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G’day and Welcome!

So, you’ve got itchy feet, a head full of travel dreams and you’re itching to share your adventures with the world. You’re in good company—my name’s Mikki, I’m a solo Aussie traveller with a penchant for bad puns and excellent coffee. In this easy-to-follow guide I’ll show you exactly how to start a travel blog from scratch, from picking a name to monetising your crazy backpacking exploits. Think of me as your virtual travel buddy, minus the smelly sleeping bag.

Why Start a Travel Blog?

First off, why even bother? Aside from the joy of reliving that time you almost ate a poisonous berry, a travel blog can:
• Keep friends and family in the loop

• Build your writing portfolio (hello, freelance gigs)

• Score free gear, accommodation or tours

• Potentially earn you cold, hard cash
Plus, it’s a pretty nifty way to turn your wanderlust into a side hustle that (fingers crossed) funds your next trip.

Step 1: Find Your Niche and Voice

The internet already has enough “Top 10 Things to Do in Paris” pieces. You need something that sets you apart. Are you:
• Budget-focused?

• Luxury seekers?

• Vegan travellers?

• Backpacking with pets?
Once you’ve narrowed it down, think about your voice. Are you sarcastic? Heartwarmingly earnest? Quirky? Whatever your style, let it shine.

Step 2: Choose a Domain Name

Your domain is your blog’s home address. Keep it:
• Short and memorable

• Easy to spell

• Reflective of your niche (e.g. budgetbackpackers.com.au)
I recommend checking availability with a reputable registrar. If you’re stuck, grab a .com or .com.au variant and go for something fun, like “MikkiRoams.com”.

Step 3: Get Web Hosting (Hello Bluehost!)

A domain is your address; hosting is the land your blog sits on. I’ve tried a few, but I always come back to Bluehost because:
• Super-friendly 24/7 support

• One-click WordPress install

• Free SSL certificate

• Decent speeds for your photos and videos
Click through that link for special deals. Trust me, I’d never steer you wrong—unless I’m recommending dodgy street food (but that’s a story for another time).

Step 4: Install WordPress

WordPress is the CMS that powers over a third of the internet. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not just for blogs. With Bluehost, installing WordPress is as easy as:
1. Logging into your Bluehost dashboard
2. Clicking “My Sites” -> “Create Site”
3. Following the prompts (you’ll pick your domain, site name and some basic settings)
In less time than it takes to brew a flat white, you’ll have a blank canvas ready for your blog posts.

Step 5: Pick a Theme and Plugins

Themes control how your site looks. You can start with a free one like Astra or Kadence, then upgrade later if you want fancier customisation. Next, install essential plugins:
• Yoast SEO – to help you rank in Google
• Jetpack – for stats, security and backups
• WPForms – to build a contact form
• Smush – to optimise your images so your site loads quick
• Akismet – to block spam comments

Step 6: Create Essential Pages

Before you publish a single travel tale, build these pages:
• About Me – tell your origin story (keep it real, not fabricated)
• Contact – let brands and fans reach you
• Privacy Policy – mandatory if you collect any data or use affiliate links
• Disclosure – a quick note about affiliate links (like the one you read at the top)

Step 7: Plan Your Content Strategy

Great content doesn’t happen by accident. Brainstorm post ideas around your niche. Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or answer customer questions on forums. A mix of:
• How-to guides (e.g. “How to find cheap flights”)
• Personal stories (e.g. “What I learned cycling across Laos”)
• Resource round-ups (e.g. “10 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai”)
…will keep readers engaged and coming back for more. I often link to Hostelworld reviews when I talk budget travel—helps with real-world examples.

Step 8: Write and Publish Your First Posts

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Keep your writing:
• Conversational (write like you talk)
• Scannable (use headings, bullet lists, short paragraphs)
• Informative (give readers actionable tips)
Always include at least one relevant image—your own snaps are best, but stock photos work if you’re camera shy. Optimise images with alt text for SEO. Hit “Publish” and yippee! You’re officially a travel blogger.

Step 9: Promote Your Blog

So, you’ve written a cracking post. Now what?
• Social Media – share on your accounts, join Facebook travel groups
• Pinterest – it’s a goldmine for travel planning. Pin unique images with keyword-rich descriptions
• Email List – start collecting emails from day one with WPForms and Mailchimp
• Collaborations – offer to write guest posts for other blogs or invite others to guest post on yours

Remember: consistency is everything. Even one post per week will build momentum.

Step 10: Monetise Your Blog

When the traffic starts rolling in, you can monetise via:
1. Affiliate Marketing – sign up to programs that suit your niche. Beyond Bluehost, you might recommend travel insurance from World Nomads or digital nomad insurance from SafetyWing.
2. Display Ads – Google AdSense or Mediavine (once you hit traffic thresholds)
3. Sponsored Posts – brands will pay for you to try their gear or tours (hello GetYourGuide and Viator!)
4. Digital Products – e-books, guides, courses

It might feel weird asking for money, but if you’re providing value, it’s well deserved.

Bonus Tips: Tools and Resources

• Laptop travel stand – sold on Amazon AU

• E-SIMs via Airalo for cheap data abroad

• Local transport apps like Omio or 12Go for trains and buses

• Language-learning on Lingopie so you can charm locals with a “bonjour” or “gracias”

Conclusion

And there you have it—your no-nonsense, step-by-step roadmap to start a travel blog that doesn’t suck. From snagging your domain with Bluehost to your first sponsored post, it’s entirely doable with a bit of elbow grease and a dash of wanderlust. So grab that laptop, dig out your best holiday snaps and let the world know how you wandered off the beaten path. Safe travels and happy blogging, mate!