So you’ve started your travel blog. Awesome! There’s a lot to learn, like picking a domain, setting up WordPress, and creating content.
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time for the fun part: monetizing your travel blog.
Trust me, this will be the most exciting phase of your blogging journey!
Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned travel influencer, there are tons of ways to make money from your blog.
Let’s dive into some easy and effective methods to turn your passion into profit!
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
If you're diving into the travel blogging world, you'll want to consider what kinds of affiliate products to recommend. Here’s a quick list that can help you earn some cash while providing value to your audience.
Here are some great affiliate product ideas:
- Travel Gear: Think backpacks, luggage, and packing cubes. These are essentials for every traveler.
- Booking Platforms: Promote sites like Booking.com or Airbnb. They're trusted and widely used for accommodations.
- Travel Insurance: Everyone wants to be covered during their adventures. Companies like World Nomads offer great options.
- Travel Guides: Recommend e-books or guides specific to destinations. They help travelers plan their trips well.
- Experiences & Activities: Use affiliate programs from sites like Viator or GetYourGuide to provide unique local experiences.
Reasons why these products are great for affiliate marketing:
- Relevance: These products resonate with travel enthusiasts who likely trust your recommendations.
- Demand: Travelers are always on the lookout for gear, accommodations, and attractions.
- High Commission Rates: Some of these programs offer attractive commissions that can boost your income.
- Recurring Earnings: Subscriptions, like travel insurance, can provide ongoing income as long as buyers renew.
- Brand Partnerships: Partnering with well-known brands can enhance your credibility and attract more viewers.
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. It allows you to earn commissions by promoting products or services that resonate with your audience. When you recommend a hotel, tour, or travel gear, you’re not just sharing your experience—you’re creating an opportunity to make some money while doing what you love.
One big pro is the flexibility. You can choose which products to promote, giving you control over your blog’s content. This can enhance your credibility, as you’re sharing tips and recommendations that are truly relevant to your readers. Plus, it can diversify your income, providing a financial cushion during lean travel seasons.
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 mixed bag for travel bloggers. On the plus side, they can serve as a solid source of passive income. Once set up, they require little maintenance, allowing bloggers to focus on creating content. Ads targeting travel can even resonate with the audience, enhancing engagement.
However, display ads come with their downsides. Ads can clutter a blog, making it feel less aesthetically pleasing. If not managed well, they may frustrate visitors, leading to an increase in bounce rates. Also, some advertisers may not align with your brand or the travel experience you promote.
Another consideration is revenue fluctuation. Earnings from display ads can vary significantly based on traffic and ad views. This unpredictability can be challenging for bloggers relying heavily on this income. Ultimately, balancing ad placement with user experience is vital for long-term success.
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.
Digital Products to Sell on a Travel Blog:
- Travel Guides: In-depth eBooks or PDFs about specific destinations, including tips on attractions, eateries, and hidden gems.
- Photo Presets: Custom Lightroom presets for travelers to enhance their travel photos easily.
- Itinerary Templates: Downloadable, customizable travel itinerary planners that help users organize their trips effortlessly.
- Online Courses: Tutorials on travel photography, blogging, or travel planning to help aspiring travelers and bloggers.
- Packing Checklists: Printable packing lists tailored to different types of trips, ensuring travelers never forget essentials.
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 as a travel blogger can be a great way to generate income on the go. One of the biggest pros is low overhead costs. Once you’ve created a product, like an e-book or travel guide, there’s no inventory to manage, which means less stress.
Another advantage is scalability. Digital products can reach a global audience without additional effort on your part. This can lead to passive income where you earn money even when you’re busy exploring new destinations.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Creating quality digital products takes time and effort. You'll need to invest in skills like graphic design and marketing to stand out in a saturated market.
Moreover, sales can be inconsistent. Unlike physical products that might have steady demand, the interest in digital offerings can fluctuate. Travel trends change quickly, and your audience might shift as well.
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 to connect with their audience and drive revenue. By collecting email addresses from your readers, you can send them engaging content, helpful travel tips, and promotions. This direct line of communication allows you to build a loyal community and keep your blog top-of-mind.
To start monetizing your travel blog via an email newsletter, first, focus on growing your subscriber list. Offer incentives for signing up, such as exclusive travel guides, checklists, or discounts on recommended products. Use sign-up forms on your blog and promote your newsletter on social media. The bigger your list, the more opportunities you have to earn money.
Once you have a solid subscriber base, monetize your email newsletter by including affiliate links. For example, recommend travel gear, accommodations, or activities while using affiliate programs related to those products. Every time a reader makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission. This method is particularly effective for travel bloggers, as readers are often looking for trusted recommendations when planning their trips.
Additionally, consider offering sponsored content in your newsletters. Brands in the travel industry often look for partnerships with bloggers who have a significant following. You can create dedicated newsletters featuring a brand's product or service. Just ensure the content aligns with your audience's interests to maintain trust and engagement.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Travel Bloggers
- Pros: - **Direct communication:** Email allows you to engage directly with your audience, keeping your content relevant and personalized. - **High ROI:** Email marketing tends to have a better return on investment than other digital channels, especially with targeted promotions. - **Building loyalty:** Consistent email communication fosters a sense of community, cultivating brand loyalty and repeat visitors to your blog.
- Cons: - **Time-consuming:** Crafting quality newsletters can take time, from writing to design and scheduling. - **List management:** You need to regularly clean your email list to maintain engagement and ensure compliance with regulations. - **Dilution of content:** Too many promotional emails can overwhelm subscribers, leading to unsubscribes if not balanced well.
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. First, they usually have a wealth of on-the-ground experience in various destinations. This expertise can attract clients who want tailored advice on travel planning, social media strategies, or content creation. Plus, with the growth of remote work, people are more willing to spend on expert travel advice.
However, there are challenges too. The market can be quite competitive. Many travel bloggers pivot to consulting, so standing out is crucial. Additionally, setting rates can be tricky. If you price yourself too low, you might undermine your worth; too high, and you risk discouraging potential clients.
Moreover, clients often expect quick results, which may not always be possible. This pressure can lead to stress, especially if you’re juggling blogging and consulting. Thus, it’s essential to manage client expectations clearly and deliver consistent quality.
In summary, while the consulting route offers great potential for travel bloggers, it comes with its own set of risks and responsibilities. Balancing both endeavors can require strong time-management skills and a clear value proposition to succeed.
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’re now equipped with a variety of ways to monetize your travel blog.
But here's a bonus tip: use multiple methods!
Diversity is key. Multiple income streams help protect your blog's future.
If you mix affiliate marketing, display ads, and selling your own products, you'll be less affected by changes, like Amazon cutting commission rates.
With this balanced strategy, hard work, and smart planning, you're on your way to earning what 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.
