7 Ways to Start A Travel Blog And Make Money On a Budget

One of the questions I get asked the most frequently is “how do you afford to travel so much?” For the most part, when I travel these days its for brand deals/ I have comp’d hotels – but it wasn’t always this way! When I was first starting, I was traveling without any sponsorship. I am a firm believer that anyone, regardless of their ability to afford luxury travel, can start a travel blog and make money, if they have a passion and drive to do so!

Many aspiring travel bloggers believe that travel is too expensive to pursue their dreams. The truth is that you don’t need a huge budget to start a travel blog and embark on exciting adventures. With strategic thinking and cost-effective tools, you can start a travel blog and make money quickly, create impressive travel content and connect with others. Here are seven practical tips to help you run a successful travel blog on a budget, making your travel dreams a reality.

1. Specialize in Local Adventures

When starting your travel blog, focus on exploring and showcasing the hidden gems in your local area. Specializing in local adventures sets you apart from others and allows you to offer unique insights and experiences.

I live in the New York/ Philly area – so I have created TONS of content centered around the “best of” these areas and have worked with local photographers to get some great images right in my hometown!

As you grow, you can expand your reach to cover your state or even your country, supporting local businesses and contributing to the economic growth of your region.

2. Use Your Smartphone for Photography

You don’t need an expensive camera to capture stunning travel photos. Modern smartphones offer impressive photography capabilities.

The majority of my photos that grew my Instagram were national park photos I took on my iphone. Apps like Adobe Lightroom CC and Photoshop Express can enhance your smartphone photography skills.

These are the lightroom presets I use!

3. Travel to Less Expensive Destinations

Stretch your travel budget by choosing less expensive destinations. Look for budget-friendly options (hostels!), research affordable flights, accommodation, and off-peak travel seasons to save money while still enjoying enriching experiences. (I spent a lot of days in the desert in PEAK heat seasons, aka, slow seasons – when prices were considerably less than they are during the fall/winter).

4. Look for Web Domain Deals to Start A Travel Blog

While starting on social media is an option, having a website with a proper domain gives you more control over your content. Look for discounted deals from top web domain service providers to save money when purchasing a domain. Keep an eye out for discounts offered by creators with sponsorships and partnerships on platforms like YouTube.

Here is a discount code for Bluehost, the webhost I use! I signed up when I saw a discount code another blogger posted.

Bluehost is one of the most established and well-known hosting brands on the internet. They host over 2 million WordPress sites and are excellent for beginners and starting websites because their platform is easy to use. Click here to sign up for as little as $2.95/month (this discount deal is only available to my readers through my blog!).

5. Use Social Media Wisely:

Utilize social media platforms to connect with potential readers and promote your travel blog. Choose platforms that align with your target audience and focus on building a presence on one or two networks to maximize your efforts. Experiment, remain consistent, and learn from your experiences to grow your social media following organically.

6. Show Your Readers How to Travel on a Budget:

This is a great one! If I was starting over, this is what I would do. Position yourself as a budget travel expert by sharing tips and insights on how to travel affordably. Cover topics such as staying in hostels, finding local eateries, and experiencing destinations like a local. Offer practical advice and unique recommendations to engage your audience and provide value.

7. Put Together a Saving Plan for Future Trips:

Dream big and plan for bigger trips in the future. Set aside money specifically for your bucket list destinations and consider ways to increase your income, such as negotiating a pay raise or taking on higher-paying freelance clients. Utilize savings features offered by mobile banking apps to help you reach your travel goals.

Running a successful travel blog doesn’t have to be expensive. Anyone can start a travel blog and make money pretty quickly! By specializing in local adventures, using your smartphone for photography, choosing affordable destinations, leveraging social media wisely, providing budget travel tips, and planning for future trips, you can create a thriving travel blog on a budget.

Don’t let financial limitations hold you back from pursuing your passion for travel. Start your blog today and embark on exciting adventures while inspiring others to do the same.

Do you want to start turning your posts into profit?

Not sure how to start getting paid for your posts? Where to start? What to say to brands?

Sign up here to receive FREE customizable email templates where I share the simple strategies to get gigs!