It’s true that running a blog as a full-time career takes a lot of work. You have to be a jack-of-all-trades—writer, editor, photographer, social media manager, PR person, and so much more.
But, as a professional blogger, I promise you that it’s all worth it!
Here are just a few of my favorite things about blogging full time:
• Free travel: Once you establish an audience, brands will want to collaborate with you to reach your audience.
As a professional blogger, you will be offered hotel stays, trips, and meals in high-end restaurants—all for providing honest reviews to your followers.
Once your following is large enough, you may even be able to negotiate payment in exchange for staying in hotels or traveling to far-off destinations. That’s the dream: getting paid to travel!
• The freedom to work from anywhere: One of my favorite things about my job is that I can work from anywhere in the world with a reliable internet connection.
Generally, I spend half the year traversing Europe, and, as soon as the temperature drops, I relocate to a part of the world with better weather. I’ve spent the last few winters traveling in Thailand and Mexico! This winter, I’m headed to South America.
• The community: Hands down, the best part of travel blogging is the community of other bloggers I’ve met along the way.
It’s amazing to meet other travel-obsessed types who have chosen to make what most people only dream about into their reality. I’ve met some of the most interesting people all over the world who each do truly amazing things!
Now, after more than four years of full-time travel while working along the way, I can’t imagine returning to my old office job. I love the freedom of working for myself from anywhere in the world by partnering with interesting brands and companies.
I also enjoy catching up with the friends and colleagues I’ve met in my travels. We frequently meet up at conferences and on press trips.
I recently attended a conference in Czech Republic. Afterward, we were treated to a hot air balloon ride over the countryside, wine tasting in a private cellar built into a cave, a scenic plane ride over Prague, a five-course meal at a Michelin-worthy restaurant, and so much more. And I got to do all this for free—all I had to do in return was share these experiences with my readers!
At the same conference, I met with several tourism boards to discuss working together in the future. This resulted in two upcoming press trip offers on the spot!
Yes, blogging is a lot of work, and I won’t pretend it doesn’t take time to build an audience. (It certainly did for me.) But, if you stick with it, the benefits and perks that come with the job make it all worthwhile!
Travel Writing Resources
How To Become A Travel Writer – The Easy Way
Easy Steps To Landing Your First Byline As A Travel Writer
Marketing For Travel Writers: 5 Ways To Get Started
22 Travel Story Ideas To Get You Published
