publisher (the site owner) links to a product in their content and earns a commission from the advertiser (the affiliate program) if readers click on that link and make a purchase.
TIP: With all monetization methods, the rule of thumb is the easier it is to accomplish, the less money you can make, and vice versa.
Also, since you can add links to your existing content, it’s the perfect method for beginners. You’ve already written content, so you’ve already done the hard part.
How to Start Affiliate Marketing for Travel Bloggers
When diving into the travel blogging niche, picking the right affiliate products can make all the difference. Here’s a quick list of great options to consider:
1. Travel Insurance: It’s essential for travelers. Many people forget about it, but when things go awry, having insurance is a lifesaver.
2. Flight Booking Sites: Affiliate programs like Skyscanner or Kayak are popular. They help travelers find the best deals and save money on flights.
3. Hotel Booking Platforms: Sites like Booking.com or Airbnb not only offer billions of places to stay but also have great commission rates.
4. Travel Gear: From backpacks to portable chargers, recommending quality travel gear is a no-brainer since travelers always need the right tools.
5. Accessories & Gadgets: Think packing cubes, travel pillows, or noise-canceling headphones. These products improve the travel experience significantly.
6. Tour & Activity Providers: Services that offer day trips or adventures can enhance any traveler's journey while providing great commissions for bloggers.
7. E-books & Travel Guides: Digital products that offer insider tips are highly sought after, especially in niche markets.
Here are a few reasons why these products are a good fit for travel blogs:
- High Demand: Many travelers actively seek these products, ensuring your recommendations will reach eager buyers.
- Recurring Purchases: Travelers often need insurance, flights, and accommodations regularly, creating steady traffic for your blog.
- Wide Variety: You can choose products that cater to different types of travelers, from budget backpackers to luxury seekers.
- Trusted Brands: Partnering with reputable companies builds trust with your audience, ensuring they value your recommendations.
Once you’ve identified which products will solve problems for your readers, you need to sign up for their affiliate programs.
You should start by joining the Amazon Associates affiliate program.
Most physical products in the travel niche will be available on Amazon, and the conversion rate on Amazon is insane.
Yes, Amazon’s commission rates are rough, and they only offer a 24-hour cookie duration, but the conversion rate makes up for it. Plus, you’re nearly guaranteed to get accepted into their program.
For products that aren’t available on Amazon, just Google “[Product] affiliate program,” and you’ll find their program’s signup page.
To save you some time, here are a few of the best affiliate networks for travel bloggers:
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Commission Rate: 5% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
REI has been sharing its passion for the outdoors since 1938. It has massive brand recognition on its side and offers a wide variety of products.
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Commission Rate: 25% - 40% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: N/A
First started in 1996, Booking.com is one of the largest eCommerce travel companies in the world. As an affiliate member, you can make up to 40% commission.
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Commission Rate: 15% or $5 - $55 Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 1 Year
Travel Insurance Master is an easy way to find your recommended travel insurance plan from multiple leading providers all in one place!
TIP: We maintain a database of the best affiliate programs. Click here to see the best travel affiliate programs.
Once you’ve been approved for the product’s affiliate program, the program will give you your affiliate link, and you can start inserting it into your content.
How To Monetize A Travel Blog With Affiliate Marketing
To add your link to your content, go to your post editor, highlight the relevant text, and insert the link.
Here are a few best practices for adding affiliate links to your WordPress blog:
- Add links where it’s helpful. Adding too many links to your blog posts is just like adding too many ads; it’s annoying. Add links to product titles, images, CTA buttons, and the first time you mention a product. That’s plenty.
- Disclose your links. Every blog post with affiliate links should have a disclaimer at the beginning, and every CTA or product image should also.
- Use direct sales language. When you are writing your call to action, be direct. It’s not rude to say, “Check the price” or “Buy this product today.” Being too passive makes you look unconfident.
Or, take it a step further by creating product displays.
You Can Double Your Affiliate Sales With Lasso Displays
You can create displays manually using the post editor to add links to images and buttons.
However, it can be time-consuming to create these displays and keep them updated if you’re doing it all by hand.
Luckily, monetizing your blog with affiliate links is simplified when you’re using a tool like Lasso.
Lasso makes it super easy to add links and product displays to your posts. You can add product displays to posts right from the post editor; no coding is required. It’s as simple as clicking your mouse three times.
You can also automatically import product info from retailers like Amazon. Just paste the link into the Lasso dashboard, and Lasso will populate the display with the product title, image, and price.
With all of this, remember to follow the guidelines in the affiliate program’s terms and conditions. Amazon, in particular, is pretty stringent.
But everything Lasso does is compliant with Amazon Associates’ TOS, so you never have to worry about being booted from the program.
That’s just scratching the surface of what Lasso can do to help you monetize your travel blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your travel site, sign up for Lasso today.
A WordPress plugin that lets you add, manage, and display your affiliate links from any program, including Amazon. Increase conversions. Find new affiliate link opportunities. Earn more revenue! Less than 5 minutes to set up.
Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Travel Bloggers
Affiliate marketing can be a goldmine for travel bloggers. You get to recommend services or products you genuinely use, and when your audience buys through your links, you earn a commission. It's a win-win because you’re providing value while monetizing your blog.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Trust is key in the travel niche. If your readers feel like you're just pushing products for the money, you might lose them. You have to balance promotions with quality content to keep your audience engaged.
Additionally, the travel market can be competitive, as many bloggers chase the same brands and offers. That means you need to be strategic about which affiliate partnerships you pursue. Always pick brands that resonate with your travels and lifestyle for authenticity.
Finally, remember that income isn't guaranteed. It may take time to build a solid affiliate income stream. Patience and consistent quality content are essential as you grow your influence in the travel space.
2. Display Ads
The second best way to monetize your travel blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.
How to Monetize a Travel Blog With Display Ads
Monetizing a travel blog with display ads couldn’t be easier.
First, choose an ad network to join. Networks have traffic requirements, so here are the best ad networks to join based on your site’s page views:
- 100,000+ Visitors per month - Raptive
- 50,000+ Sessions per month - Mediavine
- < 50,000+ Visitors per month - Ezoic
NOTE: WordPress is an open-source software found on WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a premium blogging platform, but you never need to pay to install WordPress on your website, even if it’s self-hosted.
Once you’re accepted to an ad network, follow their instructions to integrate their ads into your site. They will have documentation for every type of content management service (WordPress, Joomla, Ghost, etc.).
If your chosen ad network has a dedicated accounts manager, they will guide you through getting their ads on your site.
And… that’s it. Let the ads run and wait for your deposits to hit your account.
TIP: Optimize your display ads for user experience by using your chosen network’s software settings or talking to your account manager. Keep the ads in the sidebar and footer whenever possible.
You’ll make a lot of money in the long run if you put your readers ahead of quick profit.
Display Ad Pros And Cons For Travel Bloggers
Display ads can be a useful tool for travel bloggers looking to monetize their content. They are visually engaging and can grab the attention of readers quickly. When placed strategically, ads can lead to increased click-through rates, especially if they promote travel services or products relevant to your audience.
However, there are downsides. Many users find display ads intrusive and can lead to a poor user experience. If there are too many ads, it can overwhelm your content. Additionally, ad blockers are common; they can limit the potential revenue you could earn from these ads.
Another point to consider is the return on investment. While some campaigns might yield decent returns, others could fall flat. It’s crucial to track the performance of each ad to understand what works and what doesn’t for your audience.
Lastly, remember that display ads can impact your website's loading speed. A slower site can turn away visitors. Balancing monetization and user experience is key for travel bloggers using display advertising.
3. Digital Products
Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the travel niche.
A digital product is anything you can sell on your travel blog that the customer will receive via download.
Here’s a quick list of digital products you can sell on your travel blog:
- Travel Guides: Create detailed itineraries and guides for various destinations. People love to have a local's insight on where to go and what to do.
- Photography Presets: Sell Lightroom or Photoshop presets that help travelers enhance their vacation photos. Gorgeous pics make memories last longer!
- Online Courses: Teach your audience skills like travel writing, photography, or planning budget trips. Share what you know in engaging video lessons!
- Checklists and Printables: Design packing lists, budget planners, or travel itineraries. These handy tools make trip planning easier for busy travelers.
- Membership Access: Offer exclusive content, travel tips, or a community for like-minded travelers. Create a space where your followers can connect and share experiences.
A lot of people search for simple checklists and guides related to different topics. They’d happily pay you for them.
Pros and Cons of Selling Digital Products for Travel Bloggers
Selling digital products can be a game-changer for travel bloggers. One major pro is the potential for passive income. Once you create a digital product, like an ebook or a travel guide, you can sell it repeatedly without much additional effort. This means your income can keep flowing while you focus on creating fresh content and documenting your adventures.
Another big advantage is low overhead costs. Unlike physical products, digital goods don’t require inventory or shipping. You can create a quality product with minimal investment and start earning sharper profits quicker. Plus, you have the flexibility to experiment with different types of products based on your audience’s interests.
How To Monetize a Travel Blog By Selling Digital Products
The first thing to do is create your digital product.
Look at which content your audience interacts with the most, and brainstorm digital products to help serve their search intent.
That’s what I did when I created our Ultimate Blogging Guide:
Get Your FREE 20-Page Guide To Making $1000/Day From Your Niche Blog
Then, create the product using whatever tools are at your disposal. For example, use Microsoft Word to create an ebook PDF, or Google Sheets to create interactive spreadsheets and checklists.
Next, you have to figure out how to distribute your product. The easiest way to distribute PDFs is by uploading them to your WordPress media library. Then you can give customers the link, and they can download the PDF from there.
Lastly, you’ll have to set up payment processing and order fulfillment. A plugin like Woocommerce can automate most of this, but you’ll have to tie it to a processor like Stripe or PayPal.
Woocommerce can even connect to an email tool like ConvertKit, so as soon as your customer finishes their checkout, they’ll get an email with a link to their download.
TIP: You can still use Lasso to get more clicks to your digital products. Just create a Lasso display with the link pointing to your product’s sales page.
Barring any issues, you won’t have to do anything but watch your bank account grow.
4. Email Newsletter
One effective way to monetize a travel blog is by creating an email newsletter. This method allows you to build a loyal audience and engage with your readers on a more personal level. Let's explore how to monetize a travel blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for travel bloggers.
How to Monetize a Travel Blog with an Email Newsletter
Email newsletters are a powerful tool for travel bloggers. They allow you to connect directly with your audience and share your adventures and insights. A well-crafted newsletter can keep your readers engaged, provide valuable content, and ultimately serve as a revenue stream. By building a solid email list, you can promote your blog, products, or affiliate partnerships effectively.
To monetize your travel blog through an email newsletter, start by building a strong subscriber base. Consider offering something valuable in return for their email addresses, like a free travel guide or a packing checklist. This incentive will encourage readers to sign up. Once you have a list, send regular newsletters showcasing your latest posts, travel tips, and personal stories. Don’t forget to sprinkle in affiliate links or promote your products where relevant.
Another way to monetize is through sponsorships. Reach out to travel brands, hotels, or tourism boards that align with your content. They often look for partnerships to promote their offerings in a more personal way. You can feature their products or services in your newsletter, providing an authentic experience for your subscribers while you earn some income from the sponsorship deal.
Finally, consider offering exclusive content for a fee through a paid newsletter. This could include in-depth guides, insider tips, or even one-on-one travel counseling. Provide subscribers with something they can’t get on your blog, creating a win-win situation where they find value, and you generate income.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Travel Bloggers
- Pros:
- Direct Communication: You communicate directly with your audience, bypassing social media algorithms.
- Higher Engagement: Emails tend to have higher open and click-through rates compared to social media posts.
- Builds Community: Newsletters foster a sense of community. Subscribers feel more connected to you and your journeys.
- Monetization Options: You can offer sponsored content, affiliate links, and exclusive paid content.
- Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Crafting quality newsletters takes effort and consistent scheduling.
- Risk of Unsubscribes: If you send too many emails or not enough valuable content, you may lose subscribers.
- Technical Challenges: Managing an email list and crafting effective campaigns can become complex for beginners.
- Lack of Instant Feedback: Unlike social media, you may not get real-time reactions to your content.
5. Consulting and Coaching Services
Consulting or coaching is exchanging your expertise and time for a fee. Your customers need an expert, and you’ve proven yourself to be that expert.
As you become an authority in the industry, people will reach out to you with questions about topics they consider you an expert in.
Now, you don’t have to charge for being helpful, but you should place a dollar value on your time.
As a travel blogger, you extensive knowledge of the industry. If a reader reaches out to you asking for help, you should get paid for that effort.
How To Monetize A Travel Blog With Consulting Services
Monetizing a travel blog with consulting services is similar to selling sponsored posts.
Put a “Coaching” option in your nav bar that goes to a landing page outlining your consulting services and your hourly rate. This will help head off some of the people looking for free advice.
TIP: Again, you can use Lasso to drive more clicks to your coaching pages. Just create a Display with a link to your sales page, and insert it into blog posts.
Then, wait for requests to come in, evaluate them, and propose your offer. If the customer accepts, send them an invoice using PayPal or another payment processor, and schedule the call.
Pros and Cons of Selling Consulting Services for Travel Bloggers
When it comes to selling consulting services, travel bloggers have some unique advantages. They often have a dedicated audience who trusts their expertise in travel. Additionally, their firsthand experience allows them to provide tailored advice that can genuinely help clients planning trips or navigating travel-related challenges.
However, there are a few challenges to consider. The competition in the consulting space is fierce, especially with so many travel influencers offering similar services. You may also find it tough to establish a pricing model that reflects your value while being accessible to clients.
Moreover, selling consulting services can be time-consuming. It requires constant marketing efforts to attract clients and maintain your brand presence. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself spending more time on administration than actually helping clients with their travel needs.
Ultimately, striking the right balance between providing value, effectively marketing your services, and managing your time is key to thriving as a consulting travel blogger. Staying adaptable and open to feedback can help you refine your approach and build a sustainable consulting business.
Supercharge your earnings with Lasso. Create no-code product Displays and Tables that convert, find and fix broken links, and gain valuable business insights with revenue analytics.
Learn MoreTravel Blog Monetization FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Travel Blogging?
If you want to build a successful travel blog, then affiliate marketing is the best way to monetize it. It’s the least intrusive way to make a lot of money from your site without much extra effort.
Can I Make A Full-Time Income From Travel Blogging?
Absolutely! Some travel blogs, like Nomadic Matt and The Blonde Abroad get hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors. That’s enough for a full-time income for a small team of people.
How Do I Start a Travel Blog?
Learning how to start a travel blog is the first best way to use your expertise to start an online business.
You need to register a domain, install WordPress, and publish great content. It's a lot of work, but totally worth it!
How Do Travel Bloggers Get Paid?
Most travel bloggers make money through affiliate commissions and advertising fees. Both of these monetization methods pay out one or two months after the fees have been generated.
Some travel bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.
Is Travel Blogging Easy?
Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean travel blogging isn’t fun.
As a travel blogger, you’ll get to go places, try new things, and meet new people. And it will be part of your business! What could be cooler than that?
Is It Worth Starting A Travel Blog?
It’s absolutely worth it to start a travel blog. Not only can you make a living from it, but you can also build a community and control the conversation.
Once you’re an established authority, people in travel-related industries will take you seriously.
Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Travel Blog
Congratulations! You’ve learned all the ways to monetize your travel blog step-by-step. But here’s one final tip:
Mix it up and use different monetization methods!
Diversifying your income is key to keeping your blog safe. If one stream, like affiliate offers or ads, takes a hit, you'll still have other ways to earn.
With a multi-faceted approach, combined with some hard work and smart planning, you're on your way to the income your blog truly deserves!
Why You Should Trust Our Travel Blogging Content
You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about travel blogging?"
Quite a lot, actually.
Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful travel blog:
We've Built Wildly Successful Blogs
Lasso is built for affiliate marketers, by affiliate marketers. We're not gurus; we've walked the walk.
Our team members have built multiple blogs from the ground up, some of them earning over seven figures in revenue.
We put that experience into every guide we write, so you can trust we're giving you a process that works.
We Talk To Travel Bloggers Every Day
Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of travel blogs.
Our team supports those bloggers every day as they create awesome content and earn lots of money.
These communications give us a bird's-eye view of what's new in the travel industry. We take that information and use it to keep these guides as up-to-date and accurate as possible.
We're Super Nerds
We've put a lot of company focus into learning everything we can about blogging, affiliate marketing, SEO, and anything to do with online entrepreneurship.
We attend conferences, collect high-level contacts, read tons of books, and distill all of that information into our content. We pass information onto you that was previously only available to industry insiders.
